May. 18th, 2009

reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Jaclyn Reding (b. March 23 in Ohio, USA) is the award-winning author of numerous historical and contemporary romances. Reding first started writing in 1989, sold her book in 1992, and was published in 1993. Since her first novel she has since gone on to publish over a dozen award winning novels and her stories has been translated into nearly a dozen languages around the world.

She has been a Golden Quill Awards winner and a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist. She has received a nomination for the RITA Award for her book The Secret Gift. She is also the author of the Amazon.com #1 bestseller, The Pretender, a Georgian-era Scottish historical.

Jaclyn believes there is no better career than that of a writer. "Accountants," one of which she is married to, she says, "don't get paid to daydream, can't go to work in their pajamas, and certainly aren't allowed to write off their 15th rental of a Jane Austen video on their tax returns."

Reding lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Steven Reding, and their son. When she isn't writing, she can often be found scouring the shelves of antique bookshops or making a spectacle of herself when cheering at her son's hockey games.

To read more:

http://rosaromance.splinder.com/post/20566070/
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Jaclyn Reding (b. March 23 in Ohio, USA) is the award-winning author of numerous historical and contemporary romances. Reding first started writing in 1989, sold her book in 1992, and was published in 1993. Since her first novel she has since gone on to publish over a dozen award winning novels and her stories has been translated into nearly a dozen languages around the world.

She has been a Golden Quill Awards winner and a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist. She has received a nomination for the RITA Award for her book The Secret Gift. She is also the author of the Amazon.com #1 bestseller, The Pretender, a Georgian-era Scottish historical.

Jaclyn believes there is no better career than that of a writer. "Accountants," one of which she is married to, she says, "don't get paid to daydream, can't go to work in their pajamas, and certainly aren't allowed to write off their 15th rental of a Jane Austen video on their tax returns."

Reding lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Steven Reding, and their son. When she isn't writing, she can often be found scouring the shelves of antique bookshops or making a spectacle of herself when cheering at her son's hockey games.

To read more:

http://rosaromance.splinder.com/post/20566070/
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Sam has just lost his job as IT engineering, but sincerely he is not so much worried. He takes those days at home as an unexpected leave and decides to enjoy his time; he starts gping every matinee to the near theater where they air old Hollywood movie, like Casablanca... actually they air "only" Casablanca, and after few days Sam is more interested in Marc, the dogsbody of the theater, and finally one day he asks him out.

Sam is a nice guy, maybe a bit too carefree, at 33 years old he is still living like there is no today, but all in all he is also a romantic guy (he likes old movies) and he can be easily convinced to set down if he finds the right guy. Marc on the other hand is an enigma; he is not so young, 44 years old, but he is still living like in the past. He is at comfort inside the theater but he seems quite reluctant to leave those walls. At one moment I almost thought that there was some paranormal element that bonded Marc to the theater, but it was only a feeling due to the fact that Marc is really skittish and almost scared outside the theater, and instead inside he is a total different man, dominant and confident.

I believe that the main interest in the story is that the two main characters are not so young, but they seem "suspended" in time: Sam due to his momentarily job break and Marc with his working for a "dying" place like that old fashioned theater. For their relationship to work, they probably have to break that binding spell, to start to live in the real world. The story is short, less than 40 pages, and also quite daring on the erotic side (two sex scenes and an almost solo under a shower), but I like the feeling of it, in particular Marc was a really romantic hero.

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Play+it+Again,+Sam/exact_match=exact

Amazon Kindle: Play It Again, Sam

Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Sam has just lost his job as IT engineering, but sincerely he is not so much worried. He takes those days at home as an unexpected leave and decides to enjoy his time; he starts gping every matinee to the near theater where they air old Hollywood movie, like Casablanca... actually they air "only" Casablanca, and after few days Sam is more interested in Marc, the dogsbody of the theater, and finally one day he asks him out.

Sam is a nice guy, maybe a bit too carefree, at 33 years old he is still living like there is no today, but all in all he is also a romantic guy (he likes old movies) and he can be easily convinced to set down if he finds the right guy. Marc on the other hand is an enigma; he is not so young, 44 years old, but he is still living like in the past. He is at comfort inside the theater but he seems quite reluctant to leave those walls. At one moment I almost thought that there was some paranormal element that bonded Marc to the theater, but it was only a feeling due to the fact that Marc is really skittish and almost scared outside the theater, and instead inside he is a total different man, dominant and confident.

I believe that the main interest in the story is that the two main characters are not so young, but they seem "suspended" in time: Sam due to his momentarily job break and Marc with his working for a "dying" place like that old fashioned theater. For their relationship to work, they probably have to break that binding spell, to start to live in the real world. The story is short, less than 40 pages, and also quite daring on the erotic side (two sex scenes and an almost solo under a shower), but I like the feeling of it, in particular Marc was a really romantic hero.

http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Play+it+Again,+Sam/exact_match=exact

Amazon Kindle: Play It Again, Sam

Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
I finally earned the TOP 1000 reviewer badge on Amazon!



The badge appeared this morning on my Profile, I have still to understand why it doesn't appear on the review page, but guys, I'm so excited. The Top 1000 list is among ALL the reviewer on Amazon, not only the LGBT community; for what I know there are only other two / three LGBT devoted reviewers that earned the same recognition (well they have the TOP 500 badge, that is my next goal!)
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
I finally earned the TOP 1000 reviewer badge on Amazon!



The badge appeared this morning on my Profile, I have still to understand why it doesn't appear on the review page, but guys, I'm so excited. The Top 1000 list is among ALL the reviewer on Amazon, not only the LGBT community; for what I know there are only other two / three LGBT devoted reviewers that earned the same recognition (well they have the TOP 500 badge, that is my next goal!)
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Photographer Sandro & Maykson are a photographic duo that recently worked a lot with real life couple (and committed partners) Marcello and Enrico de Giuli for DNA Magazine. Marcello and Enrico are quite a controversial couple, both for their age (they are really young, 22 and 19 years old and their relationship started when Enrico was 16 years old), both for their chosen career, high payed (and quality) escorts. I remember that last year I read a novel about a young hustler: in the book the young boy was not the usual mistreated man with an abusive past, he chose to be an hustler since he liked sex and he thought that there wasn’t nothing bad in turn sex into his career. He had a comfortable apartment in a little building he managed, and he rented the other rooms to other young hustlers, giving them the chance to not being on the street, alone and unsafe. I also remember that, in my post, I wondered about that, if it was possible to be really safe and happy with a similar choice, and there were people who commented and said that they actually know young men that did the same thing, maybe as a way to go through college or to have enough money to build a solid basis for their future life. So probably Marcello and Enrico are not the only one to start along this path with a business mind approach, and probably this is the way to be the master, and not the object. The thing that strikes me more is that both Marcello than Enrico (maybe a little more Enrico), have still those “baby” faces on them, they are still so young, and sincerely, I can’t link those faces with the chosen career… but this is the 34 years old in me who is speaking!



more pics )

Marcello de Giuli: “I’m 22 years old, dark-haired, tanned and tonned, hot, well hung. Penetrating green eyes and extremely precise at what I do. I’m also very athletic. I fancy radical sports – very enticed by the rush of adrenalin I feel when I’m skateboarding, surfing, jet skying, snowboarding… Among my passions, travelling is highly rated. I’ve lived in several countries, and reckon this added a great deal to my cultural repertoire. English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese are languages I’ve got a good command of. I can carry out a pleasant conversation, about various topics, I enjoy eating out and international cousine. I love Italian food (that goes without saying), Japanese… and I’m crazy about chocolate. I adore the night life and its fast pace… clubs, electronic music, the pursuit of fun. On the other hand, there is a more tender side to me as well, which enjoys a beautiful day by the beach, or staying in under a cozy blanket on brisk winter days, preferably watching a good movie with quality wine.”



more pics )

Enrico de Giuli: I’m 19 years old and come from the North of Italy, where I’ve just finished secondary school. I’ve got blond hair and aquamarine-green eyes (due to my German origins) and perfectly smooth brown soft skin. I’m really laid-back, I enjoy staying in and hanging out in my flat. I’m a very friendly lad with no attitude, who enjoys having a good conversation, dining in good restaurants… and having a fun time! I’m extremely charismatic. I’m all about exercising as well, some of my favourite past-times are jogging and swimming. I’m fit and well hung. Contemporary art and modern city landscapes are things I’m quite keen on. I love spending an afternoon in a great museum and just noticing how far some of these artists’ imagination can go. I’m worldwise and have travelled to many different countries. I can speak Italian, English, Portuguese and French.”



more pics )

The Couple: Marcello de Giuli is 22 years old, was born in Brazil, and descends from Italians. Throughout his youth he worked in the family business of furniture design and rapidly stood out as a magnificent interior designer as well as a top-of-the-line staff manager. Three years ago he decided to depart from his former life in Brasil and embark upon a journey around the world. Due to his dual citizenship, he selected Italy as his initial destination. Marcello was astounded by the beauty of Rome. Everything was new, everything was fresh. The hustle and bustle of the city, the delightful sights… But little did he know, for on that very evening he would meet his perfect match. He ventured into his first night out, and as he walked into a night club he immediately set his disarming green eyes onto Enrico de Giuli (at the time only sixteen but already an outstanding student at college), who reciprocated his magnetic look and was immediately drawn to him. By the end of the night they had already made plans for a future together… They later on defined this night as pure magic…

This would have been a perfect contemporary love story… but there was catch to it! The Italian laws strictly forbid someone who’s underage to engage in any sexual activity with someone who’s over eighteen… However, Love always finds a way… Inspired by this love they fled to Zurich, Switzerland, with a burning ambition to achieve several goals. As a path towards achieving such goals they started working as escorts, a job they’ve loved from the very start. Following Marcello’s desire to become a “citizen of the world”, after a few months they moved to Paris. As they’ve always been very professional and concerned with excellence in everything they do, it was a matter of days before they acquired a lot of recognition in the Parisian scene. Not only for their youth and beauty but also for a complete deluxe service which aimed towards catering thoroughly for each clients needs and providing them with a luxurious space in a posh vicinity where his clientele could feel comfortable and at ease. It was in Paris that they had their first “special clients” with whom they’ve taken incredible trips in which they got to know a great variety of places in the world and developed long-lasting friendship.

In May 2007, they were ready for the next step: London. Amongst the fierce competition they soon became prestigious for their professional marketing and heavenly, five star hotel calibre service. They were again, in love… but this time, not only with each other, but also with the city of London. It didn’t take long for them to regard London as their favourite city and therefore establish themselves in the UK.

In January 2008, they celebrated this union and married, and from then on engaged in different areas. In March 2008, they were awarded as “Best Escort Agency” in the Escort Awards 2008, and Marcello was finalist as “Best Escort”, an award that was granted to one of the escort who works for them.



more pics )

@Marcello & Enrico de Giuli
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Photographer Sandro & Maykson are a photographic duo that recently worked a lot with real life couple (and committed partners) Marcello and Enrico de Giuli for DNA Magazine. Marcello and Enrico are quite a controversial couple, both for their age (they are really young, 22 and 19 years old and their relationship started when Enrico was 16 years old), both for their chosen career, high payed (and quality) escorts. I remember that last year I read a novel about a young hustler: in the book the young boy was not the usual mistreated man with an abusive past, he chose to be an hustler since he liked sex and he thought that there wasn’t nothing bad in turn sex into his career. He had a comfortable apartment in a little building he managed, and he rented the other rooms to other young hustlers, giving them the chance to not being on the street, alone and unsafe. I also remember that, in my post, I wondered about that, if it was possible to be really safe and happy with a similar choice, and there were people who commented and said that they actually know young men that did the same thing, maybe as a way to go through college or to have enough money to build a solid basis for their future life. So probably Marcello and Enrico are not the only one to start along this path with a business mind approach, and probably this is the way to be the master, and not the object. The thing that strikes me more is that both Marcello than Enrico (maybe a little more Enrico), have still those “baby” faces on them, they are still so young, and sincerely, I can’t link those faces with the chosen career… but this is the 34 years old in me who is speaking!



more pics )

Marcello de Giuli: “I’m 22 years old, dark-haired, tanned and tonned, hot, well hung. Penetrating green eyes and extremely precise at what I do. I’m also very athletic. I fancy radical sports – very enticed by the rush of adrenalin I feel when I’m skateboarding, surfing, jet skying, snowboarding… Among my passions, travelling is highly rated. I’ve lived in several countries, and reckon this added a great deal to my cultural repertoire. English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese are languages I’ve got a good command of. I can carry out a pleasant conversation, about various topics, I enjoy eating out and international cousine. I love Italian food (that goes without saying), Japanese… and I’m crazy about chocolate. I adore the night life and its fast pace… clubs, electronic music, the pursuit of fun. On the other hand, there is a more tender side to me as well, which enjoys a beautiful day by the beach, or staying in under a cozy blanket on brisk winter days, preferably watching a good movie with quality wine.”



more pics )

Enrico de Giuli: I’m 19 years old and come from the North of Italy, where I’ve just finished secondary school. I’ve got blond hair and aquamarine-green eyes (due to my German origins) and perfectly smooth brown soft skin. I’m really laid-back, I enjoy staying in and hanging out in my flat. I’m a very friendly lad with no attitude, who enjoys having a good conversation, dining in good restaurants… and having a fun time! I’m extremely charismatic. I’m all about exercising as well, some of my favourite past-times are jogging and swimming. I’m fit and well hung. Contemporary art and modern city landscapes are things I’m quite keen on. I love spending an afternoon in a great museum and just noticing how far some of these artists’ imagination can go. I’m worldwise and have travelled to many different countries. I can speak Italian, English, Portuguese and French.”



more pics )

The Couple: Marcello de Giuli is 22 years old, was born in Brazil, and descends from Italians. Throughout his youth he worked in the family business of furniture design and rapidly stood out as a magnificent interior designer as well as a top-of-the-line staff manager. Three years ago he decided to depart from his former life in Brasil and embark upon a journey around the world. Due to his dual citizenship, he selected Italy as his initial destination. Marcello was astounded by the beauty of Rome. Everything was new, everything was fresh. The hustle and bustle of the city, the delightful sights… But little did he know, for on that very evening he would meet his perfect match. He ventured into his first night out, and as he walked into a night club he immediately set his disarming green eyes onto Enrico de Giuli (at the time only sixteen but already an outstanding student at college), who reciprocated his magnetic look and was immediately drawn to him. By the end of the night they had already made plans for a future together… They later on defined this night as pure magic…

This would have been a perfect contemporary love story… but there was catch to it! The Italian laws strictly forbid someone who’s underage to engage in any sexual activity with someone who’s over eighteen… However, Love always finds a way… Inspired by this love they fled to Zurich, Switzerland, with a burning ambition to achieve several goals. As a path towards achieving such goals they started working as escorts, a job they’ve loved from the very start. Following Marcello’s desire to become a “citizen of the world”, after a few months they moved to Paris. As they’ve always been very professional and concerned with excellence in everything they do, it was a matter of days before they acquired a lot of recognition in the Parisian scene. Not only for their youth and beauty but also for a complete deluxe service which aimed towards catering thoroughly for each clients needs and providing them with a luxurious space in a posh vicinity where his clientele could feel comfortable and at ease. It was in Paris that they had their first “special clients” with whom they’ve taken incredible trips in which they got to know a great variety of places in the world and developed long-lasting friendship.

In May 2007, they were ready for the next step: London. Amongst the fierce competition they soon became prestigious for their professional marketing and heavenly, five star hotel calibre service. They were again, in love… but this time, not only with each other, but also with the city of London. It didn’t take long for them to regard London as their favourite city and therefore establish themselves in the UK.

In January 2008, they celebrated this union and married, and from then on engaged in different areas. In March 2008, they were awarded as “Best Escort Agency” in the Escort Awards 2008, and Marcello was finalist as “Best Escort”, an award that was granted to one of the escort who works for them.



more pics )

@Marcello & Enrico de Giuli
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Apparently this was a "light" book, at least from the blurb if not from the cover (that it's quite "dark"), but after few pages I realized that it was not.

It's a first point of view narration seeing through the eyes of Mike that for the umpteenth time is helping his friend Jay to move; there is even a creepy aspect on it, since Jay is used to move since a) he always chooses men who dump him b) if they don't dump him, they die. It's obvious that Jay chooses men that are not for him, and the reader starts to think that he is a bit of a butterfly and that he is blind to not see that the right man, Mike, is always there for him, near enough to be catch. On the other hand it's not that Mike chooses his partner in a better way: from having relationship with men who aren't even sure to be gay, to flirt with women well knowing that he prefers men. Both of them are in denyal, but not about who they are, but who they love.

But this time things are different, Darren, Jay's lost lover, was not one other desperate case in Jay's path toward self-destruction; Jay is really upset from his death, and Mike for the first time is jealous... and so the reader starts to sense that things are not simple as at first he though. It's not Jay who doesn't want to commit, it's Mike who always pulls back: if Jay chooses the wrong men, Mike is always sure that in the end he will come back to him, and so Mike will always be the real love for Jay, even if he hasn't to commit or speak the L word. Doesn't matter that there is no a physical relationship between Mike and Jay, the only thing Mike needs is the exclusivity on Jay's heart: a proof that Mike doesn't "think" to Jay in that way is that Mike has never realized that Jay is a dominant lover.

Mike always prided himself to be available for Jay when his friend needs him, and he probably thought to be the answer to all his trouble; but this time Mike is not able to help Jay, this time Jay realized that, doesn't matter how many men he tries to love, doesn't matter how many little pieces of their life he retains for himself, doesn't matter how many unfulfilled dreams he makes own, Jay will always miss Mike, and it's now or never with him. And Mike has to finally take that final step.

As I said the book is a little more angst than expected, and at first I was a bit disconcerted to be thrown in the middle of the story, in full play mode, but then I started to collect hints and bits here and there and ended this novella length book having enough details to comprehend the reasons of both men.

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=193

Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle
reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
Apparently this was a "light" book, at least from the blurb if not from the cover (that it's quite "dark"), but after few pages I realized that it was not.

It's a first point of view narration seeing through the eyes of Mike that for the umpteenth time is helping his friend Jay to move; there is even a creepy aspect on it, since Jay is used to move since a) he always chooses men who dump him b) if they don't dump him, they die. It's obvious that Jay chooses men that are not for him, and the reader starts to think that he is a bit of a butterfly and that he is blind to not see that the right man, Mike, is always there for him, near enough to be catch. On the other hand it's not that Mike chooses his partner in a better way: from having relationship with men who aren't even sure to be gay, to flirt with women well knowing that he prefers men. Both of them are in denyal, but not about who they are, but who they love.

But this time things are different, Darren, Jay's lost lover, was not one other desperate case in Jay's path toward self-destruction; Jay is really upset from his death, and Mike for the first time is jealous... and so the reader starts to sense that things are not simple as at first he though. It's not Jay who doesn't want to commit, it's Mike who always pulls back: if Jay chooses the wrong men, Mike is always sure that in the end he will come back to him, and so Mike will always be the real love for Jay, even if he hasn't to commit or speak the L word. Doesn't matter that there is no a physical relationship between Mike and Jay, the only thing Mike needs is the exclusivity on Jay's heart: a proof that Mike doesn't "think" to Jay in that way is that Mike has never realized that Jay is a dominant lover.

Mike always prided himself to be available for Jay when his friend needs him, and he probably thought to be the answer to all his trouble; but this time Mike is not able to help Jay, this time Jay realized that, doesn't matter how many men he tries to love, doesn't matter how many little pieces of their life he retains for himself, doesn't matter how many unfulfilled dreams he makes own, Jay will always miss Mike, and it's now or never with him. And Mike has to finally take that final step.

As I said the book is a little more angst than expected, and at first I was a bit disconcerted to be thrown in the middle of the story, in full play mode, but then I started to collect hints and bits here and there and ended this novella length book having enough details to comprehend the reasons of both men.

http://www.freyasbower.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=193

Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle

Profile

reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
reviews_and_ramblings

December 2025

S M T W T F S
 12 3456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   

Links

Most Popular Tags

Disclaimer

All cover art, photo and graphic design contained in this site are copyrighted by the respective publishers and authors. These pages are for entertainment purposes only and no copyright infringement is intended. Should anyone object to our use of these items please contact by email the blog's owner.
This is an amateur blog, where I discuss my reading, what I like and sometimes my personal life. I do not endorse anyone or charge fees of any kind for the books I review. I do not accept money as a result of this blog.
I'm associated with Amazon/USA Affiliates Programs.
Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. However, some books were purchased by the reviewer and not provided for free. For information on how a particular title was obtained, please contact by email the blog's owner.
Days of Love Gallery - Copyright Legenda: http://www.elisarolle.com/gallery/index_legenda.html

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Dec. 5th, 2025 11:16 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios