Review: Unscented Shea from Shea Radiance

We went out shopping and I had gotten a new moisturiser for my skin.

I got it at One Wellness

30 Robinson Road #13-01

Robinson Towers

 which was a 3-minute-walk from Raffles Place MRT.

It was a fitness club, but they also sold some body care products like body butter, essential oils etc. However, the body butter that they had only consisted of two types, one from the above company and the other from another company. A pitiful amount. But both were 100 % unrefined shea butter.



I've been looking for something like this because I read from the Net that Shea butter could help eczema. And what's better than 100% pure, unrefined shea butter? Yet I still know that this is not actually The One. Because the shea butter I was on the lookout for was East African Shea Butter (Vitellaria Nilotica) , but what I had received was West African.

I can't complain though, can I?

I've been using this for two days now. It's quite greasy the moment I apply onto my body but the feeling will disappear soon because my body will absorb it like a desert taking in precious water. The areas where I used this is not red so I'm hoping this will work.

But to take the butter out from the container is a little difficult. I had to dig my fingernails into it and press it so that the butter will come out. Unlike other body butters, this is hard. Not soft and smooth that once I dip my fingers into it, out comes the moisturiser. Nope, I have to scratch it out. That is the most noticable difference from what other body butters that I've used.

And, seeing that I am a supporter of everything green and sustainable, I only have good things to say about the packaging.

Plus,

10% of the proceeds goes to the Agricultural Initiative for Women in Africa (Agriwa)

Need I say more?

Review: Ruthless by Anne Stuart

Few outsiders will ever witness the dark misdeeds of the Heavenly Host. And among this secret society, where exiled Georgian aristocrats gather to indulge their carnal desires, fewer still can match the insatiable appetitie of their chief provocateur, the mysterious Viscount Rohan.


Pursuit of physical pleasure is both his preferred pastime and his most pressing urge, until he encounters the fascination of a woman who won't be swayed. And while his dark seduction appalls the pure and impoverished Elinor Harriman, she finds herself intrigued...and secretly drawn to the man behind the desire.




It is actually good! I mean I've only read Stuart's Ice series which I love but I didn't think she could write a historical romance. Guess I was wrong :)

The hero is one of a kind. He is a very cynical man and then he meets Elinor. With her determination to not fall at his knees and the arguements she has with him everytime they meet, determined not to receive his charity, it almost feels like there is some passion underneath all that unwillingness that Elinor have of Francis, which is so sweet! I love reading the interaction they have together :)

Plus there's also a side romance between Elinor's sister, Lydia, and Francis's friend, Reading. The intense feeling that Reading has of Lydia is so ... how do I say it ... fasinating that I want their romance -- their courtship and their love-- to be featured in a book. Their own book!


The begining and middle was great. It has thicker than what I usually read but I am glad I've took it up. However, the instance that Francis discovered that he love Elinor was a little too fast for me to imagine that to be real. Perhaps that starling discovery wouldn't last a few years.

As Francis had said of himself as being interested in Elinor and did not like himself being bored, one can't help but wonder when they married, how Rohan's interest in Elinor would continue.

After all, Francis had chased Elinor because she did not fall to his feet like the others. But once they had married, it would be that Francis would have Elinor's love. And I wonder if that's enough. But with Elinor's personality ... perhaps that would be. I could imagine them living together and quarrelling all those things that newlyweds would quarrel but that would be hidden with their love for each other.

Hmm... I am very interested in what happens after their happily-ever-after.
 
 
3.5 Stars for this book. A little flawed at the end but wonderful in the process.

Review: The Gift of Love

Families come in many configurations, and every one is unique, made up of the personalities of each member. But the love that connects families is universal. Whether it is the love of parents for their children, the love between a husband and wife, the love between siblings, a love that transcends generations, or even the love for a family member never met, the family ties that bind us are the strongest and deepest emotional connections we experience. Families influence a person's development, how they treat others, and how they view life. In The Gift of Love, eight exceptional writers offer a variety of unique perspectives on what family love means and how it impacts our lives in ways profound and often surprising.



It seems that I am leaning towards short stories now, though I have no idea why.

Anyway, this book is really different from what I usually read. Take the previous review I've did, Inked. What a huge difference it was. I mean, just look at the cover! One looks so demure while the other just oozes sex appeal. One is contemporary romance, has a sweet and pleasant after-taste while the other is paranormal, with more action that that.

Okay, I am being distracted. Back to the review:

There are 8 stories inside this book. And I have already read one that made me fall in love with the author. The characters and the plot are way too cute! I won't be giving you the summary of all the stories because that would just be insane. Instead, I would choose a few to tell you.

First off is For the Love of Wendy. I had been surprised when I read this because I didn't know what type of book I'd picked up from the library; the blurb didn't help at all. Plus this was the first story and it had made me intrigued. Why?

Because the storyline goes like this:

Jack needed a wife for his daughter. And who better else than the one currently taking care of her. Just so this doesn't sound like those Mills and Boons books, it had not been forced at all. It was a willing decision on both parts. Now, the unique thing about this is that (because I seldom ... ok never read books which have that in it) Wendy (and I quote) " was a child who had suffered trauma while still in the womb, and as a result, her intellectual maturity would never match that of her peers. "  so it was like another door from the World of Books had opened for me.

The story was okay, just that it seemed to be a little fast on the love thingy but that may just well be because I'd skimmed through rather than read.



The next story I'll be featuring is Atticus gets a Mommy by Ann Christoper. Keenan wants Diana, and she him too. But there's a problem. Keenan is handicapped. That's to say he has no use of his legs. So he pushes Diana away. And there's that conflict. Diana doesn't want him to pull away, and that's why she has been pushing his buttons here and there, trying to make him confess his love to her.

I admire the way Diana could wait years for Keenan. I'm not sure I could be like her. But I don't like Keenan's way of dealing with that. His unwillingness to just accept that Diana wanted to be with him was making me a little irritated. Especially when he does the 'You are mine' tactic and then pushes away from her again. It was kinda frustrating until he moved past the blockage and tried to mend the bridge between them.

3 stars for this.
PS: Atticus is Keenan's monkey. Can you believe that?

The third one I'm featuring is the one that I'd mentioned on top. It's tittled Wolf Watcher's Diet. It's super duper cute, funny and plain heart warming. Especially when Luke and Ella interacted. I love it when they chatted with each other.

The plot goes like this:
Ella was 'accidentally' bitten by Luke, who was a werewolf. She shifted. And woke up still stuck in her wolf body. And so she needed Luke's help to make sure she shifts back to a human again. By losing weight. Something about the extra fat that Ella has. Cue laughing sounds.

This has to be the best story in this book. Love Ella and Luke ^__^ , though Ella had accepted her fate a little too easily. No questions, no what-the-hell?!!! moment that should have appeared.

Still, 4 out of 5 Stars for me.

Overall, it's a lovely book. Good enough to waste away your weekend time.

3.5 out of 5 for the entire packaging.

Review: Inked

Four of today's hottest urban fantasy writers together for the first time! From today's most provocative authors come four tales of urban fantasy and paranormal romance exploring body art that is more than it seems-in a world of magic and mayhem that always leaves its mark. This captivating tattoo theme surrounds each author's popular characters and worlds: Karen Chance 's war mage Lia de Croissets, Marjorie M. Liu 's demon-hunter Maxine Kiss, Yasmine Galenorn 's Otherworld Intelligence Agency operative Camille D'Artigo, and Eileen Wilk 's Lupi world.



I am quite surprised with me enjoying this book. Usually I don't prefer reading short stories because they're either too weak (as in the plot) or the story progresses too fast for my liking. However, my view for Inked differs.


The noticeable difference about this is that the stories are like a prolouge or an extra story added to the already published book that had featured the characters. So instead of the authors having to create new characters and to fit an interesting plot into about 130 pages, these writers just added the storyline to the already rock-hard characters! And this is what made Inked so fasinating.

The first story is Skin Deep. Lia is a headstrong female (who isn't?) who finds that there is something suspicious about a murder case. And not just any type, it's one that had it's victims skinned whole. Were victims. So yeah, this is definitely a paranormal-cum-mystery-cum-romance. Interesting.

The second is Armor of Roses. I think I have read the story that happened before this. This story should sort-of be like an extra. After all, there's Zee, Dek, Mal, Aaz and Raw. Not forgetting Maxine and Grant.

The third is Etched in Silver. I am thinking this is the prolouge for another book that should be coming out. Although I like all the stories here, I have to say, this was my favourite. You can't beat the starting of the romance between the two characters, Camille and Trillian. And the moment they met each other. After reading this, I am up for the series done by Yasmine Galenorn. I have to confess, though, I have some suspicion that I have seen the books written by her many times in the library but did not want to pick them up after I read the back summary. Perhaps I shall try them the next time...

The final story is Human Nature. I was pulled in to this story and I enjoyed it. But there was one problem --- it had too much twist and turns. Or just too much mystery things going on. My brain can't taking that type of guessing. So the way Lily solved the case was lost on me, because I couldn't even think by the time she reached the conclusion. But that's all right. She found the killer (with the help of Rule), arrested her and saved the day!


Overall, I have enjoyed this book throughly. I would advise you to pick Inked up because it is good. And doesn't have all those things the other short stories books have. You'll be immersed in them.
 
Rating: 4/5

Manga Review: HIMITSU NO HIMEGIMI UWASA NO OUJI

From Aerandria Scans:



Roochen and Galnia are two countries that have been at war with each other for a long time. Now that peace has been established, princess Aldina of Roochen has to marry the prince of Galnia. However, according to the rumors, the prince of Galnia is a total debauch, and he does nothing but playing around?! Aldina wants to see for herself who the prince really is, so she disguised herself as a boy and tried to approach the prince...









It has been so long since I've did a manga review. A nice way to kick off the new year, yeah? :D

*cracks my knuckles.* Let's get started then!

The story line is cute, cuddly and slight funny. Aldina is living in a cage -- not literally-- until she heards that she will marry the rumored prince. So she decides to take off to see him, while she is in disguise, and check if he is really what she hears. Now this feels like one of the books which I have read a long time ago. The start feels vaguely similar.

Anyway, they got to know each other better and slowly, they fall in love. But there are obstacles that threaten their union. And they have to overcome them, otherwise ... you know.

I did like the beginning, however, as the chapters progresses, I feel that Aldina is somewhat of a crybaby. There are always tears on her eyes when something bad is going to happen or is happening. And she is like the females that would give up quite quickly when she realises that there would be no way out. I mean, if she could just hold on a little more, Izzy would come and save her. But she does turn back and return once she has realised her true feelings.

Another thing that is not really good is that I could not see much romance from Izzy. Mostly it's from Al, her actions and blushing face, but not much from Izzy. I mean, sure he blushes a little but could he actually tell her

"I love you, Al. Forever and ever more."

or something like that. I know I would love to hear that. That's almost like a typical male behavior.

Still, this manga was quite nice. It was nice chasing this for ... (how long?) until the manga ended. But I don't think I would re-read this again. A one shot manga, I would say it is to me.

Rating: 3 out of 5

It can be seen on Mangafox.com or HERE

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale

Barbie was on a shoot in Hollywood for her upcoming movie "The Princess and the Pea", when the director fires her for expressing her opinion. As she is packing to leave the studio, Ken calls her on the phone and substancially dumps her. She decides to go and live at her Aunt Millicent's fashion house in Paris, France. While she is on the plane, Ken is rehearsing with his friend. He discovers that she has recorded his voice and played it on his phone to make it seem as if he dumped Barbie. As soon as he realizes, he calls Barbie's friends. They tell him to make her believe it and make it up to her he has to preform a 'grand romantic jesture'. So Ken decides to fly on a plane to Paris and surprise her. So he books a plane and gets ready to fly to Paris.

What I love about this movie is that this is very different from the others. In this movie, Barbie acts as .....   














Barbie.

 Not any other character, but just Barbie. It, itself, is just shocking. I would say, judging from this movie, that the producers are trying on a different tactic on selling Barbie to the world, that she is no longer just a usual fairytale character but more of a real life one.

In A Fashion Fairytale, Barbie is an actress, who's currently acting in a movie but had been fired because of her opinion about something. Obstacles are in her way and she has to overcome them. Like knowing Ken had supposedly broke up with her.

Ken!! I reckon this is the first time I had seen the name Ken mentioned in all of the other Barbie movies. He is such an amusing guy! When the plane was stuck, he doggedly made other arrangements to surprise Barbie in Paris. When his pants split, showing his (red hearts) underwear to the world, he still muttered: "It's all for Barbie. It's all for Barbie."

How funny is that?!

It's a really nice movie, showing both views of the characters, Barbie and Ken. And, as usual, there is a moral to the story, which is:

Whatever happens, even when people badmouth you, or write nasty comments about you, you must still believe in yourself, in your own special ability.

However, even though the starting was something like the real life, the 3 cute fairies flaries were not. But you cannot except that Barbie movies are not magical in their own sense!

Also, the ending was ... really like a princess ending. The producers seem to move away from the fairytales plot at the beginning but they persist in having a princess ending. Die die must have one. And the result is Barbie and Ken having a kiss (yes, they've made up), with a castle at the background. It really feels like that scene is an extra. It doesn't really link to the story!!

But A Fashion Fairytale is refreshing, to say the least. A quite interesting and unique movie, unlike the others. I would give this 3.5 out of 5.


*PS: No pictures in this review because I can't find any. >_>

Start of using Vitamin E on my Eczema

So I went to Mustafa Centre and bought Vitamin E oil


which, when I cross refer to other sources, say that

Studies have shown that the use of E is proven to provide substantial relief from the condition and in some patients, an almost complete remediation.

http://www.christianet.com/asthma/vitamineforeczema.htm

Also,

- Uses of Vitamin E

When I came back home and checked the Net, I then realise that this product is actually synthetic and not the actual one. (synthetic vitamin E is named as dl-alpha tocopherol as opposed to natural d-alpha tocopherol.)

But since I had it, might as well make the full use of it. I tried a little on my arm, and it was very sticky, even though I used only small amounts. I did a skin test first, on my hand, just to make sure that I'm not allergic to it or anything.

The next day, my other hand and legs were inflamed. But I will try it for another week to see if it gets worse, because I might (most likely) have eaten something wrong yesterday, hence my silvered and red legs and chest. -.-

Hopefully this will improve my condition, because if not, then the $26 will be for naught.

Will update you with the going of this.

Review: The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom

Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in a meaningless life of fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. His days are a dull routine of work, loneliness, and regret. Then, on his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever. One by one, Eddie’s five people illuminate the unseen connections of his earthly life. As the story builds to its stunning conclusion, Eddie desperately seeks redemption in the still-unknown last act of his life: Was it a heroic success or a devastating failure? The answer, which comes from the most unlikely of sources, is as inspirational as a glimpse of heaven itself.




I find this book quite interesting and unique because the genre is outside that which i usually read and the way it is written keeps me interested in knowing who the other people Eddie will meet in heaven. (The reason why i picked this up was that i saw many classmates reading it and my friend was kind enough to lend her book to me. Thanks Em!)

This book is literally about 5 people whom Eddie will meet in Heaven, after he dies. By meeting these people, he will be able to understand more about the life he had on Earth and try to understand the meaning of forgiving and letting go.

I feel that the book's idea is that there will always be a cause and effect; sometimes the outcome will be good, sometimes it will be bad, but it will happen every time, everywhere. And that every action a person take will be felt either by him/her or another person. It makes me think that everyone is connected in some way.

That each affects the other and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one.

The part which i had liked the most was       

~~SPOILER ALERT !! ~~

the relationship Eddie had with his wife, Marguerite.

"I never wanted anyone else," he said quietly.
"I know," she said.
"I was still in love with you."
"I know." She nodded. "I felt it."
"Here?" he asked
"Even here," she said smiling. "That's how strong lost love can be."

And also,

When he moved his head back, she was 47 again, the web of lines between her eyes, the thinner hair, the looser skin beneath her chin. She smiled and he smiled, and she was, to him, as beautiful as ever..

How sweet was it!

Overall, I'll give it a 8 out of 10. It's a good book, especially if you want to try out something new and fresh and wish to know what Heaven means to some of us. It's not really a spiritual book but more of a moving-on book, what happens after dying. Plus the love Eddie and Marguerite share is another reason why you should read this book. After all, how many books that you read have this type of sweet and long lasting love?

Manga Review: Olimpos, by Aki

Manga Review: Olimpos, by Aki

I am reading Olimpos and whew, let me tell you, the story is so captivating. It is not as simple as 1 + 1  but there are many complications in this manga. Not to say that there are many twists and turns but rather, it is more in the mental and emotional stance. This is the manga that i think anyone will like. It shows that humans, even gods, sometimes become twisted, not until they are evil, but just ... twisted. Their thinking is slightly different from us normal humans; after all, who will remain sane if they are immortal and just stay in a "garden" however beautiful for the rest of their lives, which is estentially forever.

What was unique about this story is that the manga is told from different perspectives, be it from the young man, Ganymede, Heinz or from the god, Apollo. It will definitely keep you interested in clicking the Next button because it is just that good.

Another plus is it's beautiful art. The artist focus more on the clothing aspect, in my opinion, but doesn't do bad at all when drawing the characters' expressions. This is probably among the most memorable manga that i've read because it really dives into the question of whether being immortal is really all that fun. And, it takes a good artist to make sure that the characters remain in the line of being twisted, and are sometimes toeing it, but not until they are completely evil and the reader can't sympathise with them.

However, the manga seemed to have lost its steam in the second volume. There was a little cliff hanger at the end and it ended quite abrutly.

I give this manga a 4 / 5 . You should go check it out, no matter what your preference is.

When Heinz goes to church to pray, he says he'll do anything to get his wish granted - as long as it's not too hard. So when someone answers his prayer, he agrees to the condition: if he convinces a shut-in to step outside, his wish will be granted. But when Heinz agrees, a beautiful man claiming to be God appears before him, kisses him, and whisks him away to a world full of flowers and everlasting night. It is there that he finds a young man trapped by his own despair and belief that he cannot leave, and Heinz must convince the boy that escape is possible in order to return to his own life and have his wish granted.

You can get your fix HERE . The series is completed.

A Teaser:

Book Review: Vision In White by Nora Roberts

Book Review: Vision In White by Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac – the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies.

After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.

With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera – ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac’s foundation is jostled again moments before an important wedding planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he’s stable, and he’s safe. He’s even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There’s something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bride-zillas and screening her mother’s phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends – and business partners – Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories…




I really liked this book, with its unique characters unlike other romance rovels.

In other novels, the hero is tall, well-built, dominating, arrogant and knows how to seduce a woman. However, in this book, the hero is lanky, slighty sensitive, knows how to listen and stammers sometimes when he meets the heroine. He has the type of inner will which you don't really see in romance novels, be it in the heros or heroines. You can say this character is definitely NOT a sterotype, which somehow or rather makes him likable. Reading this novel has endeared him to me, and he has (unexpectedly) become the few heros that i like.

I am also very envious of the friendship betweeen the heroine and her 3 other friends. Through up and downs, they are still together for more than 10years, each with their own roles in the wedding business.

This book focuses more on the emotional feelings of both leads and there are plenty of dialouge between the characaters. The book was well written in the fact that it had told how both hero and heroine fell in love with each other. Instead of the usual "sparks flew and we got in bed etc." in typical romance novels, this was more of a "we got to know each other and the flame burned, slow but steady" type, which was really nice and a good change.

If you are tired of those romance novels' plots that are too unrealistic, not enough emotional description and despicting the hero as one not likely seen in real life and you want romance that ordinary people can find, then this book is just for you!

I was lucky enough to pick up this novel to read and hope that you'll might be too.

Rating: 4/5

Vision In White is Book 1 of the Bride Quartet series.

Book Review: Chalice Of Roses

Book Review: Chalice Of Roses

Romance and destiny intertwine in four all-new novellas inspired by grail quests-featuring two New York Times bestselling authors! From the bestselling and award-winning authors of Dragon Lovers comes an anthology of fantasy, romance, and eternal love. In these four novellas, history and destiny spark passion, and everything depends on the fate of one mystical cup: the Holy Grail. A young woman must find her love to summon the Grail to bring peace to England; a Regency lady must keep it safe from Napoleon's spies; a modern sorceress must keep the Grail from falling into Nazi hands, and an American must put the chalice at risk to rescue her one true love. These are four passionate and enchanting stories of desire and destiny inspired by one of our most powerful legends







This is a collection of short stories, total 4.

I was ...  This book has highlighted to me why i dislike collections of short stories. There are many things which i do not like, and i can name them aloud:

1) There is no room for character development. Seeing that there is a limited amount of pages, it is almost certain that the stories do not dive into the characters, their background etc. It makes sure that the characters are flat, there is no 'dimension' about them.

2) It's too fast. Almost all the stories proceed for about 2-5 days. And in one story, the hero and heroine just fell in love/ wanted to get married after meeting each other ONCE in real life! (One has to discount the "dreams" they had of each other)

3) It starts with the hero/heroine searching for the Holy Grail in every story, since that seems to be the theme. I find it ridiculous that they (hero and heroine) would want to get the Holy Grail for (something like) saving their country. It is just pushing the boundaries i set for Paranormal Romances (not in a good way). Plus the stories aren't told nicely, it was too fast, hence I didn't like this book.

In conclusion, seeing that i have no good things to say about this book, i'll give this  2.5/5. Not one i would want to re-read it.

Book Review: Crystal Clear by Nell Dixon

Book Review: Crystal Clear by Nell Dixon

Sometimes you have to go back to move forward...


For years Zee has tried to ignore her real name (who calls their kid Azure Dawn?) and her mother Marla's alternative lifestyle. A million miles away from all that new-age nonsense, she's got a reliable teaching job, a perfect life plan and sensible accountant Simon for a fiance. But when Marla gets sick, the foundations of Zee's rock-steady world are seriously shaken. Soon she's back home, in touch with the boy who broke her heart and even being sucked into one of her mum's hare-brained schemes. What about Zee's plans for the future?! Could they ever include a free-spirit from her past?







This is written in a first person view. I mainly like those in second-person but i think this book has been written fairly well.

I like Zee but not that much. She cares for her mother, after spending some time together, albeit a little too much. Especially when Zee realise her mother is intent on carrying out "crazy ideas". So she tries to stop it but fails. Then she meets Drew, her ex-boyfriend. Hormones fly about BUT Zee feels uncomfortable with the fact that she has a fiance so why the hell is she still feeling the attraction for another guy?!! Simon, Zee's fiance, is her way to a perfect (in her mind) life but it seems that not all is perfect.

 Problems arise.

Add an ex-boyfriend and a stranger (or is it?) into the mix and what do you get?

A up-and-down with some random things thrown in between and woa-lia! A chocolately, sweet book. But there are places where it's bitter.

Let's start with Drew. He is kinda an ass (before i mean), when he abandoned Zee for something else. Then 9 years later he appeared. So-called intruded onto Zee's life... Really not liking his actions at that time, though his *coughs* looks raised himself A BIT on my indictor.

However, it's good. The book is quite interesting. Though your eyes won't really be glued to the words, there's a warmly feeling when i read finish this book.

YET there are still things that i wish the book could contain.

Simon could appear face-to-face with Zee for the break-up. I mean what if it is really a misunderstanding?? What if the "excuse" Zee thought was actually the truth? It would be better if he actually appear since just going by Zee's thoughts is not enough. And i also think that the proposal is a little too rush; there's not enough time for Drew to actually realise that he's still in love with her.


You will like this book if you go for family-themed books which uses a first-person view and the characters are not really written in depth most of the time but does quite well in other aspects

Rating: 3.25/5

Manga Review: LOVE PROBATION WITCH

Manga Review: LOVE PROBATION WITCH

 
 
 
 
 
 

This is a very very VERY cute-ish type of manga. You have been warned if you dread this type
 

Ok, the story basicly goes like this. The heroine, Shidori, got a prediction saying that the hero, Pavis, will be her lover and so she goes to where he lives to try and make him like her. He does not at first, due to some past that he experienced. But under her kind actions, he can't stop himself from caring about Shidori. Then some little problems appear (which you have to read to find out).

The art is pretty, the hair, clothings are quite detailed. This is a shoujo manga, which explains why Shidori looks like this, and why Pavis looks like who he is. ( I am such a sucker for bishonen >3> )

An example:

 But why is that only this type of manga contains such bishonen?? Such a pity -__-

The storytelling lacks a bit of punch. The art, though pretty, is almost the same as all the other cute-ish type of manga. Not really memorable, since the characters are almost stereotypes. Hopefully the other chapters will be more in-depth.

And I ask you, do you really think the bishonen ( :D ) is 17? I mean he looks like if he is 18-20! And the girl looks like 14/15, based on her actions ... Why on earth do people draw this ... cute-ish type of manga????! (Probably to attract those lolicons fans...)

It's not my type (thankfully) but if you want it's HERE . There is currently 1 chapter online now. Perhaps there might be more when you click on it, perhaps not.

Happy reading!
Ed

Book Review: A Dangerous Love, by Brenda Joyce

Book Review: A Dangerous Love, by Brenda Joyce

A Dangerous Obsession

Torn from his Romany mother's arms as a small boy, Viscount Emilian St. Xavier has spent a lifetime ignoring the whispers of gypsy that follow him everywhere. A nobleman with wealth, power and privilege, he does not care what the gadjos think. But when the Romany come to Derbyshire with news of his mother's murder at the hands of a mob, his world implodes. And Ariella de Warrene is the perfect object for lust and revenge....

A Dangerous Passion
Ariella de Warenne's heritage assures her a place in proper society, though as a radical and independent thinker she scorns her peers' frivolous pursuits in the Ton, fashion and marriage. Until a Roma camp arrives at Rose Hill, and she finds herself drawn to their charismatic leader, Emilian. Even when he warns her away, threatening that he intends to seduce and destroy her, she cannot refuse him. For Ariella is just as determined to fight for their dangerous love…

May contain Contains spoilers!!! Read at your own risk!!
Rants included!

I can't believe this...

Emilian (the hero) keeps pushing Ariella (the heroine) away. He gave warnings to her that he won't give back her love. But Ariella, just having the reason that de Warennes fall in love hard and fast [eg: a once-in-a-lifetime love], keeps coming back to him. Even though he failed her time and time again. I don't know if she is stubborn or machoist. I can't believe how she can tolerate the treatment Emilian gave her [... though to be fair, Emilian did not lead her on]!

Okay, i realise that this is kinda bias BUT i have to continue.


I still can't understand why Ariella choose to be with him. He has baggage, i know, which is what many heros have. But still! How can she bear to let him leave her side to a place that she don't even know where he's going and for how long! And look at the way he treated her! Even when he left her, he still came back BUT just for a night in bed. And he expect that it won't change a thing. What a dumbass.

Urg.

I really really really want to *hands forming the strangeling hold* AHHHhhhh!

And this is something that i read with great relish.

She might even be with her Prince Charming, but he intended to accept it and be glad for her. He only hoped that they could finally be friends.

He would settle for her friendship now.

Hah!

It seems that without a loss of something or someone being hurt, love will become like the shrivelled leaves on a dead tree in the coming years. So i wonder if it is worth it, to love and be hurt along the way.

He would settle for her friendship now.

Stupid, stubborn man.

Damn it. This is the first time i had felt this strongly against a book.... And the last time, if i could help it!

So, no. I won't be giving any ratings for this.
Those who read this may get eye pains from the amount of dislike spilling from their eyes.

So approach only at your own risk!

Manga Review: Yuru Koi, by Yoshino Aki

Manga Review: Yuru Koi, by Yoshino Aki

Quitting her job, Suzu comes back to her hometown after six years. On her way back home, she fell into a hole, and was saved by Sou, the guy who dug that hole. Her first impression of him was horrible. But Suzu started to be attracted by this guy, who weaved his way into her heart before she realized it?!

Yuru Koi is also translated as All Love.

The art is beautiful, the characters are awesome. Makes me feel all warm and bubbly when i read it.               

You'll definitely feel happy for the couple when they get to together ^__^. Hehe, I can really see them growing old and walking together hand-in-hand. Oh, so romantic!

:D

Recommended for people who likes sweet, romantic manga with a touch of reality.

Go Here~! to read it! Don't wait, Go for it!

and

Hehe

:) Enjoy!

Book Review: The Stolen Princess, by Anne Gracie

Book Review: The Stolen Princess, by Anne Gracie

She's fast becoming one of my favorite authors. It was a stroke of luck that i was able to read this book.:D

The younger son of an earl, Gabriel Fitzpaine earned glory and honor on the battlefield, but now, without purpose, he finds himself deliberately courting danger at every turn. Then one night he races his horse along a death-defying moonlit cliff-and stumbles upon a princess on the run.

It's an amazing blend of a strong willed heroine and a sensitve yet macho hero. ;)
Really liked how the story goes. It's almost as if i'm watching the story unfold before my very eyes, like i'm just standing in front of them!

Callie is running away from the people who wants to hurt her son to gain the throne. She's afraid for Nicky and so decides to hide in her ex-governess home. However, she meets with some obstacles, leading to an encounter with Gabriel.

So she hides in his house for a few days. And this is on the second day:

She delibrately slowed her pace and stopped to stare earnestly at a flower. She had no idea what it was; she'd never been good at botany, but he didn't know that.

He stopped beside her and waited. She felt the warm wash of his gaze flow over her. And ignored it. She stared hard at the flower. He bent and peered it over her shoulder.

"Fastinating," she murmured, trying not to be aware of the proximity of his big, masculine body.

"Utterly," he agreed fervently. "Something special, do you think?"

She frowned thoughtfully over the small, blue-flowered plant. "It could well be," she said, hoping he was no botanist.

"It definitely could be," he agreed. "If only creeping charley was not regarded as a weed in England." He paused a moment, then added, "Shall i get someone to pull it out before it spreads, or would you rather paint it or press it in your Weeds of England scrapbook?"

She continued the walk in dignified silence. He strolled along beside her.

I was smiling all the way while i copied this. :)
It's really a great book. One designed to make you smile. 4 out of 5. It's a good past time when you have nothing else to do.

Hope you enjoy it,
Ed

Book Review: A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

Reaaaally like all of Kleypas' historical romances ^_____^

The best i think i the Wallflowers series.

In A Wallflower Christmas, it's like a sequel of the series, except it's told from Hannah's (heroine) perspective. Annabelle, Lillian, Evie, and Daisy are back again to conquer the world!! YAY!

Here's the summary:

It's Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren't for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.


Anyway, an excerpt from the book,

"..There is something i must talk to you about first." Damn it, there was a quaver in her voice, despite her attempt to sound calm and dignified.


Marcus's expression changed as he heard the distress in her tone. He pulled her up to face him, and he stared down at her with instant concern. "What is it, my love?"


Lillian took a deep breath. Another. Her fear and anger and worry were so great, it was hard to force the words out. "I...I should not stand in the way of your ... pursuits outside marriage. I know that. I understand how it is with your kind... I mean, you've done it for centuries, and i suppose it was too much for me to ask that you--that i--would be enough. All i ask is that you be discreet. Because it isn't easy to watch you with her--the way you smile, and--" She stopped and covered her face with her hands, mortified to feel tears springing to her eyes. Bloody hell.


"My kind?" Marcus sounded bewildered. "What have i done for centuries? Lillian, what the hell are you talking about?"


..."Lady Kittridge"


There was a short, shocked silence.


...He gave her a little shake. "Lillian... Am i to understand that you think i have a personal interest in her?"

... "..tired of me," she said, her voice cracking. "That you want someone else."
Marcus stared at her and let out a string of curses.."Come with me."...

He took her across the courtyard, to the stables.
Lillian blinked in surprise. "A white Arabian?".. "She looks like something out of a fairy tale."
He gave her a sardonic glance. "She's your Christmas present."
"Oh." Lillian was suddenly breathless.
"It's taken me six damn months to make the arrangements," Marcus continued curtly. "Lady Kittridge .. is very particular about whom she'll sell one of her Arabians to. And as this horse been promised to someone else, i had to bride and threaten the other buyer, and pay a bloody fortune to Lady Kittridge."
"And that's why you've been communicating so often with Lady Kittridge?"
"Yes." He scowled at her. .. "And in return for my pains," he growled, "I'm accused of infidelity! I love you more than life. Since i met you, I've never even thought of another woman. And how you think i could have the desire for someone else when we spend every bloody night together is beyond my powers of comprehension!"
.. She was filled with a combination of giddy relief and alarm. "Marcus, every thing's settled. I believe you. I'm not at all worried now."


"You should be worried," he said with chilling softness. "Because it's clear that unless there are consequences for this lack of faith in me this problem may arise in the future. So I'm about to remove any doubt about what i want and from whom."

.."Come here," he said quietly, his expression implacable.
... He kissed her, his mouth rough and greedy... "Marcus," Lillian gasped, "I'll never doubt you again ... Oh, God..."

He smiled privately against her hair... "See that you don't," he muttered.

*cheeky grin* Hehehee

Oh wasn't that so romantic? Especially

I love you more than life. Since i met you, I've never even thought of another woman.

Hahaha, which is more than what the real man nowadays would do.

*dreamy sigh* Lisa Kleypas's heros are always soooooooo alpha-ish (In a good way). *grin*


Goodbye amigos!

Book Review: Weddings from hell

Book Review: Weddings from hell

Some marriages are made in heaven . . . Some are not.

What happens when "the happiest day of your life" turns into a nightmare? Forget the drunken best man or the bridesmaid dresses from the '80s . . . none of these wedding day disasters can compare to a cursed bride determined to make it down the aisle, or a vampire who is about to disrupt your wedding.

Join New York Times bestselling authors Maggie Shayne and Jeaniene Frost, USA Today bestseller Kathryn Smith, as well as Terri Garey in four unforgettable tales of unholy matrimony . . . where the grooms are dark, dangerous, and mostly dead, and to love and cherish till death takes on a whole new meaning.


The first story starts off by Maggie Shayne, Till Death. About a descendant who was cursed by her ancestor t to die by her husband's hands should be betray her (having an affair).

I didn't like this story. I think the author was more used to writing novels than a 91 page short story. I get the feeling that she's rushing. The love between Kira (heroine) and Ian (hero) was like a wham-i-love-you! type of story. The story focuses on the curse and the heroine trying to get rid of the curse than the love story between Kira and Ian.

So, no. I didn't like this.



The second story is the reason why i borrowed this book. (Title: Happily Never After)

JEANIENE FROST!!!!!!!!!!!

She is the author of the Night Huntress Series and you won't be disappointed when you READ IT!!


This story is great, great, GREAT! Absolutely book-tastic! Plus Bones is in it!!! XD Oh how i love Bones *sigh* He's just the perfect man. *dreamy sigh* Nearly fainted when i saw Bones' name in the story XXDDDD Hahaha!


For some, their crush is





But i will never stray from my crush!!! Never!

Trust me on this Bones! Believe me!!




This (great!) story is about vampires. Here's the blob: To save her brother, Isabella is about to reluctantly walk down the aisle with Mr. Dangeroulsy Wrong ... unless Chance, a dashing vampire, can derail this wedding of the beauty to the beast.


Then the excerpt concerning Bones!!!! (XD ahahaha!)

The old woman smiled. "Do you know what you two are?" she asked in an amused voice. ...

"Yeah, we're the guys robbing you!" the one with the knife snapped.

"No," said a voice from the other end of the alley, an English accent decorating his words. "You're dinner."


Before the two could blink, they were dangled by their throats from pale, rock-steady hands. One was yanked close to the black-clad figure. The stranger's eyes changed from brown to glowing green as he dipped his head to the exposed throat. The youth's partner in crime, still hoisted aloft, could only make terrified grunts as he watched fangs pierced his friend's neck. ....

The stranger wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and then pulled the old woman to him. ...

"I was thinking you'll be hungry Bones..."

He chuckled. .. "Same old Greta. Always finding ways to please her blokes."

Bones' beautiful face hadn't change with time.. Time ...had no power over the blond vampire standing in front of her.

The appearance of Bones!!!

I just fell harder in love *shiny eyes*

Great story!!!!


The third story i skipped.

The forth is by Kathryn Smith, The Wedding Knight. It is set in the historical times. Hero is a vampire, the heroine is a woman who fell in love with the hero and sets off to make him fall in love with her. This is a bit confusing, especially with the plot about the hero's ties with an organisation. But i like the ending.


Even with Jeaniene Frost's (great!) story, i will (reluctantly) give the book a 3 out of 5. The other 3 stories weren't what i wanted when i choose a paranormal book. Too rushed! :(

But still enjoyed reading HAPPILY NEVER AFTER!

The Ranger's Apprentice Book 7: Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan

XD

I found this book in the library. A hardcover. I think I'm the first one to borrow it. The pages are so straight! So white!!!!! *hugs it*

Really shiok when i read it ^__^


What does it mean to earn the Silver Oakleaf? So few men have done so. For Will, a mere boy, that symbol of honor has long felt out of reach. Now, in the wake of Araluen's uneasy truce with the raiding Skandians comes word that the Skandian leader has been captured by a dangerous desert tribe. The Rangers are sent to free him. But the desert is like nothing these warriors have seen before. Strangers in a strange land, they are brutalized by sandstorms, beaten by the unrelenting heat, tricked by one tribe that plays by its own rules, and surprisingly befriended by another. Like a desert mirage, nothing is as it seems. Yet one thing is constant: the bravery of the Rangers.






Review:

May Contain Spoilers.

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READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!*
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In three weeks' time," the King told her (Cassandra). "We've been invited to a wedding at Castle Redmont on the fourteenth of next month."

"Redmont?" she repeated, her interest obviously piqued by the name. "Who's getting married at Redmont?"

HALT IS MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!
HE'S MARRIED!!!!!
OMG! *makes faces*
HOW ON EARTH DID HE FALL IN LOVE WITH (Lady) PAULINE?
I'm at Chapter 21 and still i can't get used to HALT AS A HUSBAND!! My god! O.O

Will is, as usual, charming and determined to face obstacles. Horace is ---

Horace scratched his ear, the movement made clumsy by the fact that his hands were tied together. "What time do they feed us?" he asked.

like the same, hungry as always.

I think there's a bit of three triangle relationship, though it's only --what-- 2, 3 pages? between Alyss, Cassandra, and Will. Mostly the book is all about trying to get back Erak from the kidnappers. XD

The Rangers are my favorite YA books, wayyy up on the top list, farrr above the Twilight Saga!!!

I have the 9th book but then the library doesn't have the 8th book.... Weird right? How in the world could they miss that? I hope an 8th book is borrowed by me soon....

The Ranger's Apprentice books are the fricking BEST!!! You GOT to read them!!!

Hope you will read them!

See -- I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE HALT'S MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- ya! :)

A Quckie: Scandal in Spring, by Lisa Kleypas

After spending three London seasons searching for a husband, Daisy Bowman's father has told her in no uncertain terms that she must find a husband. Now. And if Daisy can't snare an appropriate suitor, she will marry the man he chooses—the ruthless and aloof Matthew Swift.

Daisy is horrified. A Bowman never admits defeat, and she decides to do whatever it takes to marry someone . . . anyone . . . other than Matthew. But she doesn't count on Matthew's unexpected charm . . . or the blazing sensuality that soon flares beyond both their control. And Daisy discovers that the man she has always hated just might turn out to be the man of her dreams.

But right at the moment of sweet surrender, a scandalous secret is uncovered . . . one that could destroy both Matthew and a love more passionate and irresistible than Daisy's wildest fantasies.



I ABSOLUTELY LLLLOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEE THIS BOOK!!!!!

*Dreamy sigh* Lisa Kleypas is one of my favorite authors in both historical and contemporary romances. You GOT to read it!!

One of her books that i would recommend to you if you like contemporary romance is Blue Eyed Devil. Me and my friend just can't stop reading it! XD

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, ohmygosh,ohmygosh *fanning myself* i can't (thank god) stop reading it!!! You must must MUST READ LISA KLEYPAS BOOKS because they'll blow your mind.

---- It's irrelevant, i know but i can't stop myself from writing!! >__< HERE for my past review on BLUE EYED DEVIL! --


An excerpt from Scandal of Spring (not Blue Eyed Devil) :

Matthew Swift, the cool and self-possessed young man Daisy Bowman's father wants her to marry, has just forcibly removed Daisy from a scandalous parlor game. To save her reputation, Matthew has just turned down the opportunity to kiss Daisy in front of everyone. However, instead of thanking him, Daisy is furious . . .

“Why did you do that?” Daisy demanded, rounding on him immediately.

“Take you away from the games?” Disconcerted, Matthew adopted a censorious tone. “You shouldn’t have been there, and you know it.”

Daisy was so furious that her dark eyes seemed to be shooting sparks. “Where should I have been, Mr. Swift? Reading alone in the library?”

“That would have been preferable to causing a scandal.”

“No it wouldn’t have. I was exactly where I belonged, doing exactly what everyone else was doing, and everything was just fine until you ruined it!”

“I?” Matthew couldn’t believe his ears. “I ruined the evening for you?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

She glared at him accusingly. “You didn’t kiss me.”

“I . . .” Caught off-guard, Matthew stared at her in bewilderment. “I did kiss you.”

“On the hand,” Daisy said scornfully, “which means absolutely nothing.”

Matthew wasn’t certain how he had been so abruptly derailed from self-righteous superiority to affronted protest. “You should be grateful.”

“For what?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I saved your reputation.”

“If you had kissed me,” Daisy retorted, “it could only have improved my reputation. But you rejected me publicly, which means Llandrindon and Mardling and all the rest know there is something wrong with me.”

“I didn’t reject you.”

“It certainly felt like rejection, you cad!”

“I am not a cad. If I had kissed you in public, then I would be a cad.” Matthew paused before adding in baffled irritation, “And there is nothing wrong with you. Why the devil would you say that?”

“I’m a wallflower. No one ever wants to kiss me.”

This was too much. Daisy Bowman was furious because he hadn’t done the thing he had craved and dreamed of for years of his life. He had behaved honorably, damn it all, and instead of being appreciative she was angry.

“ . . . am I that undesirable?” Daisy was ranting. “Would it have been so disagreeable?”

He wanted her for so long. He had reminded himself a thousand times of all the reasons he could never have her. And it had been a hell of a lot easier to bear knowing she detested him and there was no reason to hope. But the possibility that her feelings might have changed, that she might want him in return, filled him with a dizzying thrill.

Another minute of this and he would become unhinged.

“ . . . don’t know how to do whatever it is women are supposed to do to attract men,” Daisy was saying irately. “And when I finally had a chance to gain a little experience, you--” She broke off and frowned as she saw his face. “Why do you look like that?”

“Like what?”

“As if you’re in pain.”

Pain. Yes. The kind of pain a man felt when he had lusted after a certain woman for years and found himself alone with this woman and then had to endure her complaints that he hadn’t kissed her when all he wanted was to tear her clothes off and have her right there on the floor.

She wanted experience? Matthew was ready to give her the experience of a lifetime. His body had become so unbearably hard that the brush of his trouser fabric was enough to make him wince. Struggling to control himself, he concentrated on breathing. Breathing. But there was only more arousal, until red mist had gathered at the edges of his vision.

He wasn’t aware of reaching for her but suddenly his hands were on her, hooked just beneath her arms where the yellow satin was permeated with the warmth of her body. She was light and supple, like a cat . . . he could lift her so easily, pin her against the wall . . .

Daisy’s dark eyes were wide and startled. “What are you doing?”

“I want the answer to one question,” Matthew managed to say. “Why did you call my name in there?”


Emotions crossed her face in rapid succession . . . surprise, guilt, embarrassment. Every inch of exposed skin turned pink. “I don’t know what you mean. Your name was on the paper. I had no choice but to--”

“You’re lying,” Matthew said tersely. His heart stopped as she refused to reply. She wasn’t going to deny it. Her flush deepened to crimson. “My name wasn’t on that paper,” he continued with great effort. “But you said it anyway. Why?”

They both knew there could only be one reason. Matthew closed his eyes briefly. His pulse was so hot and fast that its reckless momentum stung the insides of his veins.

He heard Daisy’s hesitant voice. “I just wanted to know what you . . . how you . . . I just wanted . . .”

This was temptation at its most brutal. Matthew tried to make himself let go of her, but his hands would not release the slim curves encased in yellow satin. It felt too good to hold her. He stared at her exquisite mouth, the subtle but delicious indentation in the center of her lower lip. One kiss, he thought desperately. Surely he could have at least that. But once he started . . . he wasn’t certain he could stop.

“Daisy . . .” he tried to find words to defuse the situation, but it was difficult to speak coherently. “I’m going to tell your father . . . at the first opportunity . . . I can’t marry you under any circumstances.”

She still wouldn’t look at him. “Why didn’t you tell him so right away?”

Because he had wanted to make her notice him.

Because he had wanted to pretend, just for a little while, that the thing he had never dared to dream about was just within reach.

“I wanted to annoy you,” he said.

“Well, you did!”

“But I never considered it seriously. I could never marry you.”

“Because I’m a wallflower,” she said sullenly.

“No. That’s not--”

“I’m undesirable."

“Daisy, would you stop--”

“Not even worth a single kiss.”

“All right,” Matthew snapped, finally losing the grip on his sanity. “Damn it, you win. I’ll kiss you.”

“Why?”

“Because if I don’t you’ll never stop complaining about it.”

“It’s too late now! You should have kissed me back there in the parlor but you didn’t, and now that you’ve doomed any chance I’ll ever have of being kissed by anyone else, I’m not going to settle for some half-rate consolation prize.”

“Half-rate?”

That had been a mistake. Matthew could see that Daisy realized it the instant she had said it.

She had just sealed her fate.

“I-I meant to say half-hearted,” she said breathlessly, trying to wriggle away from him. “It’s obvious you don’t want to kiss me and therefore--”

“You said half-rate.” He jerked her hard against him. “Which means now I have something to prove.”

“No you don’t,” she said quickly. “Really. You don’t--” She gave a little cry as he clamped one hand behind her neck, and all sound was muffled as he tugged her head to his.

*Dreamy sigh* Oh, if i could only meet this type of man in real life. . ...

YOU MUST READ IT!!! OR ELSE I WILL COME TO HAUNT YOU!!
Da-dump Da-dump


*I realise this is can't be even called a review but i don't care. This is my blog, i choose to write what i want. I don't care what you think, as long as you read it. So suck it up if you don't like me writing this *Bleh*


And another quote that i really like,

Most lives are not distingushed by great achievements. They are measured by an infinite number of small ones. Each time you do a kindness for someone or bring a smile to his face, it gives you life meaning. Never doubt your value, little friend

And i shall end off here. :)
Enjoy it!
Ed