Friday, October 28, 2011

I'm back!

I'm so sorry, you guys! I know I was gone for quite a while. I had lost access to my account, along with having a new workload schedule that interfered with my time to review and tons of other issues. But I think I've pretty much worked through everything and have a slot of time to return blogging for everyone.

I've read a few novels and so the reviews should be up soon. I do apologize again for my disappearance. Please forgive me!

Here's some Halloween costumed candy:

 The Gladiator

 The Dark Angel

 The Native American Indian

 The Scot

 The Police Officer

 The Valet



Is anyone going to dress up this Halloween? If so, what are you gonna be?! Let me know. :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

M-Monday 4/4/11

I'm so sorry about my sporadic behavior! I have been reading quite a few books (graphic novels are a much more quick read than actual novels), so I will be giving you some more reviews in the next few days. :)

I forgot to update the Mm-man last night. So here I go, giving you some late eye-candy! :



Showering everyone with some love,
Soli

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Vol. 1: Sanctuary (Manga Review)

Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Vol. 1: Sanctuary
story by Melissa Marr and art by Xian Nu Studio


Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales is a trilogy manga featuring the same characters from Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely novel.

Rika is living in the seclusion of a Mojave Desert cave and paints the landscapes while she also remains invisible to the mortal, Jayce, she seems admire just as much. Then an incident reveals hers existance to him when she comes to his rescue. Complications with the interested fey seem to threaten their blossoming relationship, if not only fuel them to bond more closely.


My Review:
This manga is set in the traditional manhwa, or Korean comic, style with black and white illustrations reading from left to right. 

I adored the illustrations. They were unique in style and not the highly-detailed-with-complicated-flowery-backgrounds of other mangas I have read. The art was simple yet still caught my attention and held my interest enough to pursue the story.

Though I have never read Marr's Wicked Lovely series, I was able to grasp a little of Rika's history with the Summer King Keenan from his appearance and easily understood her emotions. If anything, this manga only made me want to read the original series even more just to get more of the details of the drama.

Her adventure with the mortal stranger she fiercely protects, Joyce, was heartwarming and I was only upset that it was such a quick read. I'm going to be scoping out the other two of this series on my next visit to the Dollar Tree. 

I give this manga 3.5 stars.

Book Details:
ISBN: 978-0-06-149354-6
Publisher: TOKYOPOP / HarperCollins
Pages: 196
Genre: Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Stand Alone / Series: 1st of Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales series

Purchase Information: Amazon
TOKYOPOP Site with free preview: TOKYOPOP

Author/Illustrator's Websites: Melissa Marr, Xian Nu Studio(Spanish)

Saturday, April 2, 2011

(Masters of Time) Dark Seduction Review


Dark Seduction 
(Masters of Time Series, Book #1)
by Brenda Joyce

 The Blurb:
Highland warriors sworn to protect innocence through the ages... — Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary--and dangerous--powers. But he has already broken his vows--and a young woman's death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself of all pleasure...until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.

Since her mother's murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time--a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm's length. For Malcolm's soul is at stake--and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal...


My Review:
   I heard a lot of raving reviews about this series and I was quite surprised that I wasn't one to jump along on the band wagon. I tried my best to get into it but I it took me forever to actually finish this novel—I was hoping something would happen, fast, to change my heart on it—but that's right: Nothing did. I was only too happy that when I got to the actual ending!

Maybe it's that personally, I don't like chauvinistic men. I don't find anything about a pig as being remotely sexy.

I understand that this is a time traveling sci-fi/paranormal romance and that back in the day of Highland lairds they were just that way. Warriors, strong, possessive, cool as ice and the complete opposite of a fragile, emotional woman. But it just didn't do it for me. I will say that I respect the historical facts pointed out and that Joyce actually fleshed out a reality of that time. It wasn't the romantic, whimsical historical romances that I enjoy and am used to though. Pout.

 In the beginning I was taking a liking to such a "strong" character that Claire seemed to be. She took fighting classes, knew how to use a gun, had a taser and was a cool independent and intelligent woman. But then comes in the beef cake Master Malcolm and she turned to mush before my eyes. She became this docile, powerless thing that I hated. She built her life to protect herself and instantly that was crumbled by some sheer lust! I can say in some situations she played her womanly cards right to persuade things for her favor, but it was kind of rare. I grew bored of her being a whiny, helpless damsel in distress. Blegh.

The sexual scenes were a little steamy, but nothing spectacular or enough to make up for my distaste of the rest of the story. I didn't even like the fact that she was falling in love with him just because he was a passionate screw. Yeah, Malcolm showed a little compassion and tenderness during those scenes, but it wasn't making me fall in love with him. The rest of the time I just wanted to choke the hell out of the hunky jerk. I give Claire props for finding what she could through all that dominating exterior. I am not a woman that could be that patient or as forgiving. Pft.

The story just dragged for me. I found myself more intrigued with the brief mentions of the roguish Aidan and the seemingly more sensitive Ironheart. I think I might try a few others of this series, but the first one just ticked me off. I just don't know...even with the ending, I couldn't get past it. I must have a complex with guys like Malcolm, I guess? 

I give one and a half stars for this one. I give stars only because of the details of the historical scene and the few other things that distracted me enough from tearing the book apart.


Book Details:
ISBN: 0373772335
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 384
Genre: Sci-fi, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction
Point of View: Third Person
Stand Alone / Series: 1st of Masters of Time series

Purchase Information: Amazon

**This book is listed on my shelf on PaperbackSwap if you're interested in reading.**

Monday, March 21, 2011

M-Monday & Some News 3/21/11

Ok, I know.. I am a bit late with my update of man candy for you guys. I did miss out on the weekly teaser last Tuesday. But things have been so hectic for me lately. Excuses here: My schedule is changing up due to some exciting news, but that doesn't mean that I will not try my hardest to keep putting updates/reviews on my blog. I have barely had time to read but I am putting in effort at any sparsely given opportunity so I can give you guys that next honest review. Just they probably won't be as frequent as before...until I manage my schedule appropriately. 

I have come to terms with my bibliophilia and know I will be continuing to read. Especially since I have a growing TBR pile--that seems to acquire an addition almost on a daily basis...

I'm so excited about what I've gotten so far -- by means of PaperbackSwap, the local Goodwill and Dollar General of course! :


From the mail via PaperbackSwap
 



From Dollar General -- $1 each! (I was so happy to find Dark Passions, it was on my Wishlist for a while.)





From Goodwill -- Brand New and .99₵ each! (Darnit, they didn't have Vol. 1!)



I'm such a book whore! I currently have over 80 books in my personal library...ok, maybe close to 100? Maybe over? 

Let me be in denial! -- I will divert attention and hypnotize you with these Mischievous Monday Men!:


Hope you can forgive me...?
'til next time,
Soli