Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Review ~ Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine


TITLE: Lady of Hay
AUTHOR: Barbara Erskine
COPYRIGHT: Republished in October 2010
TYPE: Historical Fiction
PAGES: 576
SERIES: No

REASON FOR READ: Sourcebook asked if I would be interested in reviewing this ARC and I said yes. It sounded fantastic.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
So well researched and so well written that it is almost impossible to put down. The novel has everything that readers of racy fiction could ask for: beautiful characters, exotic settings, passion...and situations and characters that are so completely convincing that they come to life.

With a mesmerizing, wrenching story set both in the present day and the 12th century, Lady of Hay explores how Joanna, a journalist investigating hypnotic regression, plunges into the life of Matilda, Lady of Hay—who lived 800 years earlier. As she learns of Matilda’s unhappy marriage, her love for Richard de Clare, and the brutal treatment she receives from King John, it seems that Jo’s past and present are hopelessly entwined and that, centuries later, a story of secret passion and unspeakable treachery is about to begin again—and she has no choice but to brave both lives if she wants to shake the iron grip of history
.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Joanna AKA Jo is a journalist who wants to right a story about hypnosis and regression through time. However, Jo soon discovers

THINGS I LIKED:
- I enjoyed learning about Matilda and her life. Learning how she lived in the past and what life was like for a lady back then. I didn’t enjoy the violence but I took it into account that this was the norm back then. Matilda was a wonderfully drawn out character and I found I enjoyed reading about her parts in the book the most.
- Jo was an interesting woman who seem to go back and forth. One moment she was a hard journalist the next she was a woman and strangely enough I really appreciated that from. I also liked that she did freak out about things that would freak anyone out.

THINGS I DIDN'T CARE FOR:
- There are some violent scenes in this book. Oh and heads up a possible rape scene and an actual rape scene do occur in this book. I don’t handle the rape scenes well and hate reading about them. I did keep in mind that this was the time period but I hated it when Sam was being manipulative towards Jo and I don’t care what you say that was attempted rape.
- I hated the constant back and forth with Nick. COME ON seriously either leave him or stay with him.

Would you recommend this book? I would recommend this book if you want an in-depth historical fiction novel with a hint of forbidden love. However, be warned the time period being wrote about women are objects and Matilda is treated as such.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Boyfriend of the Week ~ Matthew Bomer

Rowena over at Everyday Wena has a Eye Candy Friday tradition. And every Friday she puts up her latest hottie of the week.

This week's hottie was brought to us from White Collar............ Matthew Bomer
While I like him clean cut I think he looks best in a suit


Then again a little gruff never hurt anyone!

But man that guy can pull off a suit



Although I love him in some glasses




And a hat





Man those eyes just do something for me.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Review ~ Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre


TITLE: Wanderlust
AUTHOR: Ann Aguirre
COPYRIGHT: 2008
TYPE: Sci/Fi ~ fantasy
PAGES: 312
SERIES:1. Grimspace
2. Wanderlust

REASON FOR READ:Read book one and loved it thought I should see how the series turns out since book 4 is coming out this month.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
Broke and unemployed, "Jumper" Sirantha Jax accepts a diplomatic mission for the government—only to find herself up against Syndicate criminals, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body

 
THOUGHTS/OPINION:This one took me longer to get into then the other one and I can't place why it did. I enjoyed it and about half way through it really started flying for me.
The most exciting part for me happened at the end so once I reached that last 3rd I couldn't put it down.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I like that Jax is growing. Nothing gets my goat then a character that never grows or changes.
- The nice little bit with Jax's mom was very interesting I won't say more b/c it was a great part that I really enjoyed.
- I love that new characters were introduced in a way that was not just a simple plot deviced but was used in a way that flowed and made sense.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
- I hate that Jax is always thinking on death or how she will die. I know that is part of her morbid self but still after a while it got old. But then something wonderful happen and she got a reason to live.
- I really hate how she focuses so much on Kai and how much she misses him while at the same time claims how much she loves March. I understand you might have some feelings but I think its cruel to keep bringing up the dead to a man you supposely love.
- Hate what happens to March no I won't go into details but UGH!!!! (email me if you wish to discuss)

Are you keeping it or passing it on? After borrowing this book from Coffcat I decided to pick up the whole series. So yeah I'm keeping it.

Would you recommend this book? Uh yeah!!!

Favorite Quotes: Hold on to your pants there are a lot

“Big deal,” I mutter. “Everything makes me nervous. It’s a wonder I haven’t developed a tick.”
“You have,” March puts in ever helpful. “Your left eye sort of-”
“Thanks, baby you’re a gem.”
Page 8

“You alright?” If I had a credit for every time March has asked me that question, I wouldn’t be mourning my missing money.
Page 28

If the Psychs can be trusted – which they can’t- I suffer from borderline paranoid dysfunction. I suspect everyone of treachery and subversive plots against me. But like the old adage goes: Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.
Page 43

I wish I had a penis.
March’s amusement ripples through me. Yeah that’s going on the list of things I never want to hear again. I grin, knowing I’m not going to explain the contex.
Page 61

Challenges:
100+ Book Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Battle Royal by Koushun Takami

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Review ~ Emma and the Vampires by Wayne Josephson


TITLE: Emma and the Vampires
AUTHOR: Wayne Josephson
COPYRIGHT: 2010
TYPE: classic match up with vampires ?
PAGES: 304
SERIES: Not that I’m aware of.

REASON FOR READ:
Rec’d this from Source book as ARC

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she's the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart-his (literal) undying love for her... A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit during most if not all of this book I was highly confused. I couldn’t tell if Emma knew Mr. Knightley was a vampire or not. Or for that matter did she know that all the men in the country were? I mean she knew that there were rogues running wild but she acted as if she didn’t know the “gentlemen” were. But they were always making comments that should’ve clued her in.
Also keep in mind I’ve never read the Original all the way through.

THINGS I LIKED:
- I did like the writing. It was light and fun nothing too hard or serious. Plus for some reason this was really easy to understand while the Original wasn’t.
- I did enjoy Emma. She is a strong character that knows her mind and knows what she wants. I enjoyed that she wasn't running around trying to get married in fact she was trying to avoid it.
- Overall it was a cute story of love and finding your love.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:- While I enjoyed the Emma's strong character I really didn't like how flaky she comes across and having no back ground in the original I am not sure if she is like that or not. It just didn't fit with her.


Are you keeping it or passing it on? While enjoyable not a favorite of mine so I will pass on this one.

Would you recommend this book? Actually I would if you enjoy the Original I think you might enjoy seeing a lighter side. It did have some moments I caught myself smiling over. Also the vampire twist is fun as well.

Challenges:
100+ book Challenge