"White Heat" by Fatuma Hydara (me)

A silk strap falls off a supple shoulder.

A soft, silky hand lingers.

A breathless whisper, a gasping moan, a stifled cry

Passion glazed eyes

Touches here…

there…

everywhere…

Heated skin, burning hotly just beneath the surface

a coming together, hearts synced, beating a love-filled rhythm

Spirits and senses soar

higher and higher…

and higher

Then,

slowly float back down to earth on a cloud,

returning to a sated vessel,

a sigh, a wink, a soft smile… eyes gently close,

in time for rose colored dreams.

Book Review: “The House on Fortune Street” by Margot Livesey

Blurb:

It seems like mutual good luck for Abigail Taylor and Dara MacLeod when they meet at St. Andrews University and, despite their differences, become fast friends. Years later they remain an unlikely pair. Abigail, an actress who confidently uses her charms both on- and offstage, believes herself immune to love. Dara, a counselor, is convinced that everyone is inescapably marked by childhood; she throws herself into romantic relationships with frightening intensity. Yet now each seems to have found "true love"—another stroke of luck?—Abigail with her academic boyfriend, Sean, and Dara with a tall, dark violinist named Edward, who literally falls at her feet. But soon after Dara moves into Abigail's downstairs apartment, trouble threatens both relationships, and their friendship.
For Abigail it comes in the form of an anonymous letter to Sean claiming that she's been unfaithful; for Dara, a reconciliation with her distant father, Cameron, who left the family when Dara was ten, reawakens complicated feelings. Through four ingeniously interlocking narratives—Sean's, Cameron's, Dara's, and Abigail's—we gradually understand how these characters' lives are shaped by both chance and determination. Whatever the source, there is no mistaking the tragedy that strikes the house on Fortune Street.
"Everyone," claims Abigail, "has a book or a writer who's the key to their life." As this statement reverberates through each of the narratives, Margot Livesey skillfully reveals how luck—good and bad—plays a vital role in our lives, and how the search for truth can prove a dangerous undertaking. Written with her characteristic elegance and wit, The House on Fortune Street offers a surprisingly provocative detective story of the heart.
 
My Review:
I wish I could give this a 2/5 because I'm completely stuck on the fence on this one. I didn't hate it enough to give it 1 or 2 stars, but I also didn't like it enough to give it 4 and certainly not 5 stars. The story was a bit bland. The writing wasn't horrible. The characters, however were! Okay, I exaggerate just a bit, but I found them so irritating! It was mostly the females that annoyed me. The story is suppose to be about how four people tell their own story of certain events in their pasts that influence how they live in the future. I found it so asinine, though because none of them had any devastating issues. Basically, the whole story reminded me of someone going to the ER for a paper-cut.

Keizoku 2: SPEC (Jdrama)

Time for another drama review!!!
Today’s drama is a really good one. It’s intriguing, exciting and quite different from the dramas I usually watch!

Title (romaji): Keizoku 2: SPEC

Genre: Mystery

Episodes: 10 

 

Synopsis: Touma Saya is a woman with an IQ of 201 and an inability to "read the atmosphere" in social situations. Due to a previous case, her left arm is in a sling. Her partner Sebumi Takeru used to be the star performer of the Metropolitan Police. After some incident however, he was transferred to Mishou. Those two track down offenders with special abilities(SPEC) who managed to get away with their crimes.

My Review: I really really enjoyed this one. This was very different from my usual slew of romantic comedies, but I decided to give this a try after reading a funny review of it. What I love about this drama now that I’ve finished it?

1. The Characters. Toma and Sebumi have so many facets to them that you can’t help but feel some sort of connection to them as you watch. Toma comes across as an eccentric, socially inept, but extremely intelligent detective. Sebumi is a stiff, follows-the-rules kind of guy. But together they still make quite a team. The side characters also play vital roles and are just as intriguing, especially those with SPEC, or special abilities. I mean, you have a physic, a mind reader, changed memories, stopped time, clairvoyance, psychometry and more!

2. The Story. The plot was VERY interesting. Toma and Sebumi are apart of 3-man division that solves special cases involving humans with special abilities or SPECS. At first you may think that this will end up being an episodic series with them simply solving a case each episode, but that’s hardly the case. Each episode lays down the basis for the next, revealing clues and new secrets. The VERY best thing about this drama is that it absolutely keeps you on your seat. Just as you think you know who did and why, you’re hit with something else, something you didn’t even realize, This happens throughout the series, even at the very end, where the biggest secret of all is revealed!

Give it a watch, people! It’s short and sweet and definitely worth spending 10+ hours of your life watching!!!

Until next time! PEACE!

Sweet 18 (KDrama)

Sweet 18

Also known as: Sweet 18 / Little Bride / 18 Year Old Bride
Episodes: 16 

Synopsis: Kwon Hyuk-Joon's grandfather, the head of the traditional Kwon family agrees to an arranged marriage between his grandson (Lee Dong Gun) and Yoon Jung-Sook (Han Ji Hye) when Yoon Jung-Sook is born. 18 years later, the two families lose contact because soon after the contract is signed, Jung-Sook's family encounters financial issues and is forced to run away.
Meanwhile, Jung-Sook has grown up to be a rebellious and strong-willed girl who just wants to live her life as she sees fit. With little aspirations, she is the direct foil of her achievement-bound counterpart, Hyuk-Joon. When the two meet each other, they clash horribly; Jung-Sook thinks her fiancee is nothing but boring, and Hyuk-Joon believes Jung-Sook to be nothing but an immature child. Despite all this they do marry. The rest of the series follows their life living together as a couple, and the obstacles they are faced with.

My Review: ^___^ This drama was so damn sweet, it made my tooth ache!!! It's such a cute story  about true love that has everything a gal can want in a series! Lovable characters: You not only find yourself falling in love with the lead couple, Jung-Sook and Hyuk-Joon, but also with the supporting characters who all have such unique personalities that makes the drama even more endearing! What I liked most about this drama, other than how adorable the lead couple were with one another, is how REAL the characters were. Unlike alot of dramas out there, the actors/characters weren't these perfect mannequins, that had it all: looks, smarts, money, that makes you want to hate them. Jung-Sook is spunky and childish and doesn't give a damn. Hyuk-Joon is mature and very serious and that's what makes it so much fun for him to be teased by both Jung-Sook and his friend Jung-Chan! You even end up liking Hyuk-Joon's manipulative sister and ex, because they're just so interesting and I ended finding his sister Sun-ah cute as she found her own love interest. This is a sweet, simple story of true love, the very best kind, with none of the angst and psychotic exes and other love interests!!! Give it a try!

What's up Fox? (KDrama)

What's up Fox?

Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16 

Synopsis: Single 33 year-old Go Byeong Hee works as a reporter for a sex magazine. She wants more romance and a more respectable life but isn't sure how to get it. 24-year-old Park Chul Su, mechanic and world traveler, is the younger brother of Byeong Hee's best friend. He's a free spirit and not concerned with what the world thinks. One night the two old family friends get drunk and wake up in bed together. Go Byeong Hee wants to forget it ever happened, especially since a good marriage prospect has just made an appearance. Unfortunately for her, Chul Su has other ideas.... 

My Review: *smile* I was expecting to like this as much as I did. At first the idea of a woman being with someone 9 years younger than her didn't really appeal to me, but I decided to give it a try because I saw good reviews of it. This is the first drama I've watched where I began rooting for a couple other than the lead. I was totally rooting for Byeong Hee and Dr. Hee Myung to get together. I couldn't help liking him and the way he teased her. However, when Byeong Hee's feelings for Chul Su began to change, so did who I was supporting! haha I started cheering for her and Chul Su, cause he's so adorable in his own way. What I liked best about this drama was the characters and how unusual they are were! Byeong Hee is essentially a 33-year-old-virgin, but instead of finding that weird, I found really cute. She acts just like a young girl in love for the first time and it's adorable to watch! Also, Joon Hee & Byung Gak's unusual relationship was so entertaining to watch. This one is a really cute, funny and romantic. A great series to watch with lovable unusual couple pairings--Give it a try!

Download here: What's Up Fox? Episode Downloads 

Stream here: Watch What's Up Fox? online

Buzzer Beat (JDrama)

Buzzer Beat

Genre: Romance, sports
Episodes: 11

Synopsis: Kamiya Naoki is a young player from a professional basketball team. But due to his relatively smaller size and his tendency to crack under pressure, he is unable to show his true skills on the court. Meanwhile, Shirakawa Riko is a cheerful, strong-spirited music college graduate aiming to become a professional violinist. One day, Riko finds Naoki's lost cell phone on a bus, and their meeting begins a friendship that eventually turns into love. However, Naoki was already considering marriage with his current girlfriend. And it doesn't help matters that Naoki's coach has fallen in love at first sight with Riko!

My Review: This a pretty cute drama, though nothing spectacular. The lead couple, Riko and Naoki were pretty cute, but Naoki was too damn gentle for me. I liked the supporting couple - Mai and Shuji muuuch better. They were so cute and quirky! lol It's a short and sweet without too much angst. Some of the characters are more interesting than others. I liked Mai and found Shuji adorable. Yoyogi was also an interesting character, with his gangster, badass cheating ways! lmao Utsunomiya was also fun because everyone thought he was gay, since he's "awkward" with girls. Buzzer Beat is an okay watch if you currently don't have something delicious on your menu at the moment. It's quick and to the point.

Screenshots:

LMAO! Episode 3: That's Shuji-kun buried under that sand!! 

Episode 4: BEST FRIEND HUG!!! Part 1

 Episode 4: BEST FRIEND HUG!!! Part 2

Episode 4: Uh-Oh! Caught a- cheating!!!

Episode 5: Riko & Naoki! Cutest Scene! 

Episode 5: Riko & Naoki

Episode 7: YUP!! A J-drama with REAL KISSING!!!

Episode 8: After a sleep-over...totally not the way you're thinking! :)

Epsiode 10: I like their easy companionship in the drama best. 

You don't alot of that in J-dramas!

Episode 10: More cuddling!

Episode 10: Cuddles!

Mary Stayed Out All Night (KDrama)

Another Drama Review!!

Mary Stayed Out All Night

Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 16 

Synopsis: Wi Mae Ri is the cheerful, pragmatic daughter of a failed businessman who had grown used to being constantly on the move to escape from debtors. She becomes fast friends with the free-spirited indie singer Kang Moo Kyul when she nearly ran him over in a car. Meanwhile, her father Wi Dae Han is saved from his debtors by his old friend, Jung Suk, who had just returned from considerable success in the Japanese entertainment industry. Jung Suk, who had harboured a secret love for Mae Ri's mother, sets up a deal with Dae Han to have Mae Ri marry his son, Jung In. In her desperate to escape this predicament, Mae Ri begs Moo Kyul to pose as her husband, and finds herself in even more trouble than before when her father proposes a 100-day period in which she has to divide her time equally between Moo Kyul and Jung In, after which she has to decide who to marry.(from drama-wiki)

My Review: Sigh....I realllllly really enjoyed this one. I should've known as soon as I saw that my honey-baby Jang Geum Seuk was a lead that it'll be a good one--and it was! It had everything that I love in a drama. Excellent characters who are real and lovable, an intriguing plot that has you riveted from the first episode to the last, strong emotion, and tons of humor. The characters of Moo Kyul and Mae Ri were so damn adorable together!!! And even though they had their ups and downs they stayed true to one another. There wasn't too much of the angst that I hate in alot of drama. Myoo Kyul and Mae Ri admitted their feelings for one another fairly early on, which I love. The other love interests Jung In and Seo Joon weren't manipulative and/or vindictive, so you were able to love them too. This is a most DEFINITE must-watch and I know there are TONS of other reviews saying the same! So, go give it a try, already! 

Below are a few screenshots, mostly from earlier eps...cause I got too damn engrossed to stop and take screenshots of the later episodes!! It was that good!!

 Ep. 3: Myoo Kyul says: "Ah..You totally look like the cat from Shrek". LMAO! That line was too damn funny!

 Ep. 5- Mae Ri's drunk daddy held up by his two son-in-laws! lol Husband Jung and Husband Kang!

 Ep 1: Drunk Myoo Kyul! Giving "flowers" to an equally drunk Mae Ri! lol How cute is he? DAMN CUTE!

[ANIME] Natsume Yuujinchou - Season 1

Anime Review!

Natsume Yuujinchou- Season 1

Summary: Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him. Containing the names of these spirits, a binding contract was formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Now, Natsume is determined to free the spirits and dissolve the contracts. With the help of a spirit cat, his days are filled trying to return the names to these spirits.
(credit: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9419)

My Review: I first heard of this anime when an LJ friend recommended, but after reading the summary, I put it off. Boy, do I regret doing so. This anime is different from my usual choices, but it had something that kept me engaged for all 13 episodes. Natsume, the main lead, is a quiet, boring guy, with a fiery temper, who's a bit of a loner and able to see ghosts. However, for some reason, you find yourself liking him, cause he's such a nice guy and very likable whenever he gets angry or embarrased enough to let go of his usual reserve around people. I said earlier that this anime had a certain something that made me continue watching, well that something is Master Nyan Nyan (LOL), whose the powerful demon Madara in fat cat form, as well as the other demons. What makes this series so interesting is the characterization- the different demons (or spirits) that Natsume encounters, each with their distinct personalities and the few friends he makes in his small town. This is a slow paced anime that is very enjoyable. Give it a try!

Sungkyunkwan Scandal

Today is a drama review!

Title: Sungkyunkwan Scandal

Genre: Period, romance, comedy

Episodes: 20 

Synopsis: Sungkyunkwan Scandal is set in Sungkyunkwan University in the late Joseon era during the reign of King Jeongjo, revolving around the exploits and love stories of four youths. When her younger brother's illness worsens and their family is in danger of being evicted from their house for lack of money, Kim Yoon Hee enters the school under his name, disguised as a boy in her desperation to support him. There, she becomes friends with the intelligent and upright Lee Sun Joon, the playboy Goo Yong Ha and rebellious Moon Jae Shin. 

My Review: I really liked this drama. It was funny and cute and the historical aspects were interesting. Towards the middle, I fast-forwarded alot of it because of the political aspects. However, what made this drama special for me was the last five episodes.Kim Yoo Hee and Lee Sun Joon's relationship is so sweet and cute and I really loved watching them together! The best part of this drama is the characters! All of the characters are so interesting. You can't help, but fall in love with the main four (Goon Yong Ha and Moon Jae Shin were my favorites! haha). Despite how completely different they are from one another, they managed to build such a strong friendship. The supporting characters are also fun to watch as they were usually pretty funny. The political aspects of the drama bored me because I'm personally not interested in politics, but overall it is a very enjoyable drama.

Kimi Ni Todoke (season 1)

I'm on an anime binge! YAY!!

Title:

Kimi ni Todoke

Type:

TV Series, 25 episodes

Year:

Oct 7, 2009 to Mar 31, 2010

Genre:

Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Status:

Complete

Summary

Kuronuma Sawako is the perfect heroine... for a horror movie. With her jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor, she's often mistaken for the haunting movie character Sadako. But behind her scary facade is a very misunderstood teenager. Too shy to fit in, all she wants to do is make some friends. But when a popular boy in class befriends her, she's sure to make more than just that--she's about to make some enemies too!

My Comments

 I really liked this one! Finished it in TWO days! It's different from most shoujo anime I've watched. For one, this one is so light-hearted and endearing. It's definitely not as angsty and dramatic as most shoujo anime. What I liked most was the lead couple! Sawako wasn't the typical shoujo girl in love. She wasn't the Tsundere, violent and too stupid to realize her feelings. She wasn't the cutesy girl type either. Even though the series was totally Rated G and the two didn't even confess their feelings for one another even at the end (because there will be a second season, scheduled to air Jan. 4th), you're not aggravated and annoyed by the slow romantic pace. That is because both Sawako and Kazehaya are so damn sweet! Especially Sawako-chan. At first, she seemed really dull and stupid, but you soon realize that she's just naive, but also totally honest about her feelings, at least to herself and her best friends, which is refreshing. Girls in complete denial always annoyed me. Kazehaya is adorable, even though I sometimes wished he would stop his blushing, be a man, and just pounce! lol Just kidding. This is most definitely a must watch. I found myself smiling or laughing in EACH episode, from beginning to end. The side characters: Sawako's friends Yano and Chizu and Kazehaya's bud Ryuu are also lovable and good for a laugh or ten. Give it a try!

Kaichou wa Maid-Sama

Another anime review!

Kaichou wa Maid-Sama

Plot: Seika High School, once an all-boys school notorious for its wild students and for generally being a terrifying place for girls, has recently become a co-ed school. With the female population still a minority and living in fear of the over-the-top antics of the males, Misaki Ayuzawa takes it into her own hands to reform the school and allow the girls to feel safe in the rough environment.
Training, studying and even becoming the first female student council president of the school, Misaki has gained a reputation among the male students body as an uptight boy-hating dictator and as a shining hope for the teachers and fellow female students. However, despite her tough-as-nails appearance, she secretly works part-time at a maid cafe in order to support her family. Unfortunately, her hard-earned reputation is threatened when the popular, attractive, and somewhat impassive Usui Takumi takes an interest in her after discovering her in a maid uniform after school. Afterwards he starts to rescue her from many mishapped situations and she slowly starts to have affections for him, even if she doesn't realize it.





My review: I really really enjoyed this one! It had every thing I love in a good shoujo anime. Interesting (aka crazy) characters, fun and hilarious plot and a cute relationship between the male & female leads. This reminds me of Special A (which I also enjoyed), in that the male likes the a girl who is outrageously tough, basically one of the guys and a complete idiot when it comes to romance. Misaki is the same way. She's the student council president of a once all-boys school just turned co-ed and she rules with an iron fist. Usui is always teasing her and suggestively coming on to her and she doesn't know how to handle. This was such a fun anime to watch! I watched the entire series in just TWO days!! This is definitely a must watch! It's on the same level as Skip Beat!

Uraboku aka Betrayal Knows my Name

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae o Shitteiru (Betrayal Knows My Name) aka Uraboku

Sakurai Yuki is a mysterious boy with a mysterious power. Right after he was born, his mother left him near an orphanage, and he was later found. Because of that event, Yuki strives for independence. He hates being a burden to anyone near him, but at the same time, he is afraid of being left alone. Moreover, ever since he can remember he had a strange ability where when he touches others, he can feel their emotion. Unable to control it, he often made insensitive blunders in the past. He later meets with a mysterious yet beautiful man who saves his life, but somehow he feels so nostalgic, like he's met him before. While death threats and his ability increasing, a man who claimed to be his older brother suddenly appears, so what will Yuki do when he learns the truth?

My Thoughts: I put off watching this anime, because I'd thought it would be mostly about the gay, but not really relationship between Yuki and Luka, which I'm all for by the way. But I figured they're torture us fangirls for 24 episodes of hinting a gay relationship without any proof! lol But, whoa was I wrong. This anime has an interesting plot-line, fun and lovable characters and great action scenes. This is a must see if you want to see beautiful beautiful men fighting to protect their loved ones and the fate of mankind against evil. What I especially like, is how complex the characters are. They're so real, each one with his/her own past and issues, even the main villain. This is an anime about the strength and importance of real friendship.

Playful Kiss (K Drama)

PLAYFUL KISS

• Title: 장난스런 키스 / Jangnanseureon Kiss
• Also known as: Playful Kiss, Naughty Kiss
• Genre: Romance, school
• Episodes: 16
• Broadcast Network: MBC
• Broadcast period: 2010-Sep-01 to 2010-Oct-21
• Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
• Related TV shows: Itazura na Kiss, It Started with a Kiss 

(Photo & Info from dramawiki.com)

My comments: OMO!!!! I really Love this! Sarangeh!!! (I know spelling is totally off, but w.e.) Seriously!!! KYAAA!! It's most definitely a new top FAVE! It's so similar to ISWAK, which is the Taiwanese version, but BETTER!! For one, as much as I LOVE Joe Cheng, the male lead in the Korean version is a total CUTIE! lol And the female lead was so much cuter and not as annoying! AND ALSO, there were more romance in the korean version. Korean dramas tend to be a bit more illicit...not much when compared to American shows, but still, there were a couple of really nice kiss scenes! Also, I absolutely LOVED Seung Jo's mother! She was a total riot and provided comic relief during the romantic angst parts!

THIS. IS. A. MUST. WATCH!!!! 

Looney Express gives it a 5/5!!!!