ISBN-13: 9780778325369
Publisher: Mira
Published: May 2008
384pp



What does a tattooed Japanese Yakuza punk has in common with a leggy and brainy California beauty? At first glance, they make an odd couple but sparks fly between them in this exciting romance suspense, Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart. This is a joint-reading with Alice and Julia, and I had a great time reading with them as usual.

20-year-old Jilly Lovitz takes off for Japan not only she wants to pay a surprise visit to her sister, Summer and her Japanese brother-in-law, Takashi O'Brien but also secretly hoping she will meet Reno, Taka's cousin. A notorious Yakuza punk with a head of flaming-red hair and red tattooed tears on his cheekbones, Reno is not your typical hero but Jilly had a crush on him ever since she had met him two years ago.

But it is bad timing for she is being chased by a group of ruthless Russian hitmen that intend to use her as a bait to lure Taka out and she has no one to turn to except Reno. She never expects them to meet again under this bizarre situation, and not only she has to get used of him being her protector but they have to stay close together wherever they go.

Reno is attracted to her, but he cannot allow himself to get any closer to her as Taka and her sister have ever warned him not to hurt her, given his notorious reputation. He did not think she is his type anyway, and he is glad of this arrangement but things are not what they had hoped or expected. There are a few occasions that each of them are separated while escaping from the assassins and though they don't want to admit it, both of them do actually care for each other. With no way to go, Reno decided to keep Jilly at his grandfather's place, knowing that no one will dare to mess around with the elderly Ojiisan with his team of bodyguards. But never did they know that a traitor is hiding in disguise being one of the bodyguards and Reno later found out that Ojiisan's heavily guarded place is as dangerous as the outside world.

Soon they find themselves on the run again, and this time their attraction for each other is coming on too strong and unfortunately when Jilly is being captured by the baddies, Reno will have to find a solution and risk himself before he gets both of them killed.

Fire and Ice is an exciting, fast-paced romance suspense that got me hooked from the very first page and never let go till the end. Besides the plot, I also find it interesting to read the two protagonists that appears to be so different from each other and yet you could see sparks fly whenever they are in each other's company. Though Reno gives me the impression of being a tough and bad boy, he is not what I expected him to be initially. Funnily, it is Jilly who annoys me at times because she can be a tad stubborn and in my opinion she is a lot more trouble than Reno appears to be.

This book can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend to read the Ice series in order:

• Black Ice
• Cold As Ice
• Ice Blue
• Ice Storm

1. My best friend is one who understands me the best and is there for me whenever I need a listening ear.
2. I love it when I can take a break and go for a vacation.
3. My favorite movie is Spirited Away because I love the animations, and the story premise can be so thought-provoking.
4. I can't stand it when the air conditioning is on full blast and I have no cardigan or a shawl to wrap around with.
5. If I could have any job in the world it would be something that I love to do and the best thing is, I won't ever get tired of it.
6. Most weekends I enjoy the time spend with my family and don't have to worry about work.
7. Fried chicken, together with french fries and a glass of iced lemonade tastes so good!
8. Why does we feel the days pass by too fast even though there are 365 days in a year?
9. I have lots of stuff around the house, especially my books and my daughter's toys.
10. Blogging satisfies my need for exploring new stuff and getting to know new friends along the way.

1. Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
2. Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
3. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
4. One True Thing by Anna Quindlen
5. Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
6. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (currently reading)
7. Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart (currently reading)

I wouldn't say I have read a lot or too few books in this month, since it is about the average number of books I read each month. I am currently enjoying The Thirteenth Tale and Fire and Ice; I am reading the first book with Jaimie and the story is very intriguing right from the beginning. In this story, author Vida Winter is a mysterious character and I can't wait to find out her story as told to the young biographer, Margaret Lea. Fire and Ice is another exciting read, as I am reading this with Alice and Julia. With flaming red hair and tattooed cheekbones, Bad boy Reno is not your typical hero and I am eager to find out how sparks fly between him and the brainy beauty heroine, Jilly Lovitz as they race across Japan to escape from being assassinated.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mary Poppins for hosting this.

By the way, if you have read any of the books above (or any from my book list as shown on the right bar), please email me so that I can link up your review to mine.

Questions courtesy of MindFul Mimi who had some thought- provoking ones this week; thank you, Mimi!

I'd love to feature your questions, if you'd like to leave some for future use please feel free!

1. For me to not doing anything is the opposite of creativity.

2. Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult was the last excellent book I read was.

3. I like fill-ins because not only it is fun but also, I enjoy reading other participants' replies as well.

4. In nature I like looking at everything, because each thing is unique and beautiful in its own way.

5. Anyone who is capable, responsible and has a strong leadership should win the US elections.

6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was when my four-year-old daughter performing a silly little dance for us.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading The Thirteenth Tale and Fire and Ice after I have put my daughter to sleep, tomorrow my plans include cooking and spending time with my family and Sunday, I want to take a little break and read some more!

Suggested by: Thisisnotabookclub

What is reading, anyway? Novels, comics, graphic novels, manga, e-books, audiobooks — which of these is reading these days? Are they all reading? Only some of them? What are your personal qualifications for something to be “reading” — why? If something isn’t reading, why not? Does it matter? Does it impact your desire to sample a source if you find out a premise you liked the sound of is in a format you don’t consider to be reading? Share your personal definition of reading, and how you came to have that stance.
(Two weeks late for Reading is Fundamental week, but, well…)

Reading is both a hobby and a pleasure to me. There are several reasons I read. I read because I enjoy the storytelling by the authors; I often find myself lost in the characters' world if their stories are engaging. Then again, I read to improve on my vocabulary/grammar and to broaden my knowledge because there are so many new things out there waiting for me to explore, and it is always interesting to learn about other countries and their cultures.

As for comics, graphic novels and manga, I consider them storytelling too though it is the pictures that speak louder than the words. The only thing I have not tried is audiobooks, and I find e-books too inconvenient and straining to the eyes to read. Nonetheless, all of them are reading to me, although I would still say that novels comes off the top amongst all, partly because it is the traditional and original form of reading and moreover, it has been around for decades. The only thing that does not classified as reading is when we read instructions or anything that does not fit into storytelling.

"This week’s theme was suggested by Renay. She says, “I thought it would be cool to ask people to talk about other forms of story-telling.”

This week’s theme is once again one you could approach several ways. You might want to tell about the forms of storytelling (aside from books) you love. Maybe you enjoy TV shows, movies, music, narrative poetry, or Renay’s favorite, fanfiction. You could give us an overview of a type of storytelling, such as listing your favorite movies. Or you might pick a more specific story, one particular favorite. I just finished watching an episode of Lost, for example, so I could tell why I enjoy that series, or I could get more specific and focus on one character’s personal story. Some people might post youtubes of the songs whose stories they find brilliant, or some might share family bedtime stories. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!"

Another great topic this week! I have been thinking my answer for this and finally decided on this one - Manga (since I think this is another form of storytelling, besides books and movies that is.)

I am sure most of you must be surprised that I chose this topic because I hardly mention them on my blog as I mostly dedicate it to the books I read and my ramblings. The truth is, I read manga as early as I was in Primary School - that was also the time when I started getting hooked to Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton's books. Manga comes in later after that, and it was only by chance when I stumbled upon them when I visited my elder cousin's house one day. (She is the only daughter of my mother's elder sister, and she is three years my senior.) I remember I really looked up to her at that time, and although I was envious that she got to buy all the things she wanted (her family is considered above average class), I was quite satisfied with borrowing books from my neighbour and the school library. She introduced manga to me, although she dislikes reading books. And I understand why manga seems appealing because you don't have to concentrate on the texts and imagine the story yourself, you get the story just by looking at those little columns filled with sketches. Besides, the sketches are just brilliant, and I often find myself oohing and aahing over the artists' works. If it takes time for a writer to write a book, I can not imagine how much time it would take for the artist to complete his/her manga especially if they are in several copies! (The most I had read comes in a set of 23 volumes.)

I was hooked to them immediately after she lent a few to me, although my mother thought she preferred that I only read books because she felt I could learn more new words through reading them. I think her other reason was that there are romance themes in those mangas and she didn't want me to be influenced by the characters at that age, although there were nothing explicit in them except some kissing scenes. I continued reading them all the way to high school (although I didn't borrow from her anymore and rented them with my allowances), and it was only that I had my first job that I started buying and collecting them. Now I have a small shelf dedicated to my manga, although they still stood pale in comparison with my books collection. And I am quite choosy when it comes to manga because I only read romance and fantasy themes in them, unlike the books which I can read any genre that sparks my interest. I don't understand why. Although most of these manga are translated from Japanese into Chinese, I am glad that some of them are also translated in English language.

Questions courtesy of Michelle this week, thanks! I'd love to feature your questions, if you'd like to leave some for future use please feel free!

This is my very first attempt!

1. On my laziest day I like to do nothing but read and relax!

2. Clearing all my book piles (be it read or unread and especially those kept in the storeroom) makes me feel like I'm being productive.

3. I love little gestures and big hearts.

4. This summer I want to go to the cinemas and catch some movies with my husband since we haven't been to one for quite some time.

5. Reading and curiosity made me start my blog.

6. Red Washington apples and orange cantaloupes are two of my favourite fruits.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with my daughter and catch up with some of my reading, tomorrow my plans include doing household chores and watch Barney videos with my daughter and Sunday, I want to rest and relax!

ISBN-13: 9780743454551
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Trade
Published: November 2005
448pp



Well, it seems like lately I have been reading books that are thought-provoking or stories with a sad premise, isn't it? As some of you may tell, my reading mood varies. At times, I can read the same genre in a row, or other times I just switch from one genre to another. And then, there are also times that I pick up a book just because I am attracted to its cover. I know I am not a consistent reader when this is concerned, but I try not to limit myself to read a book just because I feel there is a need to (unless you are talking about reading challenges here, and I am running way out of time!). But still, reading pleasure always comes first. Oh well, I think I have enough of my ramblings and it is time to get on with this review.

Delia Hopkins has been living with her father since she was four. Now at 32, she works with law enforcement agencies to help them find missing people, together with Greta, her beloved search-and-rescue bloodhound. Although she feels the satisfaction of every successful missions, it gives her a loss feeling because she knows that she would not be able to find her mother, no matter how hard she try for she had died in a car accident. But she is going to put this sad memories behind her as she is happy with her four-year-old daughter, Sophia, and she has a fiancé, Eric, who is her childhood friend (who is also Sophia's father) until one day, a cop knocks on her door and have her father arrested for kidnapping. And Delia happens to be the child he had stolen.

Shocked and feeling betrayed, Delia couldn't understand what made her father commit the act but later she learns that he did it out of love, though it seems he had done it in an inappropriate (and not to mention, illegal) way. He feels Elise, Delia's mother, is incapable of taking care of Delia since she has a drinking problem, nor do he trusts Victor, her lover with Delia. He and Elise are already divorced when he took Delia with him. Delia later meets her mother, and found out she indeed had a drinking problem. Once again, she feels betrayed that she is misled that her mother is the victim. At this time, her father has already been extradicted to Arizona where he committed the 'crime'; and Eric, being an attorney agrees to take on the case, but he is going to face a big challenge as not only he will get tossed off the case or disbarred if he tells Delia what he has learnt, but the prosecutor is a pregnant lady who believes that kidnapping is a serious offense no matter whatever the circumstances is. And then, there is Fitz, who is also childhood friend of Delia and Eric and he has liked her since then. He is a writer with the New Hampshire Gazette and he is asked to cover this story. All of these add complexity and climax to the story.

There are various POVs throughout the book, as readers will get a glimpse inside each character's world and read their inner thoughts. The hearing in court is the scene which I most look forward to, as I was very eager to find out the outcome. While reading and anticipating the tension at the same time, I have also learnt that sometimes, things are not always seem to be what you think.

Jodi Picoult has the ability of merging moral issues into her fictions and makes them seem real, and this is another reason why I enjoy reading her books, besides the emotional and thought-provoking parts. I think this story will stay in my mind for quite some time.

Suggested by: Superfastreader:

Books and films both tell stories, but what we want from a book can be different from what we want from a movie. Is this true for you? If so, what’s the difference between a book and a movie?

I do not mind having my favourite books made into movies. In fact, I should be thrilled because that shows how successful and popular these books are to be made into movies! But then, what we read from the books might differ from the movies, due to some unnecessary (mundane) scenes and the time constraint. I do understand these issues from the film-makers' point of views, however it annoys me when they also cut off some scenes which I feel are relevant to the plots. There were a few times I felt some movies were a bit rushed, or worse, leaving me confused when one scene did not link with the other.

So, my view is, books and movies do differ from each other. I enjoy the flow of the story in books, as it slowly unfold before my eyes. But then again, I do enjoy watching the movies so I can visualize the characters through the artistes performance and watch their roles being played on screen. I will be most happy if the movies will follow as closely as the books, so it is like seeing my favourite books coming to life.

Take the Quiz here!

And my result is... Elinor Dashwood!

"You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see."

I have yet to read Sense & Sensibility, although I have it in my TBR pile. Now Elinor Dashwood had me intrigued!

I say: you think

1. red bright
2. book piles
3. seven up
4. grass green
5. song rhythm
6. pen ink
7. apple crunchy
8. sneakers running
9. classic timeless
10. penguin adorable

I always look forward to Nicholas Sparks new releases. Though some of his books are tearjerkers and might not have a happy ending, I do enjoy them and find them meaningful and thought-provoking. Most of the times, his stories strike a chord in my heart even though they are fictional. His stories often reflect the reality of life and how the difficult situations always made the characters into better persons which I find inspiring. It is no wonder his books made it to the bestselling list.

Note: I have decided to temporarily give up reading Succubus in the City by Nina Harper. I just couldn't get sucked into the story, despite it has an interesting premise and the protagonist is a sexy succubus who works with a she-demon, Satan. I liked the part where the hero is a mortal man, but regrettably I just couldn't find myself reading more, and partly I blame it on my reading mood. I have picked up the book at a wrong time. Nevertheless, I hope I will enjoy it at a later date although I have no idea when I will pick this up again.

Following up last week’s question about reading writing/grammar guides, this week, we’re expanding the question….

Scenario: You’ve just bought some complicated gadget home . . . do you read the accompanying documentation? Or not?

Do you ever read manuals?

How-to books?

Self-help guides?

Anything at all?

Well, I don't really like reading products manuals. I mean, I will skim through them in case they have any special instructions or anything, but I just don't read them for pleasure or even to kill time. If I'm stuck with the problem, I will usually approach my husband first before referring to the manual. It's faster that way, haha. (Unless he is clueless and he will be the one who will refer to them instead of yours truly.)

But when it comes to self-improvement books, then that is a different matter to me. I enjoy reading them, depending on the subjects and how much I find them informative and/or useful. Another scenario is, if I'm stuck with a computer or internet problem, I will google it. I don't know why, but I find searching answers online is so much easier than looking them up in manuals, partly because the web is so wide and you can just find anything there with only a click of your mouse.

• Want a new template for your blog? I suggest visiting FinalSense for some ideas. They even have some 4-columns layout which I think are pretty cool. There are a few various themes to choose from too.
  
• Love to read someone's blog and wants to be notified ASAP once a new post is up? Subscribe to their RSS Feed (FeedBurner), or you can even register for your own blog so that other readers are able to subscribe to your blog and also, you are able to access your blog traffic.
  
• Create a search widget on your blog so that other readers are able to search a topic within your blog easily (in this case, I recommend Lijit).
  
• Pictures do speak louder than words, sometimes! Post a few relevant images to go with your post as this will add some colour and liven up your blog.
  
• Get a Cbox if you want anyone to leave you messages instead of leaving them in the comment box.

To spread this meme, I'm going to tag the following friends (please feel free to tag as many as you like):

Two years have passed after Princess Anidori (Enna calls her 'Isi') married to her Prince Charming, and Enna returned to the forest; her home after the death of her mother. She missed home, though she yearns for the days spent at the kingdom where she worked as an animal worker. Just when she thought life will be peaceful for her and her brother, Leifer, a mysterious vellum found its way to Leifer and he began to learn the secret of the fire language. Enna fears he is not able to control the power, although she is fascinated by it and wants to learn it especially when Tira, the other kingdom has already claimed some of their Bayern borders. And when the ruler of Bayern asked for volunteers to prepare for the war, Leifer, as well as the others from the city and the forest all came forward and supported him. It is not an easy fight for Bayern, and unfortunately Leifer died in the process when summoning the fire as one would get lost easily if one doesn't exercise enough control.

This week's theme comes from Samantha, who suggested we should write about our fond memories of childhood books.

"You could approach this several ways. I’ll probably list my favorite childhood books with maybe a paragraph about each book: why I loved it, how old I was when I read it, where I got the book, etc. You could also just pick one childhood favorite and review it as you would any other book. Or, if you’re fast, you could make up a meme other weekly geeks might like to use. It’ll be interesting to see how everyone personalizes this theme. Don’t forget to come back and leave a link to the post in your comment once you’ve written your post. No wrap-up post this week; just the one childhood books post."

I don't think I will choose to review the book since I haven't been reading any of them for such a long time (but I do have a few of them in my keepers stack!), so I will pick the other option instead.

I remember my first book is an Enid Blyton book. I was probably nine-year-old then, and her books are very popular during that time (probably still are now). I didn't own any of the books (didn't have much allowance for them anyway) and I borrowed them either from the school library or from a neighbour. I remember she had a shelf of Enid Blyton's books (as well as some of The Hardy Boys Mysteries) and she didn't mind lending them to me (even though her mother always gave me her disapprovingly look as though I would not return them!).

Besides Enid Blyton's books, I was also a big fan of Nancy Drew. I find her courage and intelligence inspiring, and she is the first heroine I read and look upon to. I had read most of her books, and I find each mystery is so exciting and the adventure is set differently from one another. However, when I got into high school I didn't read them as much and instead turned to Bantam Sweet Dreams Romance for teens (which was then a big hit during the 80s). Again, I borrowed them from the school library, and to make things better, I had the privilege of borrowing two books instead of one since I was the librarian. Sadly, I can hardly find them nowadays as I do not think the publisher print them anymore, although I do spot them on rare occasions in some used bookstores.