Movie Review: Eclipse

Eclipse


Basic Premise
Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black are back for this third installment of the Twilight saga. Bella is fighting multiple battles. One with Edward for him to change her. One with Jacob for him to see they can't be more than friends. And one with Victoria and her army of vampires bent on seeing Bella dead. Jacob and Edward have to put aside their differences and jealousy to protect the woman they both love.

Manga Review: Cute Devil

Cute Devil by Hiro Madarame

Publisher: Tokyopop BLU
Price: $14.99
Genre: Yaoi, Drama, Romance
Themes: High School, Bishounen
Rating: Mature 18+
Volumes: 1
ISBNs: 978-1-4278-1803-4


Basic Premise
Tohru Akiyoshi is the class president, good student, and a very dependable guy. He's always been complimented on his girlie looks but has learned to take that in stride and be good natured about it. Then he meets Fuuta Naruse, a boy who is so pretty he puts most girls to shame. Tohru can only feel pity for Fuuta and avoids Fuuta so as not to get caught up in the swarm of people always following Fuuta around. Unfortunately, Fuuta has his eye on Tohru and he's willing to let loose the demon behind his cherubic mask to make Tohru his.


Sex Shown
Kissing, groping, suggestive positions, and allusions to more.


Review
Fuuta is hilarious. He's got the entire school wrapped around his finger since they all think he's some helpless pretty boy that needs looking after. Fuuta is actually trained in several martial arts and much stronger than he looks, which is why Tohru can't get away.

Poor Tohru. You can't help but feel sorry for the guy. Fuuta is ultra possessive and won't take no for an answer. Tohru seems to just give in and go along after a while. Even when Fuuta gets jealous, it's not really perceived as an act of love but rather making sure someone else doesn't take away his toy.

While an enjoyable read, it's not really that romantic. In the end, Tohru and Fuuta are pretty much perfect for each other, but you can see how they will end up having a nasty break up some time near, or shortly after, graduation.

Theirs will be the relationship that haunts them into future relationships until they find the right someone. In fact, this manga feels more like a fleshed out back story. I've read several shounen-ai and yaoi where the main character always has that past relationship that comes back to haunt him when his ex rolls into town. I can see Tohru going through the same later in life and having to overcome it to be with the person who truly loves him. Meanwhile, Fuuta would be all pissed and violent until he finds that perfect someone.

It's good for a re-skim if I don't have anything else better to read.

Anime Review: The Wallflower

The Wallflower
(Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge)

manga by Tomoko Kayakawa adapted to anime
Anime licensed by FUNimation (Manga by Del Rey)
25 episodes (24 Manga Volumes)
comedy, romance, male harem, high school, bishounen, somewhat paranormal

Basic Premise
Ranmaru Morii, Kyohei Takano, Takenaga Oda, and Yukinojoh Tohyama all live in a big beautiful mansion. They have the potential to live there rent free if they can turn the niece of the owner into the perfect lady. If they can't, then their rent will be tripled. None of the guys thinks the situation is too bad until they meet Sunako Nakahara. She is dark and moody and loves all things gothic and morbid. Her greatest joy in life is embracing the darkness and staying out of the limelight. The guys have a fight on their hands if they want to pry Sunako out of her shell. It's a fight to the finish and neither side will back down.



Review
I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this anime. I only started watching it out of curiosity since the niece of a friend professed an interest in it. I'm an anime nut so I decided to give it a chance.

I was hooked from episode one. This anime is hilarious. I love Sunako. She's a character to whom most anyone can relate. Picked on in school, she decided that living in darkness would mean never being hurt again. Her logic is sound but her family and friends won't let that happen. The wackiness that ensues from trying to get her to be "normal" makes this anime a keeper.

My favorite of all the guys is Kyohei. He's not just a pretty face. And, his personality definitely doesn't match his looks. He's the best looking of the four guys (according to the manga/anime and I agree) and has the most followers and the most problems because of those followers. Because of those problems, he's developed a bad attitude. That keeps him grounded and believable. He's not a playboy character breaking hearts every few seconds (that would be Ranmaru and he annoys me). If anything, Kyohei and Sunako are a lot alike since they both just want to be left alone, though they both reached that conclusion from different sides of the same spectrum.

My only complaint was that the anime ends before the story/plot runs its course. I've peeked at the manga, which I decided to get since I liked the anime so much, and it goes far and beyond what happened in the anime. Sometimes that happens, so it's not a huge surprise. It'll be interesting to see how the plot ends.

Even though I have that one complaint, this is still a great anime and I recommend it to anyone who likes Fruits Basket or Ouran High School Host Club.

Interviewed in the Steam Room

Michele Zurlo interviewed me for her new erotic romance promo blog -- The Steam Room.

Stop by and have a looksie.

Random Previews: June 2010

I totally missed May on this, but then I was getting ready for a convention and stuck in edits. BUT, that should mean there are new previews loaded for me to see and hopefully enjoy.

Let's get this party started. :D

- Valhalla Rising (16 July 2010)
I've always wanted to see a horror movie-esque film based in the middle ages... I have?? No wait. No I haven't. This puts me in the mind of The Pathfinder. I never finished watching that movie. Looks like I won't be watching this one either.

- The Oxford Murders (6 August 2010)
Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) and John Hurt (Hellboy and V for Vendetta) team up to star in a suspense thriller that looks like it should keep me guessing until close to the end. I want to see it. Maybe not in theaters (you know my special effects rule) but I definitely want to see it. Then again, I may have time to kill in August. We'll see. Kind of reminiscent of Jim Carrey's The Number 23. Guess I'll know for sure when I go see it.

- Little Fockers (22 December 2010)
Ummmmmm... I'm not sure what to say. Christmas in the Focker household and this time there are children involved. What can I say? I was reluctantly entertained by the first two. I'll grudgingly see the third... once it's out on DVD.

- Rio (8 April 2011)
From the creators of the Ice Age trilogy comes a caged bird learning to fly. It looks like it should be funny. I'm not seeing it in 3D though. :D

- Red (15 October 2010)
YES! YES! YES! Retired CIA coming back into action out of sheer boredom of retirement starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich. I have to see this!

- Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (10 December 2010)
It's time for the third installment of the hit novels. I would see it regardless of what the trailer looks like but the trailer looks damn good. I'm looking forward to this movie and hoping it's not too much of a repeat of what came before.

- Green Lantern
No actual trailer that I could find but please enjoy this Fan Made Trailer. And let me please note, since this is what the fans can do, imagine what someone with a few million dollar budget can do. :D

Anime Review: Kobato

Kobato

manga by CLAMP adapted to anime
Not licensed in US, fan subs only
24 episodes
Slice of Life, comedy, drama, romance, fantasy


Basic Premise
Kobato Hanato is a mysterious girl who has just appeared out of thin air... literally. She's on a heavenly mission to mend the broken hearts of the people around her. Once she has mended enough broken hearts, she will receive her fondest wish. Many challenges face Kobato since the simplest things seem to elude her, but she has the help of Ioryogi, her guide who appears to be a stuffed animal (even though he isn't).



Review
I pretty much like anything CLAMP puts out, even if I am hesitant to watch it. Kobato was no exception. I liked it.

It's presented in the usual CLAMP style and flair. There is an overall plot and an underlying plot that helps move the overall plot along. The characters are believable and loveable and you feel for them when things go wrong for them.

The part that I really loved were the cameos. You get a cameo from Shuichiro and Kohaku from Wish (even though the fansubbers kept mistaking Kohaku for a girl...ugh) and the men of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle (which made me want to watch the show despite being very against it in the beginning. You'll have to read the review for that one, once I finish watching it, to find out why). There is reference to another plot that I will have to track down just to find out what's going on with Ioryogi and his friends.

Despite not having some of the back story on a few things, it was still entertaining and attention-grabbing. Fans of CLAMP will like this series. I actually wouldn't mind sitting through it again if I had nothing else newer to watch.

Retro Movie Review: Zombieland

Zombieland


Basic Premise
An unknown plague has taken over the world and has turned the inhabitants into zombies. Those who were turned soon became infected after being gnawed on by those who were. Columbus is on his way home from college, hoping that his town and parents are unaffected. On the way he has the (mis)fortune of meeting Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock who join his search for survivors and Twinkies.

Anime Review: Durarara!!

Durarara!!

(also known as DRRR!!)
Series of novels by Ryohgo Narita adapted to anime and manga
Not Licensed in US, fan subs only
24 Episodes (DVD exclusive 25th ep)
Paranormal, High School, Drama, Horror, Suspense, Light Comedy, Light Romance


Basic Premise
Mikado Ryuugamine has just moved to Tokyo -- Ikebukuro to be exact. He's having to adjust to a big city from a little town and learn the ins and outs of dealing with the city's many ecletic inhabitants. From a headless, black-clad motorcycle rider to a bartender who'd rather chuck a whole soda machine (full of soda) at you as look at you. It's a wild ride, but Mikado seems up to challenge with the help of his old and new friends.


Review
This series has a LOT of characters. It's hard to keep them all straight at first. I was almost turned off by the sheer number of introductory characters. But, lacking anything else to watch, I decided to stick with it. I'm glad I did.

This is an anime that is about several different characters and a single narrator who all have different stories going until it all comes together at the end and you go "Ahhhhh! That's why."

It has elements of almost every genre. There is comedy (at least I laughed, but then I have a sick sense of humor). There is horror with a headless motorcycle rider wielding a scythe and an unknown slasher attacking people at random. There is most definitely drama with the typical high school hijinks and teachers who can't keep their hands to themselves. And, I already mentioned the paranormal element. Most everyone should find something to endear them to this anime. Then again, that might be a turn off for some.

All the characters were three-dimensional. There were a few with some question marks but the majority of the characters were fleshed out throughout the series. Just when you think you know someone, you learn more about them and that makes you like them more.

My favorite character from the beginning of the series until the end was Shizuo Heiwajima. I LOVE that man. He made the entire series friggin' hilarious for me. He is a man who isn't limited by the physical limitations of the human body. At a moment's notice, he can call on inhuman amounts of strength through sheer will to do an insane amount of damage to whomever is dumb enough to get him angry. No one crosses him and those who do regret it.

I ended this series (at ep 24, hoping to see 25) wanting more... in a good way. I wanted it to keep going so I could see what comes next. But, as in all good things, it had to come to an end before they ruined it.

Overall, this series requires patience. People who liked Watchmen probably won't have many issues with this series. I'm sorry I can't give an anime reference. I've seen so many over so many years that I can't think of an anime that compares.

First Review: Rites of Romance - Eris

FIRST REVIEW!!!

Eris has gotten it's first review from Rites of Romance.

5 lyres and a recommended read

"I was so taken in by the characters I loved, yes loved this book... The characters came to life for me, they all had flaws and imperfections and that’s what made them real to me."
~ GJM

Read the full review

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #10

Another update. Eris hasn't moved that much but this is also for my record as well as your information. :D

Bookstrand Top 100 - #24

Bookstrand Top 20 - #11

Same amount of reader ratings as last time and I'm still hoping for a review soon.

Movie Review: Jonah Hex

Jonah Hex


Basic Premise
Jonah Hex is an ex-confederate soldier who watched his family murdered before his eyes. He was supposed to die too but a shaman brought him back, though not all the way. He can now talk to the dead and uses the power to hunt down bounties. A new bounty has come his way, the man who murdered his family, a man Jonah thought was dead. Jonah will make sure the man stays dead this time.

Movie Review: Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3


Basic Premise
Andy is grown and going off to college. But what happens to Woody, Buzz, and the others? They don't want to be trashed and they don't want to go to the attic. They end up donated. Children will be playing with them forever. It's a dream come true until the nightmare sets in. Now they have to find a way to get back to Andy... if they can.

Movie Review: Karate Kid

Karate Kid


Basic Premise
Dre Parker has just been relocated to China because of his mother's job. He's having the typical new kid response to a new town, including bullies. He wants to fight back but his bullies are well versed in kung fu. He is not. To be on equal footing, Dre gets a reluctant teacher in Mr. Han. They have until the big tournament to get Dre ready.

Movie Review: A-Team

A-Team


Basic Premise
Hannibal, Face, Murdock, and BA have leaped from the TV screen to the big screen. This is the introduction of the A-Team--how they met and how they came to be known as the A-Team.

Anime Review: Princess Lover

Princess Lover

12 episodes
Comedy, Harem Romance, High School


Basic Premise
Teppei Arima has lost his parents in a tragic accident. He is adopted by his maternal grandfather, the head of the Arima combine, which is the real power behind Japan's economy. Teppei has to get used to life in a new school with new friends, a new fiancee, as well as figure out a plot that threatens to bring his new life to a halt.


Review
Teppei is an interesting guy. He is a practitioner of kendo and takes life seriously despite his oblivious attitude towards most outward stimuli. He's a likable character and it's understandable why he ends up with a harem of four hot anime chicks clamoring for his attention.

Yuu is his maid. She's the practical, gentle one. Sylvia is the fiancee in the arranged marriage. She's a no-nonsense fencing savant who attacks life the way her sword attacks her opponents. Seika is the head of the society club and a lead fashion designer who sees a goal and plows towards it full steam ahead. And then there is Charlotte, the princess in the title. That's all she is. She's a complete waste of animation and a total TSTL heroine.

If the writers could have left Charlotte out of the plot, and just focused on Sylvia, Yuu, and Seika, it would have been a great anime. Heck, they didn't even really need Seika since she just represented a Japanese version of Sylvia, who is European.

Through the whole anime, I was routing for Charlotte to disappear. I didn't care if it was violent or incidental so long as she left. No such luck. Her inclusion halved the enjoyment of this anime greatly.

The feel of the anime was fun. The plot faded in and out and was easily forgotten until the writer remembered to mention it. The villain was half-assed and over dramatic. All in all, an anime to pass the time if you have nothing else better to watch.

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #9

Work annoyed the ever living crap out of me, but I'm trying to get over it so it doesn't ruin the rest of my day. *trying hard not to grind her teeth*

Anywho... here's the update for Eris.

Bookstrand Top 100 - #27

Bookstrand Top 20 - #12

11 readers giving it a rating of 5 out of 5

I'm hoping for a review soon. I know I'm still too new to be at the top of anyone's list of must-reads, and there are a lot of books out this summer. I be a-waiting.

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #8

I swear I'll post something else eventually. I have two movie reviews that need posting and I'm going to see another movie after work today (Friday).

Anywho, on with the update.

Top 100 - #34
Top 20 - #14

9 readers have rated Eris 5 out of 5.

Happy Renee. :D

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #7

Just because it's a new day. :D

Status of Eris

Top 100 - #39

Top 20 - #17

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #6

Eris seems to be leveling off, which is why I haven't posted that many updates today. I know you missed me though. :P

Bestseller List Top 100 (30 Days) - #40

Bestseller List Top 20 (14 Days) - #20

And, six readers all left a 5 out of 5 rating.

Guest Blog: Love Romance Passion

I guest blogged at Love Romance Passion.

Give it a looksie
http://www.loveromancepassion.com/time-a-convulted-concept/

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #5

First post of the day. I just woke up and checked some mail before jumping over to Bookstrand to see where Eris is at.

She jumped up to #47 while I was sleeping.

Keep climbing, baby. :D

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #4

I'm posting a lot today. :D

Don't worry. I'll be going to bed soon... I think. I might be too keyed up to sleep. At any rate, when I get off the computer for the day the posts will stop until I wake up.

Eris is at #63 and this time there are 4 ratings waiting for me. Each a 5 out of 5. This calls for lots of hugs and alcohol.

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #3

*Major Happy Dancing*

That's right. It's time for another update. :D

Eris has reached #77.

BUT, that's not what has me happy dancing. I got a rating. Someone read it, finished it, and left me a 5 out of 5 rating.

*Shaking my groove thing*

I'm always sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear some sort of news from a reader who has finished my stories when they first come out. Happy Renee!

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #2

I was almost sad there for a second. I scrolled down the list to #94 and Eris had disappeared... then I scrolled up. :D

Eris  has hit #88.

Woot. The good times keep coming.

Bookstrand Bestseller Watch #1

It's that time again. :D

With every new release, I sit and watch the bestseller meter until my title disappears. I also give updates whenever my title moves.

The lovely people at Bookstrand are nice enough to list the Top 100 for the past 30 days. There is also another list for the Top 10 of the last 14 days. Note - The fewer days the list is based on, the easier it is to get on it since the book isn't going up against titles that have been out and getting sales for an entire month.

Eris is currently at 94 on the Top 100 list.

Thanks, everybody, for all your support. *hugs*

Eris Released TODAY!!

Eris by D. Renee Bagby

Genre: Fantasy Mainstream Menage (m/f/m), Interracial, Unorthodox Time Travel
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Menage Amour Imprint
ISBN: 1-60601-837-X
Release: 14 June (today)
Length: 160,003 words (508 pgs PDF)
Format: eBook
Price: $6.99

BUY NOW

Read Excerpt
Read First Chapter

Eternal Truths Series, Book 1


Time is on their side and they can be together, assuming the truth doesn't ruin everything first.

Immortals born in the thirteenth century, Lucien Riordan and Ranulf Styr have waited centuries to be reunited with their love. Want for her cemented their friendship through time even as it tore it apart. She changed their lives, made them want better, and they plan to show her that. There’s only one catch—she’s never met them before.

Eris Brue is flattered by Lucien and Ranulf’s attention but they are her bosses. She doesn’t want to get tangled up in an office romance, especially not with two men. Their joint seduction overcomes her resolve and she gives in even though she knows they are keeping secrets that could doom their relationship.

Centuries of planning have finally come to fruition. Lucien and Ranulf have a short amount of time to make Eris love them, because once time has her, everything could come to an end.

Contest

Three lucky people will win a download of Eris What to be one of them? Visit my cyber launch and leave a comment or a question. That's it. You'll be entered into the lottery. This is a one-day thing only and that day is today (14 June). Winners announced tomorrow (15 June) at the same location.

Good luck and have a happy!

~ Renee
------------------
D. Renee Bagby
Building New Realms of Passion...
http://dreneebagby.com

Writing Update: Eris Pre-Order

ERIS is up for pre-order at the Siren-Bookstrand site.

$6.99 for you copy that will be available for download on Monday. Get yours today!

Click HERE