|
|
Thursday, June 29, 2006:
It's time to get Dirty (Little Secrets!)
 Okay, I've been procrastinating, and before I knew it, June almost passed me by! I said I was going to do a June contest, so here it is, better late than never. That's kinda become my motto recently. Yet we will not dwell on my idiosyncrasies, no, not when I have a contest to run. So here it is: awhile ago, I won a wonderful prize from author Julie Elizabeth Leto; a signed copy of her book, " Dirty Little Secrets". It's a hot and steamy read, with a kick-ass, bad girl heroine who has lots of options (i.e. men). Marisela Morales, our heroine, even has her own website, so check it out if you want to read more. Everyone should have a little bit of the bad girl Marisela in them. I know I do (even if it's only in my head LOL). Well, since I had this awesome book already, I wanted to hold a contest to win a copy of "Dirty Little Secrets". So with Julie's permission, I decided to make it a summer giveaway, because there's just something about hot and dirty that sounds, well, really sexy. The deal: all you have to do is... share a secret. It doesn't have to be a deep, dirty secret you've been keeping for years. It could be a fun secret, a sweet secret, or an outrageous secret. It doesn't matter to me. Maybe you work as an accountant by day and an exotic dancer by night. Or you won the lottery and spent all your money on expensive cars for a really hot guy. Maybe you write greeting card messages. Have an obsession for scary movies. Appeared in a music video. Whatever. Just a tidbit about yourself that you'd like to share with the group. I'll go first: when I was 16, I took a trip to California and appeared in the audience of "Love Connection". It was a lot of fun to hear the stories, and yes, I really did get to push the button to vote. I think we watched 3 shows worth of taping, and Chuck Woolery was funny and even better-looking in person. I know I have mentioned it before, several times, in fact, so it's not really a secret, but it's the only interesting thing I could think of about myself. Yes, I am ever so exciting. So please respond by Friday, July 7th, no later than 7pm Central Time. Saturday morning I will draw a random winner, and will make every attempt to send out the book by the following Monday. Just have fun with it, and thanx for playing! Good luck :) **The 2nd book in the series, " Dirty Little Lies", is scheduled for an August 29th release date:**  Isn't this another hot cover? Oh, and if you want to visit another cool place Julie frequents, go check out the Plotmonkeys, where you'll chat with Julie and 3 other cool authors: Janelle Denison, Leslie Kelly, and Carly Phillips. It's a fun place to hang out :)
posted by Stacy~ at 6/29/2006 08:03:00 PM
|
 
Monday, June 26, 2006:
Why "Murphy's Law" can actually be a very good thing!
 It's no secret that I am a bit of a fan of Lori Foster. Not only is she one of my favorite authors, she's also a wonderful lady in person - sweet, friendly and always making sure everyone is having a good time. If you ever get the chance to meet her, I promise you will not be disappointed, because no matter how shy you are, she will make you feel welcome. This ability is obvious in her stories as well. This time around, she's outdone herself with her latest release, " Murphy's Law". (Click here for an excerpt). One of the things I admire most about Lori's writing is how she really stays true to herself and to her values, despite which trends are hot and popular these days. You will always find a story strong on family - whether in the traditional sense or a more unconventional dynamic - and the importance of honesty, loyalty, and the preciousness of children. Lori weaves these beliefs into "Murphy's Law" with a deft hand, and she will have you blinking back tears as she tugs at your heartstrings, then cheering as you watch her characters fall in love. There are sweet moments of humor and still others that will have you laughing out loud. " Murphy's Law" follows Lori's previous release " Jude's Law", and readers will be thrilled to re-visit favorite characters from that book in her latest release. Quinton Murphy has been intrigued by fiercely independent Ashley Miles from the very beginning, but she won't give him the time of day. It isn't until they share a fireworks kind of a kiss that he realizes the attraction goes both ways, but the frustrating Miss Miles still refuses to act on those feelings with him. In fact if Quinton wasn't so self-confident, Ashley would deflate his ego like a balloon. He's never known a woman who is not impressed by what he has, and having to work so hard just to go out on a date with this maddening woman frustrates him, but it also gets his attention in a big way. Ashley has not had an easy life, but you won't find her crying about what she doesn't have. No, this woman has goals, and she's not afraid of a little hard work, or lack of sleep, in order to make them happen. After all, God granted her with plenty of energy and determination, and blessed her with May, the best friend Ashley could ever have imagined. Now her attraction to Murphy, as well as a persistent danger, threaten to wreck all of her carefully laid plans. But sometimes fate has other ideas, and sometimes those new plans are exactly what you need.... I have to say that I think Ashley is one of my favorite Foster heroines, right up there with Cyn. What I love most about her is that she's unapologetic about who she is. Determined to make it on her own, Ashley really gets her dander up when Quinton tries to coddle her, but is intelligent to know when she needs to assistance. She has pride and stubbornness, but not stupidity, thank God: many a heroine have been ruined by the "too stupid too live" complex, yet fortunately Ashley is not one of them. She knows it's not a sign of weakness to ask for help when there are no other realistic options, and she's mature enough to do just that. And she doesn't soften up with just a few flattering words from Quinton either. If he wants to be with her, he has to take her as she is, and if he has a problem with that, well, tough. Then he's going to have to deal with it, not her. Quinton is the perfect complement to our prickly heroine: strong, self-assured, with an old-fashioned work ethic and an abiding love for children that endears him to his lady. Murphy may have grown up with all the privileges Ashley was forced to do without, but he does not believe he is entitled to a free ride. Instead he gives back, again and again, and there is no greater joy than in helping others reach their full potential. The lovely and fascinating Ashley does not fall right into his arms, which intrigues him, but it's her own work ethic and generous heart that has him falling head over heels in love. Life will never be boring with his little endearing tyrant -and Murphy just has to convince Ashley of this, which he will do with pleasure. The exchanges between the two are amusing and invigorating, and Ms. Foster has a way of writing hot love scenes that are lush, romantic, and sexy in the way they enfold, yet not too explicit or overpowering for the story. Physical intimacy between two consenting and mature adults is something to be embraced, not something to be embarrassed about and certainly not anything to be ashamed of, and in a Foster story that is exactly what you can expect: earthy, passionate scenes that show how being responsible and considerate of your partner can be very sexy and fulfilling. Turn up those fans, readers! So another gold star for you, Lori, for writing this touching story from the heart. It sure touched mine, and as always, I eagerly await that next story...
posted by Stacy~ at 6/26/2006 07:28:00 PM
|
Sunday, June 25, 2006:
Getting a little "Wicked" - and loving it :)
 I've been wanting to see this production for quite some time. Through work, I was able to get " Wicked" tickets - purchased them back in February for myself, a co-worker, her daughter and daughter's boyfriend - and today was the day of the show. Let me tell you, I was so excited! The presentation was for 2pm at the wonderfully restored Oriental theatre in downtown Chicago, so I met my co-worker around 11:30am. These days, people go to plays wearing jeans, but we wanted to dress up and look nice. Before taking our seats, we had a cocktail - I opted for champagne, which gives me a pleasant buzz. I was ready for my theatrical experience. This was only the second time I've gone to see a show - the other being " Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" with Donny Osmond - and I was very impressed with the production. The costumes were gorgeous, the songs were catchy and some were rather moving, and the dialogue was amusing and at times poignant. I loved how the show refers to current events and also to "The Wizard of Oz", because who hasn't seen that classic at least 20 times? Anyway, in a lot of ways, "Wicked" was like a version of your relationship with your best girlfriend. It's definitely about friendship and the bonds between women. I haven't read the book by Gregory Maguire, but I understand there were quite a few differences between the two versions. I'm not sure now if I want to read the book after seeing the show, but maybe someday I will. I just know that this musical was extremely enjoyable and one I hope everyone gets a chance to see. There's just something about being in a packed theatre and becoming so engrossed in the story that you forget how long the production is. It's over 3 hours long, with only one 10-minute break, which doesn't give you a lot of time to take a bathroom break before you're rushed back into the theatre before the doors are locked. Then and only then did I regret that glass of champagne LOL. Afterwards, we went out to dinner at Tony Rocco's, an Italian restaurant owned by the mother of someone I work with. From the moment we walked in until the moment we left, the whole experience was excellent. The owner and chef took the time to greet us and came over to visit during the meal to see how we were doing, and the wait staff was attentive and considerate to our needs. The food was wonderful - I had this amazing risotto dish with shrimp, scallops, mushrooms and spinach. The martinis were strong, the chocolate mousse, teramisu and pistacchio ice cream mouth-wateringly divine, and the ambience was inviting and relaxing. So if you're ever in Chicago, look this place up. All in all, I had a glorious day in the city. Being such a suburbanite, I rarely go downtown, but this was one opportunity I couldn't pass up. I hope to get more chances over the summer now that I've taken the next few months off from my part-time job. So...how was your weekend?
posted by Stacy~ at 6/25/2006 08:59:00 PM
|
Saturday, June 24, 2006:
"Click" (2006) - movie review
 A workaholic architect, who has been overlooking his family in favor of his career, comes across a universal remote that allows him to perform TiVo-like functions on his life, such as pausing events or fast-forwarding over them. When the remote begins creating its own memory and choosing what to fast-forward over, the man sees how much of his personal life has passed him by and realizes the importance of spending more time with his family.
I went and saw this with a friend today, and we both liked it, though it was typical Sandler fare. Going into one of these movies you know there's going to be a lot of juvenile, adolescent boy humor, but I can live with that because sometimes I find that to be very funny. Basically the movie is about Michael Newman ( Adam Sandler) who is so busy trying to get ahead in his career that he ends up neglecting the family he is trying so hard to provide for. Instead of spending time with his wife Donna ( Kate Beckinsale) and two young kids, Michael is at the beck and call of his arrogant and unfeeling boss (David Hasselhoff), which means he misses out on important events such as his son's swim meet and spending time with his own parents. This leads to him not sleeping and being cranky with the people he cares about most because at least with them, he doesn't have to worry he'll be "fired". Michael is torn with the stress of trying to please everyone until one day he comes across a magical remote control that begins to make his life a whole lot easier. At first, Michael is very happy with what this remote can do, and doesn't realize the impact of skipping past some of the bad stuff just so he can enjoy the good parts. But eventually his actions catch up with him and the end result is not what he expected at all... Like I mentioned earlier, I did like this movie. Sandler has a way of endearing himself to men and women alike with his humor but also his more sensitive side, though I will admit it took me awhile to notice that in his films. It wasn't until I saw " The Wedding Singer" that I began to really take notice of Sandler's work and actually enjoy it. Okay, fine, I'll admit it: I had a huge crush on his character Robbie Hart. I wanted to be Drew Barrymore's character Julia so bad - but I think that's a post for another time. What I enjoyed about the film was the message. It seems like everyone is pulled in 20 different directions, no one is getting enough sleep, and people are unhappy in their careers and in their relationships because of it. "Click" reminds us, in a funny way, the importance of knowing what our priorities are and what could potentially happen if they are ignored. Another thing I liked was that it was mostly aimed at men, because a lot of times there are films that are centered on the same idea but revolving around a female, and it's good to see that Sandler stressed the male angle, especially in relation to the other men in his life, such as his son and his father. There's quite a bit of emotion involved in these scenes, and I think to sprinkle that along with the more humorous scenes makes them easier for male viewers to (hopefully) take to heart. I liked the message, I liked how Sandler's character interacts with the other members of the movie because a lot of the scenes are played out much like they would in real life, yet even the imperfections can be endearing. Did I love this film? No, but that's okay; not every movie is going to rock my world. Would I recommend going to the theatre to see it? Well, I went to the matinee, which was about $4.50, as much as you'd pay to rent the DVD, so sure, catch it on the big screen. It couldn't hurt. Just don't expect award-winning material, and you'll do just fine.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/24/2006 08:59:00 PM
|
Thursday, June 22, 2006:
A Game of Pleasure - Barbara Satow
 I got the chance to meet Barbara 2 weekends ago in Ohio, and was the first person (but definitely not the last) to stand in line to buy her book. Barbara was sweet and gracious, and very happy to chat with readers and talk about writing and her love of books. I finally got a chance to read her book " A Game of Pleasure", published by Premium Press America, and just finished it last night. Here are my thoughts.... I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which could be categorized as a sweet historical romance if one were inclined to label it. Lord Castleton is recovering from a riding injury and is in pursuit of entertainment to amuse him while he heals. Enter Miss Portia Kirby, a 30-year-old spinster who has accepted her lot in life graciously, and who finds joy in truly getting to know the people she comes into contact with. Portia has put her dreams of a husband on the shelf long ago, and is rather confused by Castleton's attentions, but is soon reassured by his offer of friendship when he makes no further overtures to deepen their relationship. David Carlisle, Lord Castleton, is intrigued by Portia, and underneath that eligible bachelor persona resides a compassionate and intelligent man who gradually begins to recognize many of Portia's promising qualities. She is honest and trustworthy, and extremely astute when it comes to understanding human nature. And then there is that elusive quality of beauty she possesses that gets stronger everytime he is with her. Soon David finds himself falling in love, and wanting to make the illuminating Miss Kirby his bride. Now all he has to do is convince Miss Kirby of that fact. Portia knows her spinster status has limitations, and one of them wil be to go back to her old life once Lord Castleton has fulled recovered from his injury. Yet he stirs her soul, and becomes one of her greatest advocates in many matters. Falling in love with him would be foolish, but Portia begins to realize that she doesn't have much of a choice.... I truly, truly liked this book, and found it extremely refreshing amidst all the sultry, more erotic stories that have become so popular. The first few pages start out a little slow, but by the time Lord Castleton and Miss Kirby have acknowledged each other, my attention was captured. Portia is not a bold, eye-catching character, but she has a way about her that draws people to her just the same. She is empathetic to the troubles of others, and always works to sooth them away, but she is not a do-gooder or a doormat. Portia is someone you would want as one of your own friends. As for Lord Castleton, he is used to being in high demand, and is bemused by Portia's obvious lack of adoration, yet intrigued the more he gets to know her. His injury turns out to be a life-altering event that brings Portia into his world, a place he soon wishes to have her hold permanently. Their love story is peppered with admiration, friendship, and a few intoxicating kisses, but draws the line at further physical intimacy, and I found this strangely refreshing considering the wide acceptance of scenes that fling the bedroom door wide open for a to see. Instead the focus is put more on the characters and their interactions with each other. All in all, a very satisfying book. I will be keeping my eyes open for Ms. Satow's next story.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/22/2006 09:45:00 PM
|
Tuesday, June 20, 2006:
The 21st Century version of the HEA
Last Friday night I went out for dinner with some of my friends from the office. We were celebrating because one of my co-workers just graduated from college with her Bachelor's degree in finance. (She plans on going back after the summer to work on her Master's). We went to Wildfire, a restaurant that I'd never been to but enjoyed very much. It was a lot of fun, the martinis were excellent, and going out is something we don't do often enough. But we made the time that night for my friend because it's a major accomplishment, and we are all so proud of her. It was a big deal to her, so of course it was a big deal to us as well. Over the drinks and entrees, conversation inevitably turned to our personal lives. At one point, one of the ladies turned to me and said something along the lines of "We've been talking and we think you should sign up with eHarmony". Now some people might take offense to this, but I just laughed (because yes, it was funny!) and asked why would I want to lose what I have: my freedom and the right to choose how I spent my free time. I have no complaints about my situation and don't have any intention of worrying about my single status. For now, it's the path I've chosen and would regret being with someone just for the sake of saying I was not alone. To be honest, I am much less lonely than some people I know who are involved with someone, and I am thankful for the choice I've made. And the thing is, I don't have to be alone if I don't want to be. I have the option of being with someone right now if that was what I wished - all I have to do is say the word and he's mine. But the "melt" factor is definitely not there for me, and I can't imagine settling for less. I'm selfish, and I want all or nothing. Interestingly enough, to coincide with this conversation from this past weekend, I came across this post at the Aphrodisia Authors blog while trekking through the blogosphere, and it really made a lot of wonderful sense to me. The definition of the HEA is not only about finding your soulmate and living together forever in romantic bliss (as if!), but about finding what it is that brings you happiness. And as some of the posters pointed out, if you are not happy, then you need to do whatever it takes to change that, and that doesn't necessarily mean "find a man". It could be a career change, a move to a brand-new place, challenging yourself to do something you've never done or something that has scared you (such as living alone or flying). It could be to write the story that's been floating around your head for years, or making peace with someone you've been fighting with, or realizing that yes, you really are a good parent. It's basically about truly loving yourself first. (Yes, it really is "all about me"). So for all of you out there with well-meaning friends (or co-workers), or moms who want grandchildren, take heart. And take pride in your accomplishments and unlimited array of choices. Because hey, you could hop on a plane to Sydney, Australia tomorrow if you so chose to do so, and that is one trip I would love to make - just pass me the sleeping pills :) - and we are on our way to Aussie bliss...well, actually, isn't it winter there, or something close to it? Then you'll just have to go to Greece or Ireland or anywhere your little heart desires. Now that's the point *g* So singles: rejoice!
posted by Stacy~ at 6/20/2006 07:36:00 PM
|
Monday, June 19, 2006:
"The Lake House" (2006) - a movie review
Dr. Kate Forster (Sandra Bullock) abandons her peaceful lakeside dwelling to work in a Chicago emergency room. To her surprise, when checking in on her old home, an unusual lakeside house, she begins exchanging love letters with its newest resident, Alex Burnham (Keanu Reeves) a frustrated architect. When they discover they're actually living two years apart, they must try to solve the mystery behind their unique romance before they miss their chance at love.
It's been awhile since I've done a movie review, but then again, it's been awhile since I've been to the movies. I went and saw " The Lake House" yesterday with my friend Liz, who did not like it. But then again, she liked "Anaconda", so in my mind, her taste is questionable *g* I, however, loved this movie. I'll admit that I went into it with low expectations for a few reasons. 1). I was concerned this would be some type of rip-off of "Speed", despite there being no bus in sight. Well, actually there is one, but it plays a bit part, so that blew that theory out of the water, and 2). I was also worried that this would be the 2006 version of "Ghost". I loved both those movies, but did not want to see them re-made into " The Lake House". No, in my mind, this movie stands alone. Why did I enjoy this film so much? Because it wasn't overly sentimental, and it wasn't about find the perfect person, no matter what. It was about finding the one for you, but not giving up your life waiting for that person to show up. Through the course of this unusual romance, Kate continued to be a doctor. Throughout the course of the movie, she lived her life, hoping someday to meet Alex, yet reaching a point where she realized that it might never happen. In fact at one point, that seems almost a given. As for Alex, he had unresolved issues in his own life, mostly in regards to his father and their troubled relationship. Another plus is that there are two very likable actors playing the parts of the main characters. Sandra Bullock, whom I've adored since "Speed", and I've been a fan of Keanu since he appeared in the 1986 t.v. movie " Young Again". Sandra has the cutest hairstyle (that's so important, you know), and her personality just draws you in. When she smiles, the whole world lights up, and her vulnerability in the role is genuine - you feel her pain when there is loss. You also know that when she allows her character to open up, it's because she truly starts to care for this man who lives two years in the past, which is very bittersweet because you're not sure how it's going to end. As for Keanu, he is less reserved in this movie, and seems more comfortable in his own skin. When his character finally falls in love, you feel it, and you know it's not something he does easily. The two together are completely engaging, especially in their scenes together, and both make this unlikely storyline seem completely believable. Just look at this picture: don't they just look perfect together? Well, I think they do.... I think some people will not like this movie because their logical side will get in the way. They will start thinking about times and dates and probability and think "why bother with the whole thing to begin with?" but that's one of the reasons I love the movie. It wasn't about logic or reality or anything really tangible, but that's how love works - it's not something you can fix with your hands or calculate in your head. It just is. Call me a sap - I will bear the title with pride. ***SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!*** So...what are some of the highlights from the movie? The ones that I remember most are those scenes when Kate and Alex actually shared moments in each other's presence. You see, by the time Kate and Alex start writing letters to each other, they actually have shared a few real memories where they touch. For instance, Kate has sent Alex to a location to find something she left behind, and in the process, he actually sees her, but doesn't realize it's really her, or doesn't react fast enough, because the train pulls away. From there, he attends a party - her birthday party to be exact - and they share a dance, which leads to a sweet, romantic kiss, made more poignant by the fact that Alex already knows who is he is holding in his arms. But he plays it cool, not wanting to alarm the woman whom he's been corresponding with, and the kiss happens naturally because even then, Kate senses the connection they share, and how he is so unlike Morgan, the man who she is dating at the time. Note: Morgan is actually a pretty decent guy, and really cares for Kate, though it's obvious he's not the man that understands her or "gets" her. Still, Kate has feelings for Morgan, and wants to make their relationship work. And there's also the events that seem so unimportant or totally unrelated to their relationship that end up being much more significant to the plot. The one I'm thinking of I won't reveal here, but suffice it to say it plays a major role in their story. But I would advise not dwelling too much on it and instead just enjoy the movie. Suspend your belief a little bit, and let the romantic elements of the movie take over and (hopefully) capture your interest. I really hope you like it as much as I did. I will definitely be buying the DVD, which, these days, should be in a few weeks LOL.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/19/2006 09:27:00 PM
|
Saturday, June 17, 2006:
 I have 3 million thoughts running through my mind for blog topics but my laziness and procrastination tendencies have decided to take over today, so instead of posting insightful and brilliant dialogue, I decided to let our eyes do the talking. Plus it's too darn hot out, hence the hottie inspiration. So enjoy the eye candy, and hopefully soon I'll have something to say *g* For right now, though, I'll let Josh Waldo do the talking...
posted by Stacy~ at 6/17/2006 10:15:00 PM
|
Thursday, June 15, 2006:
I've been hopping around the blogosphere looking for inspiration, and I've noticed a lot of people are writing book reviews, which I really enjoy reading. Some people are brutally honest while others are more vague. A few write long, detailed accounts of the story while some write a few sentences to capture their thoughts.
But one thing I've noticed that a lot of the reviews have in common is....disappointment. Disillusionment. Even apathy. To me, it's sad to see such a lack of interest in the books people have been reading. And I can say that I do understand the feeling to a certain degree. We pay good money for the stories we read, and to feel like it's been wasted is beyond frustrating. I can also relate to the feeling of being let down when there is a recurring problem of reading the "same" book from 5 different authors. For example: I love vampires, and there is a huge selection to choose from regarding the fanged hero, however, where is the originality? Sherrilyn Kenyon brought us the Dark Hunters, and for the first time, I saw vampires as something other than creepy and pasty-white parasites. She created hot-blooded heroes that any red-blooded woman (yeah, yeah, yeah) would find irresistible. MaryJanice Davidson brought such a refreshing touch to her vamp series by using laugh-out-loud humor and sprucing up the well-known history of the modern-day vampire and blowing all those recycled and boring stories out of the water, not to mention having the protagonist be a woman. (Hello? What took so long?) Now there is a new wave of wannabes who are latching onto the coattails of those writers who have set themselves apart. Sad but true. [Question: were SK and MJD pioneers of the 21st vampire? I can't say for sure, but they are two of the first examples of authors who colored outside the lines that I read, so I will continue to hold them in high esteem *g*]
I could go on and on about similar such travesties, but instead I will cut my tirade short and concentrate more on what I like in my romances or the must-have qualities that seal the deal.
"There must be a declaration of love". Please, oh please, do not short-change me on this. The hero & heroine have had the obligatory misunderstanding/obstacle/separation for at least 3/4 of the book and all I ask is that someone, preferrably the sexy hero, say 3 little words at the very end. Come on, how hard can that be? "There must be a happy ending". I don't want chick lit in my romances. A romance ends with euphoria, a commitment, the joining of soulmates, not "tomorrow is another day". Scarlett got her book. Her turn is over. No stupid characters or lame reasons to keep them apart. Yes, our beloved characters must jump through hoops on their rocky road to love, but we need legitimate, intelligent and believable reasons, not excuses that are as flimsy and transparent as tissue paper. It's one of the reasons I love Lucy Monroe's Harlequin Presents so much: she got rid of the naive heroine and brutish, dominating hero and replaced them with the smart and assertive female pursued by the enlightened and sexy alpha male. Hot love scenes. Pretty much a requirement in my books. I read them for my enjoyment, and I want sexy, romantic interludes with enough room left to the imagination to provide some inspiring thoughts of my own. Not only that, I want a heroine who glories in her sexuality, and a man who fulfills her fantasies because he lives to serve (or dominate, whichever the case may be). I want the heroine to be assertive in her desires, and a hero man enough to please her while still looking out for his own needs. There should be no shame, no serious pain, and no humiliation for either party. Just mutual pleasure and enjoyment of each other sexually - it's a very freeing and beautiful thing. Humor! There is something so sexy about laughter, and appreciating someone else's wit. Letting your guard down and reveling in the pure joy and fun of being with someone whose company you can't get enough of is very powerful stuff. Realistic heroines who are size 2....times 6! If I were a man, I would think that a curvy, huggable woman was sexy. As a female, if I see another woman without hips or with a waist as big as my thigh, I think she's going to break if someone bumps into her. Now I realize that there is a significant number of women out there who are naturally thin, and it's not from dieting or an eating disorder. Ultimately, it's more important that the woman be healthy, take pride in herself, and realize that she is amazing, no matter what her size. But to me, being super-skinny is not the ideal. And not all women were born to wear heels (or line-dance) either. Heroes who are not super-sized...in any way. Without getting too graphic, I will say that the size of a man can be pretty intimidating when the word "monster" is applied. Sorry, but to me, a monster is scary, and not all that sexy or, dare we say, comfortable? It's the sighs and not the size that matters most, so if a man knows what he is doing (and damn it, a hero in a romance novel had better memorize the how-to manual before the first act), then we are in business. Test the limits and break on through to the other side. Do the unexpected. Show us what we could have if only we'd imagined it first, and then take it to the next level. Keep us coming back for more. Inspire us. Don't give us what we want...at least not right away. I like the journey, and though it's a given point A is going to meet up with point B somewhere along the line, take the scenic route. Make us yearn, make us long, make us dream. Have you seen "Anne of Green Gables"? Sure, Gilbert loved Anne right from the start, but it took her years to realize the magic that was her true soulmate - Gil. We had a feeling deep-down that she would someday, yet the discovery was all the sweeter when she went out into the world and came back to her roots and found her heart's desire existed in her own backyard. So make us sweat a little - I don't mind.
Well, there you have it: Stacy's top.... 8... list of romance "must-haves". I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but the gist is there. What would you add? Or take away? What works for you in a romance? What doesn't? Feel free to share :)
posted by Stacy~ at 6/15/2006 08:36:00 PM
|
Wednesday, June 14, 2006:
"Hell on Wheels" is a wild ride!
 Paperback: 308 pages Publisher: Brava (June 6, 2006) Language: English ISBN: 0758211716 Southern author Karen Kelley wows readers with her fabulous story of tough and independent female bounty hunter Cody Carlyle and the bane of her existence - as well as the object of her fantasies - sexy and intriguing fellow bounty hunter Josh Pierce. Everytime Cody turns around, there's Josh, watching her, wanting her, and it's making her crazy. Josh is just another player, and she's not one to be any man's plaything, no matter how irresistible he is. But the attraction is too strong, and soon the two are sharing more than insults - they are sharing a bed and giving into the intense attraction between them. What was supposed to be a one-time deal turns into something more that neither one of them thinks they can handle, so they both decide to cool things down and stay away from each other. Until a plum assignment has them joining forces to catch a newsworthy bail jumper. Crossing the border into Mexico, the two are hot on the trail of a felon until the locals decide to get involved, and what happens from there leads to unexpected results that join the two more closely than they ever thought possible, and show them the way to love. Wow! I was completely drawn into the story from page one, and couldn't put it down until it was over. This book was such a quick read for me, and I truly hated to see it end. Cody is not your typical heroine, and Karen Kelley doesn't try to change her for her man, which I loved, but instead kept her rough edges intact. Cody may be tough, but then she's had it tough, yet she doesn't wallow in self-pity over the way her life turned out. Ms. Kelley could have created a heroine with a real bitch complex, but instead Cody is a woman who gets the job done and doesn't apologize for who she is or what she does for a living, yet there are glimpses of a softer, more feminine side that is just a part of the real Cody. Not once did I get the sense that Cody would become a dependent, overly emotional female once she fell in love, and I give Karen Kelley much credit for keeping the character true to herself. Cody was extremely likeable just as she was, flaws and all, and didn't need to rely on a man to make her happy. Josh was more of a softy than he let on, mostly due to his overwhelming longing just to be with Cody. It was an attraction that he couldn't get out of his system, and he didn't quite know why nothing could make him forget this one particular woman, no matter how hard he tried. Once he realized his feelings though, Josh wasn't going to let his pride take over. He had his own dreams, his own agenda, but in the end he definitely came through by making a huge compromise to prove his love for his lady. It was definitely sigh-worthy, and politically correct or not, that's how I like my romances. The love scenes were scorching, but emotionally charged right from the start, which made them that much more powerful. The connection between Cody and Josh was so real that I felt like I knew them and was cheering them on to their own happy ending. They truly belonged together. Kudos to Ms. Kelley for creating such a touching and captivating story. I strongly recommend it and all her other books. I know I will be reading any book she writes, including her anthology " Texas Bad Boys", a September 2006 release.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/14/2006 08:04:00 PM
|
Tuesday, June 13, 2006:
Just me...and my basket....
Here is a picture of the basket I made for Lori Foster's/Dianne Castell's gathering. (Yep, that would be me holding the basket)  It included: - Bath & Body Works lotion, foaming milk and bath wash in "Romance"
- a 15" foam heart-shaped pillow
- Fannie May chocolate (which I love more than Godiva)
- The Best of Chris Isaak CD
- a romantic postcard and greeting card
- and the best part: a signed copy of Gena Showalter's "Animal Instincts"
Again, congrats to my pal JudyF for winning the basket - I know you'll just love Gena's book - it is awesome! So far, the final tally with the basket raffle and such, Lori and Dianne collected about $2500 for the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. That is so amazing! I am incredibly proud to be a part of this group and love the generosity and creativity that goes into this project. I can't wait to participate next year and try and think of something even more fun to give away :) I hope to see you all there in 2007. (Btw: my tank top says "Romance Readers Support Real Life Heroes: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines" www.LoriFoster.com")
posted by Stacy~ at 6/13/2006 02:17:00 PM
|
Monday, June 12, 2006:
What happens in Cincy...ends up on my blog...
Wow, another fabulous get-together! I'm hoping next year more people, especially those I've gotten to know on-line, will be able to attend. It is so much fun and everyone is just incredibly nice. There was an awesome basket raffle with some fabulous prizes - ipod shuffle, collections of signed books, candy, hand-made creations, such as the very talented Kelly's intarsia work, which is absolutely beautiful. And of course everyone was so relaxed that some crazy stuff went on that I believe was captured on film, including LadyB's coaster (pasties?) set that she handed out to her friends (?) as souvenirs and Christy's mom Cheryl "demonstrating" the goodies she got in the author basket she won. Let's just say that we have some pretty wicked and creative minds, and I am so bummed I didn't win a basket, especially one of those baskets *g* Even LadyB had a basket with her Amazon recommendations in it - including the infamous pickle book. Drat, didn't put enough tickets in that basket! Btw, all proceeds for the gift baskets, cafepress t-shirts (I bought 2 really cool ones to wear to the event) and part of the proceeds from books purchased on Saturday at B&N went to the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter. Laurie was also collecting donations for the troops - she got so much stuff I don't think there was any room left over - I'm sure she barely fit in the car with all the generous contributions she got. In conjunction with the troop donations was a collection for Ethan Biggers, a soldier who was critically injured and in a coma. His wife just had a baby on June 2, 2006. Another collection was being taken for Eyes for Josh, a little boy who was born without his right eye and is blind in his left eye. He needs new prosthetic eyes every year and insurance companies won't pay because they consider it to be cosmetic. Just visit his website and see if your heart doesn't go out to this little guy with the big smile.  Barb, Kaleen, LuAnn McLane, LadyB, Carolyn, moi This year I wasn't nervous like I was last year because I knew I was going to have fun and see a lot of great friends, like Judy F (aka hottie goddess), Laurie (the collector of the troop donations...and one strong hugger LOL), Joni (always keeping us on our toes with that wicked wit of hers and also a very strong hugger - my ribs are bruised *g*), Bad Barb (Um, need I say more? Psssst. Okay, she's really a sweetheart, but don't you dare tell her I told you), LadyB (our reigning princess with an incredibly amusing flair for the dramatic), as well as Carolyn, Barb S, Chris, Kathy, Kelly, Marcie, and others who made me feel right at home.  And of course there are the authors. Lori Foster is just so down-to-earth and easy to talk to - she's always trying to make everyone feel comfortable and having a good time (and YAY! She gave me an ARC for "Murphy's Law". She is THE best!). Dianne Castell is a social butterfly who's always looking out for everyone and flitting from table to table, never taking a break. Janice Maynard is just the sweetest southern lady, with a friendly smile and nice word for everyone. LuAnn McLane is fun and sweet and her enthusiasm for music and having a good time is contagious. Erin McCarthy is so easy to talk to and loves to discuss reading and writing and spending time with fans. Sarah McCarty is funny and interesting and also easy to chat with. I didn't get to really talk with author Scamps author, Toni Blake, but I was excited to see a new release for her called "Swept Away".  I met a bunch of new-to-me authors whose books I definitely plan on reading. On Saturday, I sat at a table with a bunch of them, including Mandy Roth, who writes for Ellora's Cave and has some incredible covers, and Barbara Satow, who was published by the same company as another new favorite author of mine, Edwina Columbia. Jessie Verino was also seated at my table, and I got a cool CD of one of her stories. Friday night, Kaleen, Bad Barb and I chatted with Melissa Lopez, who writes for Ellora's Cave. She has a hot new book out with vampires - yummy.  All in all, it was truly a fabulous time. Billie Jo spent Friday evening teaching line-dancing, though some of us (okay, me) have absolutely no coordination, and have never mastered the Electric Slide, so I bowed out gracefully LOL. If anything scandalous or gossip-worthy went on (other than those wild pictures of Christy's mom wearing purple feathered nipple clamps) then I wasn't there to see or hear it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. As I said before, I just hope more people are able to go next year. So mark your calendars now for next June and start saving those pennies. I promise you won't be disappointed :)
posted by Stacy~ at 6/12/2006 07:04:00 PM
|
Friday, June 09, 2006:
I'm off to see Lori Foster and company....
Well kids, I'm off to Ohio in the morning to meet up with friends and authors for Lori Foster's and Dianne Castell's 2nd annual reader/writer get-together. Here are some pictures from last year - yep, there's me, Bad Barb, Judy F (who gives the Scamps and Vamps our daily hotties - she is a goddess!) and the dear and spunky Laurie - you have to scroll past all the 2006 stuff and then you'll see the pictures (about 1/2 way down). Hopefully I'll have lots of pictures to share from this event - not the best picture-taker. Anyway, I am soooo excited! Wish you all could be there. Enjoy your weekend!
posted by Stacy~ at 6/09/2006 06:33:00 AM
|
Tuesday, June 06, 2006:
"Why not go out on a limb?
Isn't that where the fruit is?"
Frank Scully (1892-1964)
American newspaper columnist I saw this quote today and it really caught my attention. It is so true. Unless we take risks, we will never realize our full potential, or experience all that life has to offer. Instead we will lead a safe, unexciting existence that won't bring us all the happiness we could have if only we would have taken a chance. Going out on a limb could be about absolutely anything. You don't have to risk your life on a daily basis to realize a dream. It could be as simple as calling your crush - who could turn out to be the love of your life - and asking them out, or taking a class in a subject that has always interested you or going on that cruise you've been dreaming about (note: I've done at least one of these things myself). One way that I've going out on a limb was years ago when I was 19 years old. I really wasn't interested in going to college because I had no idea what I would major in, so it was a struggle for me to "find myself". But when I was 16, I was on my way to California for the first time, and before I left, I stopped and talked to the daughter of one of my mom's closest friends. She worked for a travel agency, and she absolutely loved her job. Right then and there, I decided that's what I wanted to do. So at 19, instead of going to college, I went to a travel school in downtown Minneapolis for 3 months. During the course, I interviewed with United Airlines. They flew me to Chicago for a 2nd interview. About 3 days before I graduated, I was offered a position with the company. Less than a week later, I had packed up my stuff and moved here with another girl who also got the job. 
I no longer work for UAL - in fact this July I would have had 15 years with the company - but I am still closely associated with them in my current position. During that time, I have met some of the most wonderful people in existence, and they hold a very special place in my heart (see this previous post). I definitely treasure my time there. So really, the point I'm trying to make is that because I went out on a limb and faced the unknown, I have had a life I might not have had otherwise. I could have easily stayed in my small hometown, which for me would have been a mistake. Don't get me wrong - there's nothing wrong with people who choose that as their path. It just wasn't mine. I would never have been happy living in a bubble like that. I made the right decision for me, and it was scary moving away from home and learning to be completely self-sufficient without my parents' guidance, but I did it. Nothing in life worth having is easy. It's the hard work put into it that makes it worthwhile. So what have you accomplished by going out on a limb? Or have you resisted going out on a limb for something you really wanted? Any regrets? What would your advice be?
posted by Stacy~ at 6/06/2006 08:52:00 PM
|
Monday, June 05, 2006:
Here's another one for your listening pleasure...
I've been trying to pick just one blog topic all day and my mind is all over the place and can't really settle for just one. Now I have a headache from all that thinking and I just decided to take the easy way out and post more on another recent music discovery. I heard this one at the bookstore last night. Gosh, sometimes that p/t job comes in handy...I learn something from it.  So today I went and got both the CD and the DVD, cuz I think Chris Isaak is sexy in a weird, kinda dirty way. I don't know what it is, maybe it's the way he always looks like he's thinking wicked thoughts...or is that just me? He reminds me of David Duchovny's Mulder in that respect -   - they both have that sexy/nerdy thing going for them. Though they both also look pretty normal in these pictures. Maybe it is just me... So ever since "Wicked Game", I've been a fan of Chris' style and individualism. I'm not a fangirl fan - never saw his t.v. show - but I do love his music and the erotic overtones it gives off. Music is such a powerful thing, and can evoke so many different emotions. Whether it's the sound of his voice or the wail of that guitar, you feel it in your blood. Anyway, I think this CD is a great find, and one I will listen to over and over while wishing I was Helena Christensen in "Wicked Game"....come on, can you really blame me? *g* It really was a great video.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/05/2006 09:42:00 PM
|
Sunday, June 04, 2006:
Soooo, what's in your ipod/CD player?
I LOVE music. Can't get through the day without listening to something, even if it's just playing in the background. Music keeps me sane and can definitely put me in a good mood when I'm feeling a little out of it or weepy. If I could realize any dream, it would be do sing. Sadly, God did not bless with me the voice of an angel. Instead I am stuck with a whiny, off-key pitch that not even a mother could love. Still, I will sing my heart out in the car - fortunately I am usually alone and not intentionally torturing anyone. Never was one to sing in the shower, but behind the wheel, I am a true diva *g* Lately I've been not paying much attention to music, but working at the bookstore has got me listening to some new stuff that I probably wouldn't have otherwise discovered. Two of my recent finds are: KEANE: Hopes and Fears It's very catchy without being too perky or bubbly, which I like. I can't really think of too many artists to compare them to, but that's cuz I'm bad at that kind of thing. I guess... Wheat, and Fastball come to mind. And even the latest Coldplay a little bit. Check out there website here for more info. THE FRAY: How to Save a Life. I have one of the songs "Over My Head (Cable Car)" on my blog cuz it's just so good. It's more intense, a bit emotional without being overly sappy and annoyng. Go here to check out their website. I am so mainstream - you probably won't see me recommending cool, almost obscure music that I heard in a small club. My only semi-cool fact I can claim is that I used to work with one of the moms of a member of Alkaline Trio. I still see her from time to time. I told her she's my (small) brush with fame LOL. Your turn: what gets you jazzed? Who would you recommend? What kind of music do you enjoy?
posted by Stacy~ at 6/04/2006 03:10:00 PM
|
Finally, finally, the nice sunny weather has made an appearance! (Okay, it actually showed up last weekend, but that's not the point). The temps have been in the high 70's to the low 80's, which to me is just about perfect. Add to that a slight breeze and the gorgeous yellow sun, and now you're talking!
But, see, I have this part-time job. It's at a Barnes & Noble. I work in the cafe, making all those frappuccinos and mochas and stuff. It's a fun job, not too difficult, just a lot of work. And I'm scheduled to work today. When it's so beautiful out. What a dilemma...
So, do I call in sick? Fake an emergency? Not show up? Believe me, I am tempted to do each and every one of those things. It's just a one-day-a-week gig, usually on Saturdays (I did work yesterday and was sent home cuz it was slow - yay!) but since I'm taking next weekend off, they double-booked me. Basically, I don't need the job - it's just extra pocket money (for books) and I get a great discount there. But it's summer! And the kids have graduated, so they are looking for hours. Why am I working?
Well, what have I decided to do? Go in, of course! I don't want any bad karma, and I've decided to take the summer off from the p/t job, which I'll share with the manager because I don't want to quit. I plan on going to RWA next month, so I'm requesting more time off. I'll wait til the fall, when the kids go back to school, get my day-a-week back, and all will be well. But I still wanna take today off....
So, what about you? Have you ever been faced with doing something you really wish you didn't have to do - maybe get up every morning at 4:30am? Drive 25 miles to work? How do you discipline yourself? Do you give yourself a reward? What's your motivation, and does it really work? I need some incentive....
posted by Stacy~ at 6/04/2006 12:21:00 PM
|
Saturday, June 03, 2006:
July 2006 RT magazine - my points of interest
Okay, I'm going to shamelessly take a page from Alyssa's blog and give you what I consider the highlights of the latest RT issue: - Pages 6-7: historical author Kathryn Caskie looks like a cover model! Just another good reason I am not a writer - LOL. Seriously though, she's very striking, and yes, I realize it's all the magic of computer "touch-ups", but still, she still looks great. What can I say, I'm jealous. I've never read any of her books, though "Love Is In The Heir" looks intriguing.
- Page 9: Laurell K. Hamilton talks Anita and pregnancy....okay. My question is, considering Anita's active sex life, who is the father going to be? To be honest, I quit reading after book 3 or 4 - started to get too gory for me, and my squeamish quotient was rather low to begin with. I can't find myself really being all that regretful that I haven't continued with the other books...except I bought like 7 or 8 of them before I started the series, and that money probably could have been put to better use.
- Page 13: Contests! Including the chance to win 25 autographed books from authors such as Lori Foster, Jennifer Crusie, and Teresa Medeiros, from www.ToniBlake.com Oh wait, why did I just blab that - I want to win!
- Page 17: 25 Great Movie Adaptations. A list chosen by readers as to the best book-to-movie adaptations. Included on the list are "Gone With the Wind", "The Notebook", and "Pride and Prejudice" (the 1996 A&E version).
- Pages 18-21: 2005 Career Achievement Awards and Reviewers' Choice Award Winners - Congratulations to all the winners, and especially to Lori Foster for her Career Achievement award for contemporary romance - that is so awesome!
- Pages 22-23: Celebrating the Older Heroine. Well, it's about damn time! I don't want to read about sassy twenty-somethings with perky boobs and flat stomachs forever. Someday I'll be "the new 30" and I'll want to read about seasoned, experienced women with great sex lives and fabulous lives, cuz, you know, that's how my life is going to be *g*
- Page 29: Johanna Lindsey gives Drew Anderson from the Malory series his own story. (point of interest: Johanna says she likes James Malory the best. Personally, Anthony was the Malory that made my knees weak). I'm more amazed by the fact that Ms. Lindsey doesn't have her own website, but hey, she is an icon. I read her books over 20 years ago, along with Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught. These ladies don't need websites to have fans - they've proven that, though Ms. McNaught does have one.
- Page 35: Winner of RT's 2nd annual American Title winner. Congratulations to the author selected! You didn't really think I'd tell you, did you? Well, I haven't been keeping up with the competition, so it's hard to be too excited.
- Page 64: a cool covershot for Kim Harrison's "A Fistful of Charms". Yet another author whose books I haven't read - they sure do look good....
- Page 100: Booklovers Round-up: April 18-22, 2007 in Houston! Since it's not in May, I might actually be able to make this one! But first I have Lori Foster's get-together next weekend and RWA in Atlanta next month.
- Page 105: Calling all writers! Harlequin American is looking for new authors. Anyone interested? Check out www.eharlequin.com for more details....
- Pages 132-135: September 2006 previews. Lots of great releases coming in the fall. Susan Elizabeth Phillips' "Match Me If You Can" will be released in paperback. Toni Blake has "Swept Away" coming in September. Finally! Suzanne Brockmann's "Ladies' Man" will see the light of day! And "Texas Bad Boys" with Rosemary Laurey, Karen Kelley and Dianne Castell will be released in September as well. Good stuff to look forward to....
So there you have it - a quick re-cap of the latest RT edition. I like reading it to get the latest on what's going on and to do more bookshopping. But reviews are subjective, so I can take them or leave them, especially after reading a 3-star review for Erin McCarthy's "The Pregnancy Test". It deserved much better. But I still think it's a great magazine and finally decided to get myself a subscription. It was well worth the price, imo.
posted by Stacy~ at 6/03/2006 09:43:00 PM
|
Thursday, June 01, 2006:
I could be Speed Racer....
Okay, sometimes (a lot?) you might come across some posts that are extremely boring because they are all about me. This is going to be one of them. Keep reading if you suffer from insomnia because I have the cure *g*
I am not a competitive person. It's just never been in me to work overly hard at something if someone else wants it more than I do. Have at it, I say. Competition, healthy or otherwise, doesn't get my blood pumping. To me, it's tedious and boring and not what I want to focus on. However....
...behind the wheel is a totally different story. I am a speed demon. Sometimes, I am one of those crazy, pyscho drivers that weave in and out of traffic that you almost wish would get a flat tire - just not in front of you...or am I the only one who wishes that? Anyway, I HATE being last when I am driving. In my old job, every once in awhile my department would meet early in the morning and have a staff meeting over breakfast at this really great restaurant. We'd all arrive in different cars, and once we left the restaurant, every fiber of my being was tensed and ready to race back to the office. Why, I don't know. There was no prize; it just meant I got to unlock the office. Whoopee. Get out the balloons.
Now, my commute is 4 miles. Just four, but in that short distance, I experience that phenomena known as road rage. My language goes south and so does my intellect. Everyone else out there is the enemy who can't move fast enough out of my way to suit me. It's insane really. The really amazing thing is that I've never been pulled over. (Okay, wait, that's not true. But it was because one of my lights was out, so that doesn't count). I think I might just have jinxed myself. All I know is that people who drive under the speed limit in good driving conditions should get a ticket. Okay, just kidding. Sort of.
Does anyone else have any quirk little stories or habits like that? Do you have to put your right shoe on before the left one? Is there a task at work that you insist only you can perform with any kind of efficiency? Do you take the train to avoid people like me? More important, would you call the cops if you saw me behind the wheel? And are you STILL awake? I'd see a doctor about that sleep problem you have...
posted by Stacy~ at 6/01/2006 08:42:00 PM
|
|
|
