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Wednesday, January 31, 2007:
Yeah I know I'm being whiny about the cold - I just hate it with a passion. You'd think having been born in northern Minnesota I'd have thicker skin, but I'm like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally"; I freeze when it's 72 degrees out. And what that does is encourage me to stay indoors when it's so freakin' cold. I don't even care what I look like when I go to work, as long as I'm warm. And it's rather cold in our building in some places, so that means heavy sweaters and drinking hot beverages all day long. Lotion is a definite must. Right now I'm trying to use up this stuff my boss gave me - cucumber melon. Not my favorite scent, but I hate to throw it out. Smelling like a fruity vegetable is not very appealing, but it's better than being a dried-up old prune. We must suffer for our beauty. And I feel like one of those whiny kids that keeps moaning "I'm booored". Because I am very bored. The thing is, I don't want to shop, even for books, and I've got a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble just waiting to be used shamelessly. No movies appeal to me, I don't feel like going out to eat and I don't want to socialize. It's pathetic to be so uninterested in anything. I hate when I get in these moods. I can't really explain it because nothing's wrong. Work is just fine, and hopefully going to be a bit more challenging in the next few months. My family and friends are all good, and we all seem to be getting along. What gives? Maybe it's cuz I'm not crushing on anybody. Having that feeling of anticipation about seeing a certain guy, whether it's at work, at an event, or somewhere else, just seems to add sparkle to my day, and right now, I'm missing the sparkle. That's just plain crazy because there are other more significant reasons I should be looking forward to doing something, but that's just the kinda superficial person I am. Please tell me I'm not the only one LOL.  Reading-wise, my mood has been downgraded to "eh". I've had Shannon McKenna's books in my tbr pile for way over a year, and finally I grabbed the first one, "Behind Closed Doors". I've heard amazing things about her writing, and about how ultra hot they are. True, this one is sizzling, and I bet if I would have read it years ago when it first came out I would have felt scorched by the love scenes, but having read several Ellora's Cave books, I wasn't fazed much by them. And I'm not sure if I liked the characters all that much either. Seth wavered between stalker tendencies, dominantly sexual control, and fear of anything overtly emotional. Raine initially came across as a wispy marshmellow unable to stand up on her own two feet. There were glimpses of blazing fire, but then she'd change back into a puddle of scared goo. The thing is, there were moments of complete originality in the relationship that tried to rise through the murkiness, but sometimes they didn't quite make it. It was a good story, not one that set my heart racing or anything. Like I said, I'm bored. What do you do to get past the boredom stage? How do you feel about the cold - love it or hate it? Got big plans for the weekend? Labels: cold, current reading, ennui
posted by Stacy~ at 1/31/2007 05:59:00 PM
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Monday, January 29, 2007:
I'm sure many of you heard the sad news : the 2006 Kentucky Derber winner - Barbaro - was euthanized today. Stuff like this always gets to me. I'm not into the races, but I've loved horses all my life, and this just broke my heart. He was not even four years old. Barbaro Here's a nice idea: authors Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, and HelenKay Dimon are having an auction at ebay, and all proceeds are going to benefit the Animal Adoption Foundation, Lori's local no-kill animal shelter. You can find out more at HelenKay's blog. Labels: Barbaro, ebay, no-kill shelter
posted by Stacy~ at 1/29/2007 07:10:00 PM
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Sunday, January 28, 2007:
Lazy Sunday...stay in and read...
It's cold! - 18 degrees - and it's blowing snow. I'm supposed to be meeting my friend later today to finally give her a Christmas present, but so far neither one of us is too enthusiastic about braving the elements, though I did run out earlier today to get some Dunkin Donuts coffee, with wet hair. If I get sick, you know whose fault it is. Update: we did meet for dinner and exchanged our gifts - got a lovely gift certificate to Barnes & Noble as one of my presents. Given that my friend hates to give gift cards because she feels they are too impersonal, this was a true honor, and I let her know how much I adored it :) This "forced" isolation this weekend so far has given me plenty of opportunity to read, or re-read. I was in the mood for something really hot, so I re-read a Ellora's Cave by Kathryn Anne Dubois - " Perfectly Incompatible". Michael Mulcahy, successor to a long line of NYC cops, has learned enough from his brothers' mistakes to know that Libby Crowne Vandermark, a fellow FBI agent and former debutante from the Upper East Side, is all wrong for him. He just needs to slake his relentless lust for her. This undercover operation, where they pose as a married couple at a "second honeymoon" spa, is the perfect excuse to do it.
Libby can't believe she's stuck with Neanderthal Mulcahy. Having grown up with three chauvinist brothers and a dominant father, she goes out of her way to avoid men like him. If she can just keep her eyes off him while they're together, every day and night, she'll get through this.
Until they realize just how perfectly incompatible they are. I'll admit that the first time I read this story, I didn't much care for it, but then it grew on me. I just love the idea of the hero being so attracted to the heroine, and then eventually falling in love with her. And if he's unwillingly attracted to her, that's even better. It's one of my favorite storylines. I'm not sure why I didn't like it at first - maybe because of some of the events that happen after they finally get together - but once I gave it another chance, it ended up being a re-read. And all those sparks between two people who claim to hate each other made this story totally hot. Sometimes all I want is just a really sexy romance - nothing too deep or complicated, maybe a little emotional. I also like how the sexual tension was drawn out between Libby and Michael, and that instant gratification was denied until about 1/2 way through the book. I believe that's what made it a better story. Lady Pelham could not have designed a husband more suited to her needs. The Marquess of Grayson is a dear and enchanting friend and an unrepentant ladies’ man. Their union is solid; their hearts safe from one another. But every marriage has its surprises…
They Were Together For All The Wrong Reasons…
They are London’s most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things… their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham … until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.
Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself … a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart…
I won this one at the Brava Authors blog, and I was so excited because I've been waiting for this book for what must have been a year, ever since first reading "Bad Boys Ahoy" and falling in love with Sylvia's writing. I wanted to savor it, and boy, did I. I liked it better than "Ask For It", which was enjoyable but a little bit harsh for me. Yet this one got to me on so many levels. I went in fully expecting to actually dislike both the hero and heroine in the beginning, but that's not what happened at all. Isabel is an independent widow who has no qualms about taking lovers to satisfy her needs. She's honest with her men and intends never to fall in love with any of them - she's very upfront about that. Marrying the younger, charming Gerard seemed like the right thing to do at the time - it would allow her to go on as she had been without worrying about her paramours having further expectations beyond an affair. Neither wishes to give up their lifestyle, so marriage to each other would provide them with the perfect set-up to continue living as they see fit: happy, free, and apart from each other. It's an ideal arrangement. But a tragedy has sent Gerard away for many years, and when he returns, he has come to the decision that he wants his marriage to be a successful one. No longer satisfied with his old lifestyle, Gerard wants his wife...and only his wife. He's determined to make her feel the same way about him. But not only does Gerard have to deal with those who oppose his new endeavor, he must also convince his very beautiful and equally stubborn wife that they were meant for each other. Not an easy thing to do considering her past experience with marriage and his own fears for the future. I found both Isabel and Gerard to be likeable characters right from the start, and they genuinely did care for each other as friends, sharing an affection that brought them close together from the very first. I would have liked to have seen even more glimpses into their friendship and less into their bedroom; it would have made their connection stronger, more emotional, which is something I am constantly seeking in the books I read and hardly ever manage to find anymore. All in all though, I was not disappointed and plan on reading more of Sylvia's work in the future.
 As a masked ball reaches its fever pitch, Cybelline Caldwell surrenders to the embrace of a midnight lover, a stranger who seals her fate. By morning the wanton seductress has been replaced by a determinedly sensible woman preparing to leave London...and its memories. Yet temptation follows. For Christopher Hollings, Earl of Ferrin, the notorious rake she so brazenly challenged, vows to show her that one night was not enough.
It took some clever detective work, but Ferrin uncovered the identity of his mystery lover, surprised and intrigued to come face to face with Cybelline. Soon he discovers she is a woman of mystery-and a woman in danger, stalked by a ruthless enemy. Unable to erase the searing memory of Cybelline in his arms, Ferrin knows he must discover the secrets that shadow her days...for only than can he claim all of her nights.
I'd heard good things about this book since it first came out, but can't say that I really paid all that much attention to this author or any of her work, so it pretty much dropped off my radar. During a recent trip to the bookstore though, I happened to notice this one (yeah, NK caught my eye) and liked the blurb on the backcover. I was hoping it wasn't as cynical and clinical as "Passion", a story that left me somewhat cold and disappointed after reading so many rave reviews. To my relief, I was immediately pulled into Cybelline's and Ferrin's story. It energized me. Sure, for those who have read it, you know the ending is contrived and a bit over-the-top, but the rest of the story was delightful. Both Cybelline and Ferrin impressed me with their wit and intelligence, and I loved how Ferrin proved his devotion to Cybelline with actions as well as words. In addition, Cybelline finally began to let go of her self-hatred and accept her true worth. Their love story was romantic because they took the time to get to know each other, and what they discovered was even more wonderful than they could have imagined. Having never read anything by Goodman before, I was quite taken with this story, which according to some readers, is not her best work. I'm tempted to glom her entire backlist, but so far I've managed to hold off on that particular urge. Have any of you read Goodman? What would you recommend? How are you staying warm? Labels: quickie reviews, reading, Sundays
posted by Stacy~ at 1/28/2007 11:43:00 AM
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Tuesday, January 23, 2007:
Show your love for the troops...
...by sending Valentines :) Here is a small request on behalf of author Lori Foster: if you would like to send Valentine cards and or packages, here is a list of soldiers to choose from. Feel free to pick a name or names and do what you would like. So far, 5 schools in Ohio are planning on sending out cards. Packages are not necessary; that is only if you want to (check out Lori's site for more info). The cards would be nice, or maybe you have kids who want to make them a valentine. Just imagine the smiles on their faces to know that someone is thinking of them. ***Postage for cards is the same as domestic mail: $0.39 for 1 oounce, $0.63 for 2 ounces*** The following will be the same address: C-CO 5-20 IN 1-14 CAV 3-2 SBCT APO,AE 09361
Mike Monaghan John Sutherland Larry Gorton Brian Williams Scott Wildman Arlo Winter Jason Waller Cameron Evans Nick Renard Theron Cameron Sione Palauni Derrick Imbrunone Tony Sims Jeremiah Hochstedler Brendan Holaway Rich Rochelle Jack Ratliff Marvin Sanjurjo Matt Young Jon Hammond John Roth Jon Plumb Wilmar Fernandez Mark Jones Rob Snead Theodore Craig Carlos Cisneros Austin Childers James Ayala Ryan Dabel Brian Youngblood Nathan Scott Kyle Packard Viktor Tsuban Courtland Winterbowen Travis Delaney Andy Monroe Juan Lewis Joe Kocer -------- Jorge Baeza Drake Williams Jr B-CO 2/3 INF A-CO 2-12 2-1 ID 1st CAV FOB Stryker Unit 43312 APO,AE 09322 APO, AE 09344
-------- Erik Osterman Kevin Hutcheson C-CO TF Blue Spaders HHC 5-20 IN BN 3-2SBCT APO,AE 09390 APO,AE 09378 -------- Tonya Osterman Billy Smith THT HHC S-2 KBR TF 1-77 APO,AE 09366 APO,AE 09396
-------- Scott Dale Jalal Hockett B-CO 321st EN BN B-CO 321st EN BN APO,AE 09396 APO,AE 09396 -------- Robert McCarroll FC3 Bianca Garcia 372nd MP VN USS Halsey DDG97 57MPCO CM DIV APO,AP 09349 FPO AP 96667 --------- Liz Wages Terry Wages CSCT #2 Unit 15700 Box 241 APO,AP 96218 So come on, show some love :) Labels: troops, valentines
posted by Stacy~ at 1/23/2007 07:10:00 PM
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Sunday, January 21, 2007:
Internet, apologies, and writing...oh and the Bears
Well, I think I might just have returned from the darkside. Keeping my fingers crossed that this is just not just a lucky fluke to be on-line, at home, on my own computer. It seems that there was a problem with my connection, and after much hair-pulling, cussing, and violent tendencies that fortunately were not acted upon, all seems to be well. I have to extend my apologies to those who've been trying to get in touch with me during the month of January - I am so sorry that it's been so difficult these last several weeks. I appreciate your patience while I try and do a major catch-up as quickly as I can (you don't even want to know how many emails I have in my in-box!) It makes me realize just how much time I actually do spend on-line, and how I feel like I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms when I can't play. Made me get out and get a life LOL. Thanx again for putting up with me. Since I had a lot of free time on my hands, I did something I never thought I'd really seriously do and have come to the conclusion that I really, seriously shouldn't: writing. I fiddle around with writing when I do my interviews, but most of it is told in another person's POV. To actually take an idea floating around in my head and make it into an actually story is even harder than I ever imagined, much harder than when I was 12 and would make up these elaborate stories with all kinds of crazy plots going on. To take an idea and to flesh it out, make it interesting, and use my own voice is incredibly challenging, more than I think I can handle. Or even wish to. I enjoy spending my time reading, and I think using that time to write would take away a lot of that enjoyment because I have soooo much to learn. So I have an even greater admiration for those who sit down and make it happen. I just don't think I have it in me. Will I ever reveal any of the (drivel) tidbits of story I've created? Not on your life! Oh and I mustn't forget to mention that this weekend the big news around town was the Bears game - they won! Next stop: Superbowl. Now I'm not a huge Bears fan, having moved here I was 19. In fact I don't really have a strong allegiance to any team - isn't that sad? But it's fun to get involved and go to parties and cheer and feel like a part of something big, so congrats to the Chicago Bears - and good luck :) Are you a sports fan? Who is YOUR team? Labels: apologies, Bears, internet, writing
posted by Stacy~ at 1/21/2007 08:34:00 PM
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007:
Starstruck a.k.a. my moment to meet Josh Bernstein
I give up. The computer has defeated me. I am currently at the library, blogging in the public eye, which makes me feel like I am a teenaged girl oogling pictures of my high school crush. Seriously, I am waaay past that stage. At least physically.
So, you wanna hear about the Josh Bernstein booksigning? Why? Cuz you think he's cute? Smart? He makes you laugh? Or maybe you just love history? Well get this: how about all of the above? Yep, this guy has definitely got it goin' on. 
" Digging for the Truth", an adventure series on the History channel about some of the greatest historical mysteries, is fun and informative, and as the host, Josh takes us to the pyramids of Egypt to the jungles of Peru. I've only seen the first season of the show, and enjoyed it immensely. Sure Josh is dang cute but the guy has the brains to back it up (not to mention very white teeth). If he didn't, I don't think he would have held my attention past the first episode...of season 3 (debuts Monday, January 22nd). Seriously though, I've always liked history, and this show actually makes me want to hop on a plane or canoe and explore some of the most fascinating and remote areas in the world. Doesn't stuff like that get you all excited? I know I totally get into it. The more I learn, the more I want to know. The only thing(s) holding me back are an unlimited supply of cash and my fear of not getting a daily shower. So anywayz, I knew awhile ago that Josh was going to be in town to do a booksigning, so I asked my co-worker Karen if she'd like to attend because I know she liked history and being much older than me, I figured she'd keep me from acting like a giggling fool. I had already purchased a copy of his book (see left sidebar) and had an edition of Experience Life, which you can only get if you have a membership to the Lifetime Fitness healthclub. (Don't ask me when the last time I was there). The signing was at 7pm, and I picked Karen up at her house around 5:45. Despite rush hour and the distance, we still made it there about 6:20. The chairs for the signing were completely filled, so we manuveured our way to a clearing near the info desk at the bookstore, and chatted with others who were there for the signing. At about 7:05, the man himself (sigh!) makes an appearance. Let me just say that Josh has an interesting way of dressing. Not outlandishly, but not with what I'd call a whole lot of concern to fashion sense. He had on an orange-ish/brownish plaid shirt with a dark shimmery blue blazer, I guess almost cordoroy in appearance. (I wasn't able to download pictures - I promise in the next few days I will try to get some posted from the event, sans moi). So while we oohed and aahed over the fact he'd finally arrived, we had to wait about 15 minutes because a local t.v. station wanted an interview. So patiently we waited. Karen and I stationed ourselves in clear view of him - and yeah, he's cuter in real life. Just in case anyone had any doubt. And just as funny. Very personable, and patient, as I'm sure he answers the same questions at least 55 times a day. He told amusing anecdotes about the show, especially those involving his numerous bumps and bruises - from anaphylactic shock to dysentery - his job is not all glamour and glory. He also shares moments from his relationship with archeaologist Dr. Zahi Hawass, a very passionate and intense man who has appeared on several episodes of "Digging for the Truth". He told us about going to a Borders in downtown Chicago, asking to signing copies of his own book and being initially treated like he just got out of juvenile detention and was there to de-face their property, which he found amusing. That's probably one of the things I liked best about him: how down-to-earth he is. No entourage, no whining, no fashionably late appearance. He has such an enthusiasm for people, and for what he does, that it's extremely contagious. Finally the moment of truth: #48 in line. Karen, who had originally decided not to buy a book, gets one before I'm at the front of the line and instead of getting a new number, piggybacks on mine. Okay, no problem. I let her go ahead of me, so she got her chance to talk to him. All I had asked her to do was to take one picture of him and him as he's signing my book. You'd think as I handed him my book that it would mean her turn was over. Well, if you think that and I think that, the only person who didn't know was Karen. She kept asking him questions, completely forgetting to take my picture. He said a few words to me, was impressed that I had that magazine (I think it was published in 2005 or early 2006) and then it was over.  Did I get a chance to ask a question? No. Then as I said good-bye, Karen's all "okay, let's go". Let's go???? You stupid effing bitch, I'm thinking loudly to myself. I don't even have my coat on, you didn't take a picture of me (in fact the lady who was ahead of us, a complete stranger, mind you, took my picture while Karen was stealing my time) , you would have never known about the booksigning, and now YOU are ready to go? It took God and a whole hell of a lot of angels to prevent a murder that night, let me tell you. But did I say anything? No. Not then. I was so furious with her that I absolutely could not deal with it, especially since I was driving and was so beyond tempted to leave her there. She didn't get it until the next day, and yeah, she apologized, but I don't know that it was sincere. She should still be groveling as far as I'm concerned. See, Karen's like that. It's about her. No one else. All I wanted was the chance to ask one question. Just one. I had a few in mind and figured one of them would pop into my head. Too bad I don't know which one would have won. So yeah, I was bitter. REDRUM, REDRUM kinda bitter. But what could I have done? Wrestled her to the ground? Told her to shut the eff up and give someone else a chance? Yeah, that woulda gone over well. I know when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em, and lets just say she's lucky I am grace under pressure. However, you gotta let it go sometime, and all in all, it was a really fun night, and I truly enjoyed myself because the energy level was so high and people were friendly and accommodating. It wasn't overly crowded, and the time just flew by. Karen is still my friend, but like any adult who takes the higher road, I just choose to hate her from time to time now *g* And I would highly recommend going to such an event to anyone who's ever wondered about it. Seriously, I hope you don't take away that I had a bad experience. 95% of the night was great. I have a new appreciation for someone who is in the public eye for something other than scandal or gossip or whatever.
So there you have it. Like I said, I'll try and post some pictures from the event because they really do give you more of a feel for what kind of person he is, and not just as someone on t.v. I like him even more now. And did I mention how dang adorable that boy is? Well, I'm saying it now. It's like, a fact.
Have you ever met anyone famous? Who would you like to meet (author, actor, performer)? Has anyone ever left you starstruck? Labels: booksignings, Josh Bernstein
posted by Stacy~ at 1/17/2007 06:02:00 PM
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Thursday, January 11, 2007:
I know, I know, I've been gone for a little while and without any explanation, but as I responded in the last post, my computer has been possessed and the exorcism is not yet complete. I'm hoping everything will be working and I can catch up this weekend and "visit" everyone. I miss you guys! I promise to post about Josh Bernstein's booksigning, as well as some other stuff. So, what have you guys been up to? Any good books lately? Share, share! Labels: still alive
posted by Stacy~ at 1/11/2007 06:29:00 PM
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Wednesday, January 03, 2007:
....to say "hey" and hope your year is starting out well. Me, I'm still so tired, and have actually been sleeping in later than I should, but dang, it's the middle of winter (okay, even at 45 degrees) and it's dark and the only thing beckoning right now is work. Can ya blame me? I have a few author interviews that I want to start working on. I totally slacked off during the holidays, but it's time to get back in the game. Trying to think of some contest ideas because I still have a bunch of books that I got in July left over from RWA. Trying to make things a little interesting.... Next Tuesday, I'm going to a book-signing for Josh Bernstein, host of "Digging for the Truth". I have the first season of his show on DVD so I'll try and watch those over the weekend so I can sound a little intelligent. Dang, he's kinda cute. Don't you just find smart men sexy? Hey, that'll be my question for today: What smart man do you find sexy? Labels: contests, Josh Bernstein
posted by Stacy~ at 1/03/2007 06:06:00 AM
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Monday, January 01, 2007:
Happy anniversary to me :)
Today signifies my 1-year blog anniversary, and what a year it has been: meeting new friends, discovering new books, interviewing some wonderful authors, and sharing my (crazy) thoughts with you all. I've thought a little about what I'd like to do this year, and what not to do. Haven't made any definite decisions about things yet, but there will be changes. I still plan on doing contests, and hopefully the author interviews will continue as well. I definitely want to have fun here, and make it fun for people to stop by. There may be moments of seriousness, too. As much as I love books, movies and hotties, there are other strong issues close to my heart that I am going to want to talk about. So now it's a brand-new year and there's lots to look forward to. There are some reader/writer events going on that I hope to attend: Lori Foster's get-together in June, RWA in July. Possibly a trip to Spain sometime this year if I can afford it (and if I get my passport). I'm becoming a firm believer in N.O.W. (No Opportunity Wasted) however my paycheck won't always be able to accommodate my plans *g* Luckily not every opportunity involves money. There's a whole, freakin' big world out there to explore, and some of it is even for free. What are you looking forward to in the New Year? Any big plans for 2007? Labels: 2007, happy anniversary
posted by Stacy~ at 1/01/2007 10:19:00 AM
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