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Wednesday, August 29, 2007:
You say it's your birthday....
Yesterday was Vivi's birthday,and she was celebrating it in style (check out how she likes to celebrate... here and here *g*) and it reminded me of how much I love celebrating my birthday...which isn't for several weeks. I enjoy the attention, the balloons, the spankings - just kidding *g* I do like celebrating, and can be rather obnoxious about it. It's the one time of the year I don't mind all the attention - usually I'm pretty laid back and prefer to stand in the shadows, off the radar. But on my special day, it becomes all about me. What about you: do you like to celebrate your birthday? If you don't mind sharing, what day does it fall on? Any special birthday memories? Leave a response (with your birthdate!) and I will pick one winner to receive a book of their choice, as either a belated or an early birthday gift! ~Contest will end Sunday, September 2nd, noon CST~ Labels: birthday, contests
posted by Stacy~ at 8/29/2007 05:55:00 AM
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Monday, August 27, 2007:
"Becoming Jane" (2007) - movie review
The year is 1795 and young Jane Austen is a feisty 20-year-old and emerging writer who already sees a world beyond class and commerce, beyond pride and prejudice, and dreams of doing what was then nearly unthinkable - marrying for love. Naturally, her parents are searching for a wealthy, well-appointed husband to assure their daughter's future social standing. They are eyeing Mr. Wisley, nephew to the very formidable, not to mention very rich, local aristocrat Lady Gresham, as a prospective match. But when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy, sparks soon fly along with the sharp repartee. His intellect and arrogance raise her ire - then knock her head over heels. Now, the couple, whose flirtation flies in the face of the sense and sensibility of the age, is faced with a terrible dilemma. If they attempt to marry, they will risk everything that matters - family, friends and fortune.
In this fictional adaptation of the life of Jane Austen, we see a possible scenario of Jane's life that may have prompted the beloved author to start down her writing path and pen 6 of the greatest literary works of our time (or least as far as the "epilogue at the end of the movie has suggested) - "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma", "Sense and Sensibility", "Persuasion", "Mansfield Park", and ""Northanger Abbey". Pretty impressive, especially for a female from that time period. Anyway, it comes as no surprise that we see Jane is very like her Elizabeth Bennett, so much so that in fact I think she WAS Elizabeth Bennett, only her fictional life turned out the way that Jane's real one could not. Much like in "Pride and Prejudice", Jane's parents are poor and are depending on their daughters to land husbands with at least a modest income. Cassandra, Jane's only sister, has secured a fiance', and Jane is not without her admirers, but she is stubborn and refuses to marry anyone without feeling some affection. Jane is also intelligent, and unafraid of standing up for herself, even in front of those with considerable influence. When she first encounters Tom LeFoy, the charming yet carousing chap who comes to stay with family in the country, it is while she is reading a letter she composed for her sister on her upcoming marriage. Mr. LeFoy, arriving late, is not impressed with her writing, and the two spend much of their time sparring back and forth, which results in them falling passionately in love with each other, instilling a strong desire in each of them to marry.
A rather hopeless situation, as Mr. LeFoy is just as penniless as Jane's family is, and must depend upon his uncle for support. In securing a wife, Mr. LeFoy must also secure the blessing from his uncle or be forced to get by on his own, a rather fragile and impossible state to live in during those times. To top that off, Jane has received a proposal from a socially inept yet affluent young man who will solve the Austen's financial woes, and her mother is strongly encouraging Jane to put away her fanciful romantic notions and face the grim reality of a life in poverty, or worse yet, as a ridiculed spinster. Jane is determined to be a writer, and even goes so far to meet a famous authoress from that time, Ann Radcliffe, who sheds some light on her circumstances for Jane, who finds it an ideal existence (note: nothing has been documented that Ms. Austen actually did meet Radcliffe, though it is mentioned that Jane was influenced by the gothic writer). It is a slow-moving story, but stirring and poignant as well as we see much of where Jane probably gets her story ideas from, and what may have inspired her greatest works. Twenty years ago, while in my teens, if I would have seen this, I would have hated the film wholeheartedly, but with age comes some wisdom, and the understanding that reality often cruelly intrudes on one's private wishes. Things back then were not like they are today; young women for the most part were dependent upon their families, and/or finding an advantageous marriage. Jane, though lively and pretty and quite intelligent, really was no different and she strongly resented the limitations her station in life placed on her. We know that she never did marry, and died at the age of 41, possibly of tuberculosis. I would recommend this story to anyone who has a passion for Jane Austen, for bittersweet romances, and/or who enjoys watching period pieces set in 18th century England. I enjoyed all the performances, and loved seeing the probable inspiration for Elizabeth Bennett straight from Jane herself. I liked how intelligent and spirited she was, even at such a young age, yet also vulnerable and mature enough to recognize the hardships that she faced. Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy are just lovely and engaging as Jane and Tom, and the chemistry between them is palpable and quite enjoyable to watch. Watching the movie though, I was a bit distracted trying to figure out why James McAvoy looks so familiar - who does he remind me of? I haven't figured it out yet....Eddie Furlong possibly, I don't know. Anyway, if you in the mood for something more serious and more of the classic nature, this movie might be just the thing for you. Me? Well, I liked it just fine, but I'd prefer watching "Pride and Prejudice" for the wonderful HEA, thank you very much :)
Are you a Jane-ophile?
Labels: Jane Austen, movies, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 8/27/2007 05:03:00 AM
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Saturday, August 25, 2007:
The Merry Widows' trilogy 2006-2007
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Signet (February 7, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0451217845
ISBN-13: 978-0451217844 Marianne Nesbitt adored her late husband David, but the racy reminiscences of the Merry Widows make her wonder if she missed something special. Might she find it now through a love affair? Uncertain how to go about it, she asks Adam Cazenove, an old friend and notorious rake, to tutor her in the arts of seduction.
The brazen request turns Adam’s world upside down. He never imagined his best friend’s very proper and exceedingly attractive widow would seek out a lover. If not for his recent betrothal, he would jump at the chance to warm her bed. Since he cannot bear the thought of another man doing so, he foils her every attempt at seduction. Until one night of unintended passion changes everything ...
It all starts with a meeting between the trustees for a group known as the Benevolent Widows Fund, a group of rich widows who traveled in the highest levels of society and did charitable work to help those less fortunate widows who were left poor and without any connections for a better life. While continuing their good works, the group of trustees evolved when one of the widows spoke about spending her winter with her newly acquired lover, an announcement that shocked most of the ladies. Yet only momentarily, for they began to seriously discuss the joy and freedom of discreetly taking a lover solely for the pursuit of pleasure; none of the widows needed, or wanted, to marry again, yet. If Penelope could take a lover, why couldn't the rest of them? Why not, indeed.... I loved the idea behind the Merry Widows a lot. I'll admit: it took me awhile to get used to the idea of heroines being sexually assertive and independent, especially in historicals, but now I've come to embrace them, for the most part. There is still a small part of me that likes to read about the virginal heroine from time to time, but now, reading about heroines who embrace their sexual side is really rather fun and titillating because they are the ones who are taking charge and going after what they want. That's the way it should be. Here, Marianne is startled yet intrigued by the idea of taking a lover. Never before had the thought crossed her mind, but now it's all she can think about, and sees the abundance of opportunities before her, if she'd only accept what is being subtlely being offered to her. Unsure of how to "get started", she asks her dear friend, Adam Cazenove, to assist in her search for the perfect man to intiate her in the pleasures of the flesh. But he is reluctant to lead her into the arms of another man, instead wanting only to give her pleasure himself, though he is unable to do so due to his upcoming nuptials, until one night, when blinding passion takes over and he gives in to his every desire... I liked this book, but I didn't like the subterfuge that was laced throughout the pages. I felt that Adam's actions were too secretive and devious for me to appreciate why he did them, and lead to a rather horrifying moment of realization for poor Marianne. Once that was resolved, however, then Marianne was rather adamant about not marrying Adam, which would have been fine with me, however her reasons for rejecting his proposal completely bothered me and felt like they were going against the very purpose of why she wished to remain an independent widow in the first place. I was much relieved when they both came to their senses and achieved their HEA. Not a moment too soon, because I did actually like them both, and was hoping they'd open their eyes and realize what was right there in front of them. Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Signet (August 1, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0451219201
ISBN-13: 978-0451219206 Beatrice, Lady Somerfield, is too busy acting as chaperone for her headstrong niece to take her friends' advice to find a lover. Maybe next year, she thinks. Until one night at a masquerade ball when a dark stranger makes her realize what she's been missing.
When she finally discovers his identity as the Marquess of Thayne, the very man she has practically been pushing into her niece's arms as the Catch of the Season, Beatrice is horrified. But Thayne is thoroughly captivated by Beatrice, and finds himself increasingly drawn to the beautiful, sensual, more mature and sophisticated Lady Somerfield, and soon discovers he wants more than a love affair. Beatrice, however, has vowed never to marry again. But when their private fling leads to public scandal, more than one life is turned upside down.
Oh, now this was quite a delightful story, right from the get-go. Beatrice is immediately attracted to the mysterious man who keeps watching her, and feels a thrill of excitment she's never known. But she's there as a chaperone to her beautiful niece, who is determined to capture the most eligible man of the Season. Yet the intriguing man relentlessly pursues her, awakening a deep desire she is helpless to resist. After engaging in a exquisitely passionate encounter, Beatrice is soon dismayed to learn that the nameless stranger is none other than Marquess of Thayne, the one man her stubborn niece is determined to bring to the altar. Can you say "awkward"? Thayne knows he must marry, and had made a promise to his parents that he would fulfill that responsibility before his thirtieth birthday, which is rapidly approaching. But the debutantes and lovely young maidens cannot attract the bored and arrogant Marquess, not when an intelligent, exciting and independent widow has captured his attention wholeheartedly. Beatrice is the woman who Thayne turns to time and again, not just for pleasure but for stimulating conversation and informed opinions. Soon, she becomes the woman he wishes to spend his future with, but will scandal destroy their chance at happiness, or drive them apart? Thayne is used to getting what he wants, and it's a bit gratifying to see that Beatrice does not easily bend to his will. I liked that he realized the jewel he had in Beatrice, and found her charms much more alluring and to his taste than those of a young, conceited young lady greedy for his title. Still, it was good to see him taken down a peg or two. Beatrice was devoted to her family, her children, yet what she experienced with Thayne was rare and beautiful, and she was wracked with guilt over the deceitful role she played in keeping Thayne and her niece apart, and almost gives up her chance at happiness as penance for her involvement. Thankfully they both come to their senses and decide to take a chance on living happily ever after. Amen. Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Signet (August 7, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0451221915
ISBN-13: 978-0451221919 John Grayston, seventh Viscount Rochdale, has never refused a wager, especially one that involves enticing a beautiful woman into his bed. He’s willing to stake his most prized possession that there’s not a single woman in all of England immune to his charms. But when the object of the wager is the prim and proper Grace Marlowe, he has to turn on the full force of his seductive charm to woo her.
Grace, the widow of a famous bishop, finds her stalwart virtue put to the test when the infamous rake shows an unexpected interest in her. Outraged, flattered, and reluctantly attracted, she soon finds herself falling under the spell of the man behind the scandalous reputation. Rochdale, in turn, is delighted to discover a fiery passion beneath the widow’s prudish façade. But when hearts and lives become tangled in the gamble, the truth of his seduction could ruin everything ...
We originally meet Rochdale in "In the Thrill of the Night", and discover the notorious libertine is actually a friend of Adam Cazenove, yet Rochdale is quite a bit more jaded and less honorable than Adam. So much so that he enters into a shocking wager that would have him bedding the virtuous widow, Mrs. Grace Marlowe, trustee of the Benevolent Widows Fund. Having no intention of losing the bet, Rochdale uses his considerable expertise and patience to woo the lovely yet repressed Grace, so confident of his win that he can practically taste it. Grace is proud of having been married to the bishop, and honors his memory with numerous good works, as well as leading a chaste and quiet life. Charity work is her passion, and she loves making a difference to those who are in need. Having never experienced the earthly delights of the marriage bed - her husband believed it was not an act that should be enjoyed - she is rather shocked by the amorous pursuits of the other Merry Widows, yet she is curious as well. After all, her friends are not evil, depraved women. They are decent, generous ladies who embrace their sexuality with the men they love. Maybe finding pleasure in bed is not so sinful after all.... But of all the men Grace might have chosen to take as a lover, that rake Rochdale is not even on her list. Yes, he is enticing, and oh, so wicked, but surely she must stay as far away from his as possible. However he makes that impossible by slowly, patiently wooing her. Whatever ball or event she attends, he is there, watching. She cannot get away from his seductive powers, and soon realizes she no longer wishes to run from him. With Rochdale, she discovers exactly what all the fuss is about, and wants to experience it again and again. Rochdale is at once delighted and wary of his success. The gorgeous widow is ripe for seduction, and falls into his hands with little prompting, but she is also kind, and giving, and unselfish, moreso than any other woman he's ever known. How can that be? Soon it's not just pleasure he is giving her, but also his heart. Yet will she still want it when she discovers the truth behind his initial interest? I enjoyed this book quite a bit, especially since I've been dying to learn more about Rochdale, the tempting carrot dangling in front of this reader, who finds the wicked rake to be the most fun type of hero. I mostly loved this story, except towards the end with the frustration of "the big misunderstanding", which I felt where dragged out a bit much. Yes there were trust issues, but I felt it went overboard with the back and forth volley of who was being betrayed more. Still, Rochdale was an irresistible rake, and falling for the virtuous yet sensual Grace was exactly what he deserved. I love how Grace, the most outspoken opponent of taking a lover in the beginning, reveled in her "a-ha!" moment, and was more than willing to repeat the experience with that sexy devil, over and over. She definitely needed to make up for lost time, no thanks to the clueless bishop she'd been married to. Thank God she found the perfect someone to help her with that. All in all, a lovely trilogy: fun, sexy, spirited, enlightening. I would have liked to have delved more into Penelope's and Wilhelmina's personal stories, the two most adventurous Merry Widows. I did enjoy the friendship and camraderie between the five ladies very much, and their open discussions about sex and what they liked, much like conversations I've had with my own friends. Definitely a quick, fun series to get caught up in, and I adored each of the Merry Widows for what they individually brought to the stories. Perfect reading for a rainy, lazy weekend. Enjoy. Labels: Candice Hern, historicals, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 8/25/2007 09:22:00 PM
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Thursday, August 23, 2007:
Alison Kent and supporting the cure
We've all been affected by breast cancer in one way or another, whether it's a friend, a family member, or even ourselves. Some very cool bloggers devote a lot of their own posts to their personal battles, and I commend their bravery. We have heroes out there, everywhere, and we are all together in our desire to stamp out breast cancer. 
The very cool Alison Kent is doing a little something for the cure. Go check out her blog to find out how you can help, and find out about the anthology called "Coming Together: For The Cure". And always, please always, get a mammogram. You are too precious not to - please take care of you. Please. Labels: mammograms, the cure, you
posted by Stacy~ at 8/23/2007 06:17:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007:
"The DaVinci Code" (2006) - movie review
Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon, aided by the police cryptologist Sophie Neveu, unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a thrilling quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.
I read the book by Dan Brown about 3 or 4 years ago, around the time when it first came out, partly because so many people I knew read it and loved it, and also it was creating such a stir. I don't always get pulled into the trend du jour, but this one fascinated me, mostly because it's a fictional story involving actual history (the Holy Grail, the Mona Lisa, Leonardo DaVinci...you get the idea) and it's told through a series of puzzles, which I find kinda cool. Yes, I'll agree that the story is not a masterpiece, and the author takes some liberties with his storytelling, but I was able to get past the clunky writing to just escape into the whole mystery angle, and I loved it, even in all its simplicity. Now the movie is much more like an outline of the actual book; it would have been completely impossible to tell the full story in the two and 1/2 hours it was squeezed into, so instead the movie just gives us the basic highlights. Having read the book, and knowing there was no way all the elements could have been included in the movie, I was pretty open-minded about what I was going to see. For those who never read the book, I can only imagine they might have felt a little lost. As it is, I felt that even though it started at the beginning of the story, somehow it felt more like the middle because it happened so fast, like we are just supposed to believe that Langdon was able to easily accept that he was in danger, and he had to run from the police to save his own life, accompanied by a complete stranger who may be the key to a significant historical puzzle. Albeit a beautiful one, but a stranger all the same. Men, I tell ya. So as the story unfolds, we are also lead to believe that the whole point of all the running and hiding and uncovering of clues is to protect a mystery that has survived several centuries: the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. The interesting part about the mystery is the intricate path that is followed to reach the end - the various historical locations, the symbols, the "clues" found in paintings and statues and the like. However the disappointing factor is that the clues are so easy a clever child could figure them out, so it's not really much of a mystery. With "Google" and the internet and the advanced methods of technology, it's a wonder that anyone has to leave the comfort of their own home to decipher the hidden messages. Yet I couldn't help but be intrigued by the historical aspect, the involvement of actual people and locations and organizations, such as Opus Dei, an organization of the Catholic Church that emphasizes the Catholic belief that everyone is called to holiness and that ordinary life is a path to sanctity. Or Leonardo Da Vinci and the belief that he hid secret messages in many of his works. The Louvre. Rosslyn Chapel. Westminster Abbey. The Holy Grail. The Priory of Sion (an actual secret society?) The sacred feminine (mythic representation of the mother goddess symbolized through images and events connected with fertility and reproduction from the earliest times). Stuff like that fascinates me, and there's a large part of me - the part with the fanciful imagination - that wants this to be based on true events. Not being raised Catholic, or in any organized religion, it's very easy for me to suspend my beliefs and just go where the story takes me. I can understand a faithful Catholic having issues with the whole thing - no one wants to have their ideals turned upside down. For me, I am more of a spiritual person, so I can let myself get caught up in the fictious story and still pray to God and believe that any of these things could be possible. I like some of the ideas behind the book and movie, like the sacred feminine. It's a fun movie, not to be taken too seriously, but one that makes me want to travel to all the different locations, to peruse the museums and think about all the possibilities. If you enjoy puzzles but aren't a stickler about details, if you can suspend your belief and get lost in a fantastical mystery, if you enjoy history and exploring famous places and artworks, if you like mysteries, or heck, if you're just a fan of Tom Hanks, you might just like this movie. I know I did, and for more than one of the reasons mentioned. I understand that another Dan Brown book, " Angels and Demons" will be brought to the big screen, and I have every intention of going to see it. How about you? Labels: "The DaVinci Code", movies, Tom Hanks
posted by Stacy~ at 8/21/2007 07:39:00 PM
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Sunday, August 19, 2007:
8th annual Children's Memorial Radioathon
Many of you know that there are a few causes near and dear to my heart: supporting the troops, the care and welfare of animals, and anything to do with children. This past weekend was the 8th annual Eric and Kathy 36-hour radioathon for Children's Memorial Hospital. And every year I listen to the stories, uplifting and sad, and they never fail to make me want to do something, something important. Another year has come and gone, and so far they've raised $1,847,912 to help Chicago's kids. Yay! That is outstanding. When you hear all the bad stuff on the news and see cruelty and greed and selfishness, being a part of something like this can really lighten your heart and give you faith in people again, or continue to have it in those who tirelessly pick up the torch to fight another day. There is still time to donate...just go here. What cause(s) do you support? How do you try to make a difference? Labels: good causes, helping, kids
posted by Stacy~ at 8/19/2007 09:27:00 AM
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Thursday, August 16, 2007:
Crap. Jodi tagged me. I wish I could hate her, but I feel it's so much easier just to give in....plus she is rather nice and funny, so I'll just do the damn thing. Here are the rules: 1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts. (Done). 2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. (Okay, done). 3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. (Done). 4. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog. (Normally I'd let you decide, but today I'm going to pick a few): L - lazy. I am a human slug. Y - yearning. For sleep. For chocolate. For books. For money. For Scotland. N - nerdy. Complete dork here, people. You know it, I know it. No surprise to anyone. N - naughty. Life sure is more interesting when you're having fun. E - Entertained. Yeah, I'm easily amused & entertained most of the time. T - Time. I have to be on time. I hate to miss out on stuff, like movie previews), or get a bad seat. I'm so anal about it. T - Thoughtful. (And oh, so modest!) I like to believe that I do think of other people and pay attention to whether they are having a bad day or whether it's a special occasion or to include everyone for a party or outing. I hate the idea of people being left out or neglected. It hurts my heart. E - Empathic. I can't help it, I tend to put myself in other people's shoes. I hope that makes me a more understanding person, a better friend. I hope so. So there you have it.... Buh-bye. Labels: me
posted by Stacy~ at 8/16/2007 06:20:00 AM
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Monday, August 13, 2007:
"Monkey Love" - review (2002)
Amy is stuck in a rut, still living with her parents while attending community college. She decides that one of the first steps in breaking free of this slump is to get rid of her two slacker male friends... by sleeping with them. As one responds by wanting more, the other's skepticism keeps him away. Feelings get complicated on all fronts as a result of the friends-mixed-with-sex chaos. **************** To spice up her ho-hum life, stuck-in-a-rut college senior Amy (Amy Stewart) sleeps with Aaron Séamus Dever) and Dil (Jeremy Renner), her two best pals since the 3rd grade. Unfortunately, her best-laid plans for more excitement turn their perfect, if predictable, platonic triangle into a tangled web of super-charged emotions with hilarious consequences. Packed with laughter, a sensational cast (including Deadwood's William Sanderson) and outrageous situations, Monkey Love is a miracle of a movie...in the great American tradition of the Screwball Comedy!" (Seattle International Film Festival)
I've wanted to see this movie since I saw " S.W.A.T." a few years ago and discovered Jeremy Renner (and as an added bonus, you've also got LL Cool J and Samuel L. Jackson to heat up your screen). Jeremy played a selfish jerk, a total bad guy character I found rather much more interesting than Colin Farrell, who actually wasn't bad in this film (way better than "Phone Booth" anyway), I just thought Renner was more fun to watch. But I digress cuz the movie I'm talking about now is "Monkey Love", starring Jeremy, pre-"S.W.A.T." Basically, it revolves around 22-year-old Amy ( Amy Stewart), who feels like she's stuck in a rut and needs to do something to make a change. She tries dating a college professor but finds that being with an older man is not always as exciting as she thought it would be, so she ends that debacle. Then she comes up with the idea of getting rid of her closest friends, Dil and Aaron - because they are obviously the ones holding her back - and making a complete change. The only way, or at least the easiest way, she can think of doing that is by sleeping with them, which will ruin their friendship forever when things inevitably don't work out. Possibly skewered logic, but this is the path Amy decides to take. Well as you can imagine, guys being typical guys, they sure as hell are not going to say "no" to such an opportunity, because not only is Amy a woman, she's also pretty hot. First up is dark-haired, adorably nervous Aaron ( Seamus Dever), who refuses to go to college and quits his job as assistant manager at a burger joint. He doesn't have a lot of sexual experience, but is more than willing to learn with Amy. Even though Dil is one of his best friends, he doesn't tell him about sleeping with Amy, but he sure knows he want it to happen again. And again. After Amy's less than stellar experience with Aaron, she's still determined to carry out her plan to change her life, and brings the idea of sex up to her other best friend Dill (Jeremy Renner). Dil lives in his own apartment, he's a mechanic, and wants Aaron to go to college. He's a bit shell-shocked by Amy's proposal, but again, he also doesn't need much convincing to sleep with her, figuring he'd regret it if he didn't. But afterwards he doesn't want it to happen again, and tells Amy he only wants to be friends. Not getting the results she'd been hoping for leads Amy to search for deeper meaning, and she comes across Mishnu, who teaches yoga and has taken both a vow of silence and celibacy. But he too, only ends up disappointing her when he turns out to be something he's not. Now she's left with no friends, strange and distant parents who spend their time sitting in their living room reading the newspaper and listening to opera, and not much hope about her future. Instead she misses her best friends terribly, but figures she pretty much ruined that for good with the whole sex thing. Yet that's the amazing thing about best friends; it's not that easy to lose them, because they still love you anyway. Did I like this movie? Um, yes, parts of it I did. (Update: I liked it more the 2nd time around - yeah, I had to re-watch it for the sex scenes *g*). I thought Amy was mostly superficial and cold at times, willing to lose two of the people who cared about her most, but once she did, she grew up, and became mature and likable, and that's when she found what she was actually looking for. Aaron and Dil changed too, and their friendship became stronger some of the things that have been holding them back. At times, the movie was campy stupid, silly, and juvenile, but then there were other parts that were poignant, and sweet, and funny. And my boy Jeremy did not disappoint, imho. Would I recommend it? Well, I'll leave that up to you do to decide: Here are some scenes from the move. You figure it out. Labels: "Monkey Love", Jeremy Renner, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 8/13/2007 08:49:00 PM
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Saturday, August 11, 2007:
"Sleepless at Midnight" Jacquie D'Alessandro (2007)
Mass Market Paperback: 370 pages
Publisher: Avon (June 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006123138X
ISBN-13: 978-0061231384 The ladies in London are abuzz over Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiosity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber—only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.
The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game . . . and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun.
Awhile ago while I was blog-hopping, I came across this fabulous review by Isabel of "Sleepless at Midnight" over at the Book Binge, and I just had to get the book. I'd never read anything by Jacquie D'Allesandro, nor have I paid much attention to her or her books - they never stood out much to me. They just blended in with all the other historical books and authors out there. Not to say that these authors don't write good books, but there is only so much time in a day. Inevitably, it happens. Anyway, so after the review, I bought the book, but I didn't read it right away. Finally this week I felt in the mood for a historical, and this one was on the top of the pile. I didn't know it, but boy, I was in for a treat: Sarah Moorhouse's widowed sister, Lady Wingate, and a few of her friends are invited to the Marquess Langston's home for a house party. As Carolyn's travel companion, the plain spinster Sarah accompanies her sister, hoping to bring back some laughter into her life after the death of Carolyn's husband three years ago. One of the ideas she's concocted is to establish the Ladies Literary Society of London, where under the guise of respectability, they will discuss sensational and scandalous books, such as Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". During their late night discussions, they create the Perfect Man, even going as far as to "build" him, but not in the gruesome way of Dr. Frankenstein. While all this is going on, Matthew Devenport, Lord Langston, is digging in his garden. Somewhere on his estate, his now deceased father is said to have buried a treasure, and as Matthew has been left with numerous debts he is unable to repay, he is desperate to find the treasure and take care of his responsibilities. He made a deathbed promise to his father than he would marry and produce an heir, and unless he can find that treasure, he will have to find a rich heiress to wed. Not a wholly unappealing thought, but Matthew is having difficulty finding a beautiful, rich bridal prospect to engage his interest thoroughly enough to want to marry her. Whom he does notice however, albeit reluctantly, is the plain young woman accompanying Lady Wingate. From the very first, his attention is drawn to the bespectacled spinster, when during dinner, her glasses steam up while she's eating her soup. Wearing glasses himself on occasion, he completely understands her problem and feels a pinch of sympathy for her. On another occasion early one morning, while he is set to go digging yet again, he unexpectedly comes across Miss Moorehouse in his garden, petting his dog and enjoying the various plants and flowers surrounding her. Feeling obligated to act the perfect host, he stops to trade polite social niceties with her, and learns a great many interesting things about the young woman, and from that moment on, he has trouble keeping her out of his thoughts. One thing I absolutely loved is that Sarah doesn't change who she is to capture Matthew's attention; she remains "herself", and what draws him to her is their shared interests and personal experiences. Having spent her life in the shadow of her beautiful, older sister, instead of becoming bitter or withdrawn, Sarah is instead a loving, intelligent young lady with a passion for a great many things, including sketching, animals, and learning. The longer Matthew knows her, the more captivated he becomes, and sees past her thick spectacles to the remarkable and kind woman she truly is. While most everyone around him still sees Sarah as plain and uninteresting, Matthew only sees her unique and soothing beauty, her intellect, her kind and giving nature. She is his Perfect Woman. Matthew is a man of deep honor, who strives to keep his promises and is constantly aware of his responsibilities and what he owes to those who depend upon him. Falling for Sarah was not part of his plan, but once he realizes he does instead care for her, he is upfront with her, letting her know of his financial situation and what he must do to remedy it. Their longing for one another is bittersweet, the knowledge that they must soon part completely heartbreaking. Knowing Matthew must marry another is like a knife to her heart, but Sarah knows he has no choice, as she has no money of her own. This book is a wildly romantic and lovely story, and reminds me of how I used to love reading books like this on a regular. Now they seem few and far between. New-to-me Jacquie D'Allesandro pens a remarkably sweet and sexy depiction of the love growing between Sarah and Matthew. The more they get to know each other, the more their fascination for each other grows. I could actually "see" them fall in love, and it was wonderful. I highly recommend this book, and even went as far as to get 3 more D'Allesandro books in the hopes of re-capturing that magical feeling. Thank you Isabel, for the great review that encouraged me to go on out and snap it right up. It's definitely a keeper, and I plan on immediately re-reading it so I can get lost in that happy feeling all over again. Labels: historicals, Jacquie D'Alessandro, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 8/11/2007 06:37:00 PM
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Wednesday, August 08, 2007:
Romance for a Lifetime(tv)
The transition is complete! The Queen Bella has moved to Lifetimetv.com - go check out her new home! Labels: LifetimeTV.com, Michelle Buonfiglio, Romance by the Blog
posted by Stacy~ at 8/08/2007 08:06:00 PM
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With friends like these....
....you're never bored. As I was driving home (er, to McD's for my daily fix of vanilla iced coffee) after work today, I was listening to my voicemail, and realized I had a bunch of saved messages, so started listening to them while I'm driving. There must have been around 6 or 7 of them in my in-box, and they're all from the same person, my pal L. I'm laughing my ass off because she is just so damn perverted, and I just love her to death for it. Lately we've been talking on the phone anywhere between 1 - 3(!) hours a DAY, and I hate talking on the phone. Can't stand it. Drives me nuts. But talking to her is like non-stop hilarity. See, she's one of those people who can say anything to anyone and never get in trouble for it. She can talk trash with the best of 'em, and sexually harass her supervisor without him being any the wiser. I really want to be her when I grow up because she is always having so much fun. One of the things I think is cool about her is that she doesn't look like she's the obvious bad girl: she's a divorced mom in her mid-forties, looks a bit like a shy, quiet wallflower...until you get to know her, then all hell breaks loose. Once you meet her, you will remember her, that is for sure. Her teenage nieces think she's the coolest "auntie", and even their boyfriends think she rocks.
Lately she's confessed a little secret: she totally has this thing for Professor Snape (from the Harry Potter movies for those not in "the know"), and okay, yeah, so maybe I can kinda get her "call me 'bitch' and I'm yours" attitude with it comes to this bad boy. She will describe in great detail all the wicked and unmentionable things she wants him to do to her with his magic wand. She's sick and twisted, but I wouldn't trade her for a million iced coffees. Yep, she's a keeper. And of course she has this way of bringing out my dirty-minded side, which makes her cackle evilly with a bit of maternal pride. The most innocent comments can be turned into something suggestive and shocking when she's around, as L has made it her mission in life to make the world a much naughtier place. Hey I say if she can keep people laughing, than more power to her. I bet her raunchy attitude will keep her young. And no question, she really is one of those people who does enjoy life to the fullest. What about you: do you have a friend who can always make you laugh? Someone who brings out the shockingly "bad" side? Do you get the whole Professor Snape attraction thing??? Labels: bad girls, friends, fun
posted by Stacy~ at 8/08/2007 05:26:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 07, 2007:
"300" - movie review (2007)
Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, '300' is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's (Sin City) acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale.
This movie is a fictional telling of the actual Battle of Thermopylae, back in 480 B.C., where 300 Greeks, overwhelmingly outnumbered, held back the invading Persians for three days before a local resident, motivated by the desire of a reward, betrayed the Greeks by revealing a mountain path that led behind the Greek lines. Though the Greeks' defeat was inevitable, their incredible endurance and unity against the Persians is astounding.
Right from the beginning, we see the life of a Spartan warrior is not an easy one. From the age of seven, he is taken from his mother, where he is to serve in the military until the age of 30. The ordinary Spartan was a citizen-warrior, trained to obey and endure. Leonidas survives such training until he is named King, and continues the traditions with his own son. Soon, Persia is knocking at the door, determined to overtake every bit of land and have all bow down to the current ruler, King Xerxes, who proclaims himself a God-King, and will grant mercy to those who agree to serve Persia, as long as the kneel to his will. Leonidas, unimpressed with Xerxes' wealth and unwilling to bow to anyone, man or King, refuses, preferring to meet the Persians in battle. When he is denied by the priests, whose word is law, his request for their blessing to fight, Leonidas ignores the warning and takes his 300 best men and leads a campaign to repel the enemy. His men are as fearless and enthusiastic to fight as he is himself. While Leonidas is away from home fighting the Persians, his wife, Queen Gorgo, appeals to the council to send more men to aid her husband. She is a wise and fearless woman, though pragmatic, and does what she must to to influence them to do her bidding for the good of all Sparta, however she is betrayed by an influential politician. Enraged, the queen exacts her revenge and therefore reveals the traitor to the councilmen, who in turn unite against Persia. The whole reason I wanted to see this movie is to watch the luscious Scot, Gerard Butler, in action, and I was not disappointed. Gerard makes for a great Spartan king, loyal to his people and their ways, resourceful, and unafraid of death. His queen, Gorgo, played by Lena Headey, is a formiddable woman, not one to cower behind her husband but one who stands with him, side by side, and speaks her mind freely, as was the way of Spartan women. For once a female character I could actually like and respect, and not one who came across as clingy, dependent, or indecisive. The killing in this movie is bloody and plentiful, but combined with the special effects, rather fluid and graceful, a ritualistic dance of violent beauty. The Greeks kill thousands of their enemy, building a wall of bodies to demoralize the enemy. Their strategy is incredibly successful as doubt and fear begin to grow. Based on actual events, the outcome is not a mystery, but nevertheless the unfolding of events is absorbing to watch. Any film that gets me interested in learning the history behind it is a success in my book, because now I truly do want to read more about the actual circumstances that lead to the making of this movie. It must have looked amazing up on the big screen. Sorry I missed that. Great movie all the same, though. Have you seen "300"? Did you like it? Why did you go and see it? Does the re-telling of actual historical events fascinate you? Labels: Gerard Butler, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 8/07/2007 04:46:00 AM
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Monday, August 06, 2007:
"Suite Seventeen" by Portia Da Costa (2007)
Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Virgin Black Lace (August 7, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0352341092
ISBN-13: 978-0352341099 When vibrant forty-something widow Annie Convoy decides it's time she woke up and smelt the erotic roses, where better to begin her daring adventures than the luxurious Waverley Grange Country Hotel, and its hidden den of iniquity - Suite Seventeen? Under the stern but playful eye of exotic master Valentino, Annie surrenders to his outrageous games of power. But when the Waverley's future hangs in the balance, and Annie has the means to save it, dare she gamble on going one step further...and giving her heart to the mysterious man who's come to control her?
I picked this one up along with the Emma Holly book, both Black Lace releases, and after having heard good things about Portia Da Costa's story-telling. A sequel to Ms. Da Costa's previous book " Entertaining Mr. Stone", this one nonetheless stands on its own. In " Suite Seventeen", Mrs. Convoy spent her days playing golf, badly, gardening, baking and meeting for lunch with friends from the Townswomen Guild, all very prim, proper and...boring. One night she agrees to meet her handsome investor at the Waverley for dinner, to discuss her finances. On the outside, it appears elegant and conservative, unless you know what to ask for - Suite Seventeen - and Annie has been playing it safe for long enough. She wants to live, and she wants to experience the kind of sexual excitement her kinky neighbors partake in night after night. While waiting impatiently for her date to show up, Annie meets the exotic and enticing "Valentina", with long black hair, dressed in lame', and she is stunned by her attraction to the gorgeous vision before her, knowing full well Valentina is actually a man. After exchancing a few words, Valentina leaves, and Annie is left to ponder her strange reaction to this sensual creature. Confused, her date forgotten, Annie soon leaves Waverley, intending to go straight home, until she sees him walking towards the woods, and unable to stop herself, she follows him...and experiences the most erotic, satisfying sexual encounter of her life, which leads her to discover a side of herself she never knew existed, but now she can't live without. I will admit that the domination/submission fantasy has never really done anything for me, (with the exception of Shayla Black's "Wicked Ties" and possibly the upcoming JR Ward release about Vischous and the Black Dagger Brotherhood) so I was a bit reluctant to pick this one up, feeling like I would have judged it before even reading it. Fortunately it was not a hardcore D/s story, so I was able to delve into it without the squeamish factor taking over. I found it a bit interesting how Annie, who'd never really had fantasies about being dominated before, was suddenly overcome with the irresistible desire to submit to Valentino, but instead of making her weak, her new-found lust frees her from the constrictive old life she once knew and was quite happy with in her marriage. But she is a different woman now, with different needs, and they have given her a new confidence and possibly a chance at love again. Annie recognizes that she cannot be the clingy, dependent woman if she is to hold on to her man, so she establishes herself as a strong, independent woman who enjoys what her and Valentino share, but never asks for more than he is willing to give. In turn, he is free to be himself, in any of his various personas, and she accepts him, cares for him, lets him do anything he wants to her as long as they are together. This trust gives Valentino what he needs to commit to Annie, forever. I have to give Ms. Da Costa tremendous credit for pulling me into the story, despite my intial reservations. I still don't really find the dom/sub scenarios to be my thing, but I can better understand how many people find them to be exciting and arousing, and not about being conquered but about surrendering control to someone you trust to experience extreme pleasure. I liked Annie a lot, how she developed a sassy and assertive confidence, and how wasn't afraid to explore her new fantasies. Valentino could have been cruel but he wasn't, instead you find out that he'd been hurt before, and his relationship with Annie was very important to him, despite his past. If there was anything I didn't like about the book, it was the numerous references of Annie being an old woman, or even middle-aged. In today's world, mid-forties is still considerably young, and the references to her as "an old mare" made me think of someone twenty years older than she actually was. Instead I think Annie was a classy, lovely and sensual woman who is impatient to live life to the fullest; she's not old at all. No, I think she is divine. This was my first Portia Da Costa story, but most decidedly not my last. I will have to get a copy of "Entertaining Mr. Stone" to read Maria's and Bobby's story, and there are quite a few other books in her repetoire that I will have to look into as well, and here is the place to check them out. So, what are you waiting for? Click on the link ;) Do you read submission/domination romances? If so, what are some of your favorites? What do you find so enjoyable about them? Labels: Black Lace, erotic romance, Portia Da Costa, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 8/06/2007 05:40:00 AM
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Saturday, August 04, 2007:
"Menage" by Emma Holly (1998)
Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Virgin Black Lace (May 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0352341181
ISBN-13: 978-0352341181 I'll admit, as much as I love her, Emma Holly is rather hit or miss with me. I completely loved the first one I ever read, " Beyond Innocence", which kinda flipped my switch for erotic romance, but thought the second, " Beyond Seduction" was lacking the tension and romance of the previous book. I really liked " Personal Assets", but thought " Strange Attractions" was just okay. I absolutely loved " All U Can Eat" so when I was perusing the bookstore yesterday and came across some of her Black Lace stories, released in paperback, I found this one, "Menage" which immediately got my attention. Here's why: Philadelphia bookstore owner Kate comes home from work one day to find her two flatmates in bed together. Joe - a sensitive composer - is mortified. Sean - an irrepressible bad boy - asks her to join in. As they embark on a polysexual menage a trois, Kate wants nothing more than to keep both her admirers happy. However, things become complicated. Kate has told everyone that Sean is gay, but now he and Kate are acting like lovers. Can the three of them live happily ever after - together? I'll admit it, there's something about the m/f/m and even the m/m/f thing that does it for me in a big way. Maybe it's the whole taboo angle, the forbidden lust and all that, but whatever the reason, it works for me, especially if it's obvious the men are very masculine and dress like men and talk like men and aren't overly pretty. "Menage" does all this and more, and it appealed to me on several levels. Divorced thirty-something bookstore owner Kate Winthrop is enthralled with her two young lodgers, twenty-something grad students Joe and Sean, both who turn her on, especially Joe, the sweet, dark-haired one that actually blushes in her presence. Catching them in bed together leads to a sexy invitation she simply cannot refuse, even if she wanted to. Indulging her own fantasies with the younger men is unexpectedly an emotional experience as it becomes evident that Joe's feelings for Kate are more than physical. Even Sean, who feels somewhat possessive of Joe, begrudgingly cannot deny his own attraction to Kate. After a rather wicked encounter with Sean at her bookstore, and a more romantic one with Joe at her house, she begins to learn more about the guys she lives with, such as how they met, and their own personal preferences. The only rule the three share is that they don't sleep with anyone outside of the trio, yet each are willing to explore and pleasure each other in a multitude of ways. As time goes on, their sexual relationship becomes one of supportive friendship as well, as each experiences career changes and opportunities that challenge the intense yet precious connection they all share. When Joe is given a golden chance to make his dreams come true, it forces an unwelcome change to the relationship, one that takes him to New York City and away from the two people he cares about most. Will he be happier following his dream, or following his heart? Wow, this book was hot, hot, HOT! But also wonderfully romantic and endearing. Emma Holly created an intimate setting at Kate's house for the three lovers, one that lets them play to their hearts' content. Despite my reservations when I first picked up the book (remember hit or miss?), I found Kate, Sean and Joe to be remarkably likable, what with their flaws and insecurities but also with their acceptance of their own sexuality and how they relate to each other. I couldn't help but hope that the three would stay together, finding someway to make their relationship permanent. What made the sex so hot was the fact that they cared so much for each other, wanted to keep their menage exclusively between the three of them, and had hopes and aspirations outside the bedroom. Nothing is more boring in an erotic book than to read nothing but sex scene after sex scene with nothing else to sustain the story, yet here you watch as Kate's store becomes more profitable, hear Joe sing the songs he composes, learn that Sean has a strong work ethic and is spectacularly good at accounting. I loved getting these glimpses into their lives. Re-released in May but originally published in 1998, I had to wonder how I would have felt about this story if I'd have read it all those years ago. Would I have found it shocking, or titillating? Compared to a lot of the erotic romance out there, it's fairly standard, but 10 years ago it probably would have caused quite a sensation, right along with Bertrice Small (my first erotic romance author) and Susan Johnson. Regardless, I bought it yesterday and finished it in one sitting, it was that good. [I highly recommend it, and am always looking for similar EH books to read. I'm not into any f/m/f or f/f/m stuff, and I don't even know if she writes any stories like that. I just want to find more stories like "Menage" and "All U Can Eat". There were several of her Black Lace stories that were out, but none of them really appealed to me, at least not at this time]. Anyway, I loved it lots and hope you do too. Have you read Emma Holly? If so, what's your favorite story? Do you like to read about menages (m/f/m or m/m/f) or are you a more traditional reader? Labels: Black Lace, Emma Holly, erotic romance, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 8/04/2007 08:36:00 PM
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Thursday, August 02, 2007:
I know most of you are aware of the awful tragedy that happened yesterday (August 1st) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when an 8-lane bridge buckled and collapsed during the evening rush hour, causing dozens of cars to fall more than 60 feet into the Mississippi River. So far, 4 people have been confirmed dead, but with about 30 others missing, the number of those who died in this horrible accident will no doubt be much higher. Now this is not the first time something like this has happened, and it's certainly not the worst event that's ever occurred in my lifetime, but for me, this one shook me up more than usual because it was a place I knew quite well. I grew up in northern Minnesota, but had been to the Twin Cities countless times, even lived in downtown Minneapolis for 3 months when I was 19. So when I heard the news, my first thoughts were of my family and high school friends, many of whom moved away from where I grew up to live in the Cities, where the jobs are. So far, my mom hasn't reported any bad news, and I'm praying that it stays that way. The truth is, when I hear things like this happening, my heart goes out to the families for the loss of loved ones and for the awful news, but I don't dwell on it much. I imagine it happening in an abstract kinda way, but I'm ashamed to admit it doesn't really penetrate as deeply when it's people or an area I'm not familiar with. That is just such a callous thing to say, but I have to admit it's the truth. After yesterday, I know I will be thinking about this everytime I drive across a bridge or an overpass. I know I will be remembering those who died so horribly. Drowning is my biggest fear, and I shudder thinking about those poor people trapped in their cars. It's a sobering and devastating thing to imagine. I hope each of you is safe and sound with your loved ones tonight, human and furbabies alike. Give them each a big hug and let them know just how important they are to you. Labels: home, sad, tragedy
posted by Stacy~ at 8/02/2007 07:57:00 PM
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Wednesday, August 01, 2007:
I am a horrible blogger. There, I said it. It's true. Being the neglectful and self-absorbed person that I am, I have a tendency not to go back and respond to comments people make to my posts - shame on me. Oh I try to, and the comments even show up in my email as a reminder, but sometimes I just don't go back and read them, or respond to them, maybe because I don't go on the computer for days at a time, or I only visit certain sites (and mine isn't always one of them) because when I am online I just don't always have the time to visit all the places I like to go. My blogging time is limited since I can't access them at work while I'm on break, so my place usually is the one that gets left behind. How about you: do you respond to all the comments on your blog? Do you check back with the blogs you visit to see if anyone responds to your comments? Does it bother you if no one does? Should I be thanking my lucky stars that people actually come and read the crap I write? Go ahead, you can tell me, I can take it. I won't cry. Much. In other news, I picked up the latest Rachel Gibson, who, by the way, has an updated website, and gosh, I love her longer hair - she's a goddess. And I can't wait to read her new one. And thanx to one of the reigning book pimps surfing the 'net, (ahem, MK) I've also picked up Nalini Singh's "Slave to Sensation" and....."Visions of Heat". She had me at hot, tortured hero. And is it me, or does McDonald's Vanilla iced coffee rock or what? I am completely addicted, sometimes drinking 2 or even 3 mediums in a DAY. Please don't anyone tell me how many calories I'm slurping down, I don't need any more guilt. And, AND, Jodi, this one's for you: Haagen-Dazs has brought back the most awesomest ice cream EVER invented: sticky toffee pudding! Thanx to that enabler (aka Jodi) I have been in heaven (eating a pint never tasted so good) and hell (what, a limited time?!) but after seeing an ad in a woman's magazine yesterday, I went to HD's website and confirmed this as of today. And no, none of these locations are anywhere near me since I live in the 'burbs, but they are in the near vicinity, and that's a good thing, because if ever I am in danger of running out, I can always brave the treacherous city streets for my latest fix. Some things are worth fighting for. Labels: comments, favorites, ramblings
posted by Stacy~ at 8/01/2007 04:54:00 AM
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