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Wednesday, October 31, 2007:
Halloween means different things to different people: spooky music; dressing up in outrageous costumes; scary movies; rainy & dreary weather; getting all the good candy. But for me, it's.... I mean, how can you not adore the weird kid who devotely writes to the Great Pumpkin every year, never losing faith that one day he'll show up and make all of Linus' dreams come true? Sure, he's stuck waiting around forever with just his friend's pesky sister, freezing and getting spooked, but what's a little discomfort when your hero is out there somewhere just waiting to reward your dedication?
And who wouldn't love the sage advice of a young man who has learned from experience when he advises to "Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.". Words to live by. Do you have a favorite Hallween classic? Labels: Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Halloween
posted by Stacy~ at 10/31/2007 05:45:00 AM
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Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 30, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0345501098
ISBN-13: 978-0345501097 It’s Christmastime in Boston, and this year the silver bells will be wedding bells as FBI agent Jules Cassidy ties the knot with the man of his dreams, Hollywood heartthrob Robin Chadwick. The pair plan a quiet, intimate ceremony, to be witnessed by family and close friends from the FBI, SEAL Team Sixteen, and Troubleshooters, Incorporated, including Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke. But the holiday season brings more to the happy couple than they expect. A waterfall coming through their kitchen ceiling, a bat colony in the attic, old family tensions . . . even an international incident can’t dampen their spirits. But add to that a parade of unexpected guests, including a reporter looking for a scoop, an ex-lover hell-bent on causing trouble, and a dangerous stalker, and suddenly the wedding is poised to unravel in chaos. But nothing will stop Jules and Robin from getting their happy ending, because along with a guest list featuring the most elite counterterrorism force in the world, they have their own secret weapon–true love. About time! Anyone who visits here on a regular basis knows that Suz Brockmann is an auto-buy author for me, and this 12th release of the Troubleshooters series is no exception. Other than Sam & Alyssa's story, Jules' HEA has been one of the most highly anticipated stories for me in the series, so I will be getting myself to the bookstore today to get my copy. So what if it's Halloween?! This is a Brockmann Troubleshooters story!
And, this I learned at Kate Davies' blog: "Every penny of Suz's earnings -- advance, royalties, foreign rights, audio royalties, subrights -- is being donated to MassEquality. Every penny." Now how cool is that? The lady rocks. Labels: Suz, Troubleshooters
posted by Stacy~ at 10/31/2007 05:23:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007:
Contest: sharing memories to win....
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had an extra copy of Elizabeth Scott's "Spin the Bottle" and I decided to use it for a contest. But then I had trouble figuring out what kinda contest. I like to ask questions and find out more about the people who blog here, so then it hit me: Spin the Bottle was/is a naughty game you usually play in high school, or college. I thought it would be fun to talk about your favorite games you played as a kid.
I remember "Kiss and Kill" from grade school, where the boys chased the girls and either knocked them down or kissed them. I always wished Jason W. would kiss me, but he never did. Needless to say, I was knocked down a lot LOL.
Then there was Dodge Ball, with two bowling pins for each team - if both pins are knocked down or all the players on one team are eliminated, the other team wins. Now I might not be all that athletic, but I can play a mean game of Dodge Ball. One year, the 5th graders played the 6th graders, and I, on the 5th grade team, caught the ball and won for our team. What a shining moment. What were your favorite games? Ever play spin the bottle? Did you enjoy it?
Contest will run through Friday, November 2nd, at 7pm CST.
Good Luck! Labels: contests, Elizabeth Scott
posted by Stacy~ at 10/30/2007 05:35:00 AM
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Well another year has come and gone with little word on my younger brother. Last my parents had heard from a friend of his, he had lost his job and was living out of his truck. This hurts to write it, to think about, to consider the implacations. I try not to. I know that's awful of me, and believe me, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him at least a little, but if I did more than that, I think I'd go crazy. I'm not a very good sister. Today is his 35th birthday. I hope he's somewhere warm (he'd been in California and Arizona) and that his life is getting back on track. Maybe one day he'll decide to come back into our lives again. Labels: birthday, brother
posted by Stacy~ at 10/30/2007 05:17:00 AM
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Sunday, October 28, 2007:
"Lord of the Fading Lands" by C.L. Wilson (October 2, 2007)
Mass Market Paperback: 402 pages Publisher: Leisure Books (October 2, 2007) ISBN-10: 0843959770 ISBN-13: 978-0843959772 ONCE HE HAD SCORCHED THE WORLD.
ONCE HE HAD DRIVEN BACK THE DARKNESS.
ONCE HE HAD LOVED WITH SUCH PASSION, HIS NAME WAS LEGEND... ~TAIREN SOUL~
Now a thousand years later, a new threat calls him from the Fading Lands back into the world that had cost him so dearly. Now an ancient, familiar evil is regaining its strength, and a new voice beckons him - more compelling, more seductive, more maddening than any before.
As the power of his most bitter enemy grows and ancient alliances crumble, the wildness in his blood will not be denied. The tairen must claim his truemate and embrace the destiny woven for him in the mists of time.
I first heard about C.L. Wilson from my online pal MaryKate (no surprise there) who raved about "Lord of the Fading Lands". Then I saw her on a special Saturday post with the Plotmonkeys where she talked about worldbuilding. After reading "Lord of the Fading Lands", let's just say the woman knows what she's talking about. Now before I start my review, I'll admit I wasn't too enthusiastic about reading a fantasy romance at this time. The thought really didn't appeal to me because I really have to be in the mood to read a certain romance genre, be it historical, contemporary or paranormal, but then her name kept popping up and I admit, I was feeling left out. So I made a decision and bought "Lord of the Fading Lands", but it still took me awhile to actually read it. Finally one day earlier this week I picked it up and started reading....and was completely absorbed in her story. So much so, in fact, I read it twice, and enjoyed it even more the second time. The tairen - "those magificent, magical, winged cats of the Fading Lands - were dying. When the tairen died, so would the Fey. Rain Tairen Soul, King of the Fey realizes this and is so desperate to save his people, he does the one thing all Fey are forbidden to do - he touches the Eye of Truth for answers. Amidst an agony beyond any he's ever known, he sees what he is looking for, and though it's not exactly what he wants to hear, he recognizes the wisdom of what the Eye is telling him, and sets forth to seek out the salvation of the Fey. Ellysetta Baristani is a young Celierian woman who has had nightmares all her life, horrific visions a child should never see. Now, at twenty-four, she is a plain woodcarver's daughter, without the looks and money to attract an ideal suitor. However one man wants to claim her very badly, so much so he orchestrates a plan that has both his parents and Ellie's signing a marriage contract between the two. Her anguish is so great, her soul calls out. And it is answered. Rain hears the plea, and knows it is the call of his shei'tani. His truemate. Anxious to claim her, he makes plans to go to Celieria, the city to which his Truthspeaker was traveling for her annual visit, a city he despises and hasn't set foot in over 1000 years. But for the survival of his people, and the protection of his truemate, he will find her. Ellie is among the crowd watching as Rainier vel'En Daris Feyreisen, Rain Tairen Soul, circles high above the people of Celieria. She has imagined him all her life, the hero of her daydreams, and he is an awesome sight to behold. But the tairen's fury over not finding his truemate is strong, and it scares the people. Ellie is seriously hurt as the frightened folk try to flee his flames of wrath. As people are running, a darkness comes over Ellie. She looks up, only to find the man of legends, the Feyreisen, standing before her, proud, magnificent, intense, frightening.
Soon after coming face to face with the hero of her dreams, Ellysetta is shocked to learn that, according to Fey custom, she is his shei'tani - his mate of the soul. Confused, overwhelmed, Ellie doesn't understand the bond between them, or just how important she is to the Fey, the fierce warriors who would proudly lay down their lives for her and consider it a great honor. Engaged to one man while supposedly belonging to another, Ellie is torn between what is right and what is fated. She's drawn to Rain, and begins to care deeply for the Fey who are there to protect her as the truemate of their king, but her own people, including her family, are extremely wary of the Fey, and don't trust the magic they possess. And she's terrified of the darkness inside herself, including those nightmares that continue to plague her almost every night. What if she's not the salvation of the Fey, but rather their destruction? C.L. Wilson's worldbuilding here is vivid and concise, and the images of magic the Fey create are so clear in her descriptions that I can easily see them in my mind as if I were experiencing it firsthand myself. These moments add to the slow yet tender courtship of Rain and Ellie, who are both lonely yet are cautiously reaching out and seeking the affection of the other. Ellie doesn't understand how the Fey, especially Rain, can know she is their queen, but the Fey see inside her heart, and know the beauty and honesty of her soul and believe her to be their Feyreisa. Rain is hungry, impatient to claim Ellysetta as his truemate, but her happiness and safety comes before all else. It hurts that she's initially afraid of him, and he tries to remember she is a mortal woman from Celieria and is unaccustomed to his people's ways. One of the things that really touched my heart in this story is that of the Fey warriors, and the burden they live with for the many gifts they've been blessed with by the gods. I found myself fervently wishing that each warrior would find his own truemate, his own hope, though they would proudly give up their life for Ellie, the Feyreisa - their queen. They are truly honorable warriors, worthy of their position as protectors. I think their role made it easier for Ellie to come to accept her future as the future queen of the Fey as they offered their friendship and affection unreservedly to her. This story has it all: romance, honor, magic, adventure, tragedy, a tortured hero, a heroine the reader can identify with. I loved how Rain cared for his truemate but wasn't so soft-hearted he came across as a weak suitor. While extremely young compared to Rain, Ellie showed a strength and a stubbornness that clearly told Rain and his warriors that she couldn't be pushed around, yet still managed to be a loving, generous woman who thought of others before herself. Neither character is perfect, yet they complement each other, and they feel right together, and ease the pain and loneliness they've each been carrying around for so long. Their story is just beginning, and I already have book #2, "Lady of Light and Shadows" - woo hoo! Thank you C.L. Wilson for such an engaging and absorbing story. So please, listen to MaryKate, and to me, and "Buy the Book"! Rating: ***** out of *****
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Leisure Books (October 30, 2007) ISBN-10: 0843959789 ISBN-13: 978-0843959789
Labels: C. L. Wilson, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 10/28/2007 06:26:00 PM
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Saturday, October 27, 2007:
 In an adaptation of the best-selling Cecelia Ahern novel , Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is beautiful, smart, and married to the love of her life-a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman named Gerry (Gerard Butler). So when Gerry's life is taken by an illness, it takes the life out of Holly. The only one who can help her is the person who is no longer there. Nobody knows Holly better than Gerry. So it's a good thing he planned ahead. Before he died, Gerry wrote Holly a series of letters that will guide her, not only through her grief but in rediscovering herself. The first message arrives on Holly's 30th birthday in the form of a cake and, to her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who proceeds to order her to get out and "celebrate herself." In the weeks and months that follow, more letters from Gerry are delivered in surprising ways, each sending her on a new adventure and each signing off in the same way: P.S. I Love You. Holly's mother (Kathy Bates) and best friends, Sharon (Gina Gershon) and Denise (Lisa Kudrow), begin to worry that Gerry's letters are keeping Holly tied to the past, but, in fact, each letter is pushing her further into a new future. With Gerry's words as her guide, Holly embarks on a touching, exciting and often hilarious journey of rediscovery in a story about marriage, friendship and how a love so strong can turn the finality of death into new beginning for life.  There's just something about Gerard Butler, don't you think? Labels: Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 10/27/2007 05:41:00 PM
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Thursday, October 25, 2007:
PSA: Hepatitis - get vaccinated
I'm going to make this short and sweet: no preaching or being bossy, other than I want you to seriously think about my request. Recently someone I've known for years was diagnosed with Hepatitis B, which is a serious disease that is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. Chronic hepatitis B may cause liver cirrhosis which may then lead to liver cancer, a fatal disease with very poor response to current chemotherapy. He has no idea how he got it, but it could have been a multitude of things. Some of the ways to get hepatitis (copied from the website): How can you protect yourself? That's easy: - You can get the hepatitis B vaccine.
"The hepatitis B vaccine is given through three shots. All babies should get the vaccine. Infants get the first shot within 12 hours after birth. They get the second shot at age 1 to 2 months and the third shot between ages 6 and 18 months. Older children and adults can get the vaccine, too. They get three shots over 6 months. Children who have not had the vaccine should get it.
You need all of the shots to be protected. If you are traveling to other countries, make sure you get all the shots before you go. If you miss a shot, call your doctor or clinic right away to set up a new appointment." *You may also visit the Hepatitis B Foundation for updates on vaccinations and other relevant news about Hepatitis B *You can find and print up educational materials at this site - Center for Disease Control and Prevention Now just so you know: I'm not afraid to be around this person; we have known each other a long time, so I completely trust him and feel comfortable around him, plus it's not easy to get hepatitis. However it can't hurt to get vaccinated, especially if I decide to go on another cruise. He had been on one earlier in the year with his family - they went to Belize - and South America is prevalent for hepatitis, so he somehow could have gotten it that way. You just can't be too careful, so yes, I plan on getting the shots. In many cases, they are even covered by insurance, so really, what's the risk? Please. Get vaccinated. You are worth it. Labels: healthcare, Hepatitis, vaccine
posted by Stacy~ at 10/25/2007 05:15:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 23, 2007:
"Stardust" (2007) - movie review
A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) tries to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), the beautiful but cold object of his desire, by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. His journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. A king's (Peter O'Toole) four living sons - not to mention the ghosts of their three dead brothers - all need the star as they vie for the throne. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who needs the star to make her young again. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, encountering a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and a shady trader named Ferdy the Fence (Ricky Gervais) along the way, his quest changes. He must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love.
Let's just say after some of the the worldly and extremely erotic romances I've been reading lately, watching this movie was a much needed change of pace. Sweet without being sappy, romantic without being melodramatic, I found myself rather enchanted by the whole package "Stardust" offers up. Part of it reminded me a little of "The Village" because everyone is forbidden to cross the wall into the Faerie land, yet there are those born with a sense of adventure who cannot resist. (Check out some of these production pictures).
One such soul is Dunstan Thorn, who tricks the gatekeeper and jumps over the wall. Young, impressionable, and wanting to experience all life has to offer, he encounters a lovely slave girl who gives him a pretty flower and a kiss, then takes his hand and leads him into the privacy of her wagon. Nine months later, a bassinet is delivered to his door, with a note; it is Dunstan's son.
Tristan Thorn is every bit as romantic and adventurous as his father, only he's discoverd true love in the beautiful yet self-absorbed Victoria, and his most passionate wish is for her to see him as something more than a shop boy. Courting her becomes his full-time job, and eventually he loses his real job over it. One starry night, Tristan manages to sweep her away and have a picnic with her. As they sip champagne and gaze at the stars, one falls out of the sky, and Victoria tells him if he brings her back that fallen star, she will marry him. With his dearest dream within reach, he is determined to find that star. But he is not the only one. Three evil witches, all sisters, covet the star greatly, as the heart of the star can return them to their former beauty. And a dying king's living sons fight each other as they must acquire the star in order to obtain the throne. Nothing is sacred as greed and vanity battle against each other and whatever unsuspecting soul comes within its path. Yvaine is not happy to be yanked from her home high in the heavens, especially when she is injured in the fall. Then to find out she's being pursued by evil witches, greedy heirs to a kingdom, and a lovestruck boy - well, doesn't that just make her day? But at least Tristan seems harmless enough, if a bit misguided, and she goes with him as he travels back home. But everything is not as it seems, and Yvaine and Tristan find themselves being chased until they are eventually captured by a cruel and violent captain and his ragtag crew. Despite the danger the two are constantly in, traveling together has drawn Tristan and Yvaine closer. Yvaine explains to Tristan that she's watched humans love for many centuries, and one thing she'd learned is that real love doesn't need to be proven - it just is. And Tristan teaches Yvaine that life is safe when you keep your distance and your emotions to yourself, but it's not as meaningful. The two slowly begin to fall in love, and reveal their true strength and courage while defending each other. And along the way, family secrets are revealed, evil is vanquished, and a kingdom gets their king. Can I just sigh now? What a lovely story. I have been a fan of Claire Danes since she was in "My So-Called Life" (though I did read a disturbing thing about her in a magazine a few years back that said she didn't like to bathe - eww), and Charlie Cox, who plays Tristan, is just adorable - they make a cute couple in the movie and I was definitely cheering for them to fall in love. Michelle Pfeiffer is a wonderfully evil witch (can you believe she's 50?!) and Robert De Niro's turn as a grizzly and flamboyant captain is highly entertaining. The cast, even the selfish Victoria, is engaging and not afraid to poke fun when the drama is a bit over the top. It just looked like everyone was having a good time. The book, written by science fiction author Neil Gaiman, is next in my tbr pile, especially after having seen the movie and I can't wait to get started on the book and find out what is missing from the movie. I have a strong belief that this book is going to make me feel like I do after I read a memorable romance novel - really quite wonderful. Rating: ***** out of ***** Labels: movies, Stardust
posted by Stacy~ at 10/23/2007 05:11:00 AM
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Sunday, October 21, 2007:
It's that time of year again, and my good friend and all-around angel, Laurie, is having her 3rd annual donation drive for the troops who are serving overseas. While that in itself is a pretty cool thing to be a part of, Laurie has sweetened the pot by having a raffle for prizes, many of which include books donated by some very generous authors, as well as gift cards and even some baskets. It's really a great opportunity to show your support, and to win a prize! The deadline for donations is November 24th. Click here for more information, and/or to stop by and say "hey" to a really cool chick. Labels: holidays, Laurie, troops
posted by Stacy~ at 10/21/2007 10:17:00 AM
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"Nicholas: the Lords of Satyr" by Elizabeth Amber (August 1, 2007)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Aphrodisia (August 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0758220391
ISBN-13: 978-0758220394 The last in a fabled line of otherworldly aristocracy, the Lords of Satyr are born to wealth, power, and a talent for sensual delight that mere mortals only dream of. Commanded to marry, these passionate men will travel to Rome, Venice, and Paris--and along the way will explore desires both shamelessly wicked and blissfully divine...
He Had Sworn To Take A Proper Wife. He Hadn't Bargained On Meeting His Match...
Nicholas looks very much like what he is--the handsome, successful heir to a vineyard in Tuscany. But Nicholas is much more, for he is one of the last in an ancient line of satyr men. And the dying king of ElseWorld wants him not only to marry, but to wed one of the king's own daughters--a half-human, half-faerie woman unaware of her heritage. Nicholas won't shirk his duty to produce heirs to guard his race's legacies, but he never plans to make his bride his only lover. A satyr's sexual hunger and sensual skills are legendary. One woman will never satisfy him.
Or so Nicholas believes until he meets Jane. As spirited as she is fey, as beautiful as she is innocent, she is nevertheless determined to make her new husband hers alone--and she's eager for him to teach her every deliciously carnal secret he knows...
Set in Tuscany in 1823, Nicholas, Lord Satyr, has received a missive from King Feydon of Elseworld. In the letter, the king states his fervent wish that Nicholas and his brothers Raine and Lyon locate his three Earth daughters of Faerie blood and marry them in order to continue the dying Satyr line. As the eldest brother at nearly 30, Nicholas finds no objection with what he's been asked to do, seeing it as the logical course for his bloodline. Two weeks later, Nicholas locates his potential bride in Tivoli, not far from Rome. Immediately he sets about making plans to wed Jane so he can go back to leading his own life: taking care of his family's vineyards and indulging in sensual pleasures. Jane has no desire to marry, just a wish to live comfortably and take care of her younger sister Emma, but lack of funds and society's views make this an impossibility. Plus, Jane knows there's something wrong with her and decides that marrying may be the best way to protect herself and Emma from her "strangeness", and she's afraid of what her illness will do to her children. Soon the two strike a bargain and are wed, and Nicholas brings Jane home to his incredible estate. She's nervous about fitting in with her husband and his family, but delighted by the gardens, as botany is a passion of hers, and hopes one day to bring her sister there to live. That same night, Nicholas sets about consummating the marriage, and the experience proves to be disappointing for both of them. Both Nicholas and Jane went into the marriage with preconceived notions about the other. Jane abhors spirits of any kind, as it was liquor indirectly involved in killing her mother; and her father, or the human she knows as her father, is a weak drunkard, so the idea that her husband, whose family owns vineyards, may also imbibe too freely is unsettling to her. Nicholas grew up believing the duties of a wife and a mistress differ significantly and one woman cannot possibly be both, so he continues to seek out other women for pleasure. As a Satyr, his carnal needs are strong and must be satisfied. He was told that a wife does not enjoy the marital bed, so he does nothing to bring Jane pleasure, and not knowing any better, Jane believes she's doing her wifely duty properly. Soon Jane learns about her husband's extramarital activities, and is burning with jealousy, but rather than keep it to herself, she confronts Nicholas, who is amazed that Jane would want to fulfill the role of mistress. He'd never considered the possibility before, but the more he's with his wife, the more he only wants her, so he goes about showing his lovely wife how it can be between a man and woman. But will she accept the carnality of his monthly Moonful and the Calling night, the only times a Satyr can make a child with his wife? Or will she be repulsed by the unique and unflagging sexual abilities her Satyr husband possesses and must satisfy? While this is all going on, danger lurks nearby: a relative of Jane's who belongs to the secret society of maenads, decendants of the Sisters of Bacchant, has ambitions of kidnapping and raising a Satyr child, if not birthing one of her own. Unbeknownst to Jane, she knows of Jane's true birth, has power over Jane's human father, and tries to blackmail Nicholas to get what she wants. I love hot sexy romances, and I have enjoyed the Aphrodisia line from time to time, though not as much as I used to, and as I read this book, I had to wonder if maybe I'm a little burnt out on the genre. In the early days, I read books by many authors who included raunchy sex scenes in their stories that intensified the relationship but now I see so many of the same scenarios in every erotic romance I've read in the last year or so, and I have begun skimming the pages, wondering if romance is dead. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating here, but there's definitely something lacking in many of today's erotic romances. I tried to like this book more, I really, really did. Now don't get me wrong: this story was definitely hot, and inventive. But I was waiting for the romance to kick in, and I never really felt that it did. Even when Nicholas and Jane began to share their secrets, I felt like there was still great distance between them. Except in the beginning, when Jane tried to avoid the marriage, and later, when she demands to be both wife and mistress to her husband, for the most part she passively went along with whatever she was told to do, and it just drove me crazy. I know she had a secret, but she also had a gift, and I wanted her to stand up for herself more. Then there's the whole Satyr thing, when their exceptional equipment that comes out to play during their Calling night. I would have found this much more erotic if I felt a deeper connection between Jane and Nicholas. But lack of communication prevents this from happening until the very end, when it's too late. The story had much potential - I loved the whole mythology angle, and learning more about botany - but I didn't feel drawn into the relationship. However I think though I will go on to read Raine's story to see if the romance gets better. Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** Labels: Elizabeth Amber, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 10/21/2007 09:16:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 16, 2007:
"Spin the Bottle" Elizabeth Scott (October 2, 2007)
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade (October 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0451222164
ISBN-13: 978-0451222169
Three sexy couples on a getaway weekend. Consider the possibilities...
Hot...Rena and Paul are respected corporate big shots. But behind their clean-cut image is a down and dirty fantasy that drives Rena wild-being a slave to the anything-goes sexual demands of her merciless master.
Hotter...Jackie and Rod's marriage ended a decade ago. Now they're together again, each with a fantasy that could tear them apart once more. Unless they bare their souls and admit what they really want from each other.
Hottest...Ed and Charmaine's sex life is already thrilling. Then they come upon the stimulating medical instruments that belonged to Ed's great uncle. So many cold hard toys. So much potential. So many ways to play doctor.
Having read and enjoyed Scott's "Naughty Housewives", I was eager to get this new anthology of forbidden fantasies. Some of the stories involved fantasies that did not rank in my top 10, probably not even in my top 100, but there's no denying that the stories were compelling and seductive in their own way. Warning: not for the faint of heart.
In "Master of the House", Rena is tired of always being the one in charge at work, and just once would like someone to take the responsibility from her and make all the decisions. Having shared her secret fantasy with her husband Paul while during a naughty game of "Spin the Bottle" with some close friends, she has no idea that Paul will decide to give her exactly what she asks for, maybe in a way she never anticipated, but soon finds she craves.
Part of the submission/domination fantasy appeals to me, but not the way it was written in this story. I've been never gotten into the punishment scenario, or the withholding of sexual pleasure so only the dom is fulfilled, though maybe that is part of the whole fantasy for the sub - to not achieve release until the dom allows it to happen, whenever that may be. Scott never goes deeply into the humilation aspect of it, though a bit of it is shown here, enough to comprehend how these types of physical relationships are supposed to work. While it's not a situation that appeals to me, there were moments during the story that drew me in despite my aversion, and I found myself accepting the storyline because it was obviously a fantasy shared by both Rena and Paul, one they both enjoyed playing out together. In that way, the story ended up making sense, and I appreciated a glimpse into the lifestyle, and how it can be pleasurable to consenting adults.
In "Your Place or Mine", Rod and Jackie are enjoying marriage the second time around. Too immature and selfish to work on their marriage years ago, this time the couple are determined to work on their relationship and being as open and as honest as they possibly can. Playing a sexy game where they reveal their deepest secrets brings even more truth to the marriage, until both Rod and Jackie decide to do something about it. Rod tells Jackie he fantasizes about having sex with women who are strangers, then walking away. He has no idea that Jackie will try to make his dream a reality, nor the lengths he's willing to go to to prove to his lovely wife that she really is his fantasy woman.
This story worked for me moreso than any of the others, though there were moments that made me uncomfortable and reluctant to admit thay I actually enjoyed what was happening. Ms. Scott totally blows some pre-conceived notions I've had out of the water, and makes me look at this scenario in a new light, while almost forcing me to come to terms with my own previous thoughts on acting out sex with a stranger, though most scenes strictly involve the hero and heroine. The biggest plus to this story, as well as the others, is the level of caring and respect each person has for their partner, and the complete trust and love that frees them to explore their sexuality together in a mutually satisfying way. The events actually bring the couple closer, and strenghen their marriage when they give each other complete trust.
"Doctor, Doctor" was probably the most confusing story for me, as it was more clinical, quite literally yet also figuratively, than the others. Good girl Charmaine confesses to her sexy husband Ed that she imagines being a sex goddess, one that craves sex and cannot get enough. Ed finds his dear wife to be beautiful both inside and out, and cannot imagine why she can't see that about herself, but she's convinced she's boring, and needs to keep the home fires burning to keep her husband interested in her. When the opportunity to indulge in Charmaine's fantasy presents itself, Ed decides to show his wife just how irresistible she is, especially to him.
Okay, there were some parts that had me squeamish in this story, as Ed pretends to be a doctor to his wife, the patient, and administer the cure for her condition. Loving his wife as he does, he wants to push her to accept what she feels, and to fulfill the fantasy she claims is her most secret desire. Yet the lovely blonde shocks her husband when she reveals what it is she truly wants, and wonders if he's ready to share it with her.
This anthology is probably more closely linked to earlier erotica instead of the more current erotic romance so popular today. A bit more clinical and cerebral, the sexual journeys for these three married couples open doors to a deeper understanding of what drives them, whether past insecurities or present responsibilities. While each of the marriages are strong and happy, it goes to show that even as time goes by, couples can learn to communicate more clearly and truly share the deepest part of themselves with their partner. Marriage truly is a work in progress, one that should never be neglected, but instead nurtured and cared for all the days of their lives, especially when dreams change over the course of a relationship.
I admit I enjoyed "Naughty Housewives" more, but still got something out of this naughty anthology, even if not all of the fantasies were my cup of tea. It's the commitment each partner in the couple showed for each other that completely convinced me to keep on reading. The book may not be for everyone, but it's definitely tantalizing in its own way. Stay tuned for your chance to win a copy of "Spin the Bottle" Labels: Elizabeth Scott, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 10/16/2007 05:33:00 AM
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Sunday, October 14, 2007:
I had a grand birthday, and it was pretty much like I mentioned - lots of attention and activity. I enjoyed myself quite a bit, and still continue to celebrate. I thank everyone who stopped by to wish me a happy birthday, and a special thank you to Holly from the Book Binge for mentioning me at their blog. You definitely should stop by and check out their cool hang-out. October is such a busy birthday month, and now it seems to be a pretty popular wedding month as well. My co-worker's daughter got married yesterday, and I went to both the wedding, which was at noon, and the reception, which was at 6 pm. I've not been to many weddings in my time, and it was my first Catholic wedding. When my friend Lori got married 2 years ago, I was in the wedding, and the whole ceremony took maybe 15 minutes. Many of you know that Catholic weddings are significantly longer. I found it rather moving, and I liked that it didn't go by in a blink.
After the wedding, I went with my friend and co-worker to the hotel. Her husband was working so he was showing up later, so her and I hung out for awhile with the bride's mom and her family and just relaxed until it was time to get ready. The reception was so awesome, with an open bar and incredible appetizers to start out with. Later we went into the ballroom for dinner, and everything was gorgeous. After the wedding party was seated, the bride and groom had the wedding cake tasting, then the speeches, and finally a mariachi band played during the scrumptious dinner of salad, New England crab cakes, filet mignon and a tasty chicken dish. They went all out for their special day, and it was a blast dancing and just letting loose. I always feel like Elaine (from "Seinfeld") when I'm on the dance floor, but when you've been drinking and having fun, who cares, right?
Being single, there's some outside pressure to about when it's "my turn", or at the very least, to be seriously dating someone, which I'm not. Most of the time I can ignore it cuz I just don't care what people think, and because there hasn't been anyone I've been interested in enough to date. Well, that's not entirely true, but the one guy who flips my switch is involved, so it's obviously not meant to be between us. Frustrating, yes, but not much I can do about that, so it's not the end of the world. Anyway, the bride & groom had been wanting to introduce me to the best man for awhile, but since he lives in another state, that never came about. Turns out he showed up with a date to the wedding, but you know, after meeting him, I can't say I feel bad about that fact, especially since I never heard her talk - she seemed to be strictly there as eye candy. Plus he's in his mid-30's but parties like a guy in his 20's, which is kinda sad. Overhearing him talk to some people before the reception, he was loud and vulgar. All I could think of was "thank God". Horrible of me, I know. But what a relief! Believe me, being single is not so bad, when the alternative is much worse. Have you ever met someone special at a wedding? What was the best wedding you've ever been to? Do you enjoy being in the wedding party? Labels: birthday, wedding
posted by Stacy~ at 10/14/2007 08:52:00 PM
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Thursday, October 11, 2007:
I LOOOOOOVE my birthday. I am totally shameless, obnoxious, and demanding this one day out of the year...well, it's probably way more than that, but it's the only day I'll admit to it. Today truly does become all about ME. So of course I'd want to share my day with you, and let blogland know that today is Stacy ~ 's day. Rejoice with me. And, AND, I just know before the day is through, my co-workers will be beyond sick of me, my friends will roll their eyes and think I'm rather immature for my age, and I, well, I will be grinning like a fool because, you know, today is my birthday. Me, me, me. Nothing like a bunch of shameless attention to lighten my self-absorbed little heart. And a hottie to make me grin like a silly school girl. In my mind, birthdays are to be celebrated (obviously). True, everyday is a special day, but the day we were born is extra special; not just for me, but for all of us. It's like my annual reminder of why friends and loved ones and so important to me and how much I love having them in my life. They can get me through when I need a shoulder to lean on, or make me laugh harder than I've ever done before. They are living treasures. So yes, back to me again. Today there will be cake, and treats, balloons and banners, cards and gifts and dinner with friends and singing and me taking it all in like a queen before her loyal subjects. God, do I sound sickening or what? Truth is, today, I don't care. Tomorrow I may let guilt and embarrassment overwhelm me, but today is mine. Even my work extension is 1011. How cool is that? Ahem. Will you still love me tomorrrrrow? Labels: birthday, me
posted by Stacy~ at 10/11/2007 04:58:00 AM
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007:
"Servant: The Awakening" by L L Foster (October 2, 2007)
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (October 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0425218740
ISBN-13: 978-0425218747 SERVANT. SLAYER. SEDUCER...
- ANGEL OF NO MERCY -
To most people, demons look like regular citizens. But Gabrielle Cody has the ability to see these creatures as they really are -- and the responsibility to destroy them. Here is a special purpose, a divine obligation, and a heavy burden.
Dectective Luther Cross finds himself attracted to Gaby even as he becomes suspicious of her proximity to a murder victim. Despite his mistust, he tries to offer her a tenderness she's never experienced and doesn't dare accept.
For Gaby senses that another malevolent presence is watching her...stalking her. As desperately as she tries, Gaby cannot find the source of this menace. But again and again, she is drawn to an abandoned hospital that is surrounded by an aura of sickness and suffering and something more -- an unimaginable evil...
Contemporary romance author Lori Foster is venturing into the world of the paranormal with this gritty, stark novel of a young woman given the power to find evil, and to destroy it. As L.L. Foster, she tells the story of Gabrielle Cody, a lone but brave soldier in the fight against the evil most people just don't see, but live alongside everyday. With strong guidance from God, Gaby is compelled to search out the violence and destructive forces that threaten to harm and kill those unable to protect themselves; she can't walk away from what is inevitably her destiny, and protects her identity by not getting too close to anyone. Not ever. To do so would only mean weakening her defenses and letting innocent people get hurt. Gaby cannot live with the risk. But someone has taken an interest in the fiercely private and prickly Gaby Cody. Dectective Luther Cross is instantly drawn to the foul-mouthed and aggressive girl who doesn't have a coy bone in her slender body. He's not sure what to make of her and her violent way of communicating, but he senses more to her than antagonism and anger. He sees past her defensiveness to the vulnerable and somewhat naive young woman she is, and can't help but want to protect her from herself, especially when she's so secretive. But she pushes him away at every turn, and he can't help but wonder what exactly she knows about what's going on at the local hospital, and the missing bodies. Is Gaby involved in mystery of their disappearance, or is she really the savior she writes about in her graphic novels? Luther longs to peel away her multiple layers and discover what lies beneath each fascinating level until he reaches the tender heart underneath, if only Gaby will allow him that close...
Those who love the sexy and earthy romances Lori Foster excels at writing will discover a totally different type of world in the first book of her "Servant" series, one that is dark and grim and even a bit gruesome, but no less compelling because of it. Fans will easily identify the honesty in her characters, the "what you see is what you get" quality that is a trademark of the kinds of people she writes about. Gaby is a no fuss, no muss type of heroine, one who gets by on the simplest of necessities, and doesn't whine about forgoing manicures or monthly hair appointments, and certainly doesn't care about the latest in fashion accessories. I loved her grittiness, her strong sense of duty, and her curiosity when it comes to her awareness of Luther and his appeal as a man. In some ways, the twenty-one year old is extremely young and innocent, while in other ways she's as ancient as the Earth. One can almost feel the weight of the world she carries on her thin shoulders.
Meeting Luther may seem like a complication that Gaby can't afford to have, but the older, more experienced cop might just be the anwer to Gaby's unspoken prayers. Unafraid of her abrasive personality, unimpressed with her evasionary tactics, Luther nevertheless wants to get closer to her and explore the feelings she invokes in him: those of protectiveness, of sexual attraction, of grudging admiration. Being somewhat of a traditional man, he wants to protect and pamper her, but just how do you do that with a woman who is armed to the teeth and has no problem knocking him off his feet - figuratively, or literally?
I devoured this book in a matter of a few hours, and am beyond excited that Lori has branched out in her writing to explore the world of urban fantasy. Fans of her work will be able to identify Lori's style, but also be drawn in by this addition to a different genre from what they are used to. And like most fans, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment. So if you've never read Urban Fantasy but have been curious about it, I think this is the perfect place to start. Or if you're a fan of Lori's traditional contemporary romances, you might want to give this book a try. I think Gaby and Luther will make it worth your while ;)
Labels: L L Foster, paranormals
posted by Stacy~ at 10/10/2007 05:15:00 AM
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Tuesday, October 09, 2007:
The last days of summer.....
Wow, it's been over 80 degrees the last several days, with the sun shining and occasionally a lovely breeze, and I had a wonderfully lazy yet also busy four-day weekend. It's making me feel a little sad that by mid-week, temps will be dropping down into the mid-50's :( I am so not ready for fall. Yes, it's a beautiful time of year, and I love the coziness of it all, but it just brings me that much closer to winter, and I'm already having dreams about shoveling snow - not my idea of a good time, let me tell ya.
Anyway, this past weekend I spent reading like a fiend - yay, reading slump is definitely over! - and going to an Octoberfest party with lots and lots of German beer, and my favorite, German chocolate cupcakes, and looking for a dress for an upcoming wedding, which was not so successful. But that's my own fault, cuz I need it for this Saturday, the 13th, so I should have been looking months ago. I found one but sadly I am so not a size 6P, so I will keep looking. I still have time yet.
And oh man, I hate, hate, despise talking on the phone, but my friend Linda broke her foot about a week or so ago, and I am her lifeline because I've been off while other people have been at work, and she's been calling me 2-3 times a day where we talk for hours at a time. I think I've used up all my phone tolerance for 2007. Thank God her and I have mobile to mobile, or I'd have to ditch her as a friend. Or at least not call her.
Back to reading: I've decided that if I am going to get any kind of enjoyment out of reading, I will only review those books that I either promised to review, or those that I feel need to be reviewed. Otherwise I will feel like I'm reading all these assignments, and I will not enjoy them. Whew, this has lifted a great load off my shoulders. Since I have over 100 books (and growing) in my tbr pile, this seems like a reasonable plan. I have a few reviews ready to post, so I won't be as much of a stranger in blogland - don't know if that's good or bad - and I'm just really excited about most of the books I've been reading lately.
Blogging - I hope to be a better person when it comes to blog-hopping. Truth is, I miss my online friends, and feel bad when I can't, or don't, visit on a regular basis. There are just so many hours in the day, and I find I do need sleep, so something's gotta give. Lately it's been blogging. I find my interests are cyclical, so eventually I come back to some of my favorite hobbies. Plus when it's been nice, the last thing I want to do is hang out on the computer when I could be enjoying the sun and wearing sandals, you know. But now, fall's upon us, the weather will change, I will hibernate, read, watch movies, and blog, blog, blog. Cannot wait. What are your favorite fall activities? Do you huddle indoors when the temps go below 70 degrees? Labels: whatever
posted by Stacy~ at 10/09/2007 07:50:00 PM
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Monday, October 08, 2007:
"Demon Envy" by Erin Lynn (September 25, 2007)
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (September 25, 2007)
ISBN-10: 042521737X
ISBN-13: 978-0425217375 This is my story. The tale of a normal morning in the life of a normal girl—WHO HAS A DEMON POP UP IN HER SHOWER. Yeah, that’s where the vanity comes in. While trying to get rid of a monster zit, I dropped my face lotion in the tub. And while fifty bucks’ worth of it swirled down the drain, it freed a demon from his prison portal. A mysteriously geeky looking demon. (In the movies, they’re always hot, right?)
So here I am, Kenzie Sutcliffe, saddled with a creature who looks and acts like every other guy I know. That is: ANNOYING. At least Levi has a job—if you could call it that. He has to stir up envy and jealousy in humans…or he starves. All he’s tempting me to do is crawl back into my bedroom and hide there until forever. Because believe me, no one is going to be coveting my life after this…
Kenzie Sutcliffe is your average teen, existing on the fringes of being noticed or being ignored. She has two younger siblings, fairly normal but distracted parents, and a best friend a bit cooler than she is. Nothing that would make her stand out in a crowd, or get her noticed by her hottie crush Adam Birmingham. Not until the fateful day she takes a shower with her zit cream...and opens a demon portal, and out pops Levi, your friendly, neighborhood demon of envy .
Sad thing is, he looks just like every other teenage boy Kenzie has ever come across, so he's not all that cute, and he's driving her crazy. All she wants is for him to figure out a way to close the portal so she can just use her bathroom again. But this boy has plans while he's in town: he needs to feed off the jealousy and envy of others, or he'll starve. Luckily, he showed up in the right place, because where could there be more envy and jealousy than in the pit of low self-esteem known as high school?
Erin McCarthy tries her hand at the young adult genre with this funny, sarcastic, sweet look at being a teenager in today's world. Writing as Erin Lynn, she's created a setting in the life of a young girl who struggles to be accepted by her peers, who tries to understand her parents, and to survive the day with her younger brother and sister all while hanging with her BFF and daydreaming about that one elusive boy who doesn't even know she exists. Kenzie is a likable girl, one who really doesn't want to change but rather be accepted as she already is, and I dug that about her. She has her moments of angst but for the most part is pretty okay with her life, and doesn't become a silly airhead when talking with Adam, the boy who gives her butterflies, but instead lets him see her as she really is, a klutzy, artistic girl with streaks in her hair and the occasional pimple on her chin.
And despite being a demon, Levi is a pretty cool one, and turns out to be a good friend to Kenzie and is there for her when she really needs him. Even though his job is to create envy in others, he only does it to survive. He doesn't particularly care for what he is required to do, but he does it because he has to, and tries to help Kenzie close the portal so other demons won't cross over, or worse yet, have her grabbed by a prison guard. I like how his relationship is developing with Kenzie, where he's more protective of her yet also lets her do her own thing, sort of like an older brother, but....not. Definitely not.
Reading this book brought back memories of my teen years - the incredible intensity of feelings for the boy you're crushing on. The agony of trying to fit in and the slight resentment you feel when you realize you just don't. Being embarrassed by your parents. (Some things never change). This was just a fun story, and it made me laugh, and I could definitely relate to some of the agony Kenzie faced as she just tried to make it through the day. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, to see where Erin takes us, and what happens to the gang. Nothing like a little teenage angst to make you grateful to be an adult *g* Labels: Erin Lynn, reviews, young adult
posted by Stacy~ at 10/08/2007 09:23:00 AM
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Monday, October 01, 2007:
Wow, October is here. And the weather is still amazingly gorgeous, except for today, when it rained, but even still, the sun peaked out for a little while and you didn't need a jacket. I love days like these. Won't be many more like it, and then I'll probably be stuck indoors, out of the cold, blogging my fingers off. Been reading like a fiend, and here are a few reviews, nothing special, just my thoughts as they are. I've determined that I must read a JR Ward book at least twice before I can make any kind of sense out of my reaction. The first time I scarf it down like a pan of caramel brownies, and barely taste it. The second reading is much more indepth and I catch more details. I won't lie - I loved V from jump, in fact there's really not a BDB I don't feel affection for, even Wrath. V had his share of revelations and confessions, yet there were times I felt almost like he was reacting to everything (okay, almost everything) from a distance. Maybe it's because of all the yearning he felt for Butch in the last book, I expected his pining session to go on a bit longer, even after falling for his mate, Jane, who by the way, rocked, especially compared to previous heroines. I loved how attracted V was to her intelligence, and how she didn't make him change one bit for her. V was V, dirty boy and all, and Jane went for that. I was fairly happy with this installment as I have learned not to have the highest expectations, but rather just learn to go along for the ride. JRW does seem to tie up loose ends a bit too easily, too conveniently, and there are still quite a few unanswered questions that would have served the series better to be addressed in this book instead of a future installment, so that was rather frustrating. One of my biggest issues is that the author always seems to be writing ahead -concentrating on someone else's story instead of that of the main characters in this particular book. Here, she's setting up Phury's story in a big way, when all I wanted was Jane's & V's story, and a few answers thrown in. The ending was quite a bit strange, not completely satisfying, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but now, because of JRW's futuristic visions, my heart is aching for Phury. I really hope he finds a true female of worth, someone who will value him as he deserves. The boy needs some love. Cute, small-town stories. A bit tame for Brava, but endearingly quirky and sweet. Not quite what I was going for when I picked it up, but I'm a fan of all 3 authors - Lori Foster, Karen Kelley and Dianne Castell - and it was fun re-visiting old friends again. Lori's story was by far my favorite, a bit earthier and sexier than the other stories, and Levi was one hot hero. If you're in the mood for a Christmas anthology more cute than hot, this one fits the bill.  Okay, this trilogy reminded me of "Pirates of the Caribbean" in that the first movie was the best, the 2nd movie was good, and the third was kinda way out there. I loved the first "X-Men" movie, how Logan/Wolverine slowly began to care for his fellow mutants, how he had unrequited feelings for Jane, who, while attracted to Logan, loved Scott. I loved that Jane was smart and beautiful, that her talents grew as time went on. Magneto was a fun villain type, friends with Charles Xavier yet determined to wage his own war against humans. Movie #2 kinda cemented who was on whose side, and showed the growing danger to the mutants. The X-Men were more of a team, even working with Magneto against a common enemy. We learn more about Logan's past, see the struggles with right and wrong, and even feel the pain of losing a fellow X-Man who makes a sacrifice to save many. It ends on a bittersweet yet hopeful note. Then we get to the last installment, and I wasn't paying attention but I have to wonder if new writers were involved. Instead of bringing in new developments that would help the story evolve, much time was focused on tedious details. True, a cure for mutants has been discovered, and the battle is over whether being a mutant is a natural state or a disease. A good guy goes bad, more X-Men die, and by the end of the movie, I was more depressed than hopeful. Will there be another X-Men movie? It's hard to tell, but I would prefer it if this movie was just a bad dream. What books/movies have got you talking? Labels: quickie reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 10/01/2007 08:12:00 PM
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