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Monday, December 31, 2007:
ATTN: "Thank you" contest - all about giving....
- STICKY POST - (scroll down for updated posts) CONTEST! It's the holidays, and part of the season is the opportunity to give back in some way. I was trying to think of a way to be more involved, and one thing that came to me, inspired by one of my favorite authors, Lori Foster, was about counting my blessings and helping those who need a little extra. Well, kids are definitely one of my weaknesses, and the thought of a sick child hurts my heart. Every year I contribute to the Children's Memorial Hospital, located here in Chicago but one that has patients from all over the world. Every year they help so many sick kids, and the spirit and love and caring of the people involved with the hospital is so inspiring to me. So.....here are the prizes: Here's how you win them: First prize: RT Subscription: everyone who sends me a check or money, made payable to the Children's Memorial Foundation, for $5.00 (five U.S. Dollars), will be entered to win a subscription. You can donate more than $5.00 if you wish, and every five (5) dollar increment ($10, $15, $20) will enter you an additional time. So if you donate $15, you will get three (3) entries for the subscription. - Open to U.S. residents only (sorry). Check/money order must be received by December 31, 2007 to qualify. Second, third & fourth prizes: Just leave a quick comment talking about your favorite cause or charity. Feel free to share why this cause is so important to you. Thank you for being a part of my blog, for visiting and commenting, for sharing a love of romances and movies and hotties. You are are really wonderful, and I appreciate how truly giving and thoughtful and caring you all are. Happy holidays to you and yours :) (Hint: click on the comments to find out where to send the check) Labels: Children's Memorial Hospital, contests, RT Magazine
posted by Stacy~ at 12/31/2007 08:43:00 AM
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"Just Wicked Enough" by Lorraine Heath - review
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (August 28, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0061129704
ISBN-13: 978-0061129704 Desperate for riches, penniless Michael Tremayne, Marquess of Falconridge, is willing to auction away his only possession of any value--his title--to the highest bidding American father. But Kate Rose was the last daughter he had in mind to marry. The willful and headstrong Kate requires from marriage the one thing Michael is unable to give--powerful, unending love..
Kate refuses to give into her husband's sensual demands until he has earned her love. Michael is not one to back down from a challenge, but neither does he believe in playing by the rules. While he is unfamiliar with love, he is extremely intimate with passion. He is determined to convince Kate that one can substitute for the other. And what better way to convince her than by patiently and skillfully seducing her?
I've never read anything by Lorraine Heath before, but I saw a great "A" quickie review over at Jodi's blog, and it sounded like something I'd want to read, so one one of my numerous trips to the bookstore, I finally picked it up.
I'll admit when I first started reading it, I didn't care much for Michael or Kate. Michael was cold, and a bit desperate. Kate was spoiled, a bit too demanding, and too stubborn when it comes to getting what she wants. But as Ms. Heath peels away their layers and I got to know them, I found myself absorbed in their story.
Michael is just desperate enough to swallow his pride and put himself on the bidding block in order to gain a fortune. "Won" by American banker James Rose, Michael is content to marry his older, beautiful daughter Jenny, but finds out it is Kate, the younger, more intriguing sister, he shall be joined to in matrimony. A little wary but resigned to his fate, Michael weds the girl. To him, this marriage is a business arrangement, nothing more, and he will approach it as such.
Kate is stumped when she finds out Michael has asked for her hand in marriage, claiming an attachment she was unaware of. But to please her family, though grudgingly, she agrees to the marriage, determined that he will not claim his husbandly rights until he earns her love. Let the games begin.
At first, Michael and Kate have no idea how to deal with each other. Michael finds it rather humiliating to discuss his financial woes with his new wife, though she insists if she is to pay them on his behalf. He has no idea how to win her love, never having experienced the emotion, and he isn't happy about being denied his right to bed her. As for Kate, she cannot understand how this stranger is the man who wished to wed her, and she has some conditions of her own if she is going to loosen her purse strings to pay his debts. The two start out their marriage on a rather unhappy note.
But slowly, very slowly, details are revealed which explain why each of them are the way they are. Kate is still heartbroken, having given her heart to another man, and Michael has a secret he hasn't shared with anyone, one that fills him with heartache of his own. One thing they share is a powerful attraction, though Michael is unaware of just how much Kate is actually attracted to him personally. Michael isn't used to having anyone thinking of him, caring for him; it's just a foreign experience that he doesn't even consider the possibility from his own wife. And Kate realizes that Michael is not a man of poetry, but a man who speaks through his actions rather than with words. Maybe he doesn't know what Kate's favorite color is, but there are other things, more important details, that make Michael special, and Kate is finally starting to understand that. But when secrets are revealed, will their marriage be able to survive the truth?
As I said, it was hard for me to warm to Michael and Kate in the beginning, but gradually I found myself getting caught up in their romance. I liked how the story was laid out, revealed in stages, and it became more interesting as I continued reading. I loved that Kate was quite smart, and how men such as her father had no problem allowing her to be in control of her money because she actually knew what to do with it. I loved how Michael started out trying to please his wife; at first because he felt obligated, but soon thereafter, because he truly wanted to make her happy, even doing things he wouldn't normally do because it did please her, and that pleased him. They end up hurting each other, in different ways, but then they start to fall in love, and it was lovely and poignant. Jodi was right, it is a sweet and sexy read. I think I just might have to read more books by Lorraine Heath.
Rating: ***** out of ***** Labels: Lorraine Heath, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/31/2007 05:27:00 AM
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Sunday, December 30, 2007:
"North and South" (2005) - movie review
Studio: BBC Warner
DVD Release Date: November 15, 2005
Run Time: 233 minutes ASIN: B000AYEL6U As the daughter of a middle-class parson, Margaret Hale has enjoyed a privileged upbringing in rural southern England. But when her father uproots the family, she is forced to a new life in Milton - a northern mill town in the throes of the industrial revolution.
Margaret is shocked by her new surroundings. Appalled by the dirt, noise and gruffness of the people of Milton, she saves her greatest contempt for the mill-owners. When John Thornton, charismatic proprietor of Marlborough Mills, becomes a "pupil" of her father, she makes her distaste for this vulgar and uneducated new class abundantly clear.
Over time, Margaret's attitude towards the mill workers begins to change and she joins their workplace struggles against poverty and disease. But will she ever change her view of their employers - in particular, one who has secretly become her admirer?
As I've traveled through blogland the last several weeks, I've seen a lot of talk about this series - Dev, KristieJ, Sula - and I was immediately intrigued. Having loved the infamous BBC version of "Pride and Prejudice" with Colin Firth, (and later the version with Kiera Knightly), I just had to watch this. So I put it at the top of my Netflix queue. Only, the plan I'm signed up for is one DVD at a time, and well, it's a 2-disc series. Argh! When I received it on Thursday, I knew I couldn't watch it the first disc, then wait several days for part 2. So I did what any sensible person would do: I went to Blockbuster Friday evening after work to rent the entire series. Only Blockbuster didn't have it - damn them. I decided to keep looking, since my plans for the weekend included indulging in this movie at least once. So I tried Wal-Mart, knowing better but being lazy since it's close to my house. Well, no go. Not surprised by this. So I then drove over to Borders. Went upstairs to the DVD section and headed for the computer to look it up. Yep, there it was - "North and South", in: British Television, Drama. Most Likely In Store. Yes! Headed over to the British t.v. section under "N". No "North & South" DVD. Went back to computer, tried to print store location. Printer error. Memorized "British television: Drama". Headed back to section. NO DVD. Looked in M, O, A, Z...the whole entire British television section. Including musicals. Nada. Once again headed back to computer, why I don't know but obviously I must have read something wrong. "BRITISH TELEVSION: DRAMA. MOST LIKELY IN STORE. Wanted to cry. Okay, not really, but maybe stamp my foot. Decided to go to the customer service desk to see if another Borders store had it, and as I turned around and glanced at the general Drama section, there it was! Staring right at me, like it was waiting for me to find it. YES! Obsessed much? Maybe, but hey, I got the DVD, so at this point, what do I care? And let me tell you straightaway, it was well, WELL worth the aggravation I went through to get the whole series. Those of you who've seen it will not be surprised by this. Those of you who haven't seen it should take this opportunity to get your hands on a copy as soon as humanly possible. As Dev, mentioned, it is visually stunning, from the first when we see Margaret at her home in rural England, to the vividness of the "snowy" cotton mills and grimy living conditions in Milton. I loved way the characters articulated, their accents, their mannerisms, which were so suited for the characters they played. It's amazing how significant a handshake or a look can convey so much, and that's one of the reasons this movie is so wonderful. Subtle and beautifully romantic. For the most part, I liked Margaret Hale right from the start. She is not afraid to speak her mind, and though the move to Milton is not something she is looking forward to, especially once she realizes just how different it is from her home in southern England, she nevertheless accepts her new circumstances and does what she must, rather than wallowing in self-pity and throwing tantrums. Margaret is not afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty. In fact she very much seems like the type of young woman who needs to have a purpose, one with meaning. There are times when she blunders through the proper etiquette, never meaning to give the wrong impression, and accepts when she is wrong about things. Occasionally she came across as a little condescending and "full of airs", but I don't think it's done with the belief that she is better than anyone else. She just thinks she's right based on what she knows. And she's a caring person, one who feels compassion for others. She goes out of her way to befriend Bessie Higgins, a mill worker who is sick from poor working conditions, and makes regular visits to her family's home. One thing about Margaret is she's not afraid to work at something, or to reach out to people. I really liked that about her. She is also a very strong person, experiencing the tragedy of losing a loved one more than once, and she carries on and does what she must. She is definitely a person others can lean on and Margaret never feels that this is a burden she must endure. I admired her strength. John Thornton took a bit longer to warm up to. When we first meet him, he is overseeing the workers in his mill, and he comes across as cold and harsh. When Margaret first meets him, he is beating one of his employees, and he seems cruel and unforgiving, but soon thereafter we get to see John with his family, and listen to him as he meets with other mill owners, and you begin to realize just how conscientious and caring a person he is. He has no wish to endanger his employees, or to participate in risky ventures that may cause him to lose the mill. We also learn that just because he is a master and owner of Marlborough Mill, it doesn't mean he is made of money, despite how it may appear to those who work for him. One of the biggest revelations comes later, when Nicholas and John realize just how the other side actually lives, and this is when the two sides slowly begin to work together to resolve their differences. Once John becomes Mr. Hale's pupil, he and Margaret cross paths more regularly, and while he starts to develop romantic feelings for her, she cannot accept that he is anything other than the horrifying tyrant she saw that first day. John is unsure of himself when it comes to Margaret, believing that a woman like her could never have him, and I found that to be so endearing. John really is an honorable man, someone who puts the needs of his family before his own, and someone who works twice as hard as any of his employees. [And was it just me, or did anyone else find that he reminded them of Hugh Jackman from "Kate and Leopold" in this movie? I couldn't get past that. Not that I'm complaining mind you, because I find both Hugh and Richard Armitage to be very attractive men. And near the end, when John Thornton smiles (something his character rarely does), he was like a cross between Hugh and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter)]. Before I continue, I cannot forget to mention Bessie's father Nicholas (who actually seems more like an older brother than her father) who befriends Margaret and her family, and later, Mr. Thornton. Like Dev, I also had a bit of a crush on him - I mean who wouldn't after the way he tries to help his fellow co-workers by fighting for a better life for them all, and later, when he takes in 6 orphan children and he swallows his pride to provide for them. Nicholas is rather heroic in his own passionate, determined way. I liked his character a lot. Back to John and Margaret. Eventually, Margaret begins to see John Thornton for the man he truly is, and realizes that her life in Milton is the life she was meant to have all along, rather than one of idle pursuits. She lets go of the dreams from the past, and her previous perceptions of John and the mill, and begins to plan a new life, one with purpose. And that life happens to include John, if he will still have her. Oh let me just say those scenes at the train station are so, so wonderful, and I found myself re-winding a few times just so I could watch it, and fall in love, all over again. I cannot conclude a review of this movie without mentioning that there are several similarities to "Pride & Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Written by Elizabeth Gaskell and first published in 1854-5, it was released more than 40 years after Austen's novel. And to be honest, there does seem to be both pride and prejudice in this rendition, and who knows, maybe it was written as a tribute to the classic. But though there are similarities, it is a stand-alone piece of work and really rather wonderful in its own way. I cannot recommend it enough. Nor can I watch it enough. I plan on doing so again later today. What a great way to spend a chilly and gloomy Sunday afternoon.... Labels: BBC, movies, North and South
posted by Stacy~ at 12/30/2007 11:22:00 AM
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Saturday, December 29, 2007:
"Mine Til Midnight" by Lisa Kleypas - review
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (October 2, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0312949804
ISBN-13: 978-0312949808 A woman of modest means meets a society man skilled in the art of seduction in this captivating new novel from New York Times bestseller author LISA KLEYPAS.
THEIR LIVES DEFY CONVENTION. When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan. THEIR DESIRE CONSUMES THEM BOTH... Wealthy beyond most men's dreams. Cam has tired of society's petty restrictions and longs to return to his "uncivilized" Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship - but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter...
Lisa Kleypas is on my top 3 list of favorite authors, so I was thrilled that she wrote another historical after her recent departure to contemporaries. Yet when I bought the book, I couldn't get into it right away, and there wasn't really any specific reason, other than I wasn't ready for it at the time.
A few days ago I picked it up, ready to get lost in Cam's story. He was an intriguing character, one we got to see a bit of in "Devil In Winter", when he kisses wallflower Daisy. Many readers thought those two would end up together, but then Daisy had Matthew, and Cam was destined for another heroine, one by the name of Amelia Hathaway.
When Amelia and Cam first meet, it is when she comes to Jenner's to track down her wayward brother Leo and drag him home. Being a young, unmarried woman, she is accompanied by Merripen, a Romany Gypsy who was taken in by her family when they found him as a boy and who is now like a brother to Amelia. As they two approach the club, it is to witness a fight over a prostitute which is being broken up by an exotic-looking man who handles the situation with ease, then turns back to the club, only something makes him stop. As if sensing her presence, he immediately turns and looks right into her eyes. From that moment, an attraction is born.
Cam Rohan looks like a Gypsy, but is dressed like a gentleman. Half Rom, and half Irish, he is a man torn between two worlds. Having lived amongst the gentry for so long, he longs for freedom, to sleep under the stars, to let go of all the material trappings he's accumulated over time. Then he meets Amelia, a young, sensible woman with luscious curves and respectability written all over her, and it seems nothing will ever be the same again...
Amelia Hathaway is a practical person, no longer given to daydreams and wishful thinking. Having loved and lost once, she has decided that the whole concept of love to be a state of mind for those other than herself, and has devoted her life to taking care of her sisters and trying to get through to her reckless brother, who has suffered a great loss of his own. Now that the family has been elevated in status, she is struggling with her brother's irresponsible ways and fears that he's drinking his way to an early grave. Moving to Ramsay House hopefully will remind Leo of his responsibilities, and improve the family's status, as well as the frail health of her sister Win. Soon, Amelia learns that Ramsay House is situated right next to Stony Cross Park, the estate of Lord Westcliff, friend of Cam Rohan, whom she thought never to see again. But after one disaster after another, Cam seems to appear and take care of everything, and as time goes on, Amelia finds herself leaning more and more on the strong and capable young man. And Cam decides that some things are just destined to be, even when you have other plans.... I liked this book a lot because I've been wanting Cam to find his HEA for a long time, and I think Amelia was the perfect heroine for him. But as much as I enjoyed their love story, there were a few elements that kept me from loving it completely. One is that it seems there's a distance to it, like I was reading it through a thin film of apathy, in a way. I can't really explain it except to say that it was like watching this from afar with the ability to disassociate from the story, instead of feeling like my feelings were utterly engaged in what was happening. It lacked that intensity of most of Kleypas' work, and I am sad about that.
It have have been because of my second reason for not loving it: the perfection of Cam. Seriously, has there been a more perfect hero? (Probably, I just can't think of any for this post). Cam is the hero most of us think we want, until we get him, then it's like, where are the flaws? If you've read it, maybe you can understand what I'm talking about. Right from the beginning, Cam is there for Amelia, helping her locate her brother, then he shows up for every catastrophe that falls upon the Hathaways. He's kind, understanding, and anticipates the needs of Amelia and her family almost before she does. He's also seductive, patient, and intent on pleasuring Amelia to the best of his ability, which is quite considerable. And how quickly Cam gives into the idea of marriage, despite his supposed longing for freedom. There just doesn't seem to be much of a struggle, externally or internally, that Cam has about marrying Amelia. Events fall into place smoothly, and then it is done. A bit anti-climatic, if you ask me. Maybe it's just me, but I like the angst.
Still, it's Kleypas, and even her most mediocre work makes the best work of other authors pale in comparison. I have yet to read her contemporary "Sugar Daddy" (though thanx to the generosity of an online friend, that shall soon be remedied), so we will see if she maintains her superior skills writing in a new genre. I hear she does. Really looking forward to that.
Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** Labels: Lisa Kleypas, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/29/2007 06:02:00 PM
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Thursday, December 27, 2007:
Out of over 300 movies released this year, Moviefone has released their list of the top 50 best, and 10 worst, movies of 2007. Out of those movies, these are the ones I've seen: 40. "300" - Gerard Butler - oh yeah, good stuff. 38. "Enchanted" - cute, sweet, Disney. 25. "Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix" - not my favorite HP movie, but still a good one. 24. " American Gangster" - violent and drug-invested. But Denzel's in it, so that's okay. 15. "Knocked Up" - funny, and yeah, I kinda liked the juvenile humor. 8. "Michael Clayton" - serious, grim, great ending. George Clooney. Interesting combo. 5. "The Bourne Ultimatum" - action, Matt Damon, questions are answered. Great fun. So go check out the list, and see if you've added to your Netflix queue like I have. ~ Upcoming: "North & South"! Thanx to Devonna & KristieJ, it's in the house, so I'm spending my weekend with Richard Armitage. Not a bad deal. ~ Labels: 2007, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 12/27/2007 08:38:00 PM
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007:
'His Captive" by Diana Cosby review
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Zebra (November 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 1420101080
ISBN-13: 978-1420101089 STRANGERS
With a wastrel brother and a treacherous former fiancé, Lady Nichola Westcott hardly expects the dangerously seductive Scot who kidnaps her to be a man of his word. Though Sir Alexander MacGruder promises not to hurt her, Nichola’s only value is as a pawn to be ransomed.
ENEMIES
Alexander’s goal is to avenge his father’s murder, not to become entangled with the enemy. But his desire to keep Nichola with him, in his home—in his bed—unwittingly make her a target for those who have no qualms about shedding English blood.
LOVERS
Now Nichola is trapped—by her powerful attraction to a man whose touch shakes her to the core. Unwilling and unable to resist each other, can Nichola and Alexander save a love that has enslaved them both?
I picked this book up after Michelle Buonfiglio mentioned it at her blog, and because she said it was remniscent of medieval romances from the "old school" days, and that really appealed to me. It may be wishful thinking, but sometimes it seems that the majority of romances today are all about instant gratification or extreme elements that take away from the core of the story, which is the romance. I was longing for a little more romance in my romances.
Sir Alexander MacGruder had originally intended to kidnap Griffin, the English Baron of Monceaux, but upon arriving at Rothfield Castle, the Scot discovers the baron is nowhere to be found...however his lovely sister Nicola Westcourt is, and in an instant, Alexander's mind is made up: he will take the sister as hostage for the much needed random for the Scottish cause. He doesn't realize how much of a challenge his seductive victim will turn out to be...
Nicola is no shrinking violet, and doesn't comply easily with her kidnapper. Fighting him every step of the way, she doesn't dare tell him that there is no money, certain such a revelation will result in her immediate death. Instead Nicola is determined to escape, even though Alexander has been true to his word and has not hurt her. In fact the stoic Scot even nurses her back to health when the stubborn lass falls ill. But as honorable and and caring as Alexander appears to be, she cannot let her heart soften towards the enemy. After an exhausting and emotional journey wrought with anger and desire, Alexander finally brings his captive to his home at Lochshire Castle, where his brothers question Alexander's judgment in kidnapping Nicola. But with a battle waging and the certainty of further bloodshed, the men must use every advantage they can to gain the upper hand against the unforgiving and brutal English. Alexander is torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for a fierce, proud Englishwoman who just may be his downfall....
Reading this story reminded me of some of the medieval stories I've read over a decade ago, even having a touch of an old favorite, Jude Deveraux. Nicola is confused by her attraction to her enemy, and ashamed of wanting his kisses. Alexander wants nothing more than to bed her, but his promise not to hurt her, as well as his own conflicted feelings prevent him from giving in. The sexual tension between the two is potent, yet both continue to deny that anything stronger than attraction is going on between them. Alexander admires Nicola's strength, her determination, her pride, and how she gives as good as she gets. Nicola can't help but notice that Alexander is as honorable and as truthful as he claims, that he fiercely loves his family and will do what must be done to protect them.
But their situation seems utterly hopeless. Nicola knows she is in danger, and is afraid of what will happen to her when her captors realize there will be no money in exchange for her release. Alexander is torn when he thinks of having to return Nicola to her home once the random has been received, knowing in his mind that he cannot keep her, but in his heart he longs for nothing more.
I enjoyed this book a lot, felt it was definitely a grand first book by debut author Diana Cosby, and definitely will be picking up Duncan's story in 2008. It definitely reminded me of those old-fashioned medievals I read over 10 years ago, such as "The Maiden Bride" by Rexanne Becnel, the kind I couldn't get enough of back then.
Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: Diana Cosby, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/26/2007 05:27:00 AM
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007:
Happy holidays to you and yours, and all the best for a fabulous and magical 2008! Update: so far I've collected $45 for the Children's Memorial Foundation, and I am touched by such generosity. There is still time to participate if you are interested. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You are all very special :) Labels: 2008, Christmas
posted by Stacy~ at 12/25/2007 08:02:00 AM
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Monday, December 24, 2007:
'National Treasure: Book of Secrets" (2007) - movie review
Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates looks to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, by uncovering the mystery within the 18 pages missing from assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary.
The sequel to the fun and enjoyable "National Treasure", "Book of Secrets" tells the story of treasure hunter Ben Gates as he tries to clear his family name when evidence is presented that seems to prove that a Gates ancestor may have been involved in the assassination of the great President Abe Lincoln, which devastates his father Patrick. Not one to sit around when there are mysteries to be solved, immediately Ben rounds up the gang - ultra smart Abigail and goofy sidekick Riley - and with clues abound, heads off to Paris. Then London. Then back to Washingon, D.C. where even the current president of the United States gets involved when Ben kidnaps him. As before, historical landmarks are the keepers of many secrets that all tie together to form the answer to a riddle to one of history's most noted events, the Lincoln assassination. Yet that is only one piece of the puzzle, as further hunting also leads to more secrets. Like "The DaVinci Code", I love all the puzzles and clues and secrets, so much so that I really wished they were real, and that the secrets of history were so cleverly kept. However that's fiction, and fact is usually not as interesting. The idea that so many knew of the conspiracy is rather far-fetched, and it is hard to believe it could have been kept a secret for so long. The big thing to remember: it's JUST a movie. And a okay movie at that. Not as good as the first one, I'm sorry to say. Part 2 is loaded with choppy editing and big heads and the way Ben, Abigail and Riley jump into uncovering the truth bothered me a bit (one minute Ben finishes a lecture, and in almost the next he's jetting off to Paris), though I think it was because the movie had so much ground to cover. Possibly too much. There were so many clues to follow and decipher that I think too much was loaded into this movie. Don't get me wrong, I find this stuff fascinating, but I would have liked to have seen them explore more of the history of one clue instead of jumping immediately ahead to the next. Unless of course all those clues were completely fake then they would have no choice, now would they? (Add disappointed sigh). What I did like is how Abigail is not just the pretty airhead blonde who follows Ben around like a groupie, but instead she's instrumental in using her brain and discovering clues while getting right into the action. I liked that Ben didn't have a problem with that, in fact he didn't mind asking for help from another intelligent woman who knows more about ancient languages than anyone else they know - Ben's mother. And I liked how it's brains and not brawn that makes the movie alive and interesting. There does seem to be the possibility of a 3rd movie if this movie is as successful as it promises to be. Bottom line: it's a fun, mindless movie, not as good as the original, but still a trippy, conspiracy-theory-riddled, historical joyride, but don't get your hopes up that it's as good as the first. And is it just me, or do Nicolas Cage's teeth seem way too big for his mouth? I've noticed this before, but now they are so blindingly white that it's distracting to me. Oh, I am adding a link to Ebert's review, which is a little more revealing for those who have no problems with more spoilers. Me, I was glad not to have all the clues mapped out to me beforehand. Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 12/24/2007 05:34:00 AM
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Sunday, December 23, 2007:
"Strong & Sexy" by Jill Shalvis - review
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Brava (January 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0758221827
ISBN-13: 978-0758221827 Starring the wildly seductive heroes Noah, Shayne, and Brody, Jill Shalvis's exhilerating new series features a delectable concoction of sex appeal and adventure. Whether they're up in the air or between the sheets, these hot, hardy pilots know exactly where the action is...
BLOWING IT ALL SKY HIGH In a family of serious over-achievers, Shayne Mahoney has always been the laid-back, easy-going rebel. But running Sky High Air - a charter airline catering to the rich and famous - is a dream come true, in-flight specials included. Like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seatbelts,", Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and as added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be running from the obviously crazy woman, and yet he finds himself trying to help her, leaving him to doubt his own sanity...
There's a reason Dani never attends her mother's high society parties. The fake people, the shallow conversation - and the fact that she doesn't fit in. She's a zoologist, not a starlet, and happy about it, even if she wishes men like ruggedly handsome Shayne Mahoney would spare her a second glance. Of course, dodging bullets isn't exactly what she'd call the perfect follow-up to their heated kiss, but Shayne makes it clear she can depend on him. All she has to do is hold on tight to his delicious hard body until the ride is over...
I enjoy Jill's books a lot. She writes fun, sexy stories with adorably imperfect heroines and breath-takingly sexy heroes who fall for said heroines. This is the 2nd book in her Sexy series, and tells the story of pilot Shayne, one of the three owners and pilots of Sky High Air. Shayne may seem like the laid-back kind of guy he pretends to be so well, but he's really the core of the airline, the one that brings in the airlines and kept it on its feet when him and his buddies first started out. There is definitely more to Shayne than meets the eye.
When we first meet Shayne, he's just spotted Dani at a party for one of his rich clients, a party the airline is hosting. He notices how she doesn't come across as fitting in with the rest of the confident, glamorous crowd gathered together, and that immediately intrigues him. To watch this lovely, feminine, curvy mess try to make herself invisible definitely catches Shayne's eye, even though he only dates confident, bold women who know how to walk in high heels. But with this one, he has a feeling he won't be bored around her.
Dani is a mess, but a determined one. Though she'd rather be at the zoo with the animals, she tries to make an appearance for her mother's sake. Nearly breaking her neck in those damn heels, Dani has capture the attention of one hot hunk of burnin' love. Oh, Dani knows right away she's out of his league, but that doesn't stop her from wanting some of that. And it appears he wants to give it to her. So when an opportunity presents itself and they end up in a supply closet, Dani lets nature take its course and kisses him. There are definitely sparks.
But before they can start a fire, Dani and Shayne are interrupted, and soon after, Dani decides to leave the party. Alone. And witnesses a murder. Frantic, she tries to get help, and runs into Shayne, who goes into instant take-charge mode and check out what happened, only...there's no dead body.
Knowing she saw what she saw, but also knowing that without evidence, it's pretty hard to argue her case, Dani lets Shayne takes her home. Since she's still pretty shaken up, Shayne stays with her for awhile, and before he leaves, he gives her his business card. Dani figures this is the last of him, and sad as that is to think about, she knows it's for the best. There's no way he's looking for more than just a temporary good time. But then a series of events leads Dani to contact Shayne, and with all that raging attraction between them, they decide to go for a "one night only" sex special. Only the attraction and fascination doesn't end with one night, nor does the danger. With no one but Shayne to believe her, she's pretty much cemented her rep as a crazy chick. Not one to let that stop her, she maintains her "I can take care of myself" stance, as much as it drives Shayne crazy, and tries to keep her heart from getting involved. Easier said than done, especially when Shayne seems to care for her and won't let her be alone, not as long as there is a threat out there against her. But Dani is an expert at pushing people away, and no one, not even a sexy, caring, protective lover like Shayne, is going to take away her independence. This is a cute, enjoyable continuation of the trilogy. Not as engaging as "Smart and Sexy", it's still a fun read, told in a bit of a madcap, light-hearted way. The attraction between Dani and Shayne is genuine, and it's obvious from the start that they belong together, even though they've only known each other for only a matter of days. But in a romance, it's about "twu luv", and that's never on a time table. I will say that I would have liked to have seen more of Dani in action at work; even though her job might not be the most glamorous, it is rather unusual, and since her character is described as being brainy, I would have liked to have seen more evidence of that. Instead she comes across as being adorably flaky and clumsy, a very likeable, slightly insecure person. It also becomes evident that maybe part of her isolation from her family is not all one-sided, that maybe she contributed to that as well. It would have been interesting to see more of that aspect of her family life explored. And sometimes Dani pulls those "TSTL" stunts, but I still couldn't help but like her. We hear a lot about Shayne's family, but don't get to find out too much about them either. Shayne was pretty much the black sheep of his family, and going into business with his two best friends was a risky venture his family did not support. But in the end, things turned out okay, and the business is doing well. As much as I liked Dani and Shayne, I admit that I was more caught up in the developing relationship between Maddie and Brody. Maddie is this amazingly efficient, gorgeous wonderwoman of a concierge who works magic all day long, and brooding pilot Brody is completely crushing on her. Their story, "Superb and Sexy", comes out June 2008. I cannot wait! So if you're looking for a fun, lighter, straight-up contemporary story, this is the bag of potato chips for you. With all the emotionally intense stories I've been reading lately, books like this one cleanse the palate and put a happy smile on my face. Jill Shalvis books are definitely a guilty pleasure for me, and I wouldn't give them up for anything. Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: Jill Shalvis, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/23/2007 07:58:00 AM
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Saturday, December 22, 2007:
"  "On a Clear Day" (2006) After decades of laboring as a Glasgow shipbuilder, no-nonsense Frank Redmond, a 55-year-old working-class man, suddenly finds himself laid off. For the first time in his life, Frank is without a job or a sense of direction, and is too proud to ask for guidance. His best mates--rascally Danny, timid Norman, and cynical Eddie--are there for him, but Frank still feels desperately alone. An offhand remark from Danny inspires Frank to challenge himself. Already contemplating the state of his relationships with loving wife Joan and all-but-estranged son Rob, Frank is determined to shore up his own self-confidence. He will attempt the near-impossible--swimming the English Channel. As Frank plunges headlong into his new daily life, his astonished friends are swept along with him. Prodded by stalwart fish-and-chips shop owner Chan, the men support Frank, train him--and keep their goal secret from his wife and son. Frank is unable to confide in those closest to him, but as the big day and moment of truth draw near, there is a sea change. Frank's family confronts him, and he realizes that he must repair his strained family ties. As Frank and those closest to him discover--or re-discover--reserves of love and compassion, he realizes that he is also swimming from one part of his life to another.
I had seen the preview for this a few times, and thought it looked interesting. I liked the idea it was set in Scotland, a country I've always wanted to visit. I also liked that it took a look at the typical stoic, older man going through a sudden and chaotic change to his life, one he didn't expect but must now deal with.
In the beginning, Frank doesn't know what to do with himself. He wanders through his days, trying to fit in, but find that his wife is keeping secrets from him and he doesn't know how to relate to his son, a stay-at-home dad. One day he comes to the idea of swimming the English Channel, and puts all his time and focus into the challenge. Supported by his buddies, yet keeping his plan from his wife, Frank finally has a purpose to his day, but will his secret add more strain to his already distant family? A past tragedy overshadows their lives, and it becomes obvious that not everyone has come to terms with what happened all those years ago.
It was a good movie, rather simple and ordinary, but enjoyable. I think a lot of people can relate to having a dad like Frank, one who doesn't communicate with the family much, but rather fills the role of provider. His wife thinks he's having an affair, and his son thinks his dad is embarrassed to have a son who doesn't support his own family. The swim across the Channel represents many things in this quiet movie, least of all is the courage to reach out to those who love you and ask for help. I think most of the characters learn something here, and it was a feel good movie that had a charming setting. I could listen to that accent all day...though I admit there were moments I had no idea what was being said. Yet that doesn't take away from the movie, not if you're watching carefully.
Rating: **** out of ***** 
"Enchanted" (2007) The tale follows the beautiful princess Giselle as she is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land--and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid--even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home--she has to wonder: can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world?
The movie starts out animated, where Giselle is dreaming of her perfect prince and finds him in Prince Edward, who is completely perfect in every way. But his evil stepmother Narissa has no desire to give up the thrown for an insipid little nobody, so she sends her to a very scary place - New York City. Thinking she'll find life in Manhatten much like her own in Andalasia, Giselle soon discovers not everyone is helpful and happy and dreaming about true love like herself. Reluctantly helped by Robert when his little girl sees Giselle struggling to get home, Giselle possesses all the qualities of a Disney heroine, and can enchant the animals in this world like she does in her own. Robert only wishes to send her back home so he can get on with his life and marry for practical reasons, but of course things don't work out the way either of them planned, not when Giselle begins to see Prince Edward as much too perfect, and Robert realizes that an optimistic young woman who loves animals and children may lead to the happily-ever-after he doesn't want, but one that works out just fine in the real world. It's a cute movie, and pokes fun at the perfection of the animated Disney classics we all grew up with. I found it to be a little too sweet at times, though I liked how the perfect prince doesn't take himself too seriously, and how Giselle doesn't all of a sudden become this cynical modern woman but retains her optimism throughout, even when she begins to question the choices she's made. Patrick Dempsey, now in his forties, still comes across as boyish and charming, much like that young guy from "Can't Buy Me Love" (I believe I've made that reference before). And don't worry about Prince Edward - he finds a princess who wants all that perfection for herself, because of course this is a Disney movie and we need our HEA. (Note: I had to laugh too, at one point during the movie, Giselle is "calling" the animals with a "ah ah ah ah ah" that reminded me of the Pink Ladies pageant number "For All Seasons" in "Grease 2"). Rating: **** out of ***** 
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" (2007) Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are adopted by a man named Dave.
Well, it's actually more than that. When we first meet Dave Seville, he is struggling to get a new song produced, and visits Ian, his friend from college who is now a big-time record producer for Jett records. As you can imagine, it wasn't a very good song, and Dave is booted out of the building. Meanwhile, those rascally chipmunks accidentally end up in the big city, and find their way to Dave, who inadvertantly leads them to his house.
Let's just say Dave is not happy to have these "rodents" taking over his house and making a mess. After losing his job, he wants to send them back to the forest where they came from, and Alvin, Simon and Theodore are crushed, because they've become rather attached to the modern conveniences of living in a house. When Dave hears the trio singing in perfect harmony, he changes his mind, convinced he's found "the next big thing", and brings them into Ian for a new chance. But the poor critters get stage fright, and disgusted, Dave brings them home. But soon the talents of the 'munks are discovered by Ian, and Dave tries to set some boundaries for the youngsters so they are not spoiled. The chipmunks have begun to become rather attached to Dave, especially Theodore, who thinks of him as a "dad". But when Alvin, Simon and Theodore think Dave doesn't really want them around, it has the 'munks going to live with Ian, who has no rules but expects them to work their bushy tails off to make him more and more money. Dave realizes how much he misses the little guys, and doesn't think that their career is healthy, so he tries to get them back. Turns out Dave has a soft spot for those little critters, and wants to be their dad after all.
Cute, cute, cute. I know it's crazy to get so attached to animated creatures, but oh, they were so adorable. I didn't want to see this movie at first because I thought it was like the "Garfield" movies which I haven't seen nor do I really want to, but this one just tugged at my heartstrings. Those high-pitched voices and big eyes were my downfall. I think if it would have been turned into this modern, total hip-hop story it would have sucked. Yes, there are some hip-hop moments, but they don't overshadow the movie, thank God. Jason Lee is an interesting actor, and I think he really made Dave the perfect blend of cynical and sentimental without making the movie too sappy. It's a fun film, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** What movies are you watching? What would you recommend? Labels: movies, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/22/2007 04:58:00 AM
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Thursday, December 20, 2007:
UPDATED WITH ANSWERS BELOW.... I blatantly stole this from my pal Laurie. By reading #1 - 29, you have to guess which Christmas carol is being described. The choices are listed at the bottom. I hope you enjoy it. I'll include the list with the carol names, but the first round is typically played without the assistance of the song names. I'll stop back in a couple of days and post the answers for those who have trouble. Have fun! CLUES: 1. The lad is a diminutive percussionist. 2. Stepping on the pad cover. 3. The red suited Pa is due in this berg. 4. Cup-shaped sounding instrument fashioned of white metallic element. 5. The department of two psychiatrists. 6. Decorate the entryways. 7. Sir Lancelot with laryngitis. 8. Far back in the hay bin. 9. Tiny little Alan, King and Nat Cole. 10. Uncouth dolf has his beezer in the booze and thinks he is a darkcloud’s boyfriend. 11. Duodecimal enumeration of the passage of the Yuletide season. 12. Leave and do an elevated broadcast. 13. Our fervent hope is that you thoroughly enjoy your Yuletide season. 14. Small Israeli urban center. 15. Listen, the winged messengers are proclaiming tunefully. 16. As the guardians of little woolly animals protected their charges in the shadows of the night. 17. Beyond I envision a trio of nautical vessels. 18. A joyful song of reverence relative to hollow metallic vessels whichbring forth a ringing sound when struck. 19. Jubilation to the entire terrestrial globe. 20. Do you perceive the same longitudinal pressure which stimulates my auditory sense organs?21. A strafed member of the round table. 22. A parent was observed osculating a red coated unshaven teamster. 23. Wanted in December – forward incisors!! 24. May a deity bestow an absence of fatigue to humanity .25. An event which arrived on a cloudless bewitching hour. 26. Alphabet minus the twelve letter, the primary ordinal time. 27. After the solstice, a stroll through a vista of amazement. 28. Amusement park entertainment for Stephen King. 29. Fantasize constantly about a Yuletide without color. *****See how many you can guess without the Carols*****
Stumped? Here are the songs you have to choose from: CAROLS: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Go Tell it on the Mountain
Away in a Manger
Nutcracker Suite
Up on the Housetop
Twelve Days of Christmas
Sleigh Ride
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
We Three Kings
I Saw Three Ships
Do You Hear What I Hear?
O Holy Night
The First Noel
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
As Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Joy to the World
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Ding Dong Merrily the Bells
Little Drummer Boy
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Silver Bells
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Silent Night
Deck the Halls ANSWERS: O Little Town of Bethlehem 14 Go Tell it on the Mountain 12 Away in a Manger 8 Nutcracker Suite 5 Up on the Housetop 2 Twelve Days of Christmas 11 Sleigh Ride 28 I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas 29 We Three Kings 9 I Saw Three Ships 17 Do You Hear What I Hear? 20 O Holy Night 7 The First Noel 26 All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth 23 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 15 As Shepherds Watch Their Flocks by Night 16 Walking in a Winter Wonderland 27 Joy to the World 19 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 22 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 25 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 24 Ding Dong Merrily the Bells 18 Little Drummer Boy 1 Santa Claus is Coming to Town 3 Silver Bells 4 We Wish You a Merry Christmas 13 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 10 Silent Night 21 Deck the Halls 6 So how many do you think you got right? Labels: Christmas, riddles
posted by Stacy~ at 12/20/2007 05:19:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007:
"Untouched" by Anna Campbell
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (November 27, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0061234923
ISBN-13: 978-0061234927 “I am many things,” Lord Sheene said. “Kind is not one of them.”
Beautiful Grace Paget has no reason to doubt these words. After all, she was kidnapped, spirited away to a remote country manor, and told she is to grant this man his every desire… or lose her life. But Grace is no common trollop. So she risks everything to save her virtue by planning a daring escape, even though she finds herself tempted by this dangerously handsome man. There is something in his eyes that makes her wonder if he is not as cruel as he would have her believe…
Sheene knew nothing of the plan to bring him this woman. Locked up as a prisoner, called “mad” by all of society, he will do anything to reclaim his life, and Grace’s sensuous beauty has distracted him from his goals. And although he finds her irresistible, he is horrified to hold her against her will. Now, together, they must both revolt against the strange set of circumstances that have forced them together - for only then will Grace truly surrender to him… forever.
We first meet Grace Paget as she wakes up and discovers she has just been kidnapped and brought to the home of Matthew Lansdowne, Marquess of Sheene, with the intention that he use her for his own pleasure. Lord Sheene is considered to be mad and is kept as a prisoner in his own home. Neither one of them is happy with these current circumstances; Grace seeks to escape, and Matthew seeks to stay as far away from the beautiful widow as he can manage, despite how much he wants her.
At first Matthew believes Grace to be in collusion with his cruel and greedy uncle, and that it's just another way to control him. But Grace truly is a poor widow who has been mistaken for a prostitute when she gets lost in a bad part of town trying to locate a family member and ends up asking the wrong people for help. She's frightened but determined to survive and find her way out of this situation, no matter how hopeless it seems. She refuses to let herself be ruined, no matter how attractive she finds Matthew.
So for a time, they exist together in their prison, an uneasy truce between them until Mathew's uncle shows up and tells Grace that unless she beds his nephew, she will no longer be of any use to him and will end up dead. Terrified, knowing that Matthew doesn't want to give in to his uncle's demands, Grace nevertheless sets out to seduce the striking, virile young man she's imprisoned with, knowing that there are some things worse than death.
Despite their reluctance, the one thing that cannot be denied is the burning attraction between them. Both Grace and Matthew are young, healthy, and keenly aware of the physical beauty of the other, and strongly compelled to act on their attraction. Neither expects to fall in love, but they do, and once their feelings are revealed, it becomes clear that they cannot continue to exist in Matthew's prison and remain safe. Matthew devises a plan to help Grace escape, knowing that as long as she is free, he can survive what he must do to help her. Grace promises to come back for him, but neither really anticipate just how cruel his uncle can be. It's a race against time for Grace, who desperately tries to save her beloved before he truly does go mad....
I really loved this book. It's the kind of story that has you turning the pages, anxiously wondering what is going to happen next. I understood the hesitation Matthew had to trust anyone - since the age of 14 he's only known a lonely, horrible existence without love or companionship, so for him to reach out to Grace was a huge step for him. Despite the way he's lived his life, Matthew is an honorable, generous young man more concerned with others than he is with himself. Definitely a worthy hero, not weak to have such compassion but strong to have endured the life he's been forced to live, no thanks to the greed of his uncle John.
Grace herself has only known disappointment and poverty for the nine years she's been married. Once a spoiled young girl, Grace has had to grow up fast when the man she marries is not the upstanding man she thought he was. But Grace is not one to dwell on what she can't change. Her marriage has her growing up fast, and she finds within herself an amazing strength and determination that she may have never discovered otherwise. Loving Matthew is a huge risk, but she knows that it's nothing compared to the suffering he's been through. Leaving him to find help is the hardest thing she's ever had to do, but she knows it's the only way to get the help she needs to save him.
At one point, despite her love, Grace turns Matthew away "for his own good". Usually the plot device of having one character playing the martyr is annoying and silly, but because of Matthew's limited interaction with others, it makes complete sense. Their story is bittersweet and romantic, and it was a sad thing to have to see it come to an end. Matthew and Grace have such little joy together during their imprisonment, but oh how beautiful those moments were. I felt both characters were wonderful, strong, and real. Their imprisonment did not come across as romantic, but their feelings for each other certainly were. It was a true delight, and one I highly recommend. I anxiously look forward to Anna Campbell's next book
Rating: ***** out of *****
Labels: "Untouched", Anna Campbell, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/19/2007 05:04:00 AM
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007:
"Too Wilde To Tame" by Janelle Denison
Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: Berkley (September 6, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0425205282
ISBN-13: 978-0425205280 Mia Wilde has a reputation for being too wild to tame, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to let someone get away with distributing provocative photographs of her. She needs to find out who is threatening her before her overprotective brothers find out. For that, she’s going to enlist the help of private investigator Cameron Sinclair - - the one man who seems immune to her flirtatious and outrageous personality. But Mia soon learns that appearances can be very deceiving. The moment Cameron agrees to help, he knows he’s in deep trouble. Because Mia isn’t just your average bad girl. In fact, beneath that wild, untamable facade is a beautiful, too sexy woman who’s been driving him crazy with desire. And if he isn’t careful, the hot passion sizzling between them might just tempt him to do something he might regret. Like propose something hotter and wilder than either of them had ever imagined . . . If you've ever read Janelle's "Wilde" books, then you know Mia and Cam have been dancing around each other for quite some time. Mia truly is a wild child, looking for excitement and drama, always trying to shock Cameron out of his conservative socks. And Cam is reluctantly attracted to the dark-haired beauty he knows is nothing but trouble. Yet no other woman has him tied up in knots like this one, and as much as he tries to stay away, he knows he can't. Not only does he work with her family, he feels rather protective of this recklessly, fun-loving woman. Now Mia is in trouble; someone is sending her threatening mail, and rather than share this with her family, she decides to enlist Cam's help. Knowing he'll keep it quiet so that her overprotective family doesn't try to smother her like they have in the past, Mia also knows she's playing with fire, only in this case, she wants to get burned. Cam is smart and sexy, if a little too reserved, and she wants to be the one to crack that tough shell of his, no matter what it takes. He excites her like no other man, and while she knows he disapproves of her wild ways, she also has a feeling he can't resist them. Cam knows he's in trouble when he agrees to help the luscious brunette by tracking down her stalker. He doesn't want to want her, knowing that a relationship between the two of them is impossible, but the vibrant live wire arouses him hotter than he can handle, and soon he decides he's tired of fighting his strong attraction to her and proposes that they have a hot and heavy affair for as long as he's searching for her stalker. By then, he should have her out of his system and ready to move on to a more serious relationship. Of course Cam doesn't count on discovering the intelligent, compassionate and artistic woman beneath all that leopard print, nor does he realize that the more he's around Mia, the more likely it is he'll fall in love.... Mia figures that Cam is just like all other men, just a little more of a challenge. Once she sleeps with him, she's sure she'll get him out of her system. Mia is an expert at pushing people away, and she finds it exasperating that Cam refuses to stay out of her business. No other man has tried to get to know her like he has, and no other man has ever had her thinking of a long-term relationship. But Cam is special, and he breaks past through her defenses to discover the secrets she's kept to herself, and once he uncovers them, she knows her heart isn't safe. But what will happen when the case ends and it's time to go their separate ways? I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Janelle Denison's writing. I've discovered so many new authors lately and have added a ton of new books to my tbr pile that I forget what it's like to read some of my old favorites, and sadly, Janelle turned into one of the ones I've put aside for a short while. Why, I don't know, because I've loved every story I've ever read of hers. It all started with her 1999 Harlequin Temptation "Forbidden", followed by another favorite, the 2000 release "Tempted". Then she started writing about this incredible group of men known as the Wildes, and I was hooked. Janelle write extremely sensual, provocative love scenes, but she doesn't hold back on creating up this incredible relationship between two people falling in love. During today's current glut of paranormals (especially vampires), erotic romance and overly "busy" storylines, Janelle's strength lies in the straight-up contemporary romance. She starts out with two people who may seem too unlikely to fall for each other, and builds from there. There may be issues each character must overcome, some growing up they need to do, or just facing reality and letting themselves risk their hearts to find happiness. And in today's show, show, and show some more, Janelle knows how to tantalize readers without giving away the whole store all at one time. Laced with heavy sexual tension, whether it's in a look, a dance, or in the way the hero and heroine talk to each other, there's always this buzz of awareness between them that you can't help but notice. Janelle doesn't knock her readers on the head with explicit sexuality, but rather draws us in with beautiful, earthy attraction and emotionally intimate love scenes that are more exciting than most of the wildest threesomes out there. She relies heavily on the emotional connection and the understanding that each couple is different. You never feel like Janelle recycles her love scenes, but creates them specifically for each couple, and that is the beauty of her writing. Next up is " Born To Be Wilde" which was out in September, and then Janelle's Wilde series spins off with a new series, starting with "Wild For Him" which will be released June 2008. Woo hoo! Rating: ***** out of ***** Labels: Janelle Denison, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/18/2007 05:18:00 AM
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Monday, December 17, 2007:
Dan Fogelberg (August 13, 1951 - December 16, 2007)
"Sunday, December 16: Dear friends,Dan left us this morning at 6:00am . He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife Jean at his side. His strength, dignity, and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him." I admit I was not a huge fan, didn't have any of his records or CD's, but I did enjoy his music. In fact at work, we've been listening to Christmas music and I remarked to one of my co-workers how much I liked his Christmas song " Same Auld Lang Syne". And of course some of his other songs too: "Longer", "Leader of the Band", and I'm sure there are others that I listened to as well. It's sad to see such a young person pass away. He was only 56 years old. He died from prostate cancer; he was diagnosed in May 2004. Labels: Dan Fogelberg
posted by Stacy~ at 12/17/2007 08:08:00 AM
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Saturday, December 15, 2007:
"Perfect Ten" by Janice Maynard - review
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade (January 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451222903
ISBN-13: 978-0451222909
Something juicy is brewing in the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, where the beautiful Killaney cousins are concocting brand-new scents in their shop Lotions and Potions. One April night under a full moon, the three women create an alluring combination of eucalyptus, aloe, and sandalwood that sparks a strange chemical reaction. One whiff and men can't seem to get enough of Love Potion #10 - or of the Killaney women - while Diana, Elizabeth, and Jeannie find themselves being swept off their feet and into their wildest fantasies... I love Janice's cute, sexy stories, and reading this anthology of three cousins who think they accidentally created a love potion is time well spent. I love the sense of closeness these women share, and how they decide to shake things up and follow their dreams by leaving behind their previous jobs to start a new business in Asheville, North Carolina with their shop, Lotions and Potions, a store that hosts several lovely products as well as those that have healing powers. It's not tales of three witches who concoct potions in their basement, but about these smart, creative women who decide to create something of their own by using their brains, business sense, and caring natures. That really appealed to me about these short stories. First up, we have "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not". Damian Bennetti owns a body shop that specializes in high-end European imports, and though he owns the business, Damian loves working on these fabulous, rare cars himself, which leaves his hands in rough, cracked condition. He discovered a cream from the Killaney's shop that works wonders. He's also found Diana, the youngest cousin, who makes him hot. Yet the shy young woman won't give him the time of day, until finally he persuades her to go to lunch with him, and the seemingly reserved lady he thought he was getting turns out to be a rather seductive young woman with a fiery temper. He really likes this side of her, but Damian came from poor roots, and how can he ever think a pampered and elegant lady such as Diana will ever think of him as more than a temporary diversion. And Diana is convinced the only reason he's interested in her at all is because of that potion that's used in the healing cream Damian bought, that there is some kind of aphrodisiac ingredient that kindles his lust. With so many misunderstandings between them, will they even notice that they are falling in love? In "Movie Magic", almost-forty Elizabeth is feeling that maybe life is leaving her behind. Having suffered from complete humiliation years ago, she has cut herself off from relationships and focuses all her attention on the family business, but she can't help but feel envious of her cousin, who's found love. As she's lost in thought about new ways to expand the store, a run-in with a reckless skateboarder has her landing in the arms of a sexy and exotic stranger. Enrique Cantilano a location scout for the movie industry and is in town to check out the Vanderbilt house for a current project. Working with women who are aware of their attractive looks, he is almost instantly struck by Elizabeth and her expressive face as it's obvious she does not possess that self-absorbed quality he sees in so many woman in his life of work. Elizabeth is attracted to Enrique, but hesitant to pursue any type of relationship with him, as it would only be temporary. Erroneously judging him as a laid-back beach bum type, she's soon impressed with his work ethic and attracted to his sexy, confident personality, especially when he makes it known he plans on inviting himself into her life and won't take "no" for an answer. But will her past, and his career, keep them apart? Or will they both realize that there's more to life than work? In "I Dream of Jeannie", Nathan Hardison is doing just that. After having used some shaving cream purchased at her store, Nathan has been having these dreams about the utterly gorgeous and sexy Jeannie Killaney. While initially he is attracted to her because of her stunning body and dazzling beauty, he discovers that beneath the lovely exterior is an incredibly intelligent and interesting woman, one who has him tied in knots. Jeannie is equally attracted and fascinated by Nathan, who encourages her to finish her degree and loves her intelligence almost as much as he loves her body. For such a strong and independent woman, it's refreshing to Jeannie to have a man want to take care of her for a change, especially in bed. Nathan is more than just attracted to the Irish goddess. He also respects and admires her. Having suffered a publicly embarrassing episode recently, Nathan was relieved that Jeannie was a practical woman with an impeccable reputation, but when a newspaper reporter decides to do a story on the "love potion" the Killaney cousins may have discovered, Nathan is mortified. Can he overcome his fears to love the unique and amazing woman Jeannie is, or will he let his past keep them apart? Erotically sweet, charming and fun, this anthology will have you wishing all it took was a magical potion to find the man of your dreams. (If only it were that easy). However, just as in real life, once these cousins find their ideal mate, they must each work to find their happily-ever-after, because anything worth having is worth working at. And as with anything, all good things must come to an end, so it was with a bit of sadness that I finished the book, as I'd grown to care for this close-knit group, and I hated to see it end. But then again, Janice Maynard has another book, "By Appointment Only", coming out in July of 2008. It's nice to have something to look forward to. Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: Janice Maynard, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/15/2007 10:34:00 PM
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Thursday, December 13, 2007:
Today's the big day - Kelley's having her baby!
12/14/07 Update! Kelley had her little baby girl, Kelsey, yesterday. Both mother are doing fine. Big sister McKenzie is thrilled to have a new sister, who came into the world at 8lbs, 1oz and 18 inches long. Kelley says this time was much easier. Today my on-line pal Kelley - who writes as Kelley Nyrae - is having her 2nd baby! Her and her husband already know they are having another girl, and they've picked out a name, though I admit I can't remember what it is because she told us quite awhile ago. Anyway, I wish her all the best, and think this is the most wonderful of Christmas presents - to bring a new, precious life into the world. Congratulations Kelley, and good luck! You will be in my thoughts and prayers today :) Labels: babies, Kelley
posted by Stacy~ at 12/13/2007 05:24:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007:
Interrupting the regular scheduled holiday program to bring you WOOt. It's officially a word now in the dictionary. It's never been a word I've used (okay, maybe once or twice), but I've seen it quite a bit around blogland. It's funny how certain words become part of our everyday language. Here are some others that haven't made the list...according to this list: ginormous (adj): bigger than gigantic and bigger than enormous
confuzzled (adj): confused and puzzled at the same time
chillax (v): chill out/relax, hang out with friends
cognitive displaysia (n): the feeling you have before you even leave the house that you are going to forget something and not remember it until you're on the highway
gription (n): the purchase gained by friction: "My car needs new tires because the old ones have lost their gription."
phonecrastinate (v): to put off answering the phone until caller ID displays the incoming name and number
slickery (adj): having a surface that is wet and icy
snirt (n): snow that is dirty, often seen by the side of roads and parking lots that have been plowed
lingweenie (n): a person incapable of producing neologisms Interesting. Do you have a favorite "made-up" word? What word would you like to see in the dictionary? Which word is just plain stupid? Labels: Woot, words
posted by Stacy~ at 12/12/2007 05:13:00 AM
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Monday, December 10, 2007:
Got this from Erin at Paperback Stash - she tagged me: 5 Things I was doing 10 years ago: Hmmm 10 years ago I would have been 26. 1. I was moving into an apartment by myself for the first time. 2. I was processing life insurance claims - emotional job but very rewarding - loved that part. 3. I was first developing a "TBR" pile - new to me. Before I never had this problem. 4. I was reading books like this and actually liking them at that time. 5. I was....I can't remember beyond that. I barely remember 10 days ago. 5 Things on my T0-Do List today:1. Update this blog and look at new designs 2. Finish putting my holiday gift bags together 3. Go to the post office and mail "The Windflower" to MK and my Secret Santa gift to.... 4. Play with my new camera 5. Organize my cool new purse! Yeah, so I'm boring - no surprise ther. 5 things I would do if I were a millionaire: 1. Buy a ginormous mansion on a beach with enough room for a million books. 2. Give generous gifts of money to friends and family. 3. Donate large portions to any kid and animal shelter, and any other charities I can. 4. Buy more properties around the world. 5. Travel and visit all the places I've longed to see - Aruba, Scotland, Fiji, Prince Edward Island. 5 Things I'll never wear again (or have never worn):1. Definitely spandex - never have, never will. I don't need to see myself in that. 2. Florescent colors circa 1985 3. Stiletto heels - I'd break my neck 4. Fur coat 5. Leggings 5 Favorite Toys:1. Laptop 2. iPod 3. DVD Player 4. phone 5. digital camera I tag whoever wants to play: MK? Kelley? Anyone else? Labels: me
posted by Stacy~ at 12/10/2007 04:02:00 PM
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Sunday, December 09, 2007:
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Dell (May 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0553589377
ISBN-13: 978-0553589375
INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING. He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all . . . .
Yes, another vampire book. I'd seen this one around and thought it looked interesting, but everytime I picked it up at the bookstore, I'd think "ugh, another vampire book" and put it down again. I didn't want yet another take on the same old, same old. Then recently "Dear Author" did a review for the 3rd book in the series, "Midnight Awakening" and I was intrigued. I thought "what the hell?" and bought all 3 books.
It started out rather slow for me, and I worried that I picked up this book too hastily, but I soon found myself enjoying the story. Gabrielle reminds me a bit of myself in that she's more of a loner and not so much the party girl like her closest friends are. Gabrielle Maxwell is a photographer, and when we first meet her, she is suffering through a showing at an art gallery owned by her best friend Jamie. In celebration, Gabrielle, Jamie and two of their friends, Megan and Kendra decide to go out and celebrate, though Gabrielle would just rather go home and unwind, but not wanting to be a downer to her friends, she tags along to a hot new nightclub, La Notte, and ends up witnessing a brutal murder.
Horrified, she runs directly to the police, and is frustrated to find out that no one believes her, until later when Lucan Thorne shows up on at her door. He knows what she's seen as he is a Breed vampire, and a warrior who fights vamps gone bad, aka Rogues. See, all vamps are susceptible to Bloodlust, and once the addiction has taken over, there is no chance of going back. A vampire who has given into the Bloodlust is a mindless host, ruled by their uncontrollable need, and has no compunction about brutally killing innocent humans to feed their addiction. Some, who know their demise is eminent, choose to let the sun destroy them, while others, enthralled by their addiction and the so-called power that comes along with it, become Rogue vampires. These are the vampires Gabrielle saw that night, ravaging a human to death.
Of course Lucan has no intention of telling Gabrielle any of this. Instead he plans to take her cellphone, loaded with images from the night of the murder, and return it to her once any incriminating evidence has been destroyed. He also intends to erase her memories of that night, and eliminating any danger she may be in because of what she knows. Gabrielle turns out to be strongly resistant to Lucan's mind control, and as he is powerfully attracted to her, instead of disappearing without a trace, he can't seem to keep away from the dark-eyed, serious beauty. He knows he must however, as he has no intention of claiming any woman as his own. His loyalty is to his people, and as a Gen One vampire, he is their leader, and that is a role he doesn't take lightly. He deals in death and violence. He cannot afford to be distracted from his pledge.
While this is all going on, a mysterious enemy is planning world domination(!) As Master to Rogues and human Minions alike, this old and powerful enemy has plans to lead an all-out war against the Breed warriors, with the intention that the world will become his playground. He has already set his plan in motion, and both the Breeds and the humans will experience grief and betrayal as the battle commences.
I liked this story, felt there were some fresh ideas to this vampire world that I'd not seen in others I've read, and still others that have been a bit overused. Some readers may notice a few commonalities with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Fortunately I can say that other than a few brief instances, none of those comparisons detracted me away from this telling of Breed world. One of the elements I enjoyed is that Ms. Adrian "shows" us that Lucan is a tortured hero not just because she says he is, but because he has relentless demons of his own to battle, mainly his own slow descent into Bloodlust, a powerful demon that not even a happy ending can easily exorcise. Gabrielle also battles her own pain, but does so without becoming stupidly stubborn and reckless. For the most part, she comes across as a smart, sympathetic heroine, one who, except for one brief relapse, doesn't put herself into dangerous situations just to prove she's a big girl who can handle herself. I liked her quiet strength, despite her fears of what Lucan is and how he lives.
I would have liked to have seen Lucan and Gabrielle spend more time together. There is a distance between them that isn't easily breached. I do like that Gabrielle doesn't shy away from Lucan when he is at his worst, and he learns to accept her care at his weakest moments. Yet a lot of time was spent apart, as Lucan kept pushing her away from him. Hopefully we will see more of these two in the following books, and get a better understanding of the history of the Breeds, and what exactly motivates their enemy. There are still some intriguing secrets left to uncover, and I'm curious to find out what they are.
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Lara Adrian, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 12/09/2007 08:44:00 PM
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