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Monday, November 30, 2009:
Double Dose of Dahl (Victoria Dahl, that is)
 Molly Jenkins has one naughty little secret: her job as a bestselling erotic fiction author. Until her inspiration runs dry--thanks to a creepy ex--and it's time to skip town and move back to tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado.
One look at former high school hunk chief of police Ben Lawson and Molly is back in business. The town gossip is buzzing at her door and, worse still, a stalker seems to be watching her every move. Thankfully, her very own lawman has taken to coming over, often. The only problem now is that Molly may have to let the cat out of the bag about her chosen profession, and straitlaced Ben will definitely not approve....
I had heard about author Victoria Dahl awhile ago. I think it might have been when Katiebabs talked about one of her books on KristieJ's blog. But it wasn't until a Twitter conversation about the hot and dirty contemporaries that Ms. Dahl wrote, as well as her own tweets, that finally got me to give them a try. And I devoured both contemps over the Thanksgiving weekend. Overall I rather liked "Talk Me Down". It was sexy, and fun, and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. I did waver between wanting to smack Molly upside the head and wanting to be her friend though. She has a tendency to be pretty immature, but she's got a vivacious personality that made it difficult to hate her. Still, there are times when she has a big mouth, and for a private guy like Ben, it bothers me to see her acting so cavalier about certain things. And keeping her profession, as that of an erotica writer, a secret even from her family, was a bit extreme. I think what bothered me most about it is that she KNOWS how much Ben hates secrets, and why, yet she keeps it from him anyway. True, he's fully aware of that fact she has this secret, but trust is so important to him, and while she was only looking for something casual, Ben was not. Perhaps that's a double standard, because what if the reverse were true? Would I be as upset with Ben if he had this huge secret? Now that I think about it, yes I would. Another thing that bothered me was the whole stalker issue. I thought it was enough to have this secret between them instead of throwing another subplot to take away from the relationship. It would even have been okay if it had been toned down a bit, but I just didn't think it was necessary to take it to such a level as it went to. And the Cameron thing squicked me out, right from the beginning. I admit I flipped through these pages because I just wanted to get past them. But by the end of the book, everything worked out, so that's the main thing, right? I think Molly grew up enough to be more worthy of Ben, though she still had a ways to go. But I believe she was willing to try to be the kind of woman Ben deserved, because he was pretty special. Rating: *** 1/2 out of *****
 Lori had always planned to get out of tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado, but when her late dad left her his beloved auto body shop, she'd stayed. Now, according to her crazy best friend, Molly, what Lori needs is some excitement, in the form of hot, no-strings-attached sex...and lots of it.
Quinn Jennings has buildings on the brain--not love and romance. A serious architect, he's delighted to discover that Lori is willing to skip dating protocols and head straight for the sheets. And aided by the steamy books on Lori's bedside table, he's busy indulging both of their wildest fantasies. But when life in Tumble Creek takes a dangerous turn for Lori, Quinn's protective instincts kick in.
Suddenly he "cares." More than either of them ever expected....
I liked this one quite a bit more than the first book. Lori wasn't always the nicest heroine, a fact she herself will admit to, but that's okay. She's had a difficult time of it the last ten years but she faced up to her responsibilities, even though it's not the life she would have chosen for herself. But Lori is a healthy young woman with raging hormones, and she just ain't finding ways to satisfy her needs in Tumble Creek. Heck, most of the town believes she's a lesbian, and even if they didn't, there aren't many desirable men to choose from. With the help of her friend Molly, Lori decides it's time to occasionally go out and just have fun being a woman. During a girls' night out, they run into Molly's brother Quinn, who can't take his eyes off Lori. He's stunned to discover under the overalls and grease is a very sexy, attractive woman, one he wants to spend more time with. At first Lori isn't too crazy about the idea, even though Quinn pushes all the right buttons. But she's known him all her life and she cannot imagine living out her dirty fantasies with a friend. However there's just no other man who will do, and soon, Quinn and Lori are hittin' the sheets and discovering how down and dirty friends can get... These book was incredibly sexy. The fact that Lori wasn't afraid to explore some of her most naughty fantasies and that Quinn was more than willing to take her there was incredibly hot. I liked that he didn't think she was a freak or a nymphomaniac just because she wanted to do things "nice" girls aren't supposed to want to do. In fact the guy counts his lucky stars that she trusts him enough to share her desires in the bedroom, and he's more than willing to satisfy each and every one of them. But Quinn begins to develop stronger feelings for her, and because he cares, he believes he knows what's best for Lori, so he pushes her to change some of the things about her life. And because of fear and indignation that he assumes he has the right, Lori pushes him away. On top of her issues with Quinn, she has to deal with someone trying to destroy her business. This is what keeps the book from being perfect for me; when we discover the motivation and who the actual culprit is. Without giving it away or going into detail, I was soooo disappointed in how this scenario ended. It's not that I didn't see it coming, I just wish it had ended much differently. In fact I prayed that what happened wouldn't happen. Sadly, it did. But it didn't run the book completely for me, because there was a lot of stuff I liked too much about it. The ending is rather romantic, though not in a traditional sense. I liked that Lori and Quinn were taking it slow. It was unexpectedly sweet, actually. And very fitting for the relationship they'd been having. I highly approve. Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: quickie reviews, Victoria Dahl
posted by Stacy~ at 11/30/2009 07:12:00 AM
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Sunday, November 29, 2009:
Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon (2002) - quickie review
 For 2,000 years, Julian of Macedon has lived a curse of being a love-slave. When he is summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, Grace is the first woman to see him as a man with a tormented past. Taking him out into the world, instead of keeping him in the bedroom, Grace teaches Julian to love again. But can that alone break the 2,000-year-old curse he is under?I read this book years ago, and I don't remember why I picked it up since vampires creeped me out (though this story isn't about vampires). But I was curious about this writer who told stories about vamps mixed t up with some sexy guys and proceeded with a huge helping of Greek mythology. Sherrilyn Kenyon does not list it as a Dark Hunter book on her website though I see it listed that way at many online bookstore sites. I guess it's the prequel to the series, because it has some overlapping characters but there's really nothing about the Dark Hunter history. Still, I'm glad I read it, even though it's a bit on the fluffy side.Grace's friend Selena thinks Grace needs a hot guy to show her a rockin' time in bed, so she brings Grace a special book, where inside the covers is a hot sex slave from thousands of years ago. Once he is summoned, he will give the summoner untold pleasure from full moon to full moon; an entire month. Grace doesn't believe in all Selena's mumbo-jumbo, even though Selena is her best friend. But it's her birthday, and she's had a little too much wine, so she humors Selena by chanting the words necessary to bring Julian forth. When nothing happens, she's not surprised and Selena is majorly disappointed and goes home. But of course Julian does show up, and he's very, very naked. Grace is immediately drawn to Julian, as any healthy, red-blooded woman would be, but she's not the sort of woman to just jump into bed with a guy, no matter how much he flips her switch. Julian doesn't understand Grace's reluctance as every other time he's been summoned, women have fallen upon him like ravening wolves. But right from the start, she's different, and hell, he's got nothing better to do, so why not let her show her around the 21st century? As time passes, Grace discovers the torment of Julian's past, and how he came to be cursed. It turns out that there may be a way to break the curse, but it's dangerous and very iffy. However Grace has come to care deeply for Julian and even if he decides to move on, she'd rather have him free than trapped inside the dark pages of that book for who knows how long. Eventually Julian begins to wish for it too, and together they fight to break a curse that is nearly impossible to break...
My thoughts: Wouldn't that be just about every woman's fantasy, right there with a hot guy to cook and clean? Yeah, I thought so too, but Grace doesn't. I liked that she's not willing to just let this gorgeous, sexy man lure into his arms quite that easily. But she wants to help him, which is more than what anyone else has ever tried to do for him before. So he lets her, even though deep down he believes she's wasting her time. But no one's ever looked beyond his appearance and his talents in the bedroom, and it feels good to be valued for something other than his body. He's not fooled, he knows Grace wants him, but she's not easily seduced.
Having already read several books in this series, I've already noticed that Sherrilyn Kenyon tends to make her heroes really suffer. I mean REALLY. Just wait til Zarek, if you haven't read the books. Most heart-breaking story ever. But this is Julian's story, and he suffers plenty enough. Betrayal, torture, horrendous grief. The things that are done to him are incomprehensible, yet they happen, and he's lived over 2000 years having to remember each gruesome, excruciating detail. I'm amazed that Julian hadn't been driven insane by all what he witnessed and experienced. But then this is a book about a fantasy lover, so insanity wouldn't really suit the purpose, now would it?
I enjoyed going back and revisiting where it all began. It's not the best of the series, but I'm glad I read it and got to know Julian and Grace, who will make future appearances in the series. I thought the book was sexy and interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. Part of it is my fascination with Greek mythology, though Ms. Kenyon does take huge liberties with it, but so what? It's mythology for God's sake. And the book is fiction, and it's fun to step outside the box from time to time and watch Aphrodite be a mom to Julian. I didn't start the series looking for intellectual stimulation, but to be entertained, and so far, that's exactly what I've experienced.
And Ms. Kenyon does tug on your emotions a bit, which is one of my weaknesses. I've already started reading Night Pleasures and there's a bit more of that going on in that book too. What can I say, the Dark Hunters are my bag of potato chips.
Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: quickie reviews, Sherrilyn Kenyon
posted by Stacy~ at 11/29/2009 08:14:00 AM
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Saturday, November 28, 2009:
Upcoming holiday contests: the ??? Days of Christmas
 Jack here (Sam? Miguel? Alex?) is wishing you the very hottest and sexiest of holidays ;)
Tis the season of giving, and I'm really excited to be running some contests in the month of December, just in time for the holidays. I haven't completely figured it all out, mostly because I'm going to be out of town for a week for work and I won't have access to a computer (which is going to kill me) so I'm trying to get myself in gear before then. I thought I would tailor the contest to suit my personality and give away prizes of books and DVD's that I like.
Because of my schedule in December I most likely won't be able to get the prizes out by Christmas, but they all will end before December 25th. Besides, isn't it still kinda fun to get gifts AFTER the holidays are over? Yeah, I thought so too *g* So stay tuned for those contests, and hopefuly you'll enjoy them as much as I know I'm going to :)What kind of contests are your favorite?
~ And no, you can't have the hottie. He's MINE! ~ Labels: Christmas, contests
posted by Stacy~ at 11/28/2009 10:40:00 AM
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Friday, November 27, 2009:
What I'm watching: Chuck (Season 1)
 Editorial Reviews:
Zachary Levi starred as computer geek and social misfit Chuck Bartowski in this heady NBC combination of comedy, fantasy, espionage, teen angst and wish fulfillment. While working a technical-support firm called the Nerd Herd, Chuck accidentally downloaded millions of megabytes of government secrets into his own brain!
This made him an invaluable commodity to his former college roommate Bryce Larkin (Matthew Bomer), whom Chuck had always assumed was an accountant but was actually a CIA agent. Recruiting Chuck as a human "secret weapon," Bryce was also saddled with the responsibility of keeping our hero alive--or at least, out of the hands of the Enemy. Lightening Chuck's burden considerably was his sexy contact person Sarah Walker (Yvonne Starhovski), who somehow managed to shed most of her clothes in each episode. Also in the cast were Adam Baldwin as irascible CIA boss Maj. John Casey, Joshua Gomez as Chuck's goofy best friend Morgan Grimes, Sarah Lancaster as Chuck's troublesome sister Ellie, and, at Nerd Herd headquarters, Mark Christopher Lawrence as manager Big Mike, C.S. Lee as assistant manager Tang, and Chuck's coworkers Anna (Julia Ling), Lester (Vik Sahay) and Jeff (Scott Krinsky). The weekly, hour-long Chuck was first seen on September 24, 2007. Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Earlier this year on a flight, I remember seeing an episode of this show on the plane, and it looked like a really fun show. So I added it to my Netflix Q. But then I kinda forgot about it until I got the first DVD and watched it. Guess what? It really is a fun show!
Oh where to start? First off, I totally love the name of the store where Chuck works. Buy More. He works with a bunch of dysfunctional underachievers, including his best friend Morgan, and a rival who ends up as assistant manager instead of him. But there's a very good explanation for that. I love it when scenes take place in that store. Hilarious.
Then there's Sarah and Casey, spies who each keep an eye on Chuck since his brain now houses millions of secrets. Casey (a goatee-less Jayne from Firefly) plays his usual curmudgeonly self, and he does it so well. Sarah seems very sweet, but she constantly plays him and never lets him forget that it's all a cover. He's falling for her anyway.
Chuck's sister and her boyfriend, Dr. Awesome. Chuck lives with them, and has an especially close relationship with his sister as they were both abandoned by their parents years ago. Ellie likes to spend time with her brother, but the more involved he is with the spying, the less time he can spend with her, and this causes problems. Chuck is just too nice to say no to being a spy.
Then of course, there is Chuck himself. The guy is a total geek, but such a cutie. Even his dorkiness is cute. Yeah, he likes to play video games with Morgan and have weird conversations about what type of sandwich they'd bring if they were on a deserted island. He hasn't had a girlfriend in 5 years. But Chuck is genuinely adorable. He's got this big smile, and truly seems to like being a nice guy. He's not a very good spy, and he doesn't listen, but you just can't help but like him anyway. He's one of the good ones.
I'm halfway through season 1, and I'm loving it. I heard it's just been picked up for a 3rd full season, so yay! So happy to hear that, because it's grown on me in a very short time. If you haven't watched Chuck and you want something fun and easy to watch, this is your show.
How about it: do you watch Chuck? If so, what do you like best about it? Labels: television
posted by Stacy~ at 11/27/2009 07:45:00 AM
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Thursday, November 26, 2009:
I don't do a list every year, but this year I felt like writing one up. Here are just a few of the things I'm grateful for this year:
My crazy family. We may not be close, but I love them unconditionally. And though we live over 560 miles away from each other, they are always near.
My small group of RL friends. I'm not the most outgoing person, and I'm rather private, and very weird, yet I've managed to find a wonderful group of people who get that *g* I truly appreciate that :)
My health. It isn't until you get sick or see someone you love suffering with health issues that you really begin to appreciate being healthy. And I am, disgustingly so. I hardly ever get sick, I need maybe 6 hours of sleep a night, and I feel good. The worse thing I suffer is that time of the month, and I know others who get it worse. Also means I have a low tolerance for pain.
My job. Oh my gosh, these days I've seen so many good people lose their jobs, people with families to support. I am very fortunate I have a relatively stable job in this economy, and I intend to keep it that way.
My online friends! Here more than anywhere I know you guys can appreciate that :) Who knew that you could "meet" so many amazing people online? I'm very grateful for that as none of my RL friends read romance, and my reading is such a large part of who I am. I LOVE my online friends.
I have to specifically mention Twitter because I've met people from all over the world whom I'd never know otherwise. It's become rather an addiction for me, especially now that I have an iPhone. You can Twitter anywhere. Except, it seems, in the movie theatre. For some reason, I can't get reception there...
Heat! I freeze easily, much like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally", I freeze when it's 72 degrees outside. I am lucky that I can afford to stay warm.
Netflix. I took several years off of watching t.v. because I was such a hermit. I could watch t.v. 12 hours a day. I stopped, cold turkey. Now, slowly I'm getting back to watching it, one series at a time. My newest love is Chuck, which I'll be talking about in another blog post.
Smut, and the friends who love it as much as I apparently do. It's okay to be a dirty girl. Appreciate that about yourself. Celebrate your inner slut *g* Do it today!
Music. Because I just couldn't live without it. True, I'm such a mainstream girl, but I do have rare moments of brilliant taste as well. All I know is it's a requirement.
Dreams. I have them just like everyone else, and some I've added to a list of things to do before I die. Some are to challenge myself, like skydiving. Others are places I want to visit or things I want to try. The world is a magical place.
I have you and your family have a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving. Peace.... Labels: being thankful
posted by Stacy~ at 11/26/2009 03:23:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009:
Paradise Rules by Beth Kery (2009) - review
 She didn’t believe in paradise…
To most people Hawaii’s crystal blue shores are an inviting opportunity to escape reality. But for Lana Rodriguez who grew up there, the picture-perfect vacation getaway disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without some emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki with a different outlook on the past, and a bold defiance when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.
Until she found it in him.
Local celebrity, businessman and island god, Jason Koa, may be every woman’s dream. For Lana, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though their start is rocky, they can’t deny the passions they arouse in each other. Jason refuses to become Lana’s pawn. It’s time to show her who makes the rules on this island—and in the bedroom. But will Jason’s attempt at breaking Lana’s shell reveal secrets that neither are prepared to face, or will they allow themselves to get swept away by a tidal wave of desire?
Hawaii. An island paradise suitable for romantic interludes and uninhibited nights of passion. Lana Rodriguez returns to the islands after years away, taking a much needed vacation with her personal assistant and good friend Melanie, who's recovering from a nasty divorce. However Hawaii is not Lana's idea of paradise. In fact, just the opposite. Waikiki holds ugly memories of her childhood, memories she'd rather escape. But having left that life long ago, she's determined not to let those bitter feelings control her. Besides, it's just for a few days. Jason Koa is not only a successful businessman, he's also a former Olympic gold medal winner and a proud resident of these islands, and cannot imagine living anywhere else. He's a good-looking guy used to his share of women, but something about Lana both attracts and repels him. She's a cold bitch, yet she's also the same woman who sings those soulful songs he loves so much. He has all her CD's. But when they first meet, it is not under the friendliest of terms, yet beneath their strong dislike for each other is a forceful attraction that neither can forget. Jason and Lana soon engage in a sexual liasion that starts out almost hostile, yet is incredibly incendiary. Jason is a man who likes to be dominant in the bedroom, though he doesn't mind shaking things up a bit, especially when it's apparent Lana doesn't easily give up control. She's an intensely private person who doesn't understand how Jason can feel so comfortable in the public eye. But she cannot keep away from him either. Jason gives her more pleasure than any man she's been with, but he does it on his own terms. She fights him every step of the way, knowing she must always maintain a strong hold on her emotions. She cannot let herself get too involved with Jason, not only because she'll be leaving in a few days, but because to do so would meaning losing herself. She's lived that way once, when she had no choice, and she refuses to live that way again. No man can force her to do what she doesn't want to do. However the more time she spends with Jason, the more she settles into her own skin. Letting herself enjoy the moment doesn't have to mean giving away a part of herself. Just as she's beginning to realize this though, scandal breaks, and Lana must face some truths about herself, and exactly what it is she's hiding from.... My thoughts:
This is probably my 2nd favorite Beth Kery novel. Similar to "Wicked Burn" in that it shows growth and trust through sex, "Paradise Rules" tells the story of a young woman who experienced a painful childhood on the island, and who's vowed to only live life on her terms. Even when Jason pushes her physically, it's not without her consent. I like that Jason also doesn't try to use sex to control her in the sense that he doesn't withhold orgasm until she gives in to his demands. Despite some of the incredibly raw and forceful encounters they share, instead of feeling "forced", they remind me of walls that Lana needs to break through to get past the demons she's fighting. She relinguishes control to Jason at times, but it is only to discover that he will not exploit her, but rather take care of her if she will only trust him to do so. Jason and Lana were difficult characters to like. Even though Lana comes across as this rude, bitchy woman, Jason is not without his faults. The first time they have sex, although arousing and satisfying for both of them, there is an edge of discomfort because of the way he treats her, almost like an object. She's totally into it, but his blatant disregard for her set me off a bit. Almost like he believes that she's there to serve him, and nothing more. Yet this is also a breakthrough for Lana in a sense, because she initiates their next encounter. And while she tries to make it about only sex, Jason's not having it. He finds ways to extend their time together, whether it's lounging in the sun or going snorkeling, he finds ways to earn her trust, time and again. Even when she frustrates him and he feels like they keep going backwards, he doesn't give up completely, and it's obvious that Lana doesn't want him to. These are very complex characters, even Jason, who seems to have it all and not really a lot of baggage. Yet his growing feelings for Lana prove he's not willing to just walk away when things get unbearable, or ugly, or sordid. For some reason, he wants to be with this prickly, secretive woman who refuses to budge. Every step with her is work, so much so it doesn't seem worth the aggravation. But he keeps at it, peeling away her layers and discovering what's hidden beneath. A few things I didn't really care for were, for one, the scandal. It just seemed a bit extreme to have such a private person exposed in the way Jason and Lana are exposed. I think it could have been toned down and still been an effective way for Lana to face her fears. The second issue I had a problem with is the way Jason finds out about Lana's past, and how it's down in so public a way. Once again, Lana's defenses are stripped away so completely that I hurt a bit for her. It would have been different if it were in a more private setting. I don't know, maybe it's being a private person myself that had me reacting so strongly in these instances, but when I put myself in her place, it was heartwrenching to imagine what she was experiencing at these painfully revealing moments. Okay, I know you're gonna ask, so I'm gonna tell you: the sex was dayum HOT. A little uncomfortable, but always very intense and exciting and wild. I loved how Lana went wherever Jason took her, almost without hesitation. Instinctively she trusted him on some level right from the beginning, and he doesn't let her down *g* It's definitely scorching and dirty and raw, but also satisfying and consensual and the kinda stuff that has you squirming in your chair while reading it, but mostly in a very good way. Not the kind of book to be reading on the train, that's for sure. The ending is more hopeful than happily ever after, but you know, that worked quite nicely for me. I gotta say that I actually hate it when the characters know each other for a few days and though they might have heaps of issues, they proclaim their love. That doesn't happen here, and I was all the happier for it. Instead we see both of them are willing to work at it. Now 99.99999% of the time, I want the HEA. But in a story like this, it's okay if we get a promise that it's on the horizon at some point. It's not like Lana boarded the plane and said "I'll call ya". The tastes and scents of the islands come through strongly here, and it made me want to jump on a plane and get lei'd. The warm and endless sun, the brilliance of the exotic flowers and unique tastes of the local fare left my mouth watering and my soul longing for a beach chair. Beth brings the feel of Hawaii to the reader, and it enriches this moving, frustrating and passionate story. I hope we see Jason and Lana again, and discover that they do in fact get their HEA after all..... Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Beth Kery, review
posted by Stacy~ at 11/25/2009 07:24:00 AM
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009:
Book alert: Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
 INFAMOUS
July 27, 2010
First time in print!
A paperback original from Ballantine Books
In her first original paperback in more than six years, New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann delivers an unforgettable novel of contemporary romance and thrilling suspense.
When history professor Alison Carter became a consultant to the film version of the Wild West legend she’d dedicated her career to researching, she couldn’t possibly know that she would not only get a front row seat to a full-blown Hollywood circus, but that she would innocently witness something that would put her life in danger. Not did she expect that a tall stranger in a cowboy hat would turn the movie -- and her world -- completely upside down…
A.J. Gallagher didn’t crash the set in dusty Arizona to rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Unable to ignore ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried, A.J. came to put an end to the false legend that has tarnished the reputation of his family. But when he confronts Alison, sparks fly. And when she becomes targeted by ruthless criminals, suddenly she and A.J. must face the intense attraction that threatens to consume them, in order to survive the danger that threatens their very lives.
******
And check out the Harlequin ebook cover for "Getting Lucky"!
All I can say is...about DAMN TIME!
Labels: books, Brockmann
posted by Stacy~ at 11/24/2009 06:57:00 PM
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Spotlight: Q - Julia Quinn
 Sometimes my author spotlight section is a breeze. Other times it's difficult to choose an author from so many great ones. I'm pleased to say that this week's spotlight author was one of the easiest I've done, and what fun it was to write. My first encounter with the books of Julia Quinn was many years ago. In a book I was reading, I had read a blurb from " The Viscount Who Loved Me", where Kate is hiding under Anthony's desk, and the sparks that flew between these two characters was too extraordinary to resist. I definitely had to get a copy of this book. Kate was funny and incredibly smart and interesting, much more so than her sister, whom Anthony had decided to marry. I couldn't wait to see her putting him in his place. At the time I didn't realize it was not the first book in the series (it was actually the 2nd) but by then, I  was already hooked. I fell head over heels in love with Anthony and Kate, and just adored that entire Bridgerton family. And while I enjoyed each of the subsequent stories about the Bridgerton siblings, no one could quite hold a candle to the love story of Anthony and Kate. They had it all. Not until Michael Stirling came along in "When He Was Wicked" and stole my heart, that is. I can't say that Francesca could ever compare to the unforgettable Kate, because she does not, but there was something about her that I did like, and it was quite obvious Michael thought she hung the moon, even though his love for her was for the most part unrequited. Julia wrote a darker, more sexual story with WHWW than she had with any of her other books that I'd read, and I loved it. It was edgier, hotter, and incredibly intense. It remains one of my favorite re-reads ever. I've had the pleasure of meeting Julia twice. Once was at RWA in 2008, which was lovely but also a bit disappointing because she is one of those authors that is always in high demand, so as much as I enjoyed meeting her, it was for a brief moment while she signed my book. The other time was soon after that, in the fall, when she and Laura Lee Guhrke did a book tour and came to the Chicago area (click link to read more). Squee! It was to a library outside the city, and it wasn't a huge gathering, rather one much more intimate and relaxed. Julia and Laura took turns answering questions about their books, and afterwards we stayed and got to chat for awhile. Julia is just as engaging and friendly as you'd imagine, and I had several of my books signed by her. I was one of the few readers that actually enjoyed what she did with "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" (loved this story so much! Jack and Grace were so wonderful) and "Mr. Cavendish, I Presume". I preferred the first story to the second, but still, I wasn't as disappointed as some readers were. The concept worked for me. Now I wasn't as excited about her last book. "What Happens In London" started out with so much potential but just fell flat for me. So much went on with the Russian and some ridiculous plot that keeps the hero and heroine distracted so we don't get to see the love story develop like we do in previous books. I didn't think we needed so much emphasis on the drama when it would have been better suited on the romance. Still, Julia remains on my auto-buy list. She still writes a more memorable, sparkling story, even when she's not at her best. It's what makes her so unique, and one of my all-time favorites. What's your favorite Julia Quinn novel? Would you like to be part of the Bridgerton family? Labels: Julia Quinn, spotlight
posted by Stacy~ at 11/24/2009 07:47:00 AM
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Monday, November 23, 2009:
Hunter's Need by Shiloh Walker (2009) - review
 In this dazzling follow-up to Hunter's Salvation, national best-selling author Shiloh Walker tells the story of another unique hero at the heart of a terrifying story...HIS CHALLENGE
Duke is bitter. A shapeshifter betrayed by the psychic powers of Analise Morell, he cannot forgive her for putting him in the clutches of a feral vampire, but he also can't shake his desire for her. And when she needs a Hunter, Duke must face his demons - and hers... HER MISSION Desperate voices are battering Ana's psychic shields. A serial killer with extraordinary powers is about to strike again, and the tormented souls of his previous victims are screaming for her help. But Ana can't understand why they want her... THEIR INSATIABLE DESIRE
After what she did to him, Ana is sure Duke must be using her...but so be it. Ana can't fight her longing for him or the desire that's haunted her for years. Every fiber of Duke's soul - both the man and the cougar within - yearns to protect and possess her...
It's true, I'm a total Shiloh Walker fangirl, and I was absolutely thrilled to get an ARC of this book (Shiloh is so good to me *g*). I actually thought this was #10 in the Hunter series, but now I'm not so sure, as she's had several novellas and spin-offs in the series. Here is a list of the Hunters so far.
Ana knows the Hunters hate her for what she did to Duke, how it lead to him being tortured, even though she did what she did to protect her younger brother Brad. And she knows Duke hates her most of all. She's at Excelsior to try and figure out how her psychic gifts work, and because Brad also has incredible gifts of his own. But it's useless. She's not strong, and her powers are useless. Tired of feeling like an outsider, and knowing it will be better for Brad if she leaves, Ana says good-bye to her brother and takes off for parts unknown.
And ends up in Alaska. Here she's found a place of beauty and solace, where she can just "be". Over the next year she finds a job, and though she might not be exactly happy, she's found a place where she doesn't have to feel like such a useless freak.
Until one day, her good-hearted nature introduces her to an evil that's been around a very long time. By helping a kind homeless man, Ana starts to get strong feelings about some killings in their area, some that go by years. One in particular, the death of Marie, the homeless man's dead financee', won't let her go. Ana senses Marie's presence so strongly that it drives her to look into her death. She even goes as far as to visit Marie's family members. But still, despite all the investigating she does, she's frustrated because every lead comes to a dead end. She needs help, and though she's reluctant to do it, she contacts Excelsior.
Duke has been restless a long time, but even moreso after Ana leaves Virginia. Yet when she calls asking for help, he blows her off, figuring that no matter how much he wants her, it's better if he stays far away from the woman who was responsible for the torture he suffered at the hands of a feral vampire. However fate intervenes and he ends up going to Alaska to help Ana, and once he's there, the animal inside him senses an evil, but despite his best efforts, he cannot locate where it's coming from.
But he's got more pressing needs. Unable to resist Ana any longer, he uses her attraction to him to seduce her, and they are both lost to the intense pleasure that they experience. Duke is drawn to Ana, despite her betrayal, and he can't keep away from her. Ana loves Duke, has always loved him, and though it's going to hurt something fierce when he leaves, she'd rather have these few moments of happiness than nothing at all.
As Ana becomes more involved in solving the crime, the spirits of those who died are pressuring her to find the killer. It's too much for her to handle. However both her and Duke know it's only a matter of time before he strikes again, and in order to stop a killer and avenge the deaths of so many innocents, Ana must let herself trust in her powers and not be afraid to face the horror of a mad and obsessed brutal killer....
My thoughts:
Another winner from Ms. Walker. Shiloh has this amazing talent of always adding just enough emotion to draw me in while mixing in suspense, extreme sensuality, and characters with extraordinary gifts. I love the intensity of her stories, and though sometimes it can be hard to read, that she sometimes writes about good people who go through very difficult and tragic circumstances, but never in a gratuitous manner.
Ana is stronger than she realizes, because she knew that a lot of people would end up hating her for what happened to Duke, however her sole concern was her younger brother Brad. How can you not admire a woman who puts her sibling before herself? She wasn't a coward; it took strength to do this and risk the aftermath. And if she had to do it all over again, there's no doubt she'd do exactly the same thing.
Despite Duke's treatment of Ana, he's never been able to forget the way she mesmerized him the first time he sees her. Though he understands why she did what she did, he still holds a grudge. Knowing the kind of man Duke is, this makes complete sense, and I could accept his feelings. Once he goes to Alaska and spends time with Ana, his feelings slowly begin to change. He sees how proud she is, how determined she is to make it on her own without anyone's help, even while knowing she doesn't believe she has any gifts. And as they race to stop another innocent woman from being killed, he witnesses firsthand her strength, her bravery, and her generous, selfless heart. It doesn't take much for Duke to realize that Ana is the woman he's been waiting for all his life.
This is a heartbreaking story, one that I don't think was fully explored, at least there were a few things I still had questions about. But they didn't bother me enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story. One of my favorite moments is at the end when Ana finally realizes that Duke really does love her, and she laughs from sheer happiness. She's suffered so much, and to finally discover she means the world to the man she loves is a moment of joy that is very lovely to witness.
Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: reviews, Shiloh Walker
posted by Stacy~ at 11/23/2009 10:57:00 AM
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Sunday, November 22, 2009:
My review of New Moon (2009) movie
 Following Bella Swan's ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen and his family abandon the town of Forks, Washington, in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school, numb and alone, she discovers Edward's image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks.
With the help of her childhood friend Jacob Black, Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella's frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, who has a supernatural secret of his own.
When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate, and the encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward's true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she'd hoped for. (from Yahoo movies)
In Twilight, we see Bella and Edward becoming more and more enamored of each other, so much so that it's like an obsession, and Bella is almost desperate to keep his attention on her. Even when it puts her life in danger, she would rather die than be without him. We also see how Edward has tried to keep away from her, maintaining it's for her own good, yet even he cannot deny his strong feelings for her.
Now in New Moon, we see how Bella and Edward are together almost at the exclusion of everyone and everything else. Bella is impatient with Edward because everyday she grows older, and before too long she fears growing "older" than him. She pressures him to change her, but he refuses. At this point, a few things happen at once.
First is her fateful birthday party, where her clumsiness has her cutting herself in front of all the Cullens, and her human blood is too much for Jasper to resist. He tries to attack her, which ends up with more of Bella's blood being spilt, and other family members feeling somewhat overcome with bloodlust. The second thing is that people are starting to notice that Dr. Cullen hasn't been aging like a normal person would, and the Cullens have decided that they needed to move away from Forks. These two events prompt Edward to push Bella away, telling her he doesn't want her anymore, even though we, the clever audience, know it's all a lie, Bella believes it because even after all this time, she still doesn't feel worthy of Edward. (Stupid girl, putting all your worth in the opinion of some guy).
Bella goes through months and months of depression, pushing everyone away and suffering through awful nightmares that scare her father. After some time has passed, she finally decides to reconnect with her friends, and one night when she goes out to a movie with a girlfriend, she accidentally discovers that if she acts recklessly, she can "see" Edward again. The adrenaline rushes are what bring his image to her, so she keeps doing crazy, wild stunts, if only to see him one more time.
During this time she brings some old pieces of junk to her friend Jacob with the hope that he can rebuild them into motorcycles that will provide her with that much needed adrenaline rush. He agrees, and by being casual and teasing, Jacob eventually draws Bella out of her shell again, being there for her, going to movies and basically just hanging out. It's quite obvious he has strong romantic feelings for her, but Bella insists on maintaining their friendship. She can't lie and make any promises to him while she still loves Edward, will always love Edward.
Jacob insists on being there for her anyway, promising not to hurt her, until something happens that has him running from Bella. Confused, miserable, hurt, she doesn't understand why Jacob doesn't want to be around her anymore, until one day she's had it and goes over to see him, demanding to know what's going on. It's at this point that Bella discovers the secret that Jacob has to hide from her, a secret not unlike the one she has about Edward....
My thoughts:
I am not really a fangirl of this series. Other than Twilight, I haven't read any of the books, and I only read that one after seeing the movie. But I will admit to being insatiably curious about it, which is why, like a sheep, I went to see Twilight on opening night, and then saw New Moon on its first night of release. I feel like I came into this series as an objective observer, but that is no longer the case, because now I've made my choice.
If I were twelve, I would be completely, insanely in love with Edward. He's the brooding, sad, emotional hero of every young girl's dreams, and if he weren't so pasty, he might be kinda cute. As long as he washes his hair and bathes on a regular basis, that is. Edward evokes feelings of romantic, aching, eternal and obsessive love, where he cannot live without Bella. He even pushes her away for her own good, using Bella's trust in him against her. This is what I didn't like, because as much as he tries to protect her, he enforces the belief that she just isn't good enough for him. Mostly likely he did it unintentionally, because he knows of no other way to convince her to keep away from him, but I was angry with him all the same.
When we first met Jacob in Twilight, he looked like a kid, but he was a grounded kid, one who listened to his father and wasn't really all that exciting. He has a strong dislike for Edward, partially because of jealousy, but also because of what Edward is. Now in New Moon, Jacob is still that good kid, and it's very obvious his crush on Bella is stronger than ever. He's the one that pulls Bella out of her depressive state. He's a good friend to her; he makes her laugh, he looks out for her, he's honest with her. He's got the dreaded "friend" syndrome going on, and maybe if Jacob weren't so darn cute, I could kinda understand why Bella wouldn't want to be more than friends. But on top of being a really cool guy, and the person who saves her from sinking deeper into depression, he's pretty hot. She even has to acknowledge it at one point when he takes his shirt off. She tells him he's "unbelievably beautiful", which, instead of taking advantage of that, Jacob teases her about it instead. See, Jacob is the guy a mature woman would fall for. Unlike Edward, who satisified my 12-year-old angsty, melodramatic self. Jacob is the guy that you want in real life, the guy who sees Bella's worth and appreciates it, but doesn't try to idolize it. So yeah, you guessed it; I'm officially on Team Jacob. True, it doesn't make sense to pick a side when we already know Edward gets to keep the crown and gets Bella in the end, but that doesn't mean I can't show Jacob some love, now does it?
The movie is actually a lot better than I had been expecting. There are intentionally funny moments, such as those with Jasper, and some involving Bella's dad Charlie. It's a little more light-hearted at times, though indesputedly dark at others, especially when meeting the Volturi. Weird and creepy are these vamps, which only highlighted Edward's pale and morbid expressions when we see him in their midst. He truly does pale in comparison to Jacob. Yet this is the guy Bella wants for all eternity. Go figure.
And of course there's Victoria stalking Bella with the intention of torturing and killing her. Since Edward killed her mate, she's going to return the favor. I know y'all know what happens with her, but don't tell me. I know enough of the rest of the series (i.e. demon baby) without needing to know everything.
Now not having read New Moon, I cannot say how true to it the movie is, but I've heard it's fairly close. There's a cliffhanger moment at the end, which isn't much of a cliffhanger since hey, we know what happens. But it was kinda cool the way it ended. And I heard the next one, Eclipse, will be out June 30, 2010. Is this true?
One disappointment I had is that the soundtrack cannot compare to Twilight's, which I own and love. This one I maybe liked one or two songs, that's it. I definitely wouldn't buy it. The music was such a part of Twilight that I'm sorry the same can't be said for this movie.
Overall, though, money well-spent. I even would go see it again, if for no other reason than to see Jacob up on the big screen again *g*
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/22/2009 10:23:00 AM
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Friday, November 20, 2009:
A mini review of Covet by JR Ward (2009)
 Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.
Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior, and a woman who makes him question his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over...but to redeem his very soul.
Really, what can I say about this book that hasn't been said numerous times? Not much, if anything. "Covet" has been reviewed by better and more eloquent people than me, however I still feel compelled to add my jumbled thoughts to the mix. The premise of the book sounds intriguing, and if anyone is addicted to the crack that is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ms. Ward, it was only a matter of time before this book would be consumed by said addicts. I would almost describe myself as a recovering addict, because while I loved the first 4 books (yes dammit I did love Butch's & Marissa's book, and no, you can't take that away from me!), the next 3 books started to lose the magic. I'm sorry to say that I feel like JR Ward promises big yet delivers little. She holds back from really giving us the genuine goods. Take the whole Butch/V thing. Come on, why not go there? And who isn't irritated with the Scribe Virgin, right? Yet at the same time, the author doesn't follow through in her own mythology. And don't get me started about Jane... However this is not a review of the BDB books. This is about "Covet". We have this guy, Jim, who teeters on the edge of being good and bad, who ends up being chosen to save the world because of it. Okay, I'm good with that. Then there's Vin, this mega rich hottie who is about to propose to his girlfriend. Loved Vin when we first meet him. And finally we have Marie-Terese, an extremely reluctant prostitute who's in it for her own personal reasons. I really liked M-T, and felt sympathetic towards her situation. But then once all the players are in place, the action begins to drag. Turning each page is an effort as we try to follow along with the rules of the game without falling asleep. We discover some interesting facts about Vin, and his past, which should have been a huge freakin' clue to the guy why bad stuff was going down. We also find out some things about his girlfriend, which, even if you weren't paying attention, were pretty obvious from the minute she shows up on stage. There are no real surprises here. Even the discovery of the guy tracking M-T is rather anti-climatic. If there is anything good to be said, at least JR doesn't lapse completely into the BDB slang, though the word "freshies" makes an appearance, and makes me cringe every single time. I know many readers were annoyed by the silly lack of question marks. Count me in with that. The lacklustre performances were hurtful. I didn't even care for Jim by the time the movie is over. That is probably the biggest disappointment - not feeling anything while reading this book, other than relief when it was over. Seriously, getting through the book was like fighting a battle, a battle to stay awake. Now I know this review doesn't really "say" anything. I'm not giving you plot, or the order of events. I'm sure if you look at a lot of reviews out there, you can find it. I just wanted to express my feelings about the story. As I stated, I have nothing original to add. I think I'm mostly patting my back here that I actually finished the book. It does feel like a major accomplishment. But I have a feeling I'm in it for the long haul. I'm rather disappointed in myself for deciding to stick with it, but at this point it's some compunction that won't let me stop. It's embarrassing really, this need to continue reading. But that's how it's gonna be. Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** : a big fat MEH. Labels: JR Ward, quickie reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 11/20/2009 07:38:00 AM
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Thursday, November 19, 2009:
Mini reviews: "Don't Tempt Me" & "Yours For the Night"
 WHO IS SHE? Simon Quinn can have any woman he wants, but he prefers them jaded, worldly, and free of illusions. His life is one of danger and temporary pleasures. An Irish commoner, he has nothing more than his expertise as a lover and mercenary to recommend him and no title, property, or family to redeem him. Lysette Rousseau is a deadly beauty who can seduce or betray with equal skill. She should be just the sort of woman Simon entertains, but something about her sets him on edge. At times she is a femme fatale he cannot abide, at others she is warm, sweet, and irresistibly alluring. His reactions to both sides of her are equally powerful, but for opposite reasons. It seems almost as if there are two women in one...
TWINS!
...one wounded and exploited, the other innocent but strong. Lynette Rousseau will do anything to reclaim the sister who doesn't remember her. She will gain the proficiency required to enter the underworld her sibling occupies. But how will she defend herself against the enigmatic, seductive Simon Quinn? A man who can liberate Lysette, but whose insatiable desires may ensnare Lynette forever...
I am a long-time fan of Sylvia Day, have been way before her Marked series came out, and this one is another of her wonderful historicals. This one is a continuation of her Georgian series, this being book #4, and probably my 2nd favorite out of the series.
What I liked:
Simon. He was a wonderful hero, protective of the heroine, yet not so perfect he was boring. He was a gorgeous Irish gangsta in a sense, and while he disliked Lysette, his feelings for Lynette were completely different. Their attraction is explosive, and they have a fabulously hot night of lovin' together where Simon treated her right for her first time.
Lysette and Mr. James. As much as I enjoyed their interactions, this was a relationship I would have liked to see develop further. Lysette had been abused in her past and recently survives a horrible fire, and Mr. James is a gruff, ordinary man who develops a reluctant passion for her.
The intrigue. Spies, and secrets and vendettas. I love that stuff. Flushing out the villain and facing dangers from long ago. Starr-crossed lovers. It's all good.
What I didn't like:
Too quick of a read. This book seemed to be so much shorter than previous installments, and I felt like there were things missing. Almost like the Cliffs' Notes version in a sense. Plus, like most readers, I don't like it when the main characters spend so much time apart. They only know each other briefly. I would have liked to have seen Simon and Lynette interact more with each other and "watch" them fall in love. I know it can happen in an instant, but I like to savor the experience.
The heroine's mother. While I didn't quite hate her, I really didn't care for her. She does what she does all for love, and yeah that's great, but then she tries to separate her daughter and Simon. Which just may have been indictative of her being a protective parent, but I wasn't happy with her about that. Overall though, there's not much to dislike. My issue was that it was a quicker read than I was anticipating, so I feel like I do when I only get one piece of chocolate: that's it??? I definitely wanted more, and felt a bit cheated. So it wasn't a bad book, just not enough of one to satisfy me. I'm wondering if there will be another installment. I couldn't find anything @ Sylvia's site under "coming soon", but I'll keep my fingers crossed... Rating: **** out of *****
 Transformed into mistresses of the night, three women discover that sometimes fulfilling your deepest desire is the most dangerous thing you can do. Meet Marianna Whitney, Dominique Lowe, and Noelle St. James-three ordinary women who discover that becoming modern-day courtesans can help them satisfy their clients' most extraordinary fantasies, as well as their own.
I saw Dear Author's review of this book and pretty much have to agree with the commentary. I was expecting something totally different than what I got out of the first 2 stories. I thought I would find naughty tales of women who enjoy their work and make no apologies for it.
The Girlfriend Experience: Marianne pretty much has to find some way to make money, and one of her friends tells her all about Courtesans, Inc., which sounds like the answer to her prayers. But she has reservations about it. Understandable. But her behavior and actions were more in line with that of 23-year old fresh out of college struggling to make ends meet rather than that of the 35-year old woman she actually is. I couldn't respect her for being such a ninny. Then she goes and finds her knight in shining armor almost right out of the box. And Chase, the knight? Wouldn't he have more of an issue about falling for someone who gets paid to have sex? It just seemed to perfect.
Payback: I wavered on this one because I liked it in a lot of ways, but in others I didn't. Dominique's motivation in becoming a courtesan was revenge. Her husband dumps her for a younger woman, and the only way she can get validation is by having mega rich men pay for her sexual favors. When she ends up sleeping with Gabriel as a one-night stand instead of as a paid escort, it seems pretty evident that Gabriel was attracted to her from the start, but once she tells him what she does for a living, she can't wrap her head around his feelings. So there were moments when she was a strong, empowered woman who enjoyed being a courtesan and the power it granted her, but in others she was still entangled in her feelings of unworthiness due to her painful divorce. Finally she came to her senses.
Triple Play: This story was more what I was expecting, yet it was still remarkably romantic in an unconventional way. Noelle LOVED being a courtesan, and it wasn't needing the money or needing validation that made her do it. She reveled in her sexuality and lived out her fantasies with the men who paid for her. But after a time, the experience has lost its spark, and she needs something new to keep the excitement alive. She finds it in Dax Deacon (yes, that's his name), a man who's greatest pleasure is to watch. He's all about the woman's pleasure, whether it's with him, or other men. He pushes her to the limits, and she loves it all. That is until it appears that Dax might be losing interest. Then Noelle realizes that she might have just found the perfect man only to have him not want her. Of course by the end they realize how wonderful they are together, and we get the impression all will be well with Noelle and Dax. Naughty, exciting and wild as well. I actually liked this story the best, even though once again the heroine is a little too motivated by a man's thoughts and opinions. I'm not big on having the heroine so emotionally dependent on the hero. That sounds like an oxymoron in an athology about courtesans, but each of the women displayed a varying level of subjection to the man in her life, needing his validation to make them feel worthy of him. That always rubs me the wrong way.
Some readers may enjoy these three very different stories, so I won't tell anyone it was a bad book, because it's not. It just didn't have the empowering message that I was rather expecting to find.
Rating: ***1/2 out of ***** Labels: Jasmine Haynes, Sylvia Day
posted by Stacy~ at 11/19/2009 07:06:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009:
Book alert: "Cold Sight" by Leslie Parrish
 Her Black CAT series “crackles with dark, edgy, danger.”* Now Leslie Parrish introduces eXtreme Investigations, a band of psychic investigators interested only in the cases nobody else wants—the coldest ones …
After being made a scapegoat in a botched investigation that led to a child’s death, Aidan McConnell became a recluse. Still, as a favor to an old friend, Aidan will help on the occasional XI case. But under his handsome, rugged façade, he keeps his emotions in check—for fear of being burned again. Reporter Lexie Nolan has a nose for news—and she believes a serial killer has been targeting teen girls around Savannah. But no one believes her. So she turns to the new paranormal detective agency and the sexy, mysterious Aidan for help. But just as the two begin forging a relationship, the case turns eerily personal for Lexie—and Aiden discovers that maybe he hasn’t lost the ability to feel after all…
Slated for a July 2010 release.
It is so mine! Labels: Leslie Parrish
posted by Stacy~ at 11/18/2009 06:52:00 AM
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009:
Spotlight: P - Leslie Parrish
 A few months ago, some of you may remember that I was all gushy over Leslie Parrish's recently released romantic suspense series. Though some time has passed, that hasn't changed a bit. In fact, I'm hoping quite madly that there will be more books in the Black Cat series for us to enjoy. There are things we need to know!
And that is partially the reason why Leslie is the featured guest in this week's author spotlight. In addition to being one of the Plotmonkeys, a group of 4 wonderful writers and friends whom I've had the pleasure of meeting over the years, she has also been incredibly generous with her time, letting me harass, um, interview her for my blog. (Here is my interview with Leslie). I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity, because not only is Leslie one of my favorite romantic suspense authors, she's also someone I like a whole heck of a lot. The girl's a good egg :)
Something I recently learned about at Leslie's blog and am quite excited about is that though it's not about a Black Cat book, Leslie continues to write like a fiend, and this here is the cover (but perhaps not the final version) to her new eXtreme investigation series, Extra Sensory Agents. If she writers paranormal half as well as she writes romantic suspense, I am going to be one damn happy reader. I don't know any more details than that, but I will try to stay on top of things because if nothing else, I'm dying to find out. I find it interesting that she's not electing to have a 3rd pen name for these books. It makes sense to me that she isn't, if the series are similar in mood and subgenre, with just a hint of something extra thrown in the mix. Personally though it wouldn't make a difference one way or another if she elected to go with a completely different name or not. The writing is what matters most to me. So here's to another awesome-sounding series being written by one of my favorite writers. It's definitely going to be an auto-buy for me. Just out of curiosity: would you follow a favorite author into a subgenre that doesn't appeal to you?
Labels: Leslie Parrish, spotlight
posted by Stacy~ at 11/17/2009 06:55:00 AM
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Monday, November 16, 2009:
August Rush (2007) - movie review
 http://www.booksamillion.com/: AUGUST RUSH is part romance, part gentle fantasy, but this sweet drama is all heart. When young cellist Lyla (Keri Russell) and rock musician Louis (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) meet at a party in the mid 1990s, it's love at first sight, and they spend the night in each other's arms. But Lyla's father forces them apart, even though she later learns she's pregnant. Later, an accident lands Lyla in the hospital, and though her father tells her that her baby died, the child survives and is given up for adoption.
AUGUST RUSH jumps to the present and begins to follow Evan (Freddie Highmore), an 11 year old who has grown up in a boys' home. As Evan embarks on a crusade to find his parents, he imagines he can communicate with them through his gift for music. His journey to New York City brings him into contact with Wizard (Robin Williams), a man eager to capitalize on the child prodigy's talent. Wizard gives Evan the name August Rush as he begins performing all over the city, but the boy's ultimate goal is to find the parents he has never met.
From FINDING NEVERLAND to CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Highmore has displayed an almost prodigious talent himself. He's a gifted young actor, and this emotional story is the perfect venue for his acting. AUGUST RUSH isn't a film for the cynics, but even the hard-hearted in the audience will have difficulty not being touched by this sentimental film. As in Evan's life, music plays a central role in AUGUST RUSH, and it's tough not to let your heart soar along with the melodies. Though it could draw comparisons to OLIVER! and ANNIE, this is a unique and heartwarming film.
I've wanted to see this movie since it came out in theatres almost 2 years ago, but I never did. Though it's been in my Netflix queue for awhile, it finally made its way up to the top, and I watched it over the weekend. I must have been in the right frame of mind for it, because I ended up enjoying it much more than I imagined I would. Part of the reason is because I am completely in awe of music, and I can relate to Evan (August Rush) on some level with his affinity for it. He hears music everywhere - in the trees, in a dog barking, in the dribble of a basketball. To him, he's able to create something wondrous and beautiful out of seemingly unrelated sounds. The music flows through him, and he harnesses its sound to create something powerful and harmonious. Evan has an unwavering belief that his parents are out in the world looking for him, and that the only way they will find him is through the music they gave to him. He leaves the boys' home he's lived in for the last 11 years to go search for them. His journey leads him to New York, a place filled with incredible music, but also a place that can be dangerous and scary for a young boy. He ends up under the wing of a street performer, who takes Evan in, acting as a paternal figure, in a fashion. But his eyes are on a bigger prize as he tries to intimidate Evan out of his desire to find his parents. However Evan will not be swayed. His belief in the music and its connection to his parents is too strong, and soon he finds himself in an incredible situation that will allow his music to be heard by thousands.
Meanwhile, Louis and Lyla, have felt something missing for over ten years, after they spent one magical night together. Circumstances tore them away from each other back then, but neither has forgotten, and though they put away their music as a way of moving on, eventually they find their way back to it. Lyla learns that the son she thought she'd lost in an accident is very much alive, and Louis realizes that his desire to find the woman he cannot forget is too strong to ignore. So they both go in search of their past, not realizing what a precious gift awaits them...
Yes, I cried during this movie. I was moved by the music; Lyla's concert performances, Louis' bar band, and most especially Evan's incredible symphonies. It's a sappy movie, but sweet as well. The music keeps it from being too cheesy, I think. But who cares if it didn't, because I love cheese! The film focuses on August and his journey to find his parents, and also how music has always lived within him. I loved how even the most unlikely sounds could bring a smile to his face.
I liked Keri Russell as Lyla. She plays this heartbroken, lovely woman with such dignity. She's fragile but has a stronger side to her, and I thought she was the perfect choice to play August's mother. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a bit more removed, but there is a sweet scene between him and August that made me smile. One thing I thought was cool is how they let Louis (JRM) be Irish. I could listen to him talk all day. I'm not a huge JRM fan, but I have flashes where I can totally understand his appeal. Freddie Highmore was August, no question. And the ending of the movie was just right. I cannot picture it happening any other way.
So yeah, if you are in the mood for a sentimental movie and you haven't seen this, go check it out. I loved for the music alone, but the love stories are quite nice as well.
Added bonus: Marshall, Louis' brother, is played by Alex O'Loughlin, who also played Mick in the short-lived t.v. show "Moonlight". I'd like me some of that ;)
Rating: **** out of ***** Labels: movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/16/2009 06:53:00 AM
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Friday, November 13, 2009:
Catching up with online friend Dani :)
Danielle & me
Y'all know me as the world's biggest procrastinator, so it should be no surprise it took me 3 days to finally post about my meeting with online friend Danielle. I've known Dani for a few years, being on the same loops and all, but had no idea we lived so close to each other. I think we were talking about a booksigning on one of the loops when I finally figured it out. So of course after some time had passed, we were able to find some time where we were both free to have lunch. For those of you who already know Dani, she's a total doll. I felt immediately comfortable with her, and it was a pleasure talking with someone who loves romance as much as I do. Our tastes are a little different, but there's still nothing like gushing over books with a fellow romance reader. (Just ask my Twitter pimps, er, pals).
The other impressive thing about her is her incredible knowledge. The woman can run circles around me, especially when it comes to talking ebooks and ereaders and finding great bargains. I'm still locked in the 20th century and haven't been swept away by the magic of the ebook reader, but if I ever find myself yearning to buy one, Dani is going to be my go-to girl. She does her homework and knows more than I would even think to ask. After lunch we had hit the nearby B&N, where the upcoming Nook was being featured. It was obvious she knew more than the salesperson, an older gentleman who probably didn't know any more about ereaders than I did. That day I bought 6 books, 4 in the Jeaniene Frost series of which I took a picture of with my new phone, but it came out too small for some reason. (Once I figure it out, I might try posting it again). I also bought 2 by Simone Elkeles since I'm a bit infatuated with YA after reading her "Perfect Chemistry". After that we parted ways, but what a fun way to spend the afternoon. We made plans to catch up in a few months, after the craziness of the holidays settles down. I never tire of catching up with online friends, especially those who love romance, since none of my RL friends do, outside of the Twilight series, which I'll be honest, just doesn't cut it. Can't wait to do it again. Thank you Dani, for a wonderful day spent talking books, bargains, and ebook readers :) How far would you travel to meet your online friends? Labels: friends
posted by Stacy~ at 11/13/2009 06:50:00 AM
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Thursday, November 12, 2009:
"Skin Game" by Ava Gray (2009) - review
 A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.
A hit man who never misses the mark.
Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.
Really, what can I say about this book that hasn't been said already? Basically what it comes down to is that Ann Aguirre is a master at whatever she writes. Truly. Whether it be science fiction or urban fantasy or paranormal. Whatever. This story, while having some otherworldly elements, is closer to a straight contemporary than anything else, proving that Ms. Aguirre, here as Ava Gray, doesn't need any extra trimmings to write an incredibly absorbing and entertaining tale yet still evoking powerful emotion and longing. Despite the gritty and rawness of this novel, it nevertheless tugged at my heartstrings most insistently and shows that love can be found in even the most unlikely of places.
Kyra is unlike any other heroine that you'll probably come across, mostly because she stays true to herself all the way through, despite how she changes after meeting Reyes. She may finally have connected with another person, but deep down she's still the same person she's always been. Also, Kyra does whatever she can to survive. She doesn't just talk the talk. This woman has done things that you can't walk away from, yet instead of turning away from her, I found myself admiring her for how she's survived. She's never known any other kind of life, and she has her own code that she lives by. You won't see her sitting behind a desk or being a soccer mom, but that doesn't make her any less appealing.
Reyes is the man sent to kill her for conning a dangerous and powerful man, and he intends to do just that. No, he's not too soft to kill a woman, but he has his own moral code as well, and believing she killed her father, he convinces himself she deserves to die for it. However the woman he tails is not the woman he thought she was. Despite his reservations though, he still plans to carry out the hit, waiting only long enough to find out where she hid the money she took when she ran from Gerard Serrano.
But this fearless, edgy woman surprises him again and again, arousing him more than any other woman, and he feels more alive when he's around Kyra, suffused in her irresistible energy. He knows that breaking away from her is inevitable, but he wants it to last as long as possible. Together they experience a wild, crazy, dangerous adventure, and for a little while, neither of them feel so alone...
My thoughts:
Loved this book. Absolutely, positively. It's not a fluffy, sweet, light-hearted love story, but it's still incredibly sexy and romantic in a very basic, elemental way. Kyra and Reyes are unlike any couple I can ever remember reading about, even those written about by the same author. They are truly like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde in a sense, on the run, avoiding the law at all costs. They go where the thrill of the con draws them, but their choices are also based on their conscience. No assaults against innocent, good people. They are compatible in so many ways, and these similarities surprise them. Reyes doesn't expect such a delicate, lovely woman to indulge in rough sex and have a history of breaking the law and being involved in unavoidable violence, but it's the life she's always known. Kyra has an extraordinary gift that she cannot share with others without risk to herself, yet Reyes accepts this about her quite easily, sensing something different about her from the moment they meet.
While theirs is not a life I can imagining living, nor would I want to, I can't help but feel all these warm and fuzzy feelings about two hard, dangerous and magnetic characters, not to mention being rather envious of their incredibly erotic sexxin'. Kyra is not a breakable woman dreaming of being wooed with sweet promises and soft touches, and Reyes is not the kind of man prone to tender words and grand gestures, but together, these two create something memorable and lasting together. Brought together by a dangerous man bent on revenge, Reyes and Kyra forge a connection that they cannot easily walk away from, no matter how hard they want to. Their's is not an easy life, but it's one lived on their terms, without apology.
So thank you Ann Aguirre for writing such a powerful, moving, gritty story, one that stays with you long after you finish the last page and has you longing for more. Also a story that isn't your traditional romance but still incorporates all of my favorite things about a memorable story. You're already an auto-buy author for me, but now I'm DYING for the next installment. "Skin Tight" cannot be released soon enough for my taste.
Rating: ***** out of *****
Labels: Ava Gray, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 11/12/2009 07:14:00 AM
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