Well here we go, folks. Just so you know, I only included the entries where people answered the blog question since that was one of the conditions of the contest, and I felt that was the most fair way to handle it. So the winner of Julie James' book, out on March 2nd, is....

romanticsf, please email me your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo dot com and I will try and get your book out this week!

1.26. romanticsf
2.11. Mary G.
3.5. donnas
4.27. Stella
5.22. Ina
6.10. Kim
7.2. jcp
8.9. Julia
9.8. JudyF
10.13. Scorpio M.
11.25. pattepoilue
12.17. Jen X
13.19. Spav
14.6. Armenia
15.7. Jane
16.23. LSUReader
17.12. Liza
18.24. Jennifer
19.16. Bells
20.3. Emmanuelle
21.4. Laurie D.
22.1. Cecile
23.18. Isabel
24.15. SiNn
25.20. decadence
26.21. Crystal GB
27.14. Amber E.

March promises to be busy as there is a mult-author booksigning in Chicago, so I hope to get some signed copies :) So you just never know what I might be doing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!!!!

Labels: winner

Michael Warner has been drifting in a numb haze since the death of his lover, who was killed by a drunk driver. As the anniversary of the wreck approaches, Michael's grief grows more suffocating. Yet he must find a way through the maze of pain and secrets to live for their troubled young daughter.

Labels: Deidre Knight

Okay, I've been tagged. But this time I'm okay with that because this is a really fun one. And can I just tell you how much I love this blog button? Let's just say I wouldn't mind being in her situation right about now ;)

******

We all have our favourite book boyfriends and now you have the chance to create one just for yourself and your fantasies! How do you play? Fill out the quiz below, post a picture of a sexy man and tag five (5) other book addicts to do the same. Don't forget to pop to their blogs as let them know they have been tagged! Once tagged... you have to do the same, grab the button, answer the questions, and keep it rolling! But don't forget the picture of the sexy man! It doesn't have to match your fantasy man, just a little eye candy for the rest of us... heheheee!"- The Gutter Girls-

I've been tagged by: Peace Love & Pat

*Hair Color & Style

As I've gotten older, I've noticed I don't care for long hair on guys anymore. I like it shorter, but not too short, dark and slightly curly so I can run my fingers through it and hold on tight ;)

*Eye Color & Facial Features

chocolate brown eyes; cleft chin; a bit of scruff; slightly full, sensual lips and tanned skin

*Height & Body Type

Preferrably around 6 feet tall, lean but not skinny, muscular but not bodybuilder type. Perhaps like this?)

*Visible Age

I would say anywhere between 30-40 years old

*Bangability (kinky/bi/size)

Definitely has to have some kinkiness, but not be a total freak. Not so big it's obscene but he has to have a good sized package and the appropriate level of talent to go with it

*Human or Other

As long as the sexxin' is in human form, I'm good with either. Someone strong, with a decent amount of endurance and some supernatural abilities couldn't hurt.

*Paranormal Skills

I would love it if he could fly, and was exceptionally strong

*Interests

He likes to keep in shape but isn't obsessive about it. Loves to work with his hands so perhaps he builds things. Has an adventurous side by not a death wish. Has a sarcastic sense of humor and love t.v. shows/movies that reflect that. Loves music, especially country and rock. Loves to read and cook.

*Special Skills

Good with his hands ;) Can operate any type of machinery - fly a plane, helicopter,etc.

I'm thinking he might look something like...

Alex O'Loughlin

Tagged: ANYONE who wants to do it ;)

Labels: Alex O'Loughlin, hottie

From the author of "Paradise Rules" comes a story about an alluring woman-who learns that to understand desire, you have to let it run wild.

Sean and Genny haven't seen each other in three years, not since Max was murdered, but they've never been able to forget their incredibly passionate night together. Now the mansion Genny shared with Max has been burned down in a horrible accident, and she needs somewhere to stay. So where does she go? To the company penthouse which she now owns, of course, never figuring anyone, much less Sean, would be there. And he's not alone.

Of course Sean never expected to see Genny Bujold, the one woman who ties him up in knots, to show up during a private evening, so when he locks eyes with her, all those familiar old feelings resurface with a vengeance. He regrets that she's found him like this, yet at the same time, the scene brings back heated memories of the last time they were together. Sean has never forgotten that explosive night, the only time he was able to have Genny in his arms, even if he had to share her with her husband, his business partner. He had wanted her too badly to refuse. But now all he has are those haunting moments of passion.

Sean manages to convince Genny to stay the night as she's in shock and has experienced enough upheaval for the time being. She reluctantly agrees, though she cannot make herself sleep in either bedroom. When they wake up the next morning, it's to find a heavy blizzard has struck, and they are essentially snowed in. That isn't enough to stop Genny from leaving however. She's determined to make it to her office. And when she does, with Sean hot on her heels, she discovers that someone has broken in. All of a sudden recent events don't seem so accidental after all. Sean refuses to let Genny be alone, and while they spend the next few days together in closed, intimate quarters, they finally give in to the overwhelming attraction that has always sizzled between them, and Sean hopes he can convince her that they could have so much more. But how can she trust him when she knows he's the one who killed her husband?

My thoughts:

Once again Beth Kery has written an incredibly erotic romance about two people irresistibly drawn to each other, despite the obstacles between them. When Genny and Sean first meet, she is already married to his business partner Max, and though they are both aware of the intense attraction between them, neither act on it out of their respect and love for Max. It isn't until one New Year's Eve night that Max decides to share his wife with Sean, and the two can no longer deny their long-buried feelings for one another. Yet soon after, Max is killed, and the events separate Sean and Genny for years.

I have to say that Beth's writing is strong enough not to have required the suspense angle in this story. I understand the reason she used it here, as it created drama and the perfect excuse to keep Sean and Genny away from each other. So from that perspective, it makes perfect sense. Without that, she couldn't have told this particular story. But as a reader, I wasn't all that interested in why or how Max died, or even in who did it. My focus was concentrated completely on Sean and Genny, and how strongly these two people cared about each other. It was like there was some force bringing them together, and that they were meant to be that way.

I liked that despite the fact Genny married a powerful man with plenty of money, she forged her own career path. She was not a trophy wife, but had a creative mind that needed expressing, and she did that through her fashion designs. She genuinely loved Max, at least the side of himself he let her see. But even he knew that it wasn't enough to prevent the inevitable collision course with Sean. Their feelings were just too strong. And he was very manipulative. He had plans for them all, and the majority of them, not so nice.

Sean was the quintessential alpha hero. Strong, protective, and very possessive. Yet he was also gentle. He loved his girl almost from that first moment they met, and enough that he didn't try to take her away from Max. Who knows what might have happened if Max lived, however.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the incendiary attraction between Genny and Sean. When these two get together, it is like a fire raging out of control. Seriously, if you like your romances SCORCHING hot, this is one book you have to read. In the past I used to wonder what someone meant when they said that the love scenes drove the story forward. What did that mean? When you read a story like Beth's you "get" it. They are not gratuitous nor are they filler. These moments (hours?) between Sean and Genny are incredibly explicit and earthy, yet there's subtext there. They communicate with their bodies when they can't express themselves with words. It's in the way they move, how they look at each other, the complete and utter focus on the other person. Their physical intimacy leads to them becoming closer in other ways. They open up their hearts to each other, and learn to trust the other person. That's what an effective love scene does. And really, it's just damn hot!

This is probably my 2nd favorite story by Beth. I couldn't put the book down and kept looking at it when I was at work, wanting to know what happend next. There was one itty bitty little scene that irked me, but not enough to detract from the rest of the story. Overall I truly liked Genny and Sean and hated that they were manipulated by someone they both cared for, but at the same time, those machinations brought them together. In a way, that's rather romantic, to watch them finally find happiness when neither thought it was possible. I love when that happens.

Once again I loved that extra character she throws in: the city of Chicago. I feel like I'm walking down those streets and feeling the chill of the winter wind on my face right there in the heart of the city because she makes it so real. One day I hope to go on a tour of the city like she's done and experience for myself what she sees and draws from when she writes her stories. For someone who lives right outside the city, it makes the book that much more fun to read. And anxious for Beth's next book :)

Rating: ****1/2 out of *****

Labels: Beth Kery, review

• Alex O'Loughlin


• vampires

First off, vampires have really, um, risen in popularity the last several years, and now it's impossible to go anywhere without finding something about vamps. Even though our paranormal elements are finding their own way, vampires are still the more seductive, mysterious creatures. While I don't read any and every vampire story that's published, I have discovered several that I am quite taken with. And now movies and television have jumped on the bandwagon and really saturated the market.

Yet even that alone probably wouldn't have convinced me to watch "Moonlight". It wasn't until I saw "August Rush", with Alex O'Loughlin in the role of one of the main character's brothers. His presence onscreen caught my attention. Oooh mama! It wasn't long after that that I ended up adding "Moonlight" to my Netflix queue.

So this weekend I finally got it in the mail, and settled in to watch it. Now I'll admit, I had certain expectations, and the first episode was a little disappointing because it was rather campy and cheesy, but after awhile, that aspect grew on me. I really liked Beth, a gossip reporter who follows all the hot stories, even though she tended to get mixed up in things that put her in danger, but she was smart and persistent, and I enjoyed how she didn't immediately fall for Mick, even though it was obvious he had feelings for her. Feelings that go back longer than she's aware of.

But the main draw of the show of course IS Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin). He's got a raspy voice and a little boy charm that is hard to resist. It's very easy to become enamored of him. He doesn't have a sexy Irish accent, but he does have a mean swagger and an irresistible smile. He doesn't take himself too seriously, which is good, because when he turns into a vampire, it's more amusing than scary. I find myself rolling my eyes when the vamps come out to play.

The first, and only, season has 16 episodes, and so far I've watched 12 of them, not quite ready to see it come to an end. Somehow it got under my skin, and there's so much potential for further seasons, but alas, that is not to be. I know Alex O'Loughlin was in another series called Three Rivers and that now will be cast in the new Hawaii-Five-O series, so the actors have obviously moved on.

Did you ever watch Moonlight?

Labels: Alex O'Loughlin, television

Labels: blog hopping

Mining one of history's most infamous figures to create a rich episodic drama, Showtime's THE TUDORS takes on the early life of King Henry VIII, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers (MATCH POINT). With enough rivalries, scandals, and debauchery to make MELROSE PLACE blush, the engrossing series follows the 16th-century monarch's ascent to power, political battles, and personal ruthlessness. In this second season, Henry creates the Church of England in order to speed his annulment with Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy). But what will happen when his new wife, Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), can't produce a male heir? No stuffy costume drama, THE TUDORS boasts a talented acting ensemble that includes Peter O'Toole (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA) as Pope Paul III and Jeremy Northam (GOSFORD PARK) as Sir Thomas More. This collection presents all 10 episodes of the second season.

From Booksamillion.com

Oh don't you just love a rousing, sexy, frothy drama? I sure the heck do, and this series fits that description to a "t".

In the first season, King Henry wants an heir, but his wife Catherine cannot give him a much desired son. By the end of season 1, he's become quite enamored (read: lusts after) Anne Boleyn. In season 2, his greatest wish is to make Anne his queen. After manipulating his way so that now he is over the church, he puts in place several figureheads to accomplish his goal: to declare his marriage to Katherine of Aragon null and void and marry the devious and nubile Anne. Mission accomplished (hey, no spoilers here, this is all history). But alas, young Anne cannot give him a son either. King Henry, who tends to see what he wants to see and interpret laws differently depending upon his mood, is then convinced that Anne is his downfall and believes the rumors that she's entertained several men in her bedchamber, including her own brother. Then it's off with her head!

You gotta love Showtime, and the melodramatics that are brought to this series. It's full of pretty people, my favorite being Charles Brandon (played by the yummilicious Henry Cavill) who was severely under-utilized this year. Though usually his function is to get nekkid and have all kinds of raunchy sex, and since he appeared to be in love with his wife this season, perhaps it's for the best. However it still would have been nice to see more of him.

Johnathan Rhys Meyers is better-looking this season as well with that goatee he's got going on. Makes him look positively wicked. His portrayal of King Henry amuses me greatly, as he tends to act like a child throwing a tantrum. Natalie Dormer as the scheming Anne is both evil and brilliant. I couldn't hate her completely, though she definitely has her moments. The last few episodes when she's found guilty of treason are grim and a bit terrifying. I almost felt sorry for her, despite all the damage she caused on her way to being Queen. It was a violent, bloody period in time.

I really enjoyed this season and am looking forward to season 3. I tend to get a little obsessive about things that fascinate me and in fact I rented the 2003 BBC version of "The Other Boleyn Girl", starting Jodhi May and Natashca McElhone. It wasn't quite as fun as the over-the-top 2009 (2008?) version with Natalie Portman and Eric Bana, but I liked it well enough. This version is also not quite as glamorous, and King Henry not quite as attractive. And no bloody ending. Bummer.

Do you watch The Tudors?

Do you like historic dramas based on actual events?

Any recommendations for similar dramas?

Labels: television

Labels: Chloe Neill, review

They say he murdered his wife . . .

I've made no secret that the Dom/sub relationship is not one of my favorites, and so you probably wonder: then why did I read this book? Well, I read it because I am a big fan of Jess Michaels'w work. I admit, I had my misgivings, because one of the biggest turn-offs for me is when pleasure is withheld as punishment. Can't stand that. Yet I think that Miss Michaels handled this relationship between Gareth and Beatrice with quite a bit of sensitivity. True, Gareth did control Beatrice, something she loathed, but after a time she began to understand that he made good on his promise to her, and that his fierce desires in the bedroom were not perverted or wrong, but wonderfully freeing and immensely pleasurable. This bond between them was so much about trust, so much so that Gareth began to want trust with her outside of the bedroom. He ultimately wanted her heart.

But he had to break through the many barriers she built around herself, and the most basic way was through physical pleasure. When she realized that she could trust him to take care of her body,to worship her and respect her in such an intimate way, her sturdy defenses began to crumble. Soon, though it terrified her to admit it, she began to care for Gareth, and wanted to build something more lasting with this caring, somber man.

Gareth also sensed that there was a great deal more to Beatrice than she allows him to see, but she's a stubborn one, and he realizes he must take care not to scare her off. While she has let herself submit to him completely in their bed, she's holding something precious back from him, and he wants that more than anything else, very badly. He must convince this proud, moody, beautiful woman that what they could have together is something that could last a lifetime....

This is why I adore Jess Michaels' books so much. She delves deeper into the dominant lifestyle and takes it outside the bedroom, exploring the emotional complexity of such a relationship, and while it doesn't completely change my feelings about it, she was able to make me respect it much more than I probably have in the past. Trust is a significant part of what goes on between Gareth and Beatrice, and the way their relationship builds, first through sex then through their deeper emotions, was very believable for me. I found it rather poignant and beautiful in its earthy, primal way. Never at any time, even when Beatrice resisted, which she did because that's part of her nature, did I ever feel she was forced or didn't ultimately enjoy what took place between them. In fact she soon began to look forward to Gareth's possession, and when he held himself back in the beginning, not wanting to push her too quickly, it was Beatrice who finally told him it was time to let her experience his complete control.

This story was unexpectedly romantic, and of course that made me very happy. The epilogue was bittersweet, because it spoke of the end of this series, but as I turned the last page, it was with a sigh of satisfaction because it ended on a very happy note. Jess Michaels does it again. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and definitely recommend it. And wowza, it's incredibly HAWT. One of my not so guilty pleasures is the steamy lovin', and this book has it in spades. Bondage never sounded so good ;) So if you enjoy naughty erotic romances with a wonderful love story, I think you should pick up this book. Though it's part of a series, I don't believe you need to read the previous installments, though I would recommend that you do, becaue they're pretty damn good too.

Rating: **** out of *****

Labels: Jess Michaels

As you probably already figured out, I am infamously famous for procastinating. So, rather than make apologies and promises I never keep, I am just going to let you gaze at Jensen and then I'll announce the winner of Jill Shalvis' Double Play & Slow Heat.

Labels: winner

As much as I love Dean, and believe me, I do, I can't deny that Sam (Jared Padalecki) is an integral part of the show.


They appear to be really good friends outside of work (and there have been rumors that it's a "more than friends" relationship but true or not, I love 'em just the same).



They obviously have a good time together and have fun with it. I suppose when you're that pretty, you can either be a jerk about it, or not take yourself too seriously. I like the direction these two went ;D

Oh, do I ever like the scruffy, unkempt look they've got going on here. These boys are just too cute.

And this is the dynamic duo who make up one of my favorite shows: Supernatural. Gotta love Sam & Dean.

Labels: Dean Day, Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Supernatural

Only 10??? Well, I'll try to be creative as I can, but I might get distracted. What can I tell ya, I'm reall a super(natural)ficial girl at heart ;) So ere, goes, the Dean Love:


1. Dean behind the wheel of that sexy black Chevy Impala. When he's in the driver's seat, he owns the road, baby!

2. His taste in music. Driving that car and wearing that leather jacket, would you really expect him to listen to anything other than 70's rock? It's perfect for him.

3. His dirty, pervy side. Oh come on! Like I'm the only one LOL. He can be a total dawg but damn, I just love that about him. I can just imagine what he's thinking right now... ;)

4. His numerous identities. I know he shares this with Sam, but I love the references to rock stars, Scully & Mulder, and other famous names. Freakin' hil-ar-i-ous.

5. His love for his brother. They fight, and hurt each other, and sometimes even abandon each other, though sometimes that's out of their control. But when it comes down to what's important, Dean is always looking out for Sammy. And when he does, he makes my heart melt.

6. His appetite. For food, people. The guy is always hungry. Makes me figure he's equally as um, passionate, in his other appetites.




7. His vulnerable side. Despite his tough guy exterior, Dean feels things very deeply, and this mission he shares with Sam to rid the world of evil definitely takes a toll on him. But he carries on, and still cares. He's got the weight on his shoulders.

8. His practical jokes. Sometimes things get way too heavy, so if putting itching powder in Sam's underwear makes him feel better, well hell, who am I to complain?

9. He's self-assured yet not afraid to make a fool out of himself, whether it's wearing knee-high socks or squealing like "a leetle gurl", Dean has a personality all his own. Gotta love that.

10. His lips. I know, I know, I took it there, but damn, that mouth of his is a dangerous weapon, and if used the right way, I'm sure it can be a very effective and pleasurable one as well. Thank You, God, for giving that boy his sexy pout. It's given me hours of viewing pleasure.

What are some of your favorite things about Dean?

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles

It has been so much fun planning Dean Day with my Twitter friends, although we mostly did our own thing. Some will post vids, some lists, whatever. Doesn't matter. It's ALL about Dean and it's all good. If somehow you're stopping here first (or even second), be sure to make the rounds and stop by some of these other amazing sites:

• Contest at Leontine's blog- http://leontine1976.blogspot.com/
• Contest at Fallon Blake's blog: http://fallonblake.blogspot.com/
• Dean Day button creator Pixiedust: http://ponderingpixiedust.blogspot.com/
• Recent Dean fan & pal Belinda aka Bells: http://hangingwithbells.blogspot.com/
• Janna @ http://erotromreader.blogspot.com/
• Bronwyn Green @ http://bronwyngreenblog.blogspot.com/
• Donna Grant @ http://donnagrant.com/
• Eliza Gayle @ http://elizagayle.blogspot.com/
• JoJo @ http://jojosbookcorner.blogspot.com/
• Sayuri @ http://www.damnheart.com/
• ggs_closet@ http://www.gigisconsignmentcloset.blogspot.com/
• Savory Tv @ http://www.savory.tv/
• Veronica H @ http://fantasygirlreviews.blogspot.com/
• Bookgoddessno1 @ http://bookgoddessno1.blogspot.com/
• Sagi @ http://sagis-randomness.blogspot.com

Here is a favorite "after the show" moment when Dean sings along to Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger"

Proving he has a sense of humor

Gotta love how he curls those lips of his ;)

Oh to be curled up next to this guy all night...or day. Sweet....

Be sure to stop by for more Dean throughout the day....

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles

Labels: Dean Day, Jensen Ackles

Labels: contest, Jill Shalvis

Labels: television

Crazy, crazy world out there. While we got snow in our area yesterday, it was probably only around 8 inches (I'm too lazy to look it up), which is nothing to us that live in the midwest. Yeah, it's a pain in the ass, but it's managable. No excuse not to show up to work though, unfortunately. Now it's cold, and drifting, but the worst seems to be over. For now.

However what was really interesting was that there was a 3.8 earthquake that rumbled this morning around 4am, and yes, it did wake me up. Me, who can usually sleep through anything, was jolted awake wondering if the roof caved in. The last one we had, in April of 2008. was registered at a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter Scale. Fortunately there was no damage or injuries in my world, so back to our regular scheduled programming.

No, the main focus of my attention recently has been the misfortune of losing my phone. I learned the hard way that Apple does not provide insurance for the iPhone, and it is NOT cheap to get a new one. While I received great service and got a lot of assistance getting back as much of the info I had on my lost phone transferred to the new phone, it was still painful. The funny thing is, as my co-worker mentioned, how I agonized over getting a new phone and that I never splurge on anything really expensive. Then I get a fancy phone and I lose it 3 months later. It was more a case of someone taking it, I believe, because I know where I lost it and even went back the next day to try and find it, but no such luck. To the bastard that took it, I hope you get yours LOL.

And then we have Valentine's Day coming up this weekend. As a single woman, I admit to a twinge every year around this time, but this year it seems to be a little stronger than normal. Part of me thinks it's the long winter and stress, but there's the romantic in me that would love to have a cute boyfriend to share it with. I'm thinking God must have someone really special in mind for me to have me wait for so long LOL. I have to admit, I'm getting rather impatient.

But since the is no guy in my life to cuddle with this weekend, Valentine's Day is going to be a celebration of a different sort this year. It's called....D-DAY! (aka Dean Day). Several of us on Twitter are huge fans of the show "Supernatural", and most especially of one of the main characters, Dean Winchester, played so brilliantly by Jensen Ackles, and we decided to host Dean Day on Valentine's Day. And let me tell you, it's been fun working on my post. I cannot wait to see what the other ladies conjure up, all for the love of Dean ;)

So if you're not too busy on Sunday with your honey, or maybe you are a big fan of Dean and/or the show, be sure to stop by and see what kinds of treats we have in store for you. I know I'll be making the rounds and enjoying the various pictures and posts.

So, what's going on in YOUR world?

Labels: ramblings

After a woman claims she's pregnant with Wade O'Riley's love child, Major League Baseball's most celebrated catcher and ladies' man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team's publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.

Labels: Jill Shalvis, review