This is the time of year when my company supports The Network of Strength (formerly known as the Y-Me cause). The various departments come up with fun and clever ways to collect donations. We've seen a lot of gorgeous raffle baskets (in fact Simone Elkeles donated one with her books!), jewelry, pizza, ice cream socials, bowling...all kinds of ways to participate and really have a good time with it.

Our area is having a friendly "penny war" with another department. We are only to collect pennies, and they collect the other coins. For every nickel, dime, quarter we get, we lose so many points. For every penny they get, they lose so many points. One of my coworkers is really competitive and will (playfully?) yell at anyone who donates anything other than pennies, although any donation received is welcomed and appreciated.

So I thought it might be fun, if any of you are interested, to ask for a penny. Just one. You could send more, but really even asking you to mail me one penny is asking a lot. And no one is under any obligation. I'm just curious to know how many I might collect.

And if you're interested, feel free to email me at: trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com and I will send you my snail mail addy. Please be sure to put "penny donation" or something like that in the subject line.

What fun ways have you supported a good cause?

Labels: good causes

I have to rant a little here, about how frustrating it is to see beautiful, successful women like Kate Hudson having plastic surgery. Kate is a little bit of the kind of woman I wish I was (only a little, mind you). I was always envious of her vivacious personality, her cute looks, her ability to attract people to her. I'm so the opposite, so people who are so alive and full of energy intrigue me. I was disappointed when I saw these pictures because I really thought she was happier with herself. I guess that's what Hollywood can do to you. Give the most well-adjusted person low self-esteem.

I don't watch "The Hills", but yesterday morning on my way to work, I was listening to the radio and the DJ was playing back some audio from Tuesday night's episode, featuring Heidi Montag. Part of what I heard was a conversation Heidi had with her mother about how she thought Heidi was prettier, more natural, before she had all that plastic surgery.

The new Heidi doesn't look horrendous, other than the fact she can't move her face, which is pretty creepy, but I didn't see anything wrong with what she used to look like. Thing is, young, blonde women with oversized, fake books, spray-on tans and bleached hair are quite common these days, so thinking she's setting herself apart isn't quite the reality of it. Personally, I like the "before" version myself. She looks happier. Also because I think your mind is in a healthier place when you haven't been made into a Stepford woman. Once you start with the improvements, where will it end? You're already thinking there's something wrong with you, but now start believing it so strongly that you're never happy. You can't stop the aging process.

(To see the before and after pictures of other celebrities, check out these "WTF happened to your face?! pics).

I think women are our own worst enemy. We tend to pick on those imperfections. We can be spiteful and catty and pea-green with jealousy. (Like how jealous I get over all the books Mandi reads LOL). We point things out to our friends and sometimes we're convinced the only reason "she" got the job is because she must have slept her way to the top. Granted, sometimes that might be true. But other times we bring it on outselves, and it starts at home. We obsess over our weight because if we weigh more than 110 pounds we're overweight, never remembering that it's better to be healthy-looking than emaciated. We're never tall enough, slim enough, curvy enough, dainty enough. We have double chins and blotchy skin and awful hair. What are we teaching our daughters, our nieces, our sisters? Even our sons, nephews, brothers about how to treat women? We've got men so confused already, but now we refuse to let them do a simple courtesy such as hold a door open for us. Oh no, that's sexist. Pul-leeze. I get irritated when people don't say "thank you", so no, I don't believe those rare displays of good manners are sexist. It's common courtesy, and it's a dying concept.

But back to the topic. I do understand what it's like to look in the mirror and find myself severely lacking. In fact having seen recent pictures of myself I have to wonder just how much I'd have to save up to get some work done, and I admit the thought has crossed my mind more than once. I'm a realist and I know I'm not that pretty, and I've decided to accept that reality because the alternative is rather depressing, but some days it's really hard. That's when I force myself to look away from the imperfections and go find a friend and hang out, go to a movie, or do anything other than obsess over what I don't got. Because what I do have is a small yet dear circle of friends that I can count on, as well as an online community of romance readers who I treasure more and more everyday. I have a decent job that pays fairly well and allows me to feed my book habit and occasionally lets me travel. I live just outside of a great city that I'm just starting to explore. As I've gotten older, I've become more brave, and find that there are many things I can do on my own. I've driven several times by myself to the Lori Foster event every year, which is about a 5-hour drive. I took a cruise by myself. I'm not going to sit at home and let life pass me by.

Would you ever consider changing anything about yourself?

What positive things do you do to remind yourself of just how special you are?

Things Our Parents Teach Us...

I’ll admit I never gave much thought to what I was learning from my parents on a day to day basis, but now that I’m a mom, habits, sayings and behaviors my children are learning from CIS (hubby) and me are jumping out all the time.

For example, CIS, on a constant quest for what he sees as perfection, will correct the accuracy of a general statement. If I say something weighed a ton, making the point that it was immeasurably heavy in my mind, he will say something along the lines of it more than likely weighing closer to 100 pounds. It’s a frustrating habit that now has both children correcting any general statement they hear and have a differing opinion on. More frustrating, I don’t know how to stop them, but it’s drivin’ me nutty!

This nuttiness has me wondering what traits our favorite book characters learn from their parents. Granted, a lot of times their relationship hang ups are because of parents, and that’s true of my SCENT OF PERSUASION heroine Kami and even a little true about my hero Breck, but what else do they learn?

Kami’s father taught her some hard life lessons early, and while they toughened her enough to make her strong, they also left her jaded to men she saw as fitting in the “white collar” world. On the flipped side of the coin, as hard as she tried to leave behind the lifestyle that had been bred into her, it flowed in her blood and she called on it to get through rough situations. Things her mother had taught her, like lessons on how to mingle at a ritzy fundraiser, or size up a person to determine their “worth”, or how to appear interested in everyone and their interests failed to leave her. Not only did they stick with her, but they became a deeply ingrained. The lessons fueled her intuition, enabling her to choose trustworthy friends and advocates. They helped her pinpoint her pool of suspects to prove her step brother did not kill himself. And much to her surprise, those lessons turned her into the steel-spined woman Breck fell in love with – even if he did represent everything she avoided.

Breck on the other hand, didn’t have his own parents around to teach him many lessons. Well, aside from a love for music and dancing he’d set aside until Kami waltzed into his life. He did however have his best-friend’s parents (Jane Ann and Leon Masters) to raise him and teach him. Though their teachings didn’t turn out as they’d hoped. In Breck’s work first enjoy life second lifestyle, he’s shunned all relationships with women that show signs of strings. At times, like the first night of his ritzy fundraiser, he’s resorted to employing escorts to provide no strings companionship for a night. Interestingly, it’s not that he’s anti-relationships. He’s anti-anything not like the Masters’ relationship. Considering his expectations for “relationship perfection” he’s settled into his life. He hasn’t learned these lessons from Jane Ann and Leon. If anything, he’s taken their teachings and twisted them.

Sure, he embraces all the advice they gave him that it’s up to stronger, able people to help those less fortunate. He’s proven his respect of that by becoming the team leader of the FBI Specialized Crimes Unit. That’s professional. That’s easy. The lessons on relationships are the ones he’s twisted. He’s convinced himself that only one kind of relationship will be enough for him. Until he finds it, nothing else is worth exploring. And until Kieralyn joined his team, that rule even applied to having women as friends.

So let’s play. Tell me what traits, habits or lessons you’ve seen passed on. Maybe you learned them. Maybe you passed them on. Maybe their things you’ve seen someone else do or things you’ve noticed about your favorite fictional characters.

Chat it up to be entered into a drawing I will be having for a copy of SCENT OF PERSUASION. Kami will announce the winner Monday, May 3 (at 7:00 Central Time) on my website during a live Chat. If you can’t make that, be sure to include your email and preferred eBook format so I can contact you if you win.

Read more about Kami and Breck, and their story SCENT OF PERSUASION, here!

Visit Nikki at her online homes:
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Labels: Nikki Duncan

Renee was the homecoming queen with the perfect boyfriend and the perfect life. Lacey was the golden girl with the bright future. And Sherra always looked like the princess in a fairy tale. The three girls each seemed charmed-until one tragic night shattered their hopes for normalcy.

My thoughts:

No doubt about it, I loved this book. I loved each of the characters, even when they drove me a little crazy for being so stubborn. I could still tell their heart was in the right place. I loved how each heroine had her own story, which developed as the rest of the story was unfolding. There was an ongoing thread that begins in Renee's story, runs through Lacey's, and culminates in Sherra's. These three women have not only bonded with each other due to a horific event, they've become lifelong friends. There's something to be said for your sister(s) of the heart, the women who support you and nag you and push you and are always there for you.

In addition to watching each of them fall in love with the man that is uniquely worthy to each of them, there is a suspenseful subplot tying the three novellas together. While it kept me glued to the pages for most of the book, I will admit that the discovery of who was involved in this plot was a trifle weak. We're thrown a few red herrings to deter us from figuring out what's really going on, and that was fun, but the actual outcome left something to be desired. I thought that angle of the story could have been woven tighter, been a little more clever, but it certainly isn't anything that detracted from my enjoyment of the romances that were developing.

And Shiloh makes each heroine distinctly different, but not so much so that we cannot see them knowing each other or being such close friends. They have their own lives, their own careers and interests, but what's at the core of each of them is similar enough to share lifelong friendships. Their sex lives and level of experience is also different, and we discover how each woman reacted differently to what they remember and took away from that unforgettable night so long ago that still stays fresh in their minds. In turn she's paired them with men who complement them, who give them the confidence to be who they truly are and to help face the demons that have followed them for so long.

As always, I'm (quietly) blown away by how distinctive Shiloh's voice is in every story she writes. It's like biting into your favorite candy bar and being pleasantly surprised that no matter how many times you've eaten one before, there's always that combination of sweetness and bite that surprises and delights you, something you kinda forget about until the next time you indulge, and then you want nothing more than to savor it until the bittersweet end.

Another winner from Shiloh. I sound like a broken record but it is what it is: a wonderful reading experience.

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

Labels: Shiloh Walker

Here are some of the sights I saw while at the Chicago Spring Fling booksigning:

Cherry Adair

I've only read one book of hers, years ago, which I really enjoyed. So much so that I don't know why I never continued with the series. One of those reading mysteries that can't be explained, I guess....

Elizabeth is a doll, and it was lovely seeing her again. I'm a fan of her Prince series - which is going to be re-released later this year in some very pastel colors, which seems a bit misleading, since the series is rather dark, more gritty. I also have read 2 of her Four Soldiers books and enjoyed them as well. Which reminds me, I need to finish the other two....

It was such a pleasure meeting Carrie! I got her second book, and thanked her for convincing me to watch "Last of the Mohicans" (which I'd recently seen). In addition to be extremely gracious, Carrie is one of those people that always seems to find something to talk about, which I really love. She also has me very curious about the Mad Hatter party she'll be hosting at RT. I won't be attending, but I do hope to see pics ;)

And speaking of Beth, another of my favorites, here she is in disguise. I'm bummed I've already read all these books already, because I was really looking forward to one of her steamy books. Luckily she's got something coming out later this year :) I didn't get to talk to her for too long, but it's always a pleasure seeing her.

And here's Courtney, author of one of my "intellectual romance" reads. She's just delightful, and very easy to talk to, and not in any way a dork, no matter what she says LOL. I'm really looking forward to her next story, and she was giving away free excerpts in a booklet along with Tessa Dare.

I'm sad to know that Jenna won't be writing as Jess Michaels anymore. She wrote some of my favorite erotic historical romance, but Jenna is moving on, and she has a fun, campy story coming out about zombies later this year under the name Jesse Petersen.

Simone Elkeles

Simone Elkeles. One of the most popular and in-demand authors at the signing. I was lucky enough to have seen her last weekend, but I didn't have her "How To" books, so I did get two of the three signed. (I still need book #2). It was also Simone's birthday on Saturday - what a way to celebrate!

And one of the STARS of the show,the lovely and vivacious Julia Quinn (and proof that I was there!) I adore her. Even though I already had the book, I had to buy a second edition of "The Viscount Who Loved Me", the 1st book of hers I'd ever read and absolutely loved. One of the cool things about Julia is you just don't feel nervous around her. She's so down to earth and likeable that it's hard to be nervous. The lady rocks.

Then Lindsey, Kim & I stayed in their room for awhile after the signing and talked, then around 8pm we headed out to dinner at a nearby restaurant called Stir Crazy. Had never been there, and it was just okay. The appetizers were better than the actual meal, imo. But at that point, we just needed food.

So there you have it, my fun weekend :) I didn't get a chance to see everyone - I missed out on meeting SmartBitch Sarah and Kay Stockham was nowhere to be seen when I swung by her area. There were also a few bloggers and up & coming authors I missed out on meeting as well. Better luck next year......

So, anyone going to RT?

Labels: 2010, Chicago Spring Fling

Labels: Earth Day

When the Wernham Hogg paper merchants needed someone to come in and shape up their office, they found the man who definitely thinks he is the most capable candidate in David Brent (Ricky Gervais). Brent rules a tight ship, but at the same time tries to be every employee's best friend. Brent is the centerpiece for this brilliant satire of 9-5 office life. Camera crews follow Brent and his employees around in this British series that uses no laugh track, and doesn't need it. The razor sharp comedy will have audiences in stitches. When released in England, this wickedly funny series broke all sales records for non-film DVD releases.

I had every intention of starting to watch the U.S. version of "The Office" until I noticed that the original BBC series was on Netflix. So being rather curious about the inspiration, I rented season 1.

Let's just say British humor is mostly lost on me. The slang and references usually go over my head. That's not to say this isn't a funny series, because I found several very amusing scenes in the 6 episodes, and Ricky Gervais is funny just standing there with a sheepish look on his face. It's so politically incorrect, and I love it. So much so that I'm getting season 2, which appears to be the last season. I definitely see why it inspired the U.S. version. And there's the office romance brewing...will it ever be resolved? Time will tell....


Jason Statham stars in this fast-paced and very loud thriller that was written specifically for him by French filmmaker Luc Besson. Statham (SNATCH) plays Frank Martin, a former Special Forces operative who is now a high-priced courier paid a lot of money to deliver packages he would rather know nothing about. His creed: Never change the deal, use no names, and never look in the package. But when he finds out that his latest delivery is a beautiful young woman (Shu Qi), everything changes, and he is off on a wild chase, in his specially made BMW, that includes plenty of explosions, bare-knuckle fighting, cool weaponry, and tongue-in-cheek humor. Hong Kong director Corey Yuen, who has previously worked with Jet Li, lets the action tell the story as Frank battles the bad guys in the streets of France. The score is by renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke.

Really, the only reason I rented this is to see a shirtless Jason Statham, and oh boy, was I NOT disappointed. He is one fine-looking man, and watching the "making of" bonus feature proves he's even more gorgeous when he smiles and laughs, which he really doesn't do in "The Transporter". I was a bit bored with the film about 1/2 way through, and the heroine was annoying (though lucky enough to get Jason nekkid), but it was a good action film, and I love the way Jason moves. I'll probably get the 2nd & 3rd Transporter movies now.

TWILIGHT's Robert Pattinson trades in the pale skin and vampire teeth of Edward Cullen for the guitar and life crisis of Art in this British dramedy. Much to his own disappointment--and that of his mother (Rebecca Pidgeon)--Art finds his London life as a musician is going nowhere. Enter Dr. Ellington (Powell Jones), a self-help guru and the author of "It's Not Your Fault." But his page-bound words aren't enough: Art has the graying writer live with him and his parents with comedic--and hopefully inspiring--results.

Labels: movies

Rules of Attraction: The sequel to Perfect Chemistry!

Labels: review, Simone Elkeles

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to meet my favorite YA author, Simone Elkeles. For those of you who may not know, she wrote the amazing "Perfect Chemistry", as well as another YA favorite of mine, "Leaving Paradise". Her latest book, which I finished moments before the signing (it's amazing!), is my current favorite of her's.

Here are just a few of her releases. I've read 3 of her books so far, and I highly recommend each of them.


The crowd wasn't very big, but Simone took her time with each person, especially the teenage girls, and I was impressed with her patience and enthusiasm.

Simone and me (isn't she adorable?)

I think other than the parents, I was the only adult, but I didn't mind. I could hear comments from parents praising the book and how it got their teen reading, and from school teachers who said that "Perfect Chemistry" was still the top-read book in their school. There were also several librarians there as well. It's pretty cool to hear adults being so positive about these books. They certainly didn't have this kind of reading material when I was a teen.

Here are Alex (Alexander F. Rodriguez) and Carlos ( Giancarlo Vidrio) from Simone's Perfect Chemistry trilogy. I just had to get a poster of these 2 young hotties ;)

I got to chat for a few moments with Simone about the books, and let her know how much I enjoyed them, and that it was another adult and fellow reader - Christine - who brought her books to my attention. Christine, hon, I truly appreciate it! I am such a huge fan, and I have you to thank for that :)

One of her characters in "Rules of Attraction" is a young gay man named Tuck, and I was curious to know whether or not she would be writing a gay YA story. It appeared the thought hadn't crossed her mind, but you just never know, right?

Anyway, it was quite a pleasure meeting Simone. She was lively and funny and totally focused on whoever was standing in front of her. I'm sure she understood how it is for some teens to be shy and uncomfortable, and Simone was wonderful with each person.

Funny sidenote: while standing in line I noticed this guy there who looked very familiar. It turned out to be Simone's husband, but what was funny was that I actually knew him from the building where I work! So he noticed me and came over after I had my books signed and asked me if I worked for --- and we got to talking. Of course I tried to hit him up for some future books LOL.

Srsly, a GREAT day. And to make it even better is that Simone will be at the Chicago Spring Fling this upcoming Saturday. April is shaping out to be an awesome booksigning month.

If you ever get the chance to meet Simone, please do. She is truly amazing :)

So that was my weekend. How was yours?

Labels: booksignings, Simone Elkeles

I've recently run into the dilemma of wonderful authors asking if I'd like to review an ARC of their next release, only to find out it's available in eARC only. Now this really is a wonderful thing on many levels. It saves on paper, (going green, protecting the environment) and I'm sure the cost is significantly less expensive as well. It's a more convenient and faster way to provide the ARC to the reviewer. So lots and lots of advantages.

But I'm totally old-school. I know I'll soon be left in the dust with the whole ebook thing, but at this time I just can't see spending that much on a device I'm not in love with. Besides, right now I have so many books to read that the idea of having access to even more boggles the mind. My TBR pile is so out of control it seriously scares me. But I'm also stubborn, and adore the feel of a book in my hand. Plus, I am fortunate to live in Chicagoland and have the opportunity to attend several booksignings (Simone Elkeles tomorrow) and it's rather difficult - and impractical - to sign an ebook reader, now isn't it?

But back to my dilemma: does it bother authors if they ask a reader to review their book and the reader declines if it's in ebook? Really, it's nothing personal, but I don't own an ereader, and reading a book on my laptop, while possible, is not my preferred method. So I wonder if I am slighting an author by turning down such an opportunity. I mean, I am very appreciative that they thought to ask me, so I don't want to seem ungrateful. I am so thrilled to be asked, whether it's for the first release of someone new or the 25th release of an established author.

So just a note to authors, I love, love, love you and your books, so please don't hate me for not jumping on the ebook bandwagon. I am a dinosaur.

Forgive me????

Labels: books, ebooks

I really got to know Leontine through Twitter, and we had very similar tastes in books. She's recommended several to me over the last many months, and some I've really liked, others not so much (Shadowfae comes to mind). However one of the things I completely love about Leontine and her blog are the amazing, lyrical reviews she writes. She totally blows me away with her reviews. Using Shadowfae as an example: this was a book that just didn't suit me, though I very much wanted to enjoy it, yet Leontine wrote about it in such a way, that even though I'd already read it, I was almost convinced that I did like it, because her review was so enticing, so poignant and perceptive and beautiful, that I could have bypassed my own personal feelings and fallen in love with the book just based on her review. The girl's got serious talent.

She just did a review of "Patience", the much awaited yet now much maligned book by Lisa Valdez. After reading some comments about it, I pretty much decided I wasn't going to read it. Why be disappointed when you know you're not going to like something, right? Well then yesterday I read Leontine's review, and I'm leaning towards wanting to read it. She has me utterly curious about this story now, thinking that maybe there's just something in it that I might like. That is the power that is Leontine.

So if you aren't already a follower of Leontine's blog, you should be, because it's a wondrous place, and Leontine is one cool, smart chick with great taste and quite a way with words. She's also a lot of fun to follow & chat with on Twitter :)

Labels: blogs

Now back to Jackie. I know the girl is a Succubus, and I'm fine with her spending time with either or both of her men, getting some seriously hot action when she needs it most. I just question her wishy-washy tendencies and her loyalty to Zane. No doubt, the vamp is one hot motha, but he betrays her time and again, all in the name of protecting her. "Oh yes, I am going to abandon you and run and go do my thing but don't worry Jackie baby, it's all for you." I think she's more in love with him than Noah, and I just want to smack her upside the head and ask why. Why??? Noah is not chopped liver here, in fact he is always there for Jackie when she needs him most, and he takes care of her most pressing need in quite a most satisfactory way. So whenever I see Jackie falling for Zane, I think of those stupid girls who always go for the guy that treats them like crap, yet she'll drop everything when he comes calling because yeah, that's true love.

The thing is, I do like Zane, quite a bit in fact, and I think he cares deeply for Jackie, but his track record ain't so great. I don't know, maybe Jesse James has ruined the bad boy for me, but I just don't get how easily Jackie is willing to believe him. Maybe since she's a succubus she's not meant to fall for either of them, so she's just enjoying herself the only way she can. I'm cool with that. But actions speak louder than words, and the way she constantly runs to Zane and lets him get away with treating her so poorly is getting on my nerves.

That being said, I've resigned myself to read the next one in the series, especially if they continue to get better. I admit dammit, I'm curious to see where this goes, and can't help but be a glutton for punishment here. But it could be make or break time. We shall see....

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

Labels: Jill Myles, quickie reviews

Labels: bookcovers, Chloe Neill

Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis

Yes, according to my calculations, there is definitely such a thing as the "intellectual" romance. These are stories written from a more cerebral point of view, engaging the brain, the intellect of the reader. These stories are clever, subtle, and tend to engage my mind more than my heart. And yes, there is definitely a time and a place for the intellectual romance in my reading life.

Are you a fan of the intellectual romance?

What authors come to mind that write similar stories?

Labels: romances

Sometimes getting to heaven requires a trip through hell. Twelve years ago, it looked like Del Prescott had it all. The wealthy family, the car, the looks and charm, and the perfect boyfriend. Then, mysteriously, she disappeared to "study abroad." Now she's back, and it's not merely to attend a high school reunion. She's here to face her demons-and Blake, the man she has never stopped loving.

Labels: quickie reviews, Shiloh Walker

Labels: winner

Amazon.com
One of the most acclaimed series on TV during its brief run from 1994-1995, My So-Called Life pioneered the modern teen drama and made a star out of 15-year-old Claire Danes. Ostensibly centering around the trials and tribulations of high schooler Angela Chase, My So-Called Life actually expanded to include everyone in its protagonist's orbit, from school friends to extended family, and gave its stellar ensemble cast ripe material to work with during its too-short life. Produced by thirtysomething creators Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, MSCL evoked that yuppie-friendly show with its emphasis on finding extraordinary drama within ordinary situations, but was far more heartfelt and heart-wrenching, echoing the dizzying highs and lows of adolescence. As such, it developed a cult following among young viewers who identified strongly with Angela's high school traumas and followed her every move with rapt attention. (After cancellation, the show enjoyed a popular reprise on MTV.)

Avoiding the sensational, My So-Called Life tackled every teen hot-button issue imaginable (and pioneered the then-controversial topic of teen homosexuality), but with a clear-eyed perspective, never dissolving into soap opera-–even when Angela mooned over heartthrob Jordan Catalano (dreamy Jared Leto). Even as it mined adolescent angst, though, My So-Called Life never lost sight of its adults, with Bess Armstrong and Tom Irwin both phenomenal as Angela's parents, whose marriage was one of the most complex seen on TV since... well, thirtysomething. Through it all, Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Danes was a neurotic, touching, and funny center, whether obsessing over a zit or negotiating the rocky terrain of first love. Her funny, sobering, and empathetic portrait of teendom reminded us that in some ways, life was just an extended version of high school. --Mark Englehart

Okay, I admit it. This is one of those shows that I absolutely adored and it made quite an impression on me when I watched it back in the mid 90's, even though I was already in my 20's at the time. Yes, I am one of "those" girls who had an enormous crush on Jordan Catalano (though I can proudly admit not so much today). I anxiously tuned in every week waiting to see if Jordan would ever notice Angela or if she would continue to live my life and be ignored by the love of her life.

The reason I'm thinking of it now is because there just isn't a lot out there that affected me the way this show did. It was not a sugar-coated fantasy world, but an intense, darker, more complex show. I remember all too well the pain of teenage unrequited love, and this show positively radiated unrequited. Each character was made up of various shades of gray, so even when you didn't like one of them, you might have been able to sympathize. Angela was awkward, sweet, selfish, introspective. So while she's the protagonist of our story, that didn't mean I loved her every single minute. Sometimes the way she'd treat Brian bothered me. But she embodied the same type of behavior I had at her age. I know this because several times her reactions or comments hit awfully close to home several times. Even watching it years out of my teens, I still would get that curl of embarrassment when I certain scene would trigger a memory.

There's also the whole situation with Angela's parents and the cracks in their marriage, which was interesting because we're not only experiencing the pain of the teenagers, but also the trials of marriage and how things can get off-track. I didn't care much for Angela's mom, but how her husband dealt with his growing feelings of discontent isn't all that admirable either. I'm curious to see how far they would have taken things if the show had remained on the air.

And speaking of which, you had to love Ricky, Angela's openly gay friend. He was one of my favorite characters, so full of love and yet so vulnerable; he was a loyal friend. So ready to be loved. If the show can continued, I hope that eventually would have happened for him, and that it would have shown a positive storyline. Now we'll never know. I wonder what the actor who played Ricky is doing these days....

Now the show had it's occasional payoff. It couldn't be all angst and moments of mortification, how could it? I mean, who didn't get all excited when Jordan sauntered down that school hallway and took Angela's hand? I must have re-wound that scene 25 times to relive that long-awaited experience. (Yeah, I get a little obsessive). As I mentioned, at the time, I had a huge crush on Jared Leto. Looking back, I wonder if there's much going on beyond the pretty face, though I do love some of the song from his band 30 Seconds to Mars.

So tell me: were you a fan, or were you way too cool

Labels: television

Is Rachel Robinson the only one on campus who doesn't know who Devin Freedman is?

No big deal except that the bad-boy rock star gets a kick out of Rachel's refusal to worship at his feet. And that seems to have provoked his undivided attention.

Devin, the guy who gave new meaning to the phrase 'sex, drugs and rock 'n roll'.

Devin, the guy who somehow becomes wedged between her and the past she's kept hidden for years.

It's up to this librarian to find out first-hand just how 'bad' he really is. Because her secret - and her growing feelings for a man who claims he's bent on redemption - depend on his turning out to be as good as he seems.

Which is really, really good.

I first saw this book reviewed at Dear Author, and thought it sounded like something I'd want to read. (Obviously so much so that I actually ended up buying 2 copies).

• Rachel's quick and intelligent responses to Devin. She was smart and not afraid to show it. Most of her comments amused and impressed Devin, who was so used to having people fall over all themselves complimenting him that to have someone less than impressed with his reputation was incredibly freeing.


• Devin's new-found sobriety and relationship with his mother. He can't deny he enjoyed being a rockstar and lived the lifestyle to the fullest. But his partying days are over, and he's finally come to terms with that. Now when his mother needs him, he comes home and rebuilds their relationship.


• Rachel's own individuality in how she dressed and presented herself. She didn't need a makeover to get Devin to notice her, and she had her own sense of style that worked for her. She didn't need tight-fitting revealing clothes to get a sexy man to notice her. After all, she had a brain.


• Devin's friendship with fellow student Mark. Even though he'd left the music world behind him, Devin still could have lived off the adoration of his fans and taken full advantage of Mark's hero worship, but he doesn't. Instead he develops a true friendship with the young man, and is there for him during a very difficult time.

What I didn't like:

• the numerous misunderstandings between Rachel and Devin. After awhile it made them both seem like immature children. One minute they're friends, the next they are hurling accusations at each other. The back and forth was making me dizzy.


• Rachel's overly emotional behavior. Granted, she has a huge secret she's kept from everyone, especially the one person that matters most, but the way she goes about it had me wincing. I guess I could see where she was coming from and why she acted the way she did, but her refusal to take Devin's advice and tried to do things her own way only made things worse, and I wanted to shake her for ruining her chance to make things right.

I still liked this book, I just wouldn't put it in the same category as Dear Author has. It's fun, emotional, snappy, but it has its flaws that kept it from being an outstanding read. And I do happen to have an extra copy, so maybe I'll have a contest for it one day....

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

Labels: Karina Bliss, review