What can I say, Sagi is one of those people you "meet" and she's just such a joy, so sweet and enthusiastic and funny that you can't help but love her. I met her on Twitter, and she always makes me smile because she's always the first one to say good morning and to generally put me in a good mood by making me feel like she's happy to see me LOL. It's a nice feeling to be liked *g*
But enough about me. Here's Sagi in her own words.....
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
Hi my name is Sagi. I am was born and raised in the USA but moved to Israel 4 years ago. In my family I am considered a bookworm. My whole family reads a nice amount but I am the only one who always has a book in her bag and on my thoughts. LOL! There are times I can't find anything to read and that drives me insane! Other times I can't stop finding good books and I love it! But my wallet doesn't lol. I am a blogger and writer as well. When I say writer I don't mean writing a book. I have recently noticed that I write well so I started to write a bit. Its not always a story sometimes its a poem or how I feel. Its refreshing and nice to write something from within myself.
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
Yes I have a blog. :D My blog is called Sagi's Randomness http://sagis-randomness.blogspot.com/ . My blog is called Sagi's Randomness because I am a very random person. When I mean random I don't mean that the blogs topic is changing I mean one day I can write about a book and the next about Got MIlk?. I am famous with my friends for changing subjects all the time. Its hilarious so I thought that my blog can be as random as I am within reason. In my blog I talk about music I love, my own writings, some photoshop pictures I make, and just about anything else that pops into my head. I tried to write book reviews for my blog and it just seemed out of place.
I am also a Book Lover on Book Lovers Inc http://book-lovers-inc.blogspot.com/ but I am on a break from reviewing and posting for a while until I finish my college assignments and get myself into a new routine. All my fellow Book Lovers are fun and write funny and interesting reviews and posts on the blog.
Stacy: What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading Lover Awakened by JR Ward, Dead Undead and Somewhere in Between by JA Saare, and Colters Woman by Maya Banks.
I recommend them all. All three authors write amazing characters and I just can't stop once I start! :D I started the book by JA Saare and had a little rough reading patch in my life so I will get back to it. The book is really well written and I love it! I just needed a break from reading but then got persuaded by many fellow bloggers to read the Black Dagger Brotherhood by JR Ward and I literally can't stop myself from starting the next book right after the book I was reading. The Maya Banks book I am still in the beginning of so I still don't know how much I like it or how good it is.
Stacy: What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
I recently found out that I am music obsessed and am a movie junkie. When I started to blog and tweet I found out how much music was a part of my life. Before I knew I loved music obviously I just didn't get how much and how powerful a song is for me. I listen to mainly Pop and Rock but also others if I like the song. When I am happy, sad, pissed, hyper, etc. the songs below help me get through the day. Of course those are not the only songs but they are the main songs.
I don't have one most played song. I have a few most played songs because it depends on how I feel and if I got new music or not. For Your Entertainment by Adam Lambert, Goodbye by Kristina Debarage, Halfway Gone by Lifehouse, Here Comes Goodbye by Rascal Flats, and Let Me BeMyself by 3 Doors Down. The list can really go on a little longer lol.
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
The first websites that I to into when I open my browser is my email, twitter, and facebook. Then I visit blogs, and other random sites. I also like to use google images. I find some interesting things online sometimes.
Stacy: What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
My favorite drinks are... I don't really like to drink anything but water and hot chocolate, but if I go out I drink something called Fidgeling Sour. My favorite TV shows are, Friends, Gilmore Girls, Party of Five, Kyle XY, Gossip Girl, Pimp My Ride, Made and The Cosby show. My favorite foods are, chocolate, lasagna, bolognese, salmon, israeli salad, ceasar salad, tomatoe soup, vanilla ice cream, and pizza.
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
I think that Heath Ledger is a hottie to die for and so is Bones from the Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost. Yea I picked a real person and a book character :P
Stacy: Favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in the whole world is in New York. Its called Shun Lee not far from Central Park. Its my all time favorite restaurant. I have been going there for years and every time I go to NY I have to eat there. Its chinese food. I have the same things there but it never gets boring and the experience of eating in that restaurant is cool. There are dragons on the walls as lights and also a monkey. lol.
Win Twice Bitten! 3rd book in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series up for grabs!
I am a huge, huge, HUGE fan of this series, and I hope you all are too. Now that we visited for a spell with Chloe, I thought I'd have a little contest to win a copy of the 3rd book in her fantastic Chicagoland Vampire series. Yes, I do believe it's important to read these in order so you have the back history, so don't say I didn't warn you LOL. First is Some Girls Bite, then Friday Night Bites, now this pretty gem. Believe me, they are worth it.
This time my contest will be short and sweet :) Obviously, you probably noticed that Chloe's series is set in Chicago, which just happens to be about 45 minutes from whereI live. Awesomeness. So my question to you is this:
If you could have a sexy vampire series set in any city, where would it
be, and why?
Contest will end at noon on Sunday, July 4th (!) at noon CST. Must answer the complete question to qualify. I will try to order the book on release day --- remember, we want Chloe to get that tattoo ;)
Well peeps, I am super excited to have one of the coolest people I've ever met as my special guest today :) The one and only Chloe Neill. Being as busy as she is, I don't think she'll be stopping by, but she did answer my nagging, er, indepth interview questions for inquiring minds who demand to know. So, let's get started....
S~ What was the first vampire story you ever read? Did it have a romantic angle to it?
I recall reading vampire ghost stories as a child--there was one about some sort of vampire dog. Definitely no romantic angle in that one. :) It was some time later that I read Christine Feehan or Sherrilyn Kenyon and fell in love with the vampiric hero.
S~ How different is the Chicagoland Vampire series from when you originally came up with the idea, or has it stayed pretty close to your original version?
VERY different. The original version was pretty (unintentionally) silly. Mallory (or was it Merit?) was in a band and was performing at a club owned by Morgan. Merit was made a vampire in the back of the club by some raging, anti-human vamp. Ethan was completely absent, but Merit's other love interest was a blond named Lucky.
Generally, it was pretty awful. And then I got a mental image of Ethan, standing with his hands on his hips with that superior expression, and the rest is history!!
S ~After reading Firespell,the 1st book in your YA Dark Elite series, I was struck by how mature these teens are, and have a completely different voice than the CV series, not quite as snarky. How easy was it for you to create a world told from the perspective of teenagers without making it silly or too angsty?
Honestly, I didn't try to make them teenagers per se. I just tried to imagine how Lily and Scout would interact given their circumstances. There is, however, definitely a balancing act between good banter and angst, and trying to make the books neither too light nor too dark.
S~ How many books are planned in the DE series? Any possibility of a crossover with the CV series?
There are currently 3 under contract, but there's no possibility of a CV crossover at this point as, while they're both set in Chicago, they are completely different universes.
S~ How extensive was your research on Chicago for each series? Did you base the locale on actual places, or use your own imagination to come up with each individual world?
I'd say its 85% actual locations and 15% made up (but within the context of the neighborhood). Because the books are set in an actual location with a HUGE population, I knew I had to get it right the first time. I can't put Navy Pier in Evanston or ignore the Chicago River, for example. So I did lots of research about Chicago geography and neighborhoods. I now supplement that with location scouting trips to Chicago. But there is still some fudging on my part. For example, Cadogan House is imaginary, but it's set in the very real neighborhood of Hyde Park.
S~ One of my favorite things about your books is the different and complex relationships that exist: best friends, romantic interests, Sire to subject, some of them intertwined. How do you keep the action exciting without skimping on the personal interactions?
My focus is always on the personal interactions, because that's what I enjoy reading and writing. The action scenes don't come naturally to me, as I really have to work to imagine fights in three dimensions, for example. But these are urban fantasy, so action is inevitable. I try to focus on the stakes of the fight--what a character could win or lose as a result of the battle, which leads back to the personal interaction.
S~ You've talked about who inspired Ethan & Merit (Becks and Jill from the USA show "Royal Pains"). Any actors/actresses inspire the characters for your YA series?
I have Chris Pine in mind as Jason Shepherd, but that's really it. The Dark Elite series is very much about the characters' roles in their magical world, so while I have mental images of the characters, I haven't really worried too much about finding real world counterparts.
S~ Do you currently read any YA books? Any recommendations?
I recently finished Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and adored it (as I do with all Neil Gaiman). Beyond that, I don't have time to read much fiction at all, unfortunately!
S~ Okay, I just gotta ask: can we expect some intense, hot lovin' between any of your characters in Twice Bitten? How HOT can we anticipate it to get?
No comment. ;) [Luckily I already know the answer, and nope, I'm not telling either *g*]
S~ How do you like to relax? I see you like to bake and exercise. Are there other ways you unwind after a long day working/writing?
I'd say those are the big two. I also take my dogs to the dog park or on walks. I'll also scan the internet checking out interesting design and gadget web sites. You never know where ideas might pop up!
S~ What are some of your guilty pleasures? Favorite beverage? Favorite t.v. shows? Favorite music on your iPod?
Beverage - Hands down, Diet Coke. Always and forever! Xoxo
TV shows - Community, Parks & Rec, 30Rock, Leverage, Burn Notice, Man v. Food, No Reservations, Family Guy, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the list goes on and on and on. :)
S~ What are you reading right now?
I just started reading The Passage by Justin Cronin. Very intriguing so far!
S~ What's the last really good move you saw? What was so memorable about it?
I very rarely watch movies; I'm too much of a multitasker to devote the time to it. In fact, I can't remember the last movie I've watched...
S~ When you're writing about the ancient history of the Chicagoland Vampires, did you study actual history, or use a lot of creative license to describe its origins?
I studied actual history. I have a timeline written for the devleopment of the Greenwich Presidium (and its precursors) and the secret "RG" which sent Merit cards and invitations in FRIDAY NIGHT BITES. Although the histories are unique, I tried to ground them in realistic events--including the French Revolution and witchhunts of the 15th Century.
S~ What are some of your addictions? Twitter? Manicures? The Food Network?
Artsy notebooks created by independent graphic designers. Stiletto heels. Great handbags. Japanese needlepoint pens. Great salsa. Adult Swim.
S~ Which comes first: the character description or the name? Out of all your characters, which one was the hardest to come up with?
They both have to pop up at about the same time. Usually I'll have a loose idea for a character, then I'll scan through a baby name book until his or her name pops out at me. Ethan's name was VERY hard. He was Jason and "Iason" for a while. But when I got to Ethan, it stuck. Unfortunately, I have no memory of how I got to "Merit." Mallory was always Mallory, as were Lily and Scout.
S~ What else is going on in Chloe's world? Are you working on any other creative ideas?
I've got a couple of other series ideas in the works, but no time to write them! At the moment I'm focusing on writing two books a year.
S~ Wll you be going to see Eclipse when it comes out in theatres? If so, are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?
I probably won't (See movie discussion above). But I'm Team Jacob. :) [Yet another reason to like you ;) ]
S~ Has your writing ever taken you in a direction you weren't expecting? Do you have any hard and fast rules, or is it pretty much anything is possible?
It often takes me in a direction I wasn't expecting--and that's true of outlining as well as writing. The outline for the fourth Chicagoland Vampires book is completely different than its original incarnation, but I really love the direction its taking. The magic in HEXBOUND still awes me, as most of it just flowed out as I was writing the story.
S~ Any gossip you'd like to share with the group? *g*
Nothing that hasn't already been revealed on my Facebook page. ;) Thanks for having me today!
S ~ As always Chloe, it's awesome having you here :)
And to my wonderful visitors, stay tuned later this afternoon for your chance to win a copy of Twice Bitten, the 3rd book in Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampire series!
Authors in Motion: meeting Gena, Rachel, Carla, Susan & Emilie
I don't know about you, but I had an absolutely great weekend (and believe me, these are more rare than you'd think LOL). It started out Friday evening, where there was a picnic for the Network of Strength which supports breast cancer. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, and I won a prize - 2 tickets to the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry plus 2 tickets for the Omni-Max theatre. I love stuff like that. Now I just need to find someone to go with me :)
All the ladies were just lovely, very friendly and sweet. I got a book from each of them, though Rachel didn't have the first book in either of her two series, but I made do with the 2nd in her young adult series LOL. I hope those of you in the Chicagoland/Wisconsin/Indiana area got a chance to stop by and meet these fabulous authors. And who knows, after chatting with them, we might see some of them at the Lori Foster get-together in 2011!
After leaving the signing, I hit a few bookstores, then my night was topped off by a visit to the Cheesecake Factory with one of my good pals. She had to work on Saturday and we decided to go splurge on some excellent food.
I got my usual:
Chicken Madeira
Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake
Actually I went for the Red Velvet Cheesecake but I took it to go, and the presentation isn't quite as impressive when it's already boxed up.
Guest spotlight: my pal Liza from Blogging By Liza
I've known Liza online for awhile, and was very lucky to meet her in person around Memorial Day last year when she came to Chicago. I had fun hanging out with her, parading down Michigan Avenue and hitting Border's. Then eating at PF Chang's - YUM. Liza is really sweet and has read a ton of books. And I'm thrilled to have her visit this weekend :)
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
My name is Liza and I live in Nashville, TN. I’m currently single and waiting for my Mr. Right.
I would say I’m a reader first, and only in the past year become much better about blogging, which is helping me to be a better writer…I hope.
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
Yes. My blog is called Blogging by Liza (not very original, I know, but didn’t know much about blogs when I started). Here is the link http://lizasblog-liza.blogspot.com/.
I started my blog to keep up with all the books I read each year. I try to post about books as soon as I finish reading them, but usually have a finished stack before I post. Most of my entries are about books, but I started posting about my life a bit more in the last year, as well as TV, movies, and my TN Titans. So I guess I would say my blog is a bit of a hodge-podge of books, television, movies and my life.
Stacy: What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I’m currently reading Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen. I’m early into the story, but really like it so far and would totally recommend it. I’ve also just started reading KT Grant’s Lovestruck (ebook).
Stacy: What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Lie (06/29/10), Leslie Parrish’s Cold Sight (7/6/10), Ally Carter’s Only the Good Spy Young (06/29/10), and Carly Phillips’s Kiss Me If You Can (7/27/10) Also really excited about Larissa Ione’s Sin Undone (8/24/10), Silver James’s Faerie Fire (9/17/10), and Carolyn Crane’s Double Cross (9/28/10)
Stacy: What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
I’m totally in love with the Wicked soundtrack and all the music from the TV show Glee. I’ve also been listening to lots of country music lately. I especially love Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady A, Kenny Chesney, and Miranda Lambert.
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
I have many blogs I follow daily, but the ones listed below, along with twitter (mslizalou) and facebook are my guaranteed stops each day:
Stacy: What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
I’m completely addicted to Diet Mt. Dew. I’ll pretty much drink any diet soft drink with the exception of Diet Pepsi, which tastes like flat Diet Coke to me. If we are talking an adult beverage, I’m good with a nice glass of red wine or a light beer. My favorite beer (not light) is Blue Moon with an orange wedge.
My dad’s homemade pizza is probably my favorite food ever. If eating out, I am always happy with Mexican food, Italian food, sushi, or a cheeseburger.
I have lots of favorite tv shows (of course several ended last month). My must see shows each week are Castle, Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, The Biggest Loser(my one reality show vice), Grey’s Anatomy, Glee, NCIS, Cougar Town, The Mentalist, Chuck, Gossip Girl, Royal Pains, and Bones. I don’t get to watch all of them each week, so my DVR always has something ready for me to watch. Right now I have almost the entire final season of 24 waiting for me as well as the final episode of Lost waiting to be re-watched over and over again. Also need to catch up on True Blood On Demand-HBO.
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
Some of my favorite hotties right now are Gilles Marini, Joe Manganiello, Hugh Jackman, and Ryan Reynolds. All so very yummy!!!
Stacy: Favorite restaurant?
My favorite “chain-type” restaurant is Maggiano’s. I could probably eat there every week and never get tired of the food. My favorite local restaurants are all owned by my friends and located in downtown Franklin , TN. Red Pony is an upscale American-fare restaurant, Sol is an authentic Mexican restaurant, and 55 South is a Cajun restaurant, so I can pretty much eat anything I want at any given time.
Stacy: What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?
Currently single, so no romantic gestures coming my way right now. I think helping to take care of the everyday stuff is the most romantic, not that a fancy dinner out isn't wonderful too. ;)
Stacy: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m extremely shy when I first meet people for the first time in person. Going to RWA in July is going to make me step outside my comfort zone in a big way. However, I have no problems talking to perfect strangers in bookstores to offer up books to read or get reading suggestions.
Thanks for asking me to be a part of your guest blogger series. Liza
Thanx Liza! It's been such a pleasure having you here, and between you and another Tweep, thank you for the heads up on Joe Manganiello ;) I wish I was going to RWA this year :( But next year I hope to see you again!
Five Bestselling Authors Take Over Your Favorite Retailers This June! Harlequin presents the 2010 Authors In Motion book signing tour
Chicago, IL (May, 2010) – This June, Harlequin is giving its readers a unique chance to get up close and personal with five of their favorite writers – all at once!
From June 25th to June 27th, retailers Walmart, Kmart, Meijer and Shopko are opening their doors to the Authors in Motion tour, stopping at stores between Chicago and Milwaukee. A group of New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors are visiting eight locations over one weekend to meet fans and share their latest books.
Included on the tour are bestselling authors:
• Carla Neggers, author of more than 50 gripping novels including The Mist.
• Susan Mallery, has written more than 90 romances including Chasing Perfect.
• Rachel Vincent, has a bestselling YA series about banshees, including My Soul To Take.
• Gena Showalter, is a master of paranormal romance, including The Darkest Whisper.
• Emilie Richards, bestselling author of women’s fiction including Happiness Key.
“Harlequin is excited to bring such a popular group of authors out on tour together”, says Katherine Orr, VP of Public Relations at Harlequin. “These talented women have legions of fans in their particular genres, and this tour format will give a great opportunity for readers to not only meet their favorite writers, but also to discover new ones”.
These authors have thousands of readers between them, and have each made national best-seller lists multiple times. They are some of the hardest working names in the business, and the only thing they enjoy more than writing…is meeting their fans!
Event Locations: Friday, June 25th: 10am-12pm Meijer Highland, IN 10138 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322
2pm-4pm Kmart Tinley Park, IL 16300 Harlem Tinley Park, IL 60477
6pm-8pm Walmart Joliet, IL 2424 W. Jefferson St, Joliet, IL, 60436 Saturday, June 26th: 10am-12pm Kmart Naperville, IL 1199 E. Ogden Ave Naperville, IL 60563
2pm-4pm Kmart Bloomingdale, IL 156 South Gary Ave Bloomingdale, IL 60108
6pm-8pm Walmart Gurnee, IL 6590 Grand Ave Gurnee, IL 60031
Sunday, June 27th: 10am-12pm Kmart Racine, WI 2211 South Green Bay Racine, WI 53406
2pm-4pm Kmart Brookfield, WI 18200 W. Bluemound Rd Brookfield, WI 53045
Trueblood vampires. Those set apart from common’s by right of blood. Graced with extraordinary abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition - they are the most powerful and feared among their kind. The secret lies within, a legacy evolving from the truest form of magic, and their living bloodlines are the key.
An average morning is what Emma Johnson envisions when she visits Joe’s Café for a steaming cup of coffee. But the world isn't the place she imagined it to be, and neither is she…
After Emma is rescued from a horde of bloodthirsty creatures, she discovers she is the daughter of a powerful Vampire from the House Deviard, her rescuer, Caleb, having been sent to see her safely home. For Caleb is also unique, a werewolf procured to protect the royal Vampiric bloodlines from harm - but nothing more.
Soon, the undeniable connection Emma and Caleb share evolves beyond attraction into something unexpected. When she is forced to make a choice, what path will she take - vampire or wolf?
Well, here we go. This is the "in"famous Lime, in all her glory. No introduction necessary really, other than to say she totally cracks me up. For those of you wondering, yes I have met her in person, and yes, she is this green. But it looks good on her.
Stacy: Thank you for agreeing to be a victim, er, guest on my blog :)
VICTIM?!?!? I don't think I like this! Anyway, hello Stacy and Star Blazer Friends!
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
My name is Limecello. I'm super random and over think everything.
For the name... :) I decided on it because I love citrus, and I love vodka. Well, it makes a good story, right? Anyway, I'm a reader, and a blogger. First of all, Limecello is not my real name. Although I will answer to it, or Lime. I seem unable to escape nicknames where ever I go. I'm decently educated, but am currently job searching... so ... keep me in mind if you know anyone is looking, please. :P Anyway, I've been in school way too long, so my academic background is the biggest "part of me." I've got degrees in Political Science, Chinese, and... Law. I'm not an aspiring author or anything, and if I wanted to be one... I'd probably have to wait something like 30 years for people I've made angry with my reviews to retire etc. :X
Soo... how did I actually choose this name? I wanted something unique, and I do like citrus, sugar, and vodka. I like Italian food, and then Roman/Classical history and all... I was going for Limoncello, but that blog was taken, so I had to adapt. It's ok. I like limes more anyway. So, there's my story. Nobody recognizes me when I put names on my badge anyway. And, yes, I know limoncello is the real Italian but ... there's no way to do that with Lime. And there's no Latin for lime... (Yes I did think about it. A lot.)
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
Do I have a blog? Well, yes. I have a few. I have one on blogger even, but I don't use that much. Really, I consider "my blog" to be my twitter account. Otherwise for a real blog, I'd consider that to be a review blog I'm part of - The Good, The Bad, [and] The Unread. It's owned by Sybil, who also uses/used the name "redwyne." She's fantastic. She also loves to be mean to me. (N.B. Only Sybil gets to be mean to me. But that's also because she can dish it as well as take it. And provides books.) As for how I'd describe it? Well, mostly it's a review blog. It's also a place for ranting and randomness, which is why I love it so. We're a pretty diverse group of reviewers, and we all like different things. (Although of course there is some overlapping taste. That makes everything more interesting.) I also ... am/was watching Law Abiding Citizen, and got really, really distracted. How would I describe it? Well actually, one of the authors from somewhere some time described it best. (Ah - it was Karen Templeton):
“TGTBTU always reminds me a bit of the first floor of Macy’s (the NY flagship store) at Christmas - crowded and crazy and buzzing with energy and good vibes - but dang, these people love them their books.”
I love the honesty of the blog, and that reading is tantamount. We have no agenda, and you're freely able to disagree with others and reviewers there without repercussions. No name calling. (Or if there is, it's the duckies making fun of each other.) I'm actually still not quite sure how I became a duckie, but have been one for 2+ years now? O_o [Interesting post by Lime here]
Stacy: What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Ummm... I've been in a horrible, awful, terrible, no good very bad reading slump :(
Anything I've read recently has been ok though - a few new Silhouette Desires... generally by authors I review... And a few random ebooks. Maybe if I answer this question on a different day... [Still nothing a few days later, sadly.]
Stacy: What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
I would say Love in the Afternoon but I've got Married by Morning and I haven't even read it yet... but yeah - I'll go with LitA because it's cool shortened, and I love Lisa Kleypas, and Sybil said it's awesome.
Oh and Erin McCarthy's upcoming NASCAR books. I don't even like NASCAR! (No really. I truly don't. But I really enjoy her books. Wild, right?) I'm excited about HelenKay Dimon's new book - yay nontraditional hero! And erm, more of Lauren Dane's Seattle books. Well, the guy's stories. I'm really against never ending open ended series. Oh and Hawke's book by Nalini Singh, but that's not really soon to be released... ok so ignore everything I said except for LitA. Hey, I never said brevity was one of my gifts.
Stacy: What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
My entire music library gets played on shuffle if/when I listen to it, so... that would be nothing. Or, a list of 800+ songs. And I'm not writing that down. :)
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
BUBBLESPINNER. Hulu. Twitter! Swagbucks. Food 52. The NYT. A few others. Yeah um actually I don't really do that much online. Or, I spend my time doing all the same thing. Run down? Bubble spinner is amazingly awesome and the spawn of the devil. Stay away. It was really hard when I started and I couldn't figure it out, but now I get to level 20, but still can't quit. Hulu for TV watching, since I can't read these days. Twitter is self explanatory. Swagbucks, more for searches. It's how I can feed my book habit while being poor. You get points just for being online, and I've made ~$350 in 16 months, basically for doing nothing. I can't complain. Food 52 gave me the best recipe for sugar cookies ever. It's also nice to drool over some of the awesome stuff I won't make, and I bond with my sister over the crossword puzzles. (We do them online.) NYT is also self explanatory - I mean even a flaky girl like me has to stay somewhat in the know.
Stacy: What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
Beverages - I like adult beverages and trying new things. Recently the blue hawaii was butchered so I'll say... blue motorcycle. Or... my own drink inventions. Dark rum, passion fruit juice, ginger ale, seltzer, and a splash of lime juice. Delicious. Or a boozy fruit smoothie. Or something I haven't had yet. I always like to try new drinks and am open to suggestions. I like the fruity sweet ones though. In fact if the bartender seems competent, I often say "make me something good."
TV show... well. I love Iron Chef. I also watch/like Bones, Burn Notice, White Collar, Justified, Human Target, So You Think You Can Dance, Giada at Home... Simply Ming, and Avec Eric.
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
You know, a few years ago I'd say Raoul Bova. But.. now? No. How about... Andy Whitfield. Matthew Bomer. A number of the guys playing for the World Cup *fans self*
Heh. I'm blanking, but I feel like I should mention at least one more super hot guy by name. Takeshi Kaneshiro - for the international love. Also because he can speak so many languages, jerk. Anyway, also as a nod to fashion - he is/was Armani's face for one of their fall lines - the first time an Asian male fronted an international campaign. Yup, he's that hot. (To get the full effect you have to watch Returner where he's wearing that awesome leather duster. Friends made me watch it in college, and... well I should thank them.)
And Andy Whitfield - well if you saw Spartacus: Blood and Sand you' know why. If not, go google some pictures of him. No it's ok. I'll wait. And Matthew Bomer... he's just so charming and suave in White Collar. And he's also gorgeous. I'd take him. Oh, and I can't forget to mention Henry Cavill. No explanation necessary. Srsly.
Stacy: Favorite restaurant?
Oh... this one is tough. I'd say... Lola in Cleveland - it's Michael Symon's restaurant. It's absolutely fantastic. Everything about it. Otherwise, Harvest, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The chef is Mary Dumont - who I "discovered" watching Iron Chef. And yup. I totally went to Boston just to eat her food. (Kidding. Though for some of the chefs I might.) I'm about to hit the Greenhouse Tavern and am very excited. (Also in Cleveland.) Another one is Corduroy in DC - the chef is Tom Power. I know less about him, but his food is great. Fair warning - they enforce a dress code. Yes there's a story. Oh well.
As you can see, I like doing things in threes. Anyway, thanks for inviting me to play on your blog today, Stacy! And thank you everyone else for actually reading my babble! Whee! :D
Well I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering LOL. That Lime, she's a whirlwind, and an entertaining one at that. Thank you Lime, it's been a fun ride. But I suppose I should be nice to you, since it's your birthday soon..... :p
This is just a reminder that some great books are released everyday - these two in particular will be out July 6th - and we want our favorite writers to keep writing more books! So please let's all do our part to make them count!
Due to some fan inquiries, here is a quote from Chloe from her Chicagoland Vampire Yahoo Group: "So, after doing some (probably unreliable) internet research, there are lots of different answers on the pre-order thing. Based solely on the anecdotal evidence, it appears that preorders CAN be counted toward the NY Times list but only if the SHIP during release week.
Thus, if you've already ordered from BN, no worries. If you can hold out a little longer, reserve it in the store, and buy it in the store on July 6, that's even better."
Please welcome one of my international pals and favorite tweets, Susi Sunshine! We tend to like a lot of the same books, and she clued me in about some of the dirty in the "Sweet" stories by Maya Banks ;) She was among the first group of new people I remember tweeting with, and cannot imagine Twitter without her. And today I learned quite a few interesting things about her. Here, I'll let her tell you....
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
I'm Susi, okay actually I'm Susann but only my mom calls me that way when I was a really bad girl. I live with my boyfriend and my cat in Magdeburg Germany. I'm a smalltown girl who moved into the "big city" *snort* after finishing highschool. I'm also an avid reader: I was as a child, made a break while being in puberty and started to read again when I met BF. He's also the one who made me read in English. It all started with us realizing that our knowledge of the English classics was very limited, so we started to read Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde just so we can say we read them. After a few books I realized that perhaps I needed a pleasure read from time to time too so I just ordered Twilight and I was caught. I couldn't stop after these books.I spent most of my time reading, blogging or on twitter and try to get the real live done in the times in between.
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
Yes I have. The Geeky Bookworm was born a year ago when I just couldn't hold the love I felt for the books back any longer. It's my small place in the world wide web and I try to keep it just like that. I like to review the books I loved and I'm keeping track of the books I read there. I also love to talk about that geeky things I love in my life, be it a lovely USB gadget or a hunky science fiction guy. From time to time some guest authors come over but I mostly only do that when I can find the time beside the university and work. I also started blogging on Book Lovers Inc this year in January. We are a group of 12 book bloggers at the moment and we try to talk about as many book as we can. =) We thought it would be a great idea to get the Book Lovers of all genres together and I would have never thought that it would work so quickly. We are still small but a growing community but we have some great guest authors from time to time and giveaways to feed the addiction of our readers. [2 awesome blogs!]
Stacy: What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I'm reading Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian at the moment. I really like it so far. It's book 7 in her Midnight Breed series and her books are getting better and better. I just learned yesterday that this book hit the German Spiegel bestseller list on place 3 on the release day so you see we Germans love her books. I recommend her series to all the vampire lovers out there.
Stacy: What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
So we have Hot Finish (Fast Track #3) by Erin McCarthy. I so can't wait to read this book. [Yes, me too!] I loved the first 2 books and Suzanne was hilarious so far so I think her book will be a blast. And I can't wait to get my hands on Alpha (Shifter #6) by Rachel Vincent. This series has me so hooked and it's the last book so I hope Mrs. Vincent made all the right decisions. LOL, just kidding.
Stacy: What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
Oh that one is easy: I can't get enough of Peter Fox at the moment. He's a German HipHopper and I love his album Stadtaffe at the moment. My favorite song at the moment on this one is Alles Neu (Everything New) - wonderful song with a great message. Also I'm an addict to Beatsteaks and there albums Smacksmash and Limbo Messiah are always on my mp3 Player. They are German too but their lyrics are English so be sure to check them out. ;)
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
Amazon, Twitter, YouTube, GoodReads and book blogs. For the last one it's hard to choose a favorite. I think it depends on what I read at the moment and how much spare time I have. There are some blogs on my nicely called No. 1 blogger list in google reader those I visit every chance I get what unfortunately is not that often at the moment. But I still love them all even if I don't have the time to leave a comment at every visit.
Stacy: What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
Okay I'm a coffee addict of the worst case. I can't live without it. My best friends always ask if I already had coffee first thing when she calls me in the morning and she knows why. ;) Favorite food is mashed potatoes with fried eggs sunny side up. Yes, I'm easy that way. LOL Favorite TV show EVER is Star Trek Next Generation but at the moment I'm addicted to Two and a Half Men.
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
I'm all for Obi Wan Kenobi also known as Ewan McGregor. *dreams*
Stacy: Favorite restaurant?
We have a wonderful greek restaurant in my hometown Staßfurt called Athos II. I love it there. Owned by a very nice family and their dishes are just perfect. I don't have any pics here and it is in a very small town so no website. Sorry about that.
Stacy: What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?
I love when he does the small things like writing a txt that he misses me or making me surprise dinner when I get home late from work. He can be such a sweetheart when he wants to but most of the time he is just the smartass I love.
Stacy: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Okay the online people would be surprised to learn that I'm 1,82m (that should be 6 feet I think) and no I'm not kidding and not many women here are that tall. Most real people are surprised that I'm vegetarian.
Guy Ritchie returns to form with this cockney crime caper starring Gerard Butler and Tom Wilkinson.
Lenny Cole (Wilkinson) is a bungling London crime boss who calls the shots in London's underworld. We learn all about Lenny from Archie (Mark Strong)--his second in command--who serves as the film's sly narrator. When a wealthy Russian property dealer by the name of Uri (Karel Roden) looks to Lenny for help on a major new deal, Lenny is eager to assist (for a very large fee, of course). Uri agrees to pay, and as a show of faith, he insists that Lenny borrow his "lucky painting." Uri then asks his accountant, Stella (Thandie Newton), to transfer the money to Lenny, but things quickly go awry when two crooks known as Mumbles (Idris Elba) and One Two (Butler) intercept the money before it reaches him.
To make matters worse, the lucky painting has mysteriously been stolen, and the number one suspect is a crack-addicted pop star, Johnny Quid, who is presumed dead.
Violent hijinks ensue as Lenny desperately tries to locate the painting, Uri calls in some sadistic thugs to recover his money, and Johnny Quid suddenly resurfaces. Men are battered with golf clubs, fed to crawfish, and attacked with machetes, and a surprise twist ending neatly ties up the whole bloody mess. Fans of Ritchie will likely be very pleased to see him return to his SNATCH-style of filmmaking. ROCKNROLLA has the same frenetic, humorous edge as the film that made him famous, though critics might complain that this particular style is starting to look a little dusty. Regardless, ROCKNROLLA features many fine performances, and once you get past the rather slow beginning, it kicks off into an entertaining and amusing romp.
This is a Total Guy Movie. Don't get me wrong. You've got both Gerard Butler & Idris Elba who are very pretty to look at, but overall, everything is geared for the guys. And the cherry on top is the sexy, haughty Thandie Newton to drive the men crazy, but she's not your typical obvious skank. She's classy. Spoiled. Bitchy. And very, very cold. I wanted to be her. Until she sucked the hollandaise sauce off her finger. Eww.
Being a British film, I wasn't quite as sucked into the action like I was when I watched the Ocean 11 movies, which this one reminded me of, and which has obvious American humor. I admit it, I liked these movies better. But there was humor to be found here, too, mostly notably when One Two (my Gerard) receives some unwanted affection from an unlikely source. Hil-ar-i-ous. Funny.
You've also got one of my favorites in here, Jeremy Piven, but him and Ludacris don't really add much to this movie. In fact I was rather disappointed in how little they were utilized. Ludacris just didn't not fit here. He's done better. There are also like 20 different actors and it's dizzying trying to keep them all straight, especially when I'm not familiar with who any of them are. Another reason I like American films with overused actors.
The movie ends with it evident there is to be a sequel. Whether that's happening or not is anyone's guess. I have no clue and can't really be arsed to check.
Anyway, it's mindless entertainment, kinda fun, a bit campy. I probably would see the next movie, provided Gerard and Idris will be in it. I like them ;)
Yikes, I almost forgot about my contest! I'm so into the guest bloggers that I'm neglecting other areas of my blog. However it's been less than 24 hours, so I guess that's pretty standard for me.
The winner of the 1st 3 books in Joss Ware's Awakening Heroes series is....
LISA R!
Congrats! Lisa I see you left your email addy, so I'm going to email you :) I hope you enjoy the books.
If I don't hear from you by Monday, June 28th, another winner will be chosen. Thank you all for playing. Stay tuned for future contests - I have some fun ones coming up :)
5. Lisa R. 18. Sandy H. 4. Julie 11. Diana (book of secrets) 15. throuthehaze 22. Andrea 16. Mitzi H. 20. donnas 13. Dottie (Tink's place) 9. skyla11377 7. Leontine 21. s7anna 1. Cassandra Crouser 23. Dr. J. 2. Blodeuedd 14. ErotRomReader (Janna) 19. Sotheara 24. tori aka ggs_closet 10. Lady Graeye 6. Scorpio M. 17. Robin K. 3. flchen1 26. 25. mbreakfield 12. maered 8. joder
Most of you all already know Katiebabs, from Babbling About Books, who's made the rounds around . But now she's also a published author. Woo hoo! Kate is definitely one of my favorite people and bloggers, and I'm thrilled for all the good things happening for her right now. To top it all off, it's her birthday, so give her a shout-out here,or at Twitter: www.twitter.com/katiebabs
Heeeeeere's KATE!
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
I go by many names, but the majority of people on-line know me as Katiebabs aka KB. In the real world I'm known better as Kate. I'm a redhead, who's a little eccentric and reside in northern New Jersey, about 30 minutes outside of Manhattan. My background is as a pop culture junkie who lives and breathes reading and writing.
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
My blog, Babblings about Books and More! Has been live since September 2008 and you can find it at http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/. Babblings is a place where you can kick off your shoes, relax, and chat about whatever is on your mind. But more often than not, it's a place to talk about books.
Stacy:What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I've started reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett based on all the raves reviews. My next few reads will be a few much anticipated YA novels that I hope deliver.
Stacy:What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
I have two most anticipated books that I'm yearning for. Blameless, the third book in Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series that will be released on September 1st and Carolyn Crane's sequel to Mind Games, called Double Cross that comes out on September 28th.
Stacy:What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
I can't get enough of Lady Gaga! All I listen to is Telephone and Just Dance. I think I have a bad girl crush on her. [See below for some Gaga of a sort :) ]
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
I'm a total Perez Hilton junkie. I visit his site three times a day. But if we are talking blogs, my top five to visit are The Book Smugglers, Lurve Ala Mode, Kris 'n' Good Books, Smexy Books, Smokin' Hot Books and of course yours! [Well that goes without saying LOL. J/K. Thank you Kate *g*]
Stacy:What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
I'm a coffee and pretzel addict to the extreme. Right now my three must watch shows are Burnt Notice on USA, Dexter on Showtime and Mad Men on AMC.
Stacy:Which hottie out there is to die for?
It's a toss up between Ryan Reynolds and Richard Armitage. Hugh Jackman as a backup just in case.
Stacy:Favorite restaurant?
Cheesecake Factory or PF Changs. You leave full and satisfied in ways no other restaurant can. [Love both these places too. Another reason we get along so well].
Stacy:What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?
Knowing how I take my coffee and going out of his way to buy me a cup even if I didn't ask. But if he wants to make me dinner, I'm all for that.
Stacy:What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I can read palms and am usually very accurate when I give a reading.
Well I have to admit I'm quite pleased with how the guest interviews are going, and I'm having quite a bit of fun putting them together. Upcoming posts you can expect will include Katiebabs, Susi Sunshine, Liza, Limecello, and Sagi, with more on the way. I might change up the questions a bit, nothing too major, but just to keep it fresh. I hope you all are enjoying it as much as I am. I love getting to know everyone even more. Even though some people might be more open than others, I think I'm still learning new things about everyone.
Nothing major going on this weekend. I plan to have a Mercy Thompson reading marathon, having just gotten the first 4 books in the series. Really looking forward to that. Updated to add: some darling friend on Twitter sent me the ARC for Chloe Neill's Twice Bitten! So plans have changed. I'm gonna sink my teeth into some vampires ;) Oh, and Gerard Butler. Have at least 2 of his movies to watch this weekend. Not a bad way to pass the time.
Here is the final collection of pennies. So far the total hasn't been tallied (I just took this picture) but hopefully next week we will find out. These are pretty big jars, and they're very heavy, so I hope the $$ count is fairly high. Thank you again to those of you who sent me pennies. Y'all gonna make me cry for being so sweet.
That's about it for now. Tonight me and my coworkers are going to go and ruin the week-long healthy eating marathon we've been on, and I sooo cannot wait *g*
Today I have CEE, another one of my online pals, visiting today. I've known Cee for quite some time, probably since around the time I first started my blog back in 2006. We both have a deep and abiding love for Sam Starrett and our iPhones *g* Cee loves to bake and I love seeing pictures of her creations, and she goes on some pretty nifty vacations which make me very jealous, but I still like her LOL.
Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
I'm C Squared - since my initials are CC - and I'm a reader/blogger. I'll leave the writing to others, thanks. :)
Stacy: Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
I do have a sadly neglected blog - C Squared's All-around Blog (http://csquareds-blog.blogspot.com/) - most of my posts are about traveling, gadgets, the occasional bit about TV shows or movies, and there's a little bit about books, too. You might find more book stuff by me (and the other Duckies) over at The Good, The Bad and the Unread (http://goodbadandunread.com/) - when I review, that's where the reviews go.
Stacy: What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I just started reading Gena Showalter's The Darkest Passion and I'm enjoying it so far. I like the Lords of the Underworld series...what's better than a tortured hero? And I would consider housing a demon pretty much torture.
Stacy: What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
Hmm...it isn't being released soon enough but I have to say Karen Marie Moning's ShadowFever is at the top of my "I want it right now!" list. December is toooooooooo far away. :-D Some things that are coming soon that I'm also looking forward to are Jennifer Ashley's Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage and Erin McCarthy's Hot Finish. [All excellent choices.]
Stacy: What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
GLEE soundtracks seem to be coming up pretty regularly. And something a bit more obscure that I highly recommend is Appalachian Journey. It's hard to describe but it's a cross between classical, bluegrass, chamber music and Americana - as put together by Yo-yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O'Connor with some help from James Taylor and Alison Krauss.
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
My usual stops are at the Book Binge, Kristie J's Ramblings on Romance, TGTBTU (of course), Ames' Thrifty Reader, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, and Dear Author. And your blog, of course *bats lashes*. :-D [Flatterer! LOL. You really don't have to say that, I'll still like you :D ]
Stacy: What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
Favorite food: peanut butter Favorite TV show: during the summer, So You Think You Can Dance; during the regular season, I like Chuck, Fringe, Castle and a few other things.
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
Did I mention I really like Castle? And a lot of the reason is Nathan Fillion. But just hotness for its own sake - Jensen Ackles. Yowza! And did I read he got married recently? :*( [Yes. *sob*]
Stacy: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Well, it might not be a surprise but I'm a big ol' geek. I love me some gadgets and can talk Apple stuff for ages with like-minded folk. LOL Never let Mac people start talking when there is something new coming out. Just sayin'. LOL
Thank you for stopping by Cee, it's been fun! So, I forgot to ask: what vacation spot is next on your agenda?
Spoilers - Why I both loved and hated Cold Sight by Leslie Parrish (2010)
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…
I was completely enamored of Leslie Parrish's Black CAT series, as most of you probably noticed. So when I got the opportunity to review the first book in a new series, I jumped at the chance. I received an ARC for it, and readily agreed to review this story. No problem. I loved Leslie's romantic suspense, and figured the slight paranormal element would be icing on an already luscious cake. Little did I know that sometimes it's not always good to have too much cake.
Aidan McConnell moved away from the snubs and cruel accusations of Savannah, Georgia, after his last investigation went tragically wrong and an innocent child died for it. Now he spends his time keeping to himself and not letting anyone close. But even moving away from the big city didn't mean he was away from it completely. Turns out the small, friendly neighborhood that he believed was so safe is harboring some ugly secrets.
Teenage girls have been going missing, and reporter Lexie Nolan was tired of seeing nothing being done. Though she herself had been badly burned for her previous investigation, something inside her isn't willing to let this go. She believes there's something more sinister at work, and with the reluctant help of Aidan, she's determined to find out just what that could be.
For the most part the local sheriff is not interested enough to worry about who he believes to be good-for-nothing kids from the other side of the tracks who are mostly just runaways trying to escape their miserable lives. It isn't until a well-liked student from the wrong side of the tracks who attends school on the right side of the tracks turns up missing that people start to pay attention....
As I made mention earlier, I was completely blown away by Leslie Parrish's Black CAT series, and felt that they were some of the best romantic suspense storylines I'd ever read. Granted, I don't read a ton of rom sus, but I know what I like, and Leslie's books were it.
And up to a certain point, I was really enjoying this first book in Leslie's new series. Spotlighted as more of a paranormal romantic suspense, it was nevertheless more suspenseful, with the paranormal element being more of the ESP, empathic variety. (Definition: there are no vampires or witches here). These were characters with slightly heightened senses, people you would probably find out in the real world.
So I was happily going along, enjoying the banter and obvious attraction between Aidan and Lexi, and hoping that they would soon give into the simmering sexual tension between them. In that I was not disappointed. I was also getting anxious for the poor kidnapped teen Vonnie everyone is searching for because seeing through her eyes what she was experiencing while held captive was cruel and scary, yet I so admired her strength and will to live. She was not a silly girl, and thought she was terrified beyond belief, her desire to survive her ordeal was overwhelming. Even when she believed she was going to die, she just wasn't ready to accept it, not really.
There was a lot going on in this book. In addition to the growing feelings between Aidan and Lexie, we have Aidan's former colleagues visiting to check out just what's really going on in this small, supposedly serene little town; the townspeople anxious to put a lid on any investigation that might paint them in a bad light; and school kids from both sides of the tracks who know Vonnie and unite to show the adults of their town that they aren't willing to be silent. Some of these kids know something's not right, and they intend to stand up for their friend.
One distasteful element about this story centered around the affluent businessmen of this small town called Granville. It turns out there were quite a few - 10 to perhaps 20 at a time - who would "kidnap" young girls from the wrong side of the tracks and use them brutally as their carnal entertainment. Fortunately we don't have to "see" it happen, but it's alluded to several times, and I can't help thinking that deviance like this happens much more frequently than we care to think about. I can easily see these men feeling entitled to act out their most base and animalistic lust on helpless, innocent young women. Just goes to show you that the more civilized people claim to be, they can be equally as uncivilized. It was creepy and disturbing to think about.
So I'm all caught up in the story, enjoying it most thoroughly, when it happened. I was probably about 3/4 or 5/6 of the way through the book where a tragic event took place that completely...devastated me. So much so that I had to toss the book aside and bawl my eyes out. I was a total wreck. I couldn't pick it up again for 2 days.
I immediately texted Leslie to ask why she did "it". I feel bad about my reaction, but it was real, and it was how I felt. I was so angry. Even now, though a part of me completely understands where she was coming from, there's a large part of me that hates it. I've written this review in my head several times, and each time, I recall the rage and loss and and sense of helplessness I felt when I first read it. I know Leslie is proud of producing such a reaction from me, because what writer wouldn't want to affect their readers so strongly, and I get that from her point of view as a writer. And I've said time and again how much I love an emotional read. But at the same time, I NEVER want to experience that feeling from a romance book again. EVER. In fact I believe that if I had known about the awful event prior to reading it, I really think I would have asked not to read it. Not because I don't love her work, but because there are lines I don't want to cross in a romance novel lacking TRUE paranormal elements. Maybe when I'm older, more cynical, whatever. But for now, I don't want to be reminded what it's like to have my heart ripped out so thoroughly.
Now let me explain a little more clearly. Because despite the seemingly "paranormal" elements to this story, it was not a paranormal, and the events that happened were permanent. If I had been reading Stephen King, then yes, anything goes. If I had been reading a Hunter book by Shiloh Walker, than definitely, bring it on. I know it could get brutal and ugly and I'm mentally much more prepared for that. What I cannot be prepared for is something so tragic and brutal to happen in a traditional romance novel - even one with suspenseful elements - where it can't be taken back. I remember reader reaction when Karin Slaughter killed off a main character in one of her books, and the devastated fan reaction. I totally understand that much better now, because I felt...betrayed. Even though the character that dies in this book is a minor character, and we don't see a whole lot of her, I remember becoming so attached to her and her family, and sympathizing to what they've already been through with the mother having breast cancer, then to have this ugly thing happen to rip their world completely apart. I'll be honest. I was enraged. There's no other way to say this. And I'll admit, a part of me even despised Leslie a bit for doing it. Probably always will. Rationally I know that in real life horrific events happen to good people, and there is no reprieve, no taking it back. They must suffer through the agony of losing a loved one that didn't deserve to die, especially in not so brutal a fashion.
Eventually I did finish the book, but it was with a very heavy heart. Despite the various reassurances received from others who'd read the story, I just could not reconcile what had already happened to the way the story ended, because no matter how "paranormal" this story was reported to be, it wasn't enough that it could offer the closure I needed to come to terms with the loss. The happy ending ended up being somewhat less than happy for me. In the epilogue, there's mention that the family was surviving. Hopeful, yet I didn't believe it. It was way too soon. (Geez even thinking on it now brings tears to my eyes).
Now I know most others will not have the same issue I did, and believe me I get teased for my drama queen rants LOL. But really, that's okay. I can't deal. I can't help how I feel. Maybe I'm overreacting because in the end it's just a story, but to me, the way it happened, the immediately way I connected to some of these minor characters, the death of one of them just triggered such a viseral, raw response that I cannot pretend I didn't loathe it with every fiber of my being. Because I did. And if that makes me a weirdo, so be it. I can only be honest about how I feel about a book, and can't always pretend to like something if I truly don't.
Unfortunately I cannot rate this book a 5 because of the negative reaction I had to this one scene that impact the entire story for me. However I do strongly encourage others to read this book, because Leslie writes incredible romantic suspense and keeps you glued to the pages, but be sure to keep the Kleenex box next to you because if you're like me, you're gonna need it very badly.
And to Leslie, if you happen to ever read this, please don't think I'm insulting you or hating on you, because I'm truly not! I still adore you like mad, I just can't handle this particular kind of truth. And
Welcome to my world :) Today's spotlight feature is something new, something I think is a lot of fun: the opportunity to "get to know" some of our friends out there in blogland a little bit more. You get to spend a few minutes finding out some interesting things you might not already know about my special guests and fellow friends.
When I came up with the idea, and asked for volunteers, I never thought I'd get many responses. But all these wonderful people came through for me - they must love talking about themselves as much as I do LOL. And I'm completely thrilled about it. I can't wait to post each guest spotlight. And please, if you haven't been contacted yet, believe me, I'm working on it. You will all get your chance :) I want you all to be included.
So without further adieu, let's get started. Take it away Marg!
Stacy:Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?
My name is Marg, and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I am a reader, and have been since I was a young child, and have been blogging for over 4 and a half years. I am single mum who works full time, so reading and blogging is what I do in my ‘me’ time.
Stacy:Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?
I actually am part of a couple of different blogs. As well as my own blog at Adventures of an Intrepid Reader , I am also part of Historical Tapestry which is a blog that focuses on historical fiction, and just recently I just started the Australian Book Blogger Directory. There are a few different aims with that project. The first is to connect Australian bloggers who might have similar tastes in reading, or similar locations. The second aim is to facilitate blogger meetups, maybe with a view to having a national meet up at some point in the future, and the third is to try and connect with Australian publishers.
At my blog you will find a lot of conversation about books, and reading. I tend to read across a variety of genres so you could find talk about romance, historical fiction, YA, fantasy, reading challenges – a bit of everything really. I tend to have moved away from straight reviews, although I do still have some of those. I co-host the weekly meme, Library Loot, which “encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library”. I also have also cohosted the Virtual Advent Tour for the last four years where people share their holiday traditions with others. That’s become a part of my holiday tradition and usually kicks off on 1 December each year!
Phew! I need to have a lay down just looking at all that! [You are one BUSY woman!]
Stacy:What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
At the moment I am reading For the King by Catherine Delors which is about the investigation into an assassination attempt on Napoleon, and also The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley. The latter is an author I discovered last year, and I just love her books. Within reading the first two pages of the first book I read by her, which was The Winter Sea (also published as Sophia’s Secret), I knew I would love her writing, and I haven’t been disappointed yet! This one is a timeslip novel about an archeologist who goes to Scotland to try to find a lost Roman legion and once again I find myself immersed in the world that Kearsley has created.
Stacy:What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?
At this stage, I would say it is probably Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins which is due out in October. It’s YA dystopia and I can’t wait to read it and see what happens! I am also looking forward to Faithful Place by Tana French (she writes gritty mysteries set in Dublin) and the next Lisa Kleypas novel Love in the Afternoon (despite the fact that I still haven’t read Married by Morning yet).
Stacy:What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?
At the moment there is a lot of Powderfinger. They came to prominence in Australia in the late 1990s when I lived in the UK, and I never really got the attraction until I recently started listening to them and thought wow, they are good! Of course, I figured that out just as they announced they were breaking up!
The other albums I listened to a lot recently have been Keith Urban (http://www.keithurban.net/) – just love his music. He is one of the few artists I will go and buy the album straight away without waiting for a couple of singles first. [LOVE Keith Urban!]
My most recent obsession is English band Mumford and Sons . I have been listening to their album, Sigh no More, for about six months now and it still feels fresh.
Stacy: What are your favorite places to visit online?
I would be lying to myself if I didn’t say Twitter! (http://twitter.com/MargReads) I resisted joining for so long because I was worried about adding another time suck into my computer time, but I really love it! Lots of good conversations, and getting to know other bloggers better has been awesome.
I also enjoy spending time at Historical Fiction Online although I have been neglecting it for a while now). This is a forum for historical fiction lovers and has a great mix of readers and authors.
Stacy:What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?
If you want to find your way into my heart then cheesecake or cupcakes are probably the way to go!
Stacy: Which hottie out there is to die for?
Now that’s an easy one! The one, and only, Richard Armitage! I have been obsessing over him for a couple of years now, and I don’t see that abating any time soon! For a little while there I was so obsessed that I only would watch Richard Armitage DVDs on my DVD player, and it broke when I finally tried to play something else. Many of my friends knew of my not so secret obsession, to the point that one of them made this picture for me for Valentine’s Day a couple of years ago. I actually don’t think I have posted this before even on my blog (so you have an exclusive!)
Stacy: Favorite restaurant?
That one where I am with Richard, which I presume is in some small English village somewhere. When I am not living in dream land, I really love seafood, so give me some prawns, or some fish, and I am one happy girl.
Stacy: What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?
I haven’t had a sweetie for a very long time now, so right now, just coming home to someone at night and getting a hug, or holding hands sound romantic right about now.
Stacy: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Once upon a time I was quite adventurous. I loved the thrill rides at theme parks, went bungee jumping and white water rafting in New Zealand, and traveled around Europe by myself, before settling in the UK for five years.
These days I am much more boring and sensible and do things like pay the mortgage and constantly hand out money for my son so I have to do my traveling armchair style, and live vicariously through others.
One of the legacies of living in the UK is an appreciation for soccer, so I got up at 4.30am during the World Cup to watch Australia play. We won’t talk about the results though!
Thanks for inviting me to do this Stacy. Now, I think I will go and watch something with RA in it!
Thank YOU, Marg! It's been a real pleasure. And I'm glad I got to know a bit more about you too :) And yes, I think we all should go watch something with Richard Armitage in it ;)
What can I say, Sagi is one of those people you "meet" and she's just such a joy, so sweet and enthusiastic and funny that you can't help but love her. I met her on Twitter, and she always makes me smile because she's always the first one to say good morning and to generally put me in a good mood by making me feel like she's happy to see me LOL. It's a nice feeling to be liked *g* 
