I've traveled the world, lived on two continents and in eleven cities.I've met my childhood hero, twice. I wore a uniform during wartime, though I never fired a shot. Thanks to my husband, I've flown an airplane. I'm a wife, and mother.I'm owned by two crazy cattle dogs, both of which I rescued from puppy prison. Right now I live in the beautiful Black Hills, the Oglala Sioux call Paha Sapa. I have a Celtic Connection with a Gaelic speaking friend. I write what I love to read.

Playing to the Room

By

Lisa M. Campbell


Those of us who write undoubtedly have a passion for it. Why else would we put ourselves through the difficulties of creating a cast of characters with seemingly insurmountable problems?

As an author of historical romance, I have noticed the high volume of paranormal books lining the shelves of our local bookstores. Publishers and readers alike clamor for these stories and though the saturation level is high, there doesn't seem to be any sign the genre is tapering off. Moreover, it's not just bricks and mortar stores packing them in. E-book sites all over the internet display page after page of paranormal titles and what once thought a fad is now a cornerstone of the billion-dollar a year romance industry.

No doubt, it sounds as if I'm opposed to such books. However, I write erotic paranormal under the pen name Marie March and have four titles due out this year. As well, I eagerly await the next Sookie Stackhouse adventure from Charlaine Harris, and the last installment in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. What I enjoy about these authors is their ability to create stories in which I'm able to suspend my disbelief and immerse myself in an all too real fantasy-world.

This brings up the question of writing strictly for profit of playing to the room. Should an author who stands out in his or her own category write to a specific market? From what I have read and heard, most Editors view this as a no-no. Yet, how many publishers out there, big and small, have calls out for paranormal manuscripts above anything else? With werewolf, vampire and shifter stories in demand the conclusion may be any submission will have a better than average acceptance rate. Such logic will set anyone up for disappointment and failure.

As a romance writer, you have to enjoy reading what you set out to write. With a paranormal, you have to believe in the unbelievable yourself otherwise the rudiments of your story just won't work. Therefore, I believe success in any form of writing depends on the blend of two essential elements…your talents and interests.

Where to Find Lisa:

Historical Romances: http://www.authorlisamcampbell.com
Paranormal Erotica: http://www.mariemarch.com

Superstition's Desire, Wild Horse Press 2009

The lush landscape of the Scottish Highlands holds great beauty, but also great peril. Therefore, when Lady Arabella Wyndmere is spirited away from her English home, she is right to fear for her heart and her welfare. Held to a deathbed vow, Laird Connal MacRae is honor-bound to deliver Lady Arabella unsullied, to his deposed older brother, as a prize to soothe his ego. Nevertheless, Connal cannot deny the burning ache the spirited beauty has awakened in him. However, something far more dangerous stalks from the shadows. And in a climate of treachery and betrayal; the greatest risk of all could be surrendering to the depth of feelings of unexpected love.

New Releases under Marie March:


INSATIABLE release date 29 July 2010
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

Cavyn Sinclair is a centuries old vampire in search of conquest, but women are scarce in the wilds of Montana's Glacier National Park. Then he discovers a faint light trail left in the wake of an exotic creature he never thought to encounter.

To stay amongst her kindred, Loveday a Nymphomaniac in service to the House of Triune is forced to pay tribute to Medb on Beltane by participating in sexual revelry with any male she encounters, climaxing in Medb's name.

When Cavyn and Loveday come together the sex is raw and explosive. However, will they be able to sustain their passion or will Loveday fulfill her needs with Cavyn's nest mate Priscilla?

No matter how decadent the sex, Loveday longs for the freedom to choose her own destiny. Cavyn aids Loveday's bid for freedom, yet the payment Medb demands may be more than Loveday is willing to pay.

CHASING the NYMPH release date 17 Sep 2010

Publisher: Whispers Publishing

Ava an elite nymph of the coterie must take part in ceremonial sex to achieve orgasms for tribute to the Goddess of sexual revelry and intoxication. The orgasmic energy travels through her chain, the Filament of Light, transferring the rapture upon Medb and ensuring the continuation of Medb's life force.

Bastien is a fallen archangel, assigned to the Chaser Leagues tasked with capturing, and perhaps executing runaway nymphs. He has come to the temple bearing the Goddess an extraordinary gift in the hopes of buying thirty days with one nymph of the legendary coterie. In reality, he is infiltrating the temple to abduct Ava, but first he has to convince the nymph he is not what he seems.

When the two come together, it's unlike anything either has experienced. Nonetheless, Ava is unable to reconcile her unquenchable lust for Bastien, and the abhorrence she feels for his lethal profession.

Will Ava overcome her revulsion and forgive Bastien's deadly past, or will she decide love is too high a price to pay?

Labels: guest blogger

On reviews:

• Status: stalled. I have been in a severe reviewer slump for the last 2 or 3 weeks, and it's putting me into a bit of a panic. I've read some really good books I want to review, but the well has run dry. I don't know how to get the juices flowing again. It's driving me kinda crazy. I haven't had a problem finding good books to read (in fact I've ordered probably 12 books from B&N in the last month) it's that I've had a problem talking about them. I think I bore myself when I write up reviews, so I just don't have the desire right now, and that is a shame. There are so many fantastic authors out there whose books should be talked about. And I'm failing miserably.

On YouTube:

Status: addicted. Once again, thanx to those "bad influences" over on Twitter, I have recently become addicted to watching old clips from some of my favorite soap operas: Santa Barbara, Sunset Beach, Another World, Days of Our Lives. I'm hooked on Cruz & Eden from SB, Father Antonio & Gabi from SB, Dean & Jenna from AW, and Jack & Jennifer from DooL. These were the soaps I watched back in the day during those melodramatic teen years, and I find that they still have a hold over me. (Guilty pleasure: "Song for Jenna" by Dean. I just can't help myself, I'm hooked on this cheesy, mediocre song. Plus I had a mega crazy crush on Ricky Paull Goldin back then, and he's still a cutie in the clips, despite the outdated hairstyle - it was 1991/1992 after all. And I wanted to be Jenna sooooo bad!). Please tell me I'm not the only one who's done something like this. Please.

On reading:

Status: slow and steady. Things are going very well with my reading, and I've for the most part really been enjoying the books I've been indulging in. I finished book #3 in the Mercy Thompson series, and now have been enjoying, for the most part, Erin McCarthy's Hot Finish. The Suzanne I loved so much in the first 2 books is not so great right now. In fact I'm rather irritated with her, and think Ryder should go find someone else who will actually appreciate him more. However I'm still reading, so there's always a chance someone will be redeemed in my eyes.

On food:

• Status: consuming. My "new" favorite thing right now is chocolate ice cream. I've never been the biggest fan of ice cream, but lately I love it, and have to have at least a small scoop everyday. Of course that's my calcium intake, so in my mind, I'm doing nothing wrong. And I get the added benefit of chocolate. See, it's all good.

On Josh Bernstein:

• Status: unavailable! *sob* My love has gone and got himself engaged. Imagine my complete and utter heartbreak to see this tweet from July 12th: "Great news! Happy to report that my girlfriend and I got engaged over the weekend! We're both ecstatic." Total sadness. I could say the only reason he and I aren't together is only because because he hasn't met me yet but actually, he has. Obviously I was the only one who felt the connection at day 3 1/2 years ago when he was in town for a booksigning. (To contribute to one of Josh's causes, actually you can click here).

On t.v./movies:

• Status: enjoying. I've recently completed season 2 of House and part 1 of season 3 of Entourage (what is that all about anyway? Why does a season need more than one part when there are only so many episodes to begin with?) I always forget how much I really like a show until I start watching it again. This is especially true of Entourage. I think why do I bother, but then I push play and I'm all caught up in the drama, the raunchiness, the humor, the stupid situations these guys get themselves into. I'm not hot for any of the characters - even Adrian Grenier is just meh to me - but it's funny, and dirty, and silly, and about a world I know absolutely nothing about. Pure, mindless fun. I love it.

On bad days:

• Status: I have them. The last two days I've had a few crazy things happen. There was the attempted break-in into my house yesterday (Tuesday) morning, where I was woken up by the police. As you can imagine, it freaked me out while being complete surreal at the same time. It's not how it is on t.v., but then it is. When it happens to you, your fist thought - at least in my case - is not that I'd take down anyone who tried to rob me, but that I want to get the hell away from here as soon as possible. I ended up going to work because I'm not good at moping around during times like that, and it helped. I thought I'd have trouble sleeping last night, but nope, not a bit. Then I get a call from the credit card company about fraudulent charges on my account. No biggie (I work for a credit union so I know the drill), but it was just funny, considering what happened earlier in the day. It kinda sucked to be me.

On contests:

• Status: unresponsive. The last few contests I've had lately, I've had a heck of a time getting in touch with the winners. Twice now, despite my efforts to contact the person, I haven't had any success. I eventually picked a new winner for the copy of Twice Bitten (I'll try to get that book out this week!) and the winner of the movie prize never responded, so I'll be picking another winner for that one as well. It throws me off my game. And I (hopefully) have some fun contests coming up, so I hope people want the swag.

That's all I got for now. Hopefully things are going well in your world. Missing everyone who went to RWA, but I can't say I'm regretting not going to Florida in July. Still, it would have been awesome to be there. I've never been to Disney World, so that in itself would have been a blast.

How are things with you?

Labels: ramblings

What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?

I’m listening to a lot of Glee songs right now. Rachel and Shelby’s version of Pokerface by Lady Gaga is the most listened to song on my computer right now. Yeah, I can sing all the oohs and the ahhs right along with them, I’ve listened to it so much. Finn and Rachel’s version of Faithfully by Journey is the bomb and I like to belt it out along with them while I’m driving home on the freeway from work.

What are your favorite places to visit online?

Hmm, this is hard because I’m always online doing different things.

In no particular order, you could find me on the following sites numerous times throughout the day.

-Netflix- I just finished watching Seasons 1 & 2 of Dexter and I watched those Instantly on my laptop and on my TV. That show is so addicting. It disturbs me with how much I adore Dexter though.

-Google Reader- This is the best way for me to catch up with all of my favorite blogs and I’m on it multiple times throughout the day.

-Twitter- You’ll find me on Twitter more often then I should be. I just can’t help myself.

-Good Reads- This isn’t blocked for me at work so I take full advantage of that. There’s something about seeing my entire library online…it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

-Blogger- It’s pretty sad how often I’m on Blogger. At work, at home, I’m always writing up posts. It’s a sickness.

What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?

My favorite beverage is: Snapple Peach Tea. I’m cranky if I don’t have this at least three times a week. So good.

[Dirty & sweaty - I like ;) ]

Carlos Bocanegra








































David Beckham





























It’s all about the soccer hotties for me.

Favorite restaurant?

My favorite restaurant is Ra, it’s a sushi place here in Torrance, CA. They have such good sushi over there and I absolutely love it!

What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?

I’m single so I’m not sure how to answer this but I’m going to try. I’m not a big fan of big romantic gestures but the little things will always get me. Remembering a book that I wanted to read and getting that for me, reading my blog and finding out that I want my own edible arrangements and getting me one. Those kinds of things make me oh so appreciative.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Anything you'd like to add?

Labels: online friends, spotlight

So I'm curious: how do you respond to this type of

managing style?

Do you think it serves a purpose?

Why or why not?

Labels: winner

Today I'm excited to have special guest Sydney Somers joining us. She's here to talk about what she sees while she's writing *g* She's also having a contest, so please be sure to check it out.

All you have to do to enter the contest is just name one of the other 3 books in the Shadow Destroyers series. (Hint: can be found at Sydney's website). Contest open to anyone. Will end on Friday, July 23rd at 5pm CST. Good luck!

Labels: guest blogger

***Look at the pretties! These were in my mailbox when I got home last night *pets*. I am so excited to read Hot Finish so I can finally read Ryder's and Suz's story. I'm sure it's gonna be HOT! And I'm also excited about the novella, though I've already read part of the story already. I'm falling in love with werewolves....

****

Labels: ramblings

I've known Mollie for awhile, since my pre-Twitter days, and have been to her blog(s) throughout the various inceptions. I think it's cool when people reinvent themselves to suit their current outlook, and a blog is a big part of that. We also talk a bit of YA (most recently Simone Elkeles' books) And though I have known Mollie for some time, I believe that I can always learn a little bit more about someone, and so I'm excited to have her here in today's guest spotlight :)


Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?

My name is Mollie. Nicknames include Mols, Miss Mollie, and Mo - Mols being the most commonly used. I'm a librarian, reader, and blogger. No current designs on being a writer. I live in the Capital City of Ohio (Columbus) and work as a solo- Academic Librarian. My educational background consists of a B.A. in English (focus in Medieval Literature) and a Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S). I have a wiener dog who looks like a ferret but I love her with my whole heart. I love anything remotely Celtic, Irish, or Scottish. I'm a huge Buckeyes fan. Also, I'm sick about hearing about Lebron. [I AGREE!]

Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?

I do! This is my 3rd attempt at blogging. My first, Biblioharlot's Bookshlef, petered out once I finished grad school and started working full time. Took awhile for me to adjust. Then blogged at Teen Troves, that was too narrow a focus for me, so my latest endeavor is Book Fare Delights where I review YA, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, and literary fiction.

What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?

I recently finished Broken Wing by Judith James, which come highly recommended by Kristie(j), and anything Kristie pimps out, I make a point to read. It's pretty emotionally draining but it's very well written and highly recommend it.

Currently reading My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger and am LOVING it. Although I haven't finished it yet, I foresee it becoming one of my all time favorite YA books. So yes, definitely recommended!

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

Definitely Suzanne Collin's final Hunger Games book, Mockingjay. I CANNOT. WAIT. Followed by Cassandra Clare's new book, A Clockwork Angel.

What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?

The Black Keys. They're awesome. Those of you who saw Eclipse they're the band playing the intro song to the movie. Also, I caught the beginning of the HBO series Hung last night after True Blood, and they're the intro to that show as well! They're a bluesy, rock, alternative group. I get to see them in concert twice this summer and I'm super pumped! Some of my favorite songs include:


Have Love Will Travel - Thickfreakness
Hurt Like Mine - Thickfreakness
I'll Be Your Man - The Big Come Up
She Said, She Said - The Big Come Up
Everlasting Light - Brothers
Next Girl - Brothers
Tighten Up - Brothers
These Days - Brothers

What are your favorite places to visit online?

Facebook. I've had it since day 1 (yay college!) and never tire of it. Even with their unending privacy changes. Twitter, I've found a lot of really great blogger's via Twitter. It's addicting. My Google Reader - I love it. It helps keep me up to date on all my favorite bloggers! Oh and Goodreads. I LOVE Goodreads.

What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show? The last good film you saw?

Alcoholic Beverage: White Russian, yum!

Non-Alcoholic Beverage: Skim Milk. I love milk. Mmmmm, good!

Food: Um I can't pick a favorite but I do love me some sushi.

T.V. Show: True Blood. Alcide, Eric, Sam, Bill. Sigh.

Last good film: It's been awhile since I've seen a movie at the theater (well, before Eclipse in any case) but I saw Reality Bites on HBO the other day and forgot what a great flick it is, so I've watched it several times recently. I love the friends to lover storyline.

Which hottie out there is to die for?

TJ Thyne- Hodgins on Bones

Jensen Ackles - Dean Winchester on Supernatural

James Franco. Sigh.

Favorite restaurant?

The Blue Danube on the Ohio State University campus. It's a whole in the wall place that's been there for forever. It has all types of food, is cheap, and delicious!


What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?

Well I don't have one (a sweetie this). And despite my love for romance books and movies, I don't like overly sappy gestures they kinda make me uncomfortable... :)

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I hate feet. With a passion. Seriously.

Anything you would like to add?

Thanks for having me!

And thank you for being here! I am definitely going to have to check out The Black Keys now! And you're reminding me how much I loved Reality Bites - I really need to get the DVD now...

Labels: online friends, spotlight

Wow, this was one of the most fun contests EVER! Thank you Beth, Julie & Lea for doing this along with me - it was a great idea and a blast to be a part of! I hop we can do something like this again :)

Labels: winner

GO CHECK OUT THIS COOL CONTEST TO SUPPORT

OUR LOVE OF THE SMUT!

Check out Leontine's blog!

SMUTTY RESEARCHERS AT PLAY giveaways:

July 19th: Column - A gal and her smut + the grand 'Research the Smut' Giveaway: a 30 dollar Gift Certificate to any e-book store I can buy a GC

July 20th: Guestblog - Smutty approved book characters by KC from Smokinhotbooks Giveaway: Copy of The Darkest Lie send to you by the author (For US only)

July 21st: My first time story & an excerpt + Giveaway: a novel from Joey W Hill's backlist send to you by the author.July 27th: Guestreview - Lorelei James, Raising Kane by Janna from Erotromreader + Giveaway: E-copy giveaway of a Rough Rider novel by choice.

July 28th: Guestblog - A guide into the smut by @Ferishia + Giveaway: A copy of Demon’s Fire send to you by the author.

July 30th: Interview with R.G Alexander about her upcoming release, Possess Me + Giveaway: $ 10,- Gift Certificate to Amazon given by the author.

Check out Leontine's blog for all the smutty details!

Labels: blog contests

• Gerard's sexy ass! Don't know why he had to strip, but dayum, that was sweet!


• The scene with the judge and the phone. Didn't see that coming!


• The "daddy" bracelet his daughter made for him - heartbreaking and poignant.


• Using brains (mostly) over brawn to get away with the crimes.

What I didn't care for:

• Not a big Jamie Foxx fan, and I thought he was an ass in this movie


• The ending. Come on! Why? I get it, but still.


• No strong female character.

Overall, an enjoyable, action-packed movie with sufficient eye candy and violence to get your adrenaline going. Again have to mention that the lack of a decent female role in these types of films is beyond tiresome. There always has to be the requisite pissing contest between the two guys. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if a woman was in one of those roles?

Have you seen it?

Wasn't a nekkid Gerard HOT???

Labels: Gerard Butler, movies

Pearl is yet another of my cool Twitter friends, and she puts me to shame with the number of books she reads, and the blogs/sites she's involved in. Where does she find the time??? And she writes some of the most amazing reviews I've ever had the pleasure of reading. She can easily convince me to try a book that didn't appeal to me because of the eloquent way she describes a book. In fact I see she did a quick 'n dirty one on a book I recently read, so I'm curious to go and read it now.

Now it's your turn to get to know Pearl :)

Stacy: Feel free to tell us about yourself: name, background, etc. Are you a reader/blogger/writer?

My name is Pearl, that’s an online name I took on a few years ago and it’s linked to my real name. Offline I’m known as Maggie, short for Margareth and my English high school teacher once explained that the meaning of the name Margareth is “pearl”. Hence when I was looking for an Internet name I thought of Pearl.

I was born and raised in the north of the Netherlands but moved to the south in 2001 when I met the love of my life, now known as “hubby” and yes, I am Dutch. My parents were immigrants from Cape Verde Islands so I have an exotic skin color but as Dutch as they come otherwise ;) As said I am married, have been for almost 7 years. We have no kids and sometimes when I hear the stuff people with kids go through I think maybe it’s not so bad not to have kids. Though if a kiddie should come along it will be welcomed with open arms.

I am a reader and a blogger. Writing reviews is challenging enough so I don’t think the world will ever see a novel/novella or short story from my hand. I just don’t have enough imagination or creativity for that so I stick to reading what authors sprout from their sometimes, brilliant minds and try to offer a founded opinion of their “babies”.

Do you have a blog? What is the name/link and how would you describe your blog?

Yes I do have a blog. Actually I have two.

My very first and main blog is PEARL’S WORLD OF ROMANCE and it’s now hosted on blogger but I started on a Dutch based weblogs hosting service called web-log.nl. I started that blog in 2004 as a sort of journal, describing my everyday stuff like what I’d done at work, where I’d gone on vacation and short trips including pictures, what I’d watched on TV and which movies I’d gone to. At that time I was in a long reading hiatus. Then in 2006 I started reading again and re-discovered romance novels and at the end of 2006 I discovered the vast world of English romance novels. I started reviewing for ROOB in the spring of 2007 and decided to also review the books I read for me personally and putting the reviews on my blog. Then in 2008 I found Blogger and moved my reviews to it (That was a tedious job I can tell you!) and the rest, as they say is history.

In 2009 I had a blog makeover and since then it looks like it currently does and since the discovery of Twitter my blogging experience has been one amazing roller coaster adventure.

Last year I also decided to create another blog as my obsession with reviewing EVERY SINGLE BOOK I read was starting to become stressy and too time-consuming. After long deliberation I started QUICK ‘N’ DIRTY ROMANCE REVIEWS that’s my blog where the reviews are, as the name indicates, are quick and dirty…in other words short and quickly put together.

I also want to mention the ROOB-blog. It is not owned by me but by the lovely Leontine and Natascha but as I regularly review/blog for ROOB and as a ROOB-reviewer I have to mention it. ROOB stands for REALMS ON OUR BOOKSHELVES and it started as a static website but since May 2010 it was turned into a blog for more flexibility and easier communication with other bloggers, readers and authors.

What book(s) are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?

At the moment I am reading TRINITY by Lauren Dane. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who love alpha shifters, ménages and some smoking hot smexing.

I’m also reading THE DARKEST LIE by Gena Showalter and though for me it’s not quite working yet (am in the beginning of it still) I would still recommend it for readers who are new to the LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD series because it reads perfectly as a stand-alone. And it has a pierced, tattooed, blue-haired Keeper of the Demon of Lies as the hero…and it’s by one of my favorite authors, Gena Showalter ;)

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

My most anticipated soon to be released book is CORRALLED by Lorelei James. Lorelei James is one of my top favorite authors. She is the one who made me love cowboy (erotic) romances, when I wouldn’t even touch them with a stick when I started reading romance in English but I took a chance with LONG HARD RIDE and have been hooked ever since and have even tried other authors’ cowboy romances.

What's playing nonstop on your iPod rotation right now?

At the moment I have A LOT of artists in my FAVE-play list, a few of them:

Adam Lambert, Adele, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Boyz II Men, Bruce Springsteen, Caro Emerald (Dutch singer), Chris Cornell, David Guetta, Darren Hays, Dido, En Vogue, Faith Hill, George Michael, James Morrison, Joe, John Legend, John Mayer, Joss Stone, Justin Timberlake, Kane (Dutch band), Kings of Leon, Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Leona Lewis, Lisa Lois (Dutch singer), Macy Gray, Madonna, Maroon 5, Michael Bublé. MIKA, Nelly Furtado, Pussycat Dolls, Replay (Dutch band), Salt ‘n’ Pepa, Snow Patrol, Toni Braxton, Valerius (Dutch band), Wham!.

Eclectic much??? Why yes…I love almost anything.

What are your favorite places to visit online?

Ehm well I do spend a lot of time on Twitter, online bookstores (Bookdepository, Jasmine Jade and My Bookstore and More) and since I have my ereader NetGalley is also frequently visited. And then off course other peoples blogs (too much to mention, though I have been slacking lately as my Google-reader stays constantly on 1000+ unread posts and I have to resort to the “mark as read” tactic :(

What are some of your favorite things: beverage? food? t.v. show?

Favorite beverage: Smirnoff Ice (though I haven’t drunk it in ages as I’m dieting and alcohol will kill any diet…as soon as I’m allowed though…I am getting Smirnoffed LOL)

Favorite food: That’s hard because I just LOVE all kinds of food. But if I have to name one thing I’d say strawberries. And not just the real straight fruit but anything…and I mean ANYTHING with strawberry flavor I love.

Which hottie out there is to die for?

Oh do I have to name just one??? I have a whole list…where to begin…well I did have a Happy Abs Day on the ROOB-blog recently featuring Bradley Cooper so let’s start with him.

But there’s also Shemar Moore, Henry Cavill, Josh Holloway, Taye Diggs, and George Eads and for some non-US flavor: UK singer Craig David (see pic) definitely floats my boat and the ANTM-judge and photographer Nigel Barker is much to my taste too.

I have more but can’t remember at this point.

Favorite restaurant?

My all-time favorite restaurant is a fancy, 3-star restaurant in a small village I used to live with hubby. Every Valentine’s Day we try to go there and have an haute cuisine meal to celebrate our love.

What is your idea of a romantic gesture from your sweetie?

As I am not one of the most romantic persons on this planet (Shock huh? For an avid romance reader??). I love it that we are very touchy feely and think it’s romantic when he casually and almost without thinking grabs my hands or touches my face. That’s romantic right?

One thing I do know is that if he wants to be romantic and get some romance in return he’d better bring me a book and not flowers…I can’t stand flowers…Luckily he knows that by now…after ten years together.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think people would be surprised to learn that until I was about 23/24 I was as shy as they come. Look at me and I will burst into tears kinda shy…

Talking of burst into tears maybe people will also be surprised to learn that I’m an absolute emo crybaby. I cry at movies, I cry at TV shows, I cry at books, I cry at soaps, ah heck…I think I even cry at commercials. I’m so bad that if I see someone crying I automatically cry too. But I would rather think something is wrong with my tear-ducts…and I’m sticking to that story.

Stacy, thank you so much for interviewing me and hosting my little self on your blog. I had a lot of fun answering your questions and love this idea of getting to know people you know.

P

Thanx Pearl, and all I can say is I adore you even more right now! Thank you for sharing some of yourself with us today. I loved getting to know you :)

Labels: online friends, spotlight

Movies. Just one of my favorite things :) And there's nothing more fun that discussing favorite movies, unless it's books! Or, okay, the hotties ;) But today is all about the movies.

Some cool friends of mine - Beth, Julie, and Lea - all thought it would be cool to have a blog-hopping contest between our 4 blogs where we talk about our favorite movies. But to make it even more fun, all 4 of us are going to have a contest at our own blogs encouraging y'all to talk about some of your favorite movies. (Shout-out to Lea for making this awesome banner!)

My list consists of films I could watch over and over and never get tired of them. At first I thought it would be difficult to come up with such a list, but after some consideration, I realized that I already knew which movies belonged on this list.

1. East of Eden (1955)- I remember seeing this movie on PBS a long time ago, and one of the scenes that immediately caught my attention was the one with James Dean & Julie Harris up on the top of the ferris wheel. I knew then and there I just had to watch the whole thing, and when I finally did, I loved it even more. What really speaks to me in this film is that Cal (Dean) is the son that no one expects much from, the goof-off, the one who's always getting into trouble and coming up with schemes. But in the end, Cal is the son that you can count on, the one who sticks it out when things bet bad. And while the movie is only a small portion of the book, it was a very significant piece of this piece of literature. It never fails to get me to react, and I fall in love with Cal all over again...

2. BBC Pride & Prejudice (1995) - I shamefully admit it, I had not read Pride & Prejudice - at least not the entire book - until I watched this particular movie. And it immediately grabbed me. Not only was Colin Firth the epitome of the quintessential Mr. Darcy, but Jennifer Ehle had the bold and unwavering intelligence and humor to go head to head with him time and again (I believe the two were involved during the filming of this mini-series). This rendition of the beloved romance is by far my favorite, though others have turned my eye as well, but because we get a more drawn out telling of the story here, it is at the top of my list. Not to mention the scene where a dripping Mr. Darcy encounters a rather embarrassed yet intrigued Miss Bennett at Pemberly. It's a much more sensual telling of the story, and one I could watch over and over...

3.French Kiss (1995) - This came out during a time when Meg Ryan was still America's sweetheart (I still adore her) and this is her in a role that probably doesn't immediately come to mind when they think of their favorite Meg Ryan film, but it always tops mine. I think because in the beginning we see the neurotic character she plays (who is terrified of flying) evolve into a woman who learns to not take everything so seriously, and that maybe the things you thought were so important end up changing once you really get to know someone. One of my favorite scenes is where Meg is drinking from a glass of wine and Kevin Kline asks her to describe the wine. But there are so many moments I could quote because this movie is endearing and sweet yet also earthy. The kiss at the end in the vineyard - whoa, mama! Verra sexy ;)

4.Emma (1996)- Just a fun film! Emma is SUCH a brat, but she means well. She just needs to be taken down a peg or two by Mr. Knightley, the older, sophisticated gentleman who reluctantly indulges Emma's schemes for the most part, until her behavior becomes spiteful and a bit mean. But eventually the flighty, sometimes whimsical Emma puts away her daydreams and starts to realize it's time to grow up, and that the match she's really been wishing for - the one for herself - has been there all the time, just waiting for her to open her eyes and discover it. Though Jeremy Northam isn't my idea of the romantic leading man, he sure stole my heart in this film, and made me wish for a few moments that I was Emma, accepting his marriage proposal.

5.Clueless (1995) - The modern day version of Emma, Clueless is set in 20th century California, with lots of blonde, tan girls and surfer dudes. Despite the amateurish telling, it's incredibly infectious, and Alicia Silverstone is gorgeous and manipulative in this film, however it's all for good. Despite being a spoiled brat with daddy's credit card, Cher is immediately likable even when you try to hate her. (Still had my girl crush on her from the video "Cryin'). She suffered through her own heartbreak when her plans start to backfire on her, but Cher is not one to sit back and wallow for long, and in the end, she gets the guy (who is much cuter than Mr. Knightley!) The characters were funny, silly, and it's a movie I always stop to watch because it's a bit mindless, and the soundtrack rocks.

6. The Black Swan (1942) - The first time I had seen this, I was immediately infatuated with Tyrone Power as the swaggering pirate Jamie who cannot get the fiery redhead out of his mind. This swashbuckling film is my top pick from the genre, because it's fun and sexy and exciting. Not only is Jamie the kind of pirate I'd surrender my bootie to (ahem), but Maureen O'Hara is stunningly vibrant and kicks ass as a sassy and ornery lady of worth who determinedly fights her attraction to a man she thinks is an outlaw, only to discover that he's not so bad after all. Nope, our Jamie boy is quite irresistible ;)

7. Gilda (1946) - To me, current plastic surgery and Botox treatments nonwithstanding, I find Rita Hayworth to be the most incredibly beautiful woman, and I so harbor a mad girl crush on her. You just don't see women like that today, and it's a sad thing. This film showcased Rita as a woman who lived life on the edge. She hooked up with rich, powerful men who didn't make her happy, all the while pining for her former boyfriend Johnny (played by Glenn Ford) who didn't hae the dough, but they loved each other madly. As luck would have it, Gilda and Johnny cross paths again, and it's not without it's drama, especially considering Gilda is a married woman, and Johnny hates Gilda with a deep passion, yet is forced to keep an eye on her as she parties the nights away. Intense, dark, full of lust and murder, I can never pass this one by .

8. Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea (1985/1987) - I pulled an all-nighter watching these movies when I was babysitting with a friend. We pulled out the VHS and immediately fell in love with Anne and Gilbert. I wanted Megan Follows to be my best friend! I wanted to marry Gilbert! Recently I bought the collector's edition, which contains the 3rd movie, but I don't include it here because it doesn't capture the magic, or spirit, of Anne like these 2 movies do. Anne was one of those fearless people who always seemed to do the wrong thing, for the right reason, but eventually she won everyone over with her determination to be different and follow her own path. She had to live a little to realize that what she really needed was what she's always known. No other version of this film could do the series justice.

9. The Wedding Singer (1998) - I am not going to embarrass myself and tell you how many times I went to the theatre to see this movie, but it was more than once. I completely fell for Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, and Drew Barrymore is adorable as Julia, the engaged girl he ends up meeting when his band plays at a wedding and she's with the caterers. Right from the start their chemistry is palpable, and it's so easy to see these two as a couple. Set in the 80's (my time), the music brought me back to simpler times, and though there were a few (eww!) moments, overall I fell for this film, and the scene on the plane when Robbie sings to Julia is so sweet.

10.My Man Godfrey (1936) - What can I say, this movie was pure magic. Carole Lombard is luminous as an airhead socialite who falls in love with Godfrey, a homeless man she brings home to be the butler. But Godfrey keeps his distance, not willing to upset his stable position within the household to get involved with Irene, though we find out that Godfrey is not exactly who he says he is. This film is magical, and funny, but also telling of times during the Great Depression, how easy it was to make one bad investment and the significant impact this time had on a nation. Still does, considering current times. Though this film has been recreated in color, I was always partial to the original black and white version. I think it highlights the happy, carefree moments and blends them with the darker, more desperate times much more effectively. Mostly, this is a lovely film, charming and lighthearted, romantic and funny, with overtones of a difficult time in the country's economy. Still a favorite.

Honorable mentions:

~ Lili (1953) (with Leslie Caron & Mel Ferrer)

~ Sabrina (1954)(with Audrey Hepburn & Humphrey Bogart)

~ Spaceballs (1987)

• Beth Kery


• Julie James


• Lea

Good luck!

Labels: contest, movies