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Thursday, January 01, 2009:
Stacy's favorite book things of 2008
As seen on RNTV:
Top Pick for Historical Romance: "Seduce Me At Sunrise" by Lisa Kleypas (Honorable mentions to "Duke of Shadows" by Meredith Duran, "Broken Wing" by Judith James & "Like No Other Lover" by Julie Anne Long) - I chose SMAS because it was such an emotionally-charged story that stayed with me long after I read it. Kev loved Win so much, and it was a feeling that scared him beyond anything else because he truly believed he didn't deserve her. Instead of accepting Kev's decision, Win chose to fight for him, and prove that they belonged together instead of apart. It was just such a beautiful love story.
Top Pick for Contemporary Romance: "Blue-Eyed Devil" by Lisa Kleypas. This story gets my pick for best contemporary because Ms. Kleypas took a horrible situation that the heroine was going through and made her a strong character, one that was brave enough to save herself, and find love again. It was painful, yes, but poignantly so, and the end result was immensely satisfying. It just proves that Ms. Kleypas is considerably talented writing in any genre.
Top Pick for Paranormal Romance: "When Twilight Burns" by Colleen Gleason (is this paranormal romance? Well it gets my vote). Here's where we get a sense of what Victoria truly wants, and it's both exhilerating and heartbreaking to see her choose between two amazing men. Also, I feel Victoria is one of the strongest heroines, yet she's ultimately human, and tends to make mistakes as we all do. She's not invincible, and I believe this is what makes it easier to relate to her as a woman.
Top Pick for Urban Fantasy: "Cry Wolf" by Patricia Briggs. I'm not a huge reader of urban fantasy, but I loved the mythology behind the Alpha/Omega existence. Anna is a woman who has no clue as to her strength, what she's truly capable of as an Omega, and Charles is just the man to bring it to her attention and worship her in the way she deserves. He doesn't coddle her, though he does protect her, but sees her as being his equal and takes pride in her abilities instead of being intimidated by them.
Top Pick for Romantic Suspense: "Death Angel" by Linda Howard. A different kind of a love story, but one very potent and unforgettable. The hero and heroine don't start out very likeable, but as we get to explore their pasts and the paths they've chosen, we begin to understand them, and I think sometimes the best love stories are the ones that leave you feeling a little uncomfortable because they are not black and white, but full of shades of gray.
Top Pick for Erotic Romance/Erotica: "Wicked Burn" by Beth Kery (Honorable mention: "Flat-Out Sexy" by Erin McCarthy). I love erotic romance, and read a lot of it, but it's been a long time since I've read such a sexy book that was so incredibly emotional at the same time. The characters initially communicate physically, both feeling a strong sexual connection between them that neither can walk away from. This connection becomes stronger as they let their bodies do the talking, and it totally worked within the context of this particular story. Bold and evocative, "Wicked Burn" brings two lost souls together in the most basic, primitive way, one that leads them to a powerful and empowering love.
Top Pick for Debut Novel: "Just the Sexiest Man Alive" by Julie James. Snappy, sexy, fun and interesting, I was amazed that this was the author's first novel. I kept flipping the pages, wanting more and more. I loved how strong and smart the heroine was, how she put the arrogant hero in his place. I loved seeing the change in them both, and how they genuinely liked each other and got to know each other before falling in love. It made it all the sweeter when it finally did happen. Ms. James is an author to watch.
Favorite Hero: Kev Merripen from "Seduce Me @ Sunrise" - Kev was unforgettable. Truly a tortured hero, one who would give his life again and again for the woman he loves, and lives only for her happiness, even if he can never have her himself. Another thing I liked about him was that he was also smart, and creative, and could manage an estate and became the person everyone else turned to when they needed someone in charge. Kev proved to be a rare and wonderful hero, and nothing pleased me more than when he let himself be loved.
Favorite Heroine: Win Hathaway from "Seduce Me @ Sunrise" - no silly, insipid heroine could have captured Kev the way Win did. She may have appeared fragile, but underneath was a strength and a determination to build a life with the one man she can not forget. And with the courage of a woman in love, she fights to win him. I love a heroine who is not what she seems, and Win proves she's way more than a delicate lady. She is a brave, formiddable woman who sets out to do the impossible, and succeeds.
Book of the Year: "Seduce Me @ Sunrise" by LK & "Trial By Fire" by Jo Davis. This is a tie because I believe both of these books are grand in their own right. SMAS because of the incredible love story between two people who were destined to be together, even if one of them couldn't see it that way.
TbF because of, well, Howard. Here was a gorgeous, capable hero who couldn't see why he was so special, and the heroine who made him realize that despite all he'd suffered, he could be happy, that he deserved it, and she wanted to be the woman who convinced him of that. Howard was also amazing because he loved Kat just as she was, and didn't want her to change. Kat was not the perfect, thin, biddable woman, and she was completely comfortable in her own skin. She was a very empowering heroine, and one I would like to see more of in the books I read. ************* Favorite Series 0f 2008: Normally I would answer the "In Death" books, but I'm only up to book #20 and I haven't been keeping up with them - my goal for 2009. So I am going to go with Colleen Gleason's Gardella series, which I started, and devoured, in 2008. Being a huge fan of BtVS, I felt these books pay tribute to the beloved series but offer a fresh approach to being a vampire slayer, and I would love it if Colleen wrote a present-day Gardella story. I truly believe it can be done. Favorite author of 2008: Hmm, tough one, since I met so many, and really enjoyed talking with them. But I'm giving my vote to Lisa Kleypas, who I haven't met, but who elicited such an emotional response from me with at least two of her books this year - "Blue-Eyed Devil" and "Seduce Me at Sunrise". She is an icon, and I hope one day I do get the chance to meet her. Favorite 2008 re-read: Anne Bishop's Black Jewels Trilogy. I believe I first read this series about 10 years ago, and I don't remember what prompted me to get them, but am I ever so glad I did. Ms. Bishop has created a fascinating world filled with unforgettable characters, incredible power, and a love that transcends time. These stories have never been far from my mind, and I was glad to see several of my friends picking them up for the first time and falling in love with them, just like I did many years ago. Favorite Review site of 2008: RomanceNovel.TV And not just because I became a reviewer there in '08. Why did I choose this site? Because out of any other website, I got more wonderful book recommendations in 2008 from RNTV than any other, hands-down. I had heard of RNTV since the beginning, but it wasn't until this past year that I really started looking into what they had to offer, and it turned out that it was the perfect kind of website for someone like me. I love how Marisa & Maria have made it such a friendly community, where everyone feels like a part of the process, and the recommendations are numerous and varied. Favorited Reader Review site of 2008: BookBinge! Aw I love these guys - they're smart, funny, outspoken, and they are very passionate about books. They have great author reviews, awesome contests, and offer honest opinions on the books they loved, or didn't. BB has evolved over the years, gotten better, and I think they strive to bring us the best blog possible, never willing to settle for mediocre. Favorite blog: Na uh, ain't going there. It's too hard to narrow it down to one, but I would like to give a shout out to some of the blogs I've visited in 2008, whether for the first time, or for the 100th, so in no particular order: Adventures in Katidom, Ramblings on Romance, B(u)y the Book, Plotmonkeys, Deadline Hellions, Babbling About Books, Ahhhh Romance, Happily Ever After, Kelly Nyrae's Blog, Laurie's Laudanum, RomanceBookWyrm, the Book Smugglers, Sula's Space, DIK blog, What Women Read, Ann Aguirre's Blog, Colleen Gleason's blog, Good Reads, LeeAnn 101, Fresh Fiction, AccessRomance, Alison Kent's blog, HelenKay Dimon's blog, Sylvia Day's blog, Romantic Times, Kate Davies' blog, Lucy Monroe's blog, Vamps & Scamps...and a whole boatload of others which I am ashamed to have not mentioned here, damn bad memory. Here's to a even better reading year in 2009! Labels: 2008, favorites
posted by Stacy~ at 1/01/2009 04:24:00 PM
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Here it is, a list of all (okay, most) of the books I read or re-read in 2008. Not as many as I thought, and not quite as many as Tracy, one of my favorite bloggers, but hey that's okay. I'd rather enjoy my books than race through them. How many books did you read in '08? Any re-reads?
1. Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne (2008) 2. One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros (2003) 3. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (1989) * 4. Skin by Karin Tabke (2007) 5. Pleasures of the Night by Sylvia Day (2007) 6. Hot For It by Melissa MacNeal (2007) 7. Barenaked Jane by Deanna Lee (2007) 8. Show me by Celia May Hart (2006) 9. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (1998) 10. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts (1998) 11. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts (1999) 12. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts (2002) 13. Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce (2008) 14. North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855) 15. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (2007) 16. The Hazards of Hunting a Duke by Julia London (2006) 17. The Perils of Pursuing a Prince by Julia London (2007) 18. The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount by Julia London (2007)
19. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster (2008) 20. Touch Me With Fire by Nicole Jordan (1993) 21. Right Here Right Now by HelenKay Dimon (2008) 22. Riding Wild by Jaci Burton (2008) 23. Hot and Bothered by Dianne Castell (2008) 24. Tempted by Megan Hart (2008) 25. If His Kiss Is Wicked by Jo Goodman (2007) 26. Confessions at Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandro (2008) 27. Riding the Storm by Sydney Croft (2007) 28. Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft (2008) 29. Every Night I'm Yours by Christie Kelley (2008) 30. Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas (2008) 31. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (2008) 32. Passion for Him by Sylvia Day (2007) 33. Pregnant by the Millionaire by Carole Mortimer (2007) 34. The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna McMeans (2007) 35. A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash (2007) 36. Black Silk by Sharon Page (2008) 37. Unwanted Wedding by Penny Jordan (1995) 38. Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander (2008) 39. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre (2008) 40. Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran (2008) 41. The Sex Quotient by Jamie Sobrato (2006) 42. Fallen by Erin McCarthy (2008) 43. Virgin River by Robyn Carr (2007) 44. Innuendo by Crystal Green (2006) 45. To Die For by Linda Howard (2005) 46. Hot Water by Kathyrn Jordan (2006) 47. Freedom's Price by Suzanne Brockmann (1998) 48. My Fair Captain by JL Langley (2008) 49. Something Reckless by Jess Michaels (2008) 50. Hot In Here by Susan Lyons (2006) 51. BodyGuard by Beverly Havlir (2005) 52. Accidental Mistress by Susan Napier (2008) 53. The Greek's Bridal Purchase by Susan Stephens (2007) 54. Housekeeper to the Millionaire by Lucy Monroe (2008) 55. Rain Fall by Barry Eisler (2003) 56. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2006) 57. The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2007) 58. The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2007) 59. What Happens in Vegas by Copeland, Dane, Tunstall and Bast (2008) 60. Superb & Sexy by Jill Shalvis (2008) 61. Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001) 62. Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker (2008)
63. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop (1998) * 64. Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (1999) * 65. Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop (2000) * 66. Colters' Woman by Maya Banks (2006) 67. Lover Enshrined by JR Ward (2008) 68. Swing by Opal Carew (2008) 69. Handyman by Jodi Lynn Copeland (2008) 70. Heartbreakers by Lori Foster (2008) - Treat Her Right & Mr. November (2001) 71. Body Moves by Jodi Lynn Copeland (2007) 72. What a Woman Needs by Caroline Linden (2005) 73. Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty (2007) 74. Flashpoint by Jill Shalvis (2008) 75. The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason (2007) 76. By Appointment Only by Janice Maynard (2008) 77. Miss Wonderful by Loretta Chase (2004) 78. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Charlene Teglia (2008) 79. Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase (2005) 80. The Billionaire Boss's Secretary Bride by Helen Brooks (2008) 81. Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase (2006) 82. Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake (2008) 83. Still Life with Husband by Lauren Fox (2007) 84. Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes (2007) 85. As You Desire by Connie Brockway (1997) 86. Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann (2008) 87. High Noon by Nora Roberts (2007) 88. Exotica by Eden Bradley (2008) 89. Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason (2007) 90. The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason (2008) 91. Body Language by Suzanne Brockmann (1998) * 92. The Greek Tycoon's Baby Bargain by Sharon Kendrick (2008) 93. Dark Desires by Eve Silver (2005) 94. Show & Tell by Jasmine Haynes (2008) 95. The Italian's Forced Bride by Kate Walker (2007) 96. When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason (2008) 97. Unmasqued by Colette Gale (2007) 98. Flashback by Jill Shalvis (2008) 99. The Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce (2005) 100. Trial by Fire by Jo Davis (2008) 101. Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (2008) 102. Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James (2007) 103. The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn (2008) 104. A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown (1989) 105. Reckless by Saskia Walker (2008) 106. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn (2008) 107. The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries (1998) 108. Death Angel by Linda Howard (2008) 109. His Lady's Captive by Anne Gracie (2008) 110. Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard (1996) 111. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione (2008) 112. In Her Wildest Fantasies by Julianne MacLean (2008) 113. On the Prowl anthology (2007) 114. Risque' Business by Tawny Weber (2008) 115. The Wicked Ways of the Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke (2007) 116. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs (2008) 117. Secrets Volume 17 (2006) 118. Blush by Opal Carew (2008) 119. Driven By Desire by LuAnn McLane (2008) 120. The Mistress Diaries by Julianne MacLean (2008) 121. Trio by P.F. Kozak, Devyn Quinn & Jane Ledger (2008) 122. Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen (2005) 123. An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James (2007) 124. Duchess by Night by Eloisa James (2008) 125. The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long (2008) 126. Kiss and Tell by Suzanne Brockmann (1996) * 127. Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long (2008) 128. One Summer by Karen Robards (1993) * 129. Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy (2008) 130. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James (2008) 131. Broken Wing by Judith James (2008) 132. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) 133. Free Pass by Elizabeth Scott (2008) 134. To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt (2008) 135. To Seduce A Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt (2008) 136. It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1994) 137. Market for Love by Jamaica Layne (2008) 138. When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James (2008) 139. Wicked Burn by Beth Kery (2008) 140. Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair (2007) 141. Surrender by Pamela Clare (2006) 142. Hot Mail by Janice Maynard (2009) 143. Reaction Time by Alannah Lynne - ebook (2008) 144. Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis (2009) 145. Hero Under Cover by Suzanne Brockmann (1994) 146. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (195) 147. Grooms' Gift: Naughty Nuptials by Beth Kery - ebook (2007) 148. In My Wildest Dreams by Christina Dodd (2001) *
* re-reads
Labels: 2008, reading
posted by Stacy~ at 1/01/2009 10:43:00 AM
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008:
Happy holidays to each and every one of you! May the season be filled with many special surprises :)What are your holiday plans? Labels: 2008, Christmas
posted by Stacy~ at 12/24/2008 05:09:00 AM
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Monday, December 22, 2008:
It's been an amazing year for books, and I'm really excited about my list of favorites this year. Come check out RNTV's Reviewers 2008 top picks and see which ones might also be on your list. What are some of your favorite books of 2008? What makes them so special? Labels: 2008, RNTV
posted by Stacy~ at 12/22/2008 04:47:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008:
(This head cold I've got has really taken it's toll on me, otherwise I would have posted this days ago. Right now my head wants to defect from the rest of my body, so I'll apologize for any gibberish now). Wednesday morning came and before I knew it, I was on a 777 plane (very comfortable, I might add) heading to San Francisco. My flight arrived around 12:30, same as Beth's (aka LadyB) and we finally met up in Terminal One, where I saw she'd been a little adventurous with haircolor - she had "fire" in her hair - and with her fun personality, it totally suited her. I knew right away this was going to be a great trip. We headed out to the Powell Hotel, a cute little place hich wasn't that far from the Marriott where RWA was being held, and also conveniently located right near BART. First on the agenda was food, so we walked a bit and came across Lori's Diner, which seems to be a popular 50's diner in San Fran. It suited our needs, and before too long, we were ready to get to the main event - the literacy signing. First person we run into at the hotel is LeeAnn, which was cool, and the three of us walked around a bit looking for more familiar faces before heading downstairs to the signing. The line was already loooong, but we didn't mind as we chatted and observed fan grrls and finally spotted BadBarb and MaryF (who had also experimented with haircolor) ahead of us in line. Finally! The doors were open and the line soon got shorter as we got closer to reader nirvana. I didn't really have a plan but decided to do things alphabetically and stopped to say "hi" to the lovely and talented Ann Aguirre but forgot to get a picture of her. Not off to a good start here. But she was so nice and friendly, and I really can't wait for her next book, seriously. Toni Blake/Lacey Alexander I kept going and finally saw Toni Blake, who was up for an award (but sadly didn't win) and we chatted a bit. She is one of the genuinely nicest and sweetest people I've ever met, so it's always a pleasure to talk to her, and this time I finally remembered to take a picture! Joanna Bourne Next up was Joanna Bourne, who wrote the amazing "The Spymaster's Lady". And she knew right away who I was, which was so cool. Not only did we talk about the interview she did for me, but also about my initial reaction to a scene in the book. I was so impressed that out of all the fans she's inevitably talked to, she still remembered who I was. I felt so special LOL. Anna Campbell Look at that smile, you know she's got a bit of a devil in her. Yep, this is Anna Campbell, who wrote the much talked about "Claiming the Courtesan", as well as"Untouched", both books I enjoyed very much. She was a delight to meet, with that lovely Australian accent of hers. I liked her a lot. Portia Da Costa Look at how sweet Portia looks. You'd never think she'd write such naughty books, but she does, bless her heart. Just a dear lady, with a wicked imagination. And a Bella! What a pleasure it was to meet her. Kathleen Dante Are you sensing a theme here? Yes, I don't do pictures well, which is why all these wonderful authors, like Kathleen Dante here, are the only ones in them. I've known Kathleen for awhile as she is one of Lori Foster's BookJunkys, and she also did an interview with me a few years ago. Sweet lady, all the way from the Philippines. Sylvia Day Poor Sylvia is always so nice to me, event though I practically stalk her. She's been gracious enough to do an interview with me, and listen to me babble whenever I see her in person (last time was at RWA 2006). Sigh. What authors must put up with *g* I can't wait to read her SJ Day series. Janelle Denison My first Plotmonkey! I really like Janelle, and it's always nice to stop and chat with her. It's funny how someone you've only met a few times seems like a long-time friend when you know them online. I've been a fan for years - she was probably one of the first authors whose books started to really get hot years ago and I remember how much I loved that. Still do. HelenKay Dimon Another blog I stalk. I just like the way HelenKay thinks, and her books are a lot of fun too, very sexy. She's smart, funny, and she writes for Brava. What's not to like? Jenny Gardiner Another online friend, Jenny just seems to enjoy writing and having fun, and she's so sweet in person. I really enjoyed meeting her. ***Well, I'm going to stop here, as I have to head off to work, but I hope to work on more posts and pictures tonight*** Which authors would you love to meet? Labels: 2008, RWA, San Francisco
posted by Stacy~ at 8/05/2008 07:04:00 PM
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008:
Off to San Franciiiisco....
Well my plan had been to have posts to schedule while I was away in California, but I was more lazy than ambitious, so this is it. I will miss y'all, though I'm happy to know some of you will be in Cali and I'll actually get to meet. I'm so excited about that. It really is a small world. And I hope to snag some great books (possibly signed) to give away in future contests, and see a bit of the city. I also hope to get some pictures, but if mine don't turn out or I run out of batteries, I'm hanging with my pal Beth, and she's my back-up plan as she takes good pictures. Have a great week, and I'll see ya soon! Labels: 2008, RWA
posted by Stacy~ at 7/30/2008 05:07:00 AM
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Friday, June 13, 2008:
Saturday: Feeling much more alert (and pleasant) after a good night's sleep - and believe me, in the wonderful king-sized bed, I had no problems crashing into dreamland - I was downstairs around 8:30am to get the day started. There was wonderful coffee and pastries for breakfast, and people were milling around, looking at all the lovely baskets. I couldn't resist and bought more tickets, especially for the Animal Adoption Foundation and Laurie's troop donations. I've said it before, there's nothing like making up a basket for this event. I just love doing it, and the hardest part is deciding what to put in it because I get carried away. And it's also fun to see what other people come up with. One year there was a basket of pleasure toys, and you ain't seen it all til you see Christy's mom Cheryl running around showing off her nipple clamps. Disturbing yes, but funny as hell. I sat at the same table I was at on Friday, though people shuffle around, so we (me along with BarbS & Carolyn, two great ladies that are a lot of fun to be around) ended up with Lori Foster and her hubby Allen at our table, along with Lori's sister Monica. For those of you who don't know, Monica was in a terrible accident recently, and has had to have surgeries and therapy and is still tired and in lots of pain, but considering all of what she went through, she looked wonderful, and she's just lovely to talk to. In fact, Monica is the one that got Lori started on reading romances many years ago, so we have her to thank for Lori eventually becoming a writer. (THANK YOU MONICA!!!!) Allen is really cool, loves chatting with everyone and lending a helping hand whenever needed. Such a nice guy, and he and Lori will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this month. What a truly remarkable couple they are, and they've raised some fine young men any parent would be proud of. Just a great family all around. I have great admiration for them all. After scoping out the baskets, I went to go see some of my Peeps - JudyF, Laurie, LisaF, Niny, Chris S., Beth - who were hanging out at a different table. These ladies I've known almost since I joined Lori's Yahoo group years and years ago. We all think a lot alike and have the same sense of humor, so no matter how much time is in between visits, we can pick up again with no problem. I love friends like that. Judy F is so funny, sweet, just a dear, and our hottie goddess. Laurie is darling, and just so cute with a wicked sense of humor. She also gives great hugs. Lisa F. is darling, and her southern accent (from Georgia) is wonderful. I could listen to her talk all day, and I am forever grateful for her getting me started on Sarah McCarty's "Mac's Law". (Lisa I didn't forget I still owe you a book. I just have to get motivated to get to the post office). Niny is a riot, with her fast-talking, Puerto Rican/southern accent and exclamations and amusing outlook on life. I adore her. And Chris S. talks so fast and she's so funny and happy and has great taste in music and passionately loves romance novels and her and Judy are such good friends. Beth (aka LadyB) is awesome. Funny, smart, loves to pose for pictures, cute as a button and easy to get along with, she is the raffle princess. I'm going to be rooming with her in San Fran for RWA, and I'm so looking forward to it. I love these ladies like they were my own sisters, and even if the event weren't going on, I would have loved to just spend time with them. And there's Kelley, a real sweetheart who has become a writer in the last few years - it's amazing to watch her career take off. Fortunately her book "Getting Lucky With Luciano" arrived in time for the book fair, so I was able to get a signed copy. And Michelle B, photographer extraordinaire, who makes time to take some breathtaking pictures. I really wanted to win her basket, which was gorgeous. She is so talented and she teaches math at a community college - way smarter than me. The book fair, run by the incredible and wonderful B&N goddess Linda Keller, started at 10am. Now this was where many of the authors' books were being sold, including "Power of Love". They actually bring a cash register from the bookstore to ring up sales. 15% of all the money spent will go to the Conductive Learning Center of greater Cincinnati. Not counting these book sales, $4552.50 was collected for CLC. That is fantastic! I bought several books, including a print copy of L. C. Monroe's "Meagan's Chance". And getting the books signed was a fun challenge, but I managed to get 9 signatures out of 12 for 2 copies of "Power of Love" - one for myself and one for a contest I'll be having later this month, so I hope you'll stick around for that. The raffle continued for all those lovely baskets, and I was so lucky to win one from the just gorgeous and talented Ann Christopher, which included signed copies of "Trouble", "Risk" and "Sweeter Than Revenge", as well as a beautiful sterling silver bracelet (I just love silver). I was thrilled - what a fabulous basket to win. Laurie ran the donations for the troops, and collected $526 in cash donations, as well as receiving several bags and boxes of items. The Animal Adoption Foundation, run by Tamberlyn, brought in $1064, plus supplies. People were so generous, despite the gas prices and everything else going on. But there aren't too many people more giving than the romance community. It felt good to be a part of all of it. And the cool thing is, everyone wants to help in some small way We dismantled the book fair and put books in boxes for Linda, we cleared out the ballroom, we hauled packages and boxes and braved the heat and just did what we could to help Lori and Dianne who always put on a memorable weekend for us all. This year was no exception. After a short break, a group of us decided to get together for dinner, and Max & Erma's was the restaurant of choice. I love this place, and it wasn't too busy, so conversation and eating were easily accomplished. Along with the Peeps were fellow BookJunky Jennifer A, Michelle Buonfiglio, Susanna Carr, and another author I didn't quite catch the name of, so 13(?) of us. The chatting was friendly and lively, and I just sat there, happy to be at there at that exact time with all this fun ladies. I know, I know, feel the love. What can I say, except it's way more fun to laugh and joke around with good friends who truly enjoy each other's company...though Laurie might be right in that she's going to end up in Hell, but she'll definitely be kept company while she's there. I don't think I'll be the only one joining her either *g* After dinner, as crazy as it sounds, we headed over to Barnes and Noble, because you can never have too much of a good thing, even dragging Michelle Buonfiglio along with us for the ride. Chris S. had to get her June books, and Judy and I helped her find them. And one of the most fun moments I've ever had shopping for books came when a teacher, who was treating herself to an "end of the year" book binge, came along armed with a giftcard. She wanted recommendations! Music to our ears. When she mentioned vampires, I let her know that "Lover Enshrined" had been released, and she practially shrieked! I found a copy and put it in her hands and she was thrilled. I know exactly how she felt. I was like a crack dealer in that moment, and wow, the power. I liked it. Sunday: Breakfast with the authors. I usually sign up for Janice Maynard's group, and this year was no exception. We got up early for a 9am buffet, staying at the hotel instead of venturing out to one of the numerous restaurants. The food is wonderful and it's so nice to relax and talk and get last-minute pictures and hugs in. Some people had already left or were about to, so the weekend really was at an end. This is the time I get emotional, knowing I'll see everyone again, but dreading having to say good-bye all the same. I said adios around 11:15 and went to go attack my hotel room and get some of the chaos under control - mostly I just stuffed everything into my suitcase and snuck out, feeling slightly on the verge of tears but also looking forward to getting home and relaxing with my new books. The first few miles are always sad for me, and I miss everyone terribly, but it's good to be going home. The drive wasn't quite as windy, but near Hebron, IN the clouds were ominously black and the air still. Then it started to lightly rain, and all was good again. It took almost exactly 5 hours, but man, it actually was good to be home again. I miss everyone, but I had such a wonderful time and many new memories to enjoy. highlights
- winning Ann Christopher's basket! I love it! - Kelly A's intarsia designs. She made an angel and a fairy, and they were just gorgeous. Sadly, I didn't win either one. - dinner with the Peeps at Max & Erma's, where Michelle Buonfiglio came along and got us all talking about sex and whatever other naughty thoughts crossed her mind (that covers a lot of ground). - putting books in a romance reader's hands. Recommending good books is a high that I could get used to. - meeting Megan Hart, of the gorgeous black hair with purple highlights. I wish I could pull off this look. (Her and Lauren Dane together are hilarious). She is so sweet, incredibly nice (especially putting up with my gushing and stammering), and I am a huge fan of her work. I definitely have to be in the mood for it, but when you want a deep, emotional, heart-wrenching story, Megan knows how to deliver the genuine goods. She makes the most mundane come across as fascinating drama, and she knows how to engage the reader so thoroughly that you're completely hooked. Of course, I cannot wait til next year, when the event will be held from June 5th - 7th, 2009, so mark your calendars, people. We want you there! Labels: 2008, get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 6/13/2008 05:51:00 AM
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008:
A winner and a reading report
Without any preliminaries, the winner of a copy of Dianne Castell's "Hot and Bothered" is... CAITLIN HOY!
Congratulations! Caitlin, please email me your snail mail addy: trelainastarblazer@yahoo.com If I do not hear from the winner by Friday, midnight, a new name will be drawn. In other news, I just happened to be updating my list of reads for 2008, and was looking at what I've got so far. Out of 28 books, these are my stats:
- 19 of them were released in 2007 or earlier
- 12 of them are historicals
- 3 of them have paranormal elements to them
- 8 of the authors were new to me
Are you keeping track of your 2008 books? What are your stats? Do you have a favorite picked out? Labels: 2008, reading books, winner
posted by Stacy~ at 3/25/2008 05:18:00 AM
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Tuesday, January 01, 2008:
Another new Year, when everything feels fresh, and the possibilities are endless - that's how I feel every year, I don't know about you. Plus, I love having the day off from work - big bonus. This is also the 2-year anniversary of this blog - wow, I've kept at this for 2 years. For someone who gets easily bored, that's saying something. And I'm still having fun doing it. As for the New Year, well, now I've never been one for resolutions, mostly because I knew I'd never stick to them. This year really isn't any different, other than I would like to eat healthier, drink more water, that kind of thing. I'd like to socialize more, read more, blog more. Complain less, spend less but have more fun, give back more to those in need. Be more grateful for all the things I do have. I'm also trying to get back to the interviewing and maybe even more contests this year since they are so much fun to do. In fact, I shall be announcing the winners for my holiday contest probably tomorrow, Friday at the latest. Thank you all for visiting, and all the best to you in 2008! Labels: 2008, resolutions
posted by Stacy~ at 1/01/2008 01:53:00 PM
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007:
Happy holidays to you and yours, and all the best for a fabulous and magical 2008! Update: so far I've collected $45 for the Children's Memorial Foundation, and I am touched by such generosity. There is still time to participate if you are interested. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You are all very special :) Labels: 2008, Christmas
posted by Stacy~ at 12/25/2007 08:02:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007:
Something else to look forward to in '08...
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley (February 5, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0425220168
ISBN-13: 978-0425220160 Nalini Singh pulls away another dark layer of sheer desire, revealing passions unknown, in her latest novel about the world of the Psy. A ghost returns from a leopard changeling’s past, making him question everything—even his base animal instincts…
Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.
Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...
Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past...or lose everything that ever mattered.
Click here for an excerpt
Have you read Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series? If not, what are you waiting for??? Labels: 2008, Nalini Singh, series
posted by Stacy~ at 11/28/2007 05:48:00 AM
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Saturday, November 17, 2007:
He's a Harley-riding ex-thief working undercover for the government. She's a gun-toting ex-socialite hired to protect a valuable museum exhibit. But in her attempt to stop a heist, she never anticipated having her breath and her heart stolen...
Mac Canfield was the last man Lily West expected to see again, never mind aim her gun at. But here he was, the bad boy who'd broken her heart years ago-still a thief, this time high-jacking a priceless artifact--and it was all she could do to push aside the memories of how it felt to have his perfectly chiseled body next to hers.
Mac was no less shocked to see the beautiful girl-next-door all grown up, threatening to shoot him on the spot. Little did she know she was blowing his cover-and now he had to figure out how to get her out of harm's way without succumbing to his crazy desire to take her on a hot trip down memory lane.
Unfortunately, Lily has no intention of going anywhere with Mac. Which means he has to resort to kidnapping. Unless, of course, she agrees to let him take her for the kind of ride destined to drive them both unbelievably wild...
I loved Jaci Burton's "Wicked, Wild, and Wanton", and this sounds pretty damn good. Too bad we have to wait til February.... Have you read Jaci Burton? If so, do you have a favorite story?
Labels: 2008, erotic romance, Jaci Burton
posted by Stacy~ at 11/17/2007 08:39:00 AM
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007:
I want to see this one....
Genres:
Comedy and Romance
Release Date:
January 11th, 2008 (wide)
Jane is idealistic, romantic and completely selfless--a perennial bridesmaid whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss--with whom she is secretly in love--Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid..." lifestyle.
I really liked Katherine Heigl in "Roswell", (I don't watch much t.v. these days so I haven't seen her on "Grey's Anatomy") and she's engaged to Josh Kelley - I love his music. And I've liked James Marsden since...the first time I saw him, period. I think it was actually a film with Katie Holmes, some type of creepy movie where everyone's pretty much lobotomized, but James was in it, so it was all good. And who didn't love him as Cyclops, battling alongside Hugh Jackman? This movie looks like a fun, romantic comedy, and it's on my list of "what to watch". Do you plan on seeing it?
What's your favorite romantic comedy? Labels: 2008, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 11/14/2007 05:29:00 AM
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