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Wednesday, June 23, 2010:
Making those sales count!
 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." 
And despite my rather volatile reaction to Leslie Parrish's Cold Sight, I do want to see more of her books out there in print.
So let's support our favorite authors, buy their books, give as gifts, and make increase their sales :) AND LET'S GET CHLOE THAT TATTOO!!!! Labels: books
posted by Stacy~ at 6/23/2010 06:57:00 AM
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Friday, April 16, 2010:
 I've recently run into the dilemma of wonderful authors asking if I'd like to review an ARC of their next release, only to find out it's available in eARC only. Now this really is a wonderful thing on many levels. It saves on paper, (going green, protecting the environment) and I'm sure the cost is significantly less expensive as well. It's a more convenient and faster way to provide the ARC to the reviewer. So lots and lots of advantages. But I'm totally old-school. I know I'll soon be left in the dust with the whole ebook thing, but at this time I just can't see spending that much on a device I'm not in love with. Besides, right now I have so many books to read that the idea of having access to even more boggles the mind. My TBR pile is so out of control it seriously scares me. But I'm also stubborn, and adore the feel of a book in my hand. Plus, I am fortunate to live in Chicagoland and have the opportunity to attend several booksignings (Simone Elkeles tomorrow) and it's rather difficult - and impractical - to sign an ebook reader, now isn't it? But back to my dilemma: does it bother authors if they ask a reader to review their book and the reader declines if it's in ebook? Really, it's nothing personal, but I don't own an ereader, and reading a book on my laptop, while possible, is not my preferred method. So I wonder if I am slighting an author by turning down such an opportunity. I mean, I am very appreciative that they thought to ask me, so I don't want to seem ungrateful. I am so thrilled to be asked, whether it's for the first release of someone new or the 25th release of an established author. So just a note to authors, I love, love, love you and your books, so please don't hate me for not jumping on the ebook bandwagon. I am a dinosaur. Forgive me???? Labels: books, ebooks
posted by Stacy~ at 4/16/2010 07:31:00 AM
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Thursday, December 31, 2009:
Happy New Year's Eve! I like to wait til the end of the year to do my reading list. I'm not really going to do "best of", but I'll highlight the ones that stood out, both good and bad. I'm sad I only read 123 books this year. I'm really hoping to do a lot better next year. Some favorites (new): Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. Always a winner. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James. My new favorite contemporary author. Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh. She's amazing. Really. Fade To Black by Leslie Parrish. Loved the suspense. A real treat. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill. Another vamp series? Yes, it's worth it. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. Wonderful YA romance. Sigh. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews. Magical and romantic. Skin Game by Ava Gray. Gritty, dark, yet incredibly romantic. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler. Intense. Unforgiving. Unforgettable.
Other favorites include older series: Magic series by Ilona Andrews - adore both Kate & Curran. Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost. Bones won me over. Fever series by Karen Marie Moning. Barrons!
Worst book of the year: Stepping outside my comfort zone book: Now there are so many new books to look forward to in 2010, including some I already have and need to read. I hope to continue to challenge myself in my reading. I haven't signed up for any specific challenges, because that's too much like homework. But I was thrilled to see I read more paranormal this year and absolutely loved it. What were some of your reading surprises in 2009? ************** My 2009 reading list: January
1. Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell (2008)
2. Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1997)3. Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1987) 4. To Sin With a Stranger by Kathryn Caskie (2008) 5. Born In Sin by Kinley MacGregor (2003) 6. Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1998) 7. This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2001) 8. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella (2004) 9. Match Me If You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2005) 10. The Kiss by Sophia Nash (2008)
11. Fragile by Shiloh Walker (2009)
12. Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann (2009) 13. Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (2007) February 14. Tempted by His Kiss by Tracy Anne Warren (2009) 15. Scandal by Carolyn Jewel (2009)
16. Lean, Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich (2007) 17. Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas (2004) re-read
18. Redneck Cinderella by LuAnn McLane (2009) 19. Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L.Wilson (2008) re-read March 20. Falling In Love by Pauline Trent (2009) 21. Bikini Diaries by Lacey Alexander (2009) 22. The Kissing Game by Suzanne Brockmann (1996) re-read 23. Whispers in the Dark by Kira Sinclair (2008) 24. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (2009) 25. Whiskey Sour by JA Konrath (2004) 26. Dark Thirst by Sara Reinke (2007) 27. To Pleasure a Lady by Nicole Jordan (2008) 28. To Bed a Beauty by Nicole Jordan (3008) 29. What a Scoundrel Wants by Carrie Lofty (2008) 30. Hard & Fast by Erin McCarthy (2009) 31. The Rake by Suzanne Enoch (2002) April 32. Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James (2009) 33. London's Perfect Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch (2003) 34. Pledge Slave by Evangeline Anderson (2007 ebook) 35. Helping Hand by Shayla Kersten (2008 ebook) 36. Indecent Proposition by Emma Wildes (2009) 37. Heating Up the Holidays by Jill Shalvis/Jacque D'Alessandro, Jamie Sobrato (Blaze) 38. England's Perfect Hero by Suzanne Enoch (2004) 39. Daring Time by Beth Kery (2009) 40. As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason (2009) 41. Broken Boundaries by Evangeline Anderson (2009) ebook 42. Stress Relief by Diana Hunter (2009) ebook
43. One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake (2009) 44. Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas (2000) re-read May 45. Under Fire by Jo Davis (2009) 46. Bloody Mary by J.A. Konrath (2005)?
47. Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (2006) 48. Distracting the Duchess by Emily Bryan (2008) 49. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (1999) 50. Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward (2009) 51. A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore (2009) 52. Taboo by Jess Michaels (2009) 53. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (2009) June 54. Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell & Candy Tan (2009) 55. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione (2008) re-read 56. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (2006) re-read 57. Hard Rain by Barry Eisler (2004) 58. Seduce Me by Anne Rainey (2009) 59. Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh (2009) 60. Mating Game by Janice Maynard (2009) July
61. Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish (2009) 62. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (2009) 63. Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre (2009) 64. Eve of Darkness by S.J. Day (2009) 65. Eve of Destruction by S.J. Day (2009) 66. Eve of Chaos by S.J. Day (2009) 67. Taking Care of Business by Megan Hart & Lauren Dane (2008) 68. Pitch Black by Leslie Parrish (2009) 69. Highland Obsession by Dawn Halliday (2009) 70. Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery (2009) August 71. Double Play by Jill Shalvis (2009) 72. When Alex Was Bad by Jo Davis (2009) 73. Hot Pursuit by Suzanne Brockmann (2009) 74. Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare (2009) 75. Renegade by Sarah Parr (2009) 76. Storm Watch by Jill Shalvis (2009) 77. Black At Heart by Leslie Parrish (2009) 78. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber (2009) 79. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning (2006) 80. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning (2007) September
81. Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh (2007)
82. Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh (2007) 83. Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas (2009) 84. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill (2009) 85. Stranger by Megan Hart (2009) 86. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (2008) 87. Waking Nightmare by Kylie Brant (2009)
88. The Billionaire's Bride of Vengeance by Miranda Lee (2009) 89. The Billionaire's Bride of Convenience by Miranda Lee (2009)
October 90. Kill Me Twice by Roxanne St. Claire (2005) 91. Thrill Me To Death by Roxanne St. Claire (2006) 92. Secret Ties by Opal Carew (2009) 93. Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh (2008) 94. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (2008) 95. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (2007) 96. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (2008) 97. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (2009) 98. Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke (2008) November
99. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews (2009) 100. Hunter's Edge by Shiloh Walker (2009) 101. Somebody's Lover by Jasmine Haynes (2006) 102. In The Flesh by Livia Dare (2009) 103. Skin Game by Ava Gray (2009) 104. Yours For The Night by Jasmine Haynes (2009) 105. Don't Tempt Me by Sylvia Day (2008) 106. Covet by JR Ward (2009) 107. Hunter's Need by Shiloh Walker (2009) 108. Paradise Rules by Beth Kery (2009) 109. Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl (2009) 110. Start Me Up by Victoria Dahl (2009) 111. What She Needs by Lacey Alexander (2009) 112. Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon (2002) re-read 113. Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon (2002) re-read 114. Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (2007) 115. Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks (2008) December
116. One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (2008) 117. Because You're Mine by Lisa Kleypas (1997) re-read 118. Magic To The Bone by Devon Monk (2008)
119. Seducing The Heiress by Olivia Drake (2009) 120. Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler (2009) - review to come 121. Tempt Me At Twilight by Lisa Kleypas (2009) 122. Delicious by Sherry Thomas (2008) 123. Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh (2008)
Labels: 2009, books
posted by Stacy~ at 12/31/2009 07:10:00 AM
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009:
Book alert: Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
 INFAMOUS
July 27, 2010
First time in print!
A paperback original from Ballantine Books
In her first original paperback in more than six years, New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann delivers an unforgettable novel of contemporary romance and thrilling suspense.
When history professor Alison Carter became a consultant to the film version of the Wild West legend she’d dedicated her career to researching, she couldn’t possibly know that she would not only get a front row seat to a full-blown Hollywood circus, but that she would innocently witness something that would put her life in danger. Not did she expect that a tall stranger in a cowboy hat would turn the movie -- and her world -- completely upside down…
A.J. Gallagher didn’t crash the set in dusty Arizona to rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Unable to ignore ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried, A.J. came to put an end to the false legend that has tarnished the reputation of his family. But when he confronts Alison, sparks fly. And when she becomes targeted by ruthless criminals, suddenly she and A.J. must face the intense attraction that threatens to consume them, in order to survive the danger that threatens their very lives.
******
And check out the Harlequin ebook cover for "Getting Lucky"!
All I can say is...about DAMN TIME!
Labels: books, Brockmann
posted by Stacy~ at 11/24/2009 06:57:00 PM
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Wednesday, November 04, 2009:
 I love my fellow reader friends. I really do. But sometimes, I am so jealous of them! Yes, it is true. While they are funny and gorgeous and smart and naughty, there's one thing about a lot of them that drives me absolutely crazy: they are ALL reading a gazillion more amazing books than I am!!!!
So I'm coming out right now to say that I am suffering from a serious case of reading envy. So when I read that some vixen is reading about a totally hot guy biting a woman's neck and that it's giving her wicked ideas, I seethe with jealousy. When I hear someone got the next book in a series I adore but haven't gotten around to buying yet, I feel slighted. Shameful, isn't it? Sigh. It's not pretty, I admit, and it's all in my selfish little head, but I fear it's something I must learn to live with, probably for the rest of my life. [Screams "I waaaant Reyes!"] Rationally I know I cannot read every book out there I want to read. Or the thought of going back to re-read all the In Death books is daunting, as much as I'd love to do just that. But there are days when I wish I could read more than 1 book a week. Life just gets in the way...not to mention blogging, twittering, watching t.v., working....
So the next time you're twittering about the latest book from the coolest author on the planet, just remember that there are those of us out there wishing we read faster, or that we didn't need to sleep as much as we do so we could read instead. Remember me LOL. That is all I can ask.
***But seriously, don't give up the pimpin'. I exist for the awesome book pimpin'; it gives me something to live for!****
Do you suffer from reading envy? What's your remedy? Labels: books, envy
posted by Stacy~ at 11/04/2009 07:20:00 AM
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Monday, July 13, 2009:
Johnny Depp, Gilmore Girls and Blue Diablo
So yes I did go see " Public Enemies" Friday night and liked it quite a bit. Totally went in with low expectations because the preview made me yawn, but it was interesting. Afterwards, knowing a lot of things went down in Chicago, including Dillinger's death, I had to Google it and find out more, and wasn't surprised to see that a lot of the movie was embellished in some fashion or another, but the core story was the same. I was disappointed we didn't see more of Chicago, but since that was, what, 75 years ago, I'm sure too much has changed to really depict what the city looked like back then. Dillinger was 31 years old when he died, but living a life of crime definitely aged him. Johnny Depp is much prettier to look at, and definitely very charismatic. (Next to him in this picture is Marion Cotillard, who played Dillinger's girlfriend Billie).  Cute show! Okay it's a little hyper and caffeine-induced, but overall it's got a charming appeal. Both mom and daughter are very pretty and likable, and their house looks cozy and inviting. The townspeople are a little quirky but not in a "Northern Exposure" kind of a way. I always knew I liked Luke - he's so cranky and scruffy and serious, you just want to ruffle his feathers. I know more happens with him and Lorelai later in the series, but I'm pleading ignorant for right now. So far I've only seen 4 episodes out of....150+? I'm totally guessing here, knowing I have 42 DVDs to watch, and there's 7 seasons. And so far I'm really looking forward to each one.
 This one took me a long time to read because I just didn't have a lot of leisure time to sit down and enjoy it, and the minute I sat down to read a few pages, my eyes would droop before I opened the book and I wouldn't last too long. But I finished it over the weekend and now, I want MORE! Corrine is a great heroine, built with a combination of strength, loss, courage, honor, and a heart with a strong capacity for love, mixed in with some quirks and flaws that make her a very real person. I truly liked that about her. As for which team I choose, I am now firmly in the Chance camp, though I bet Jesse could give him a good run for his money. It took me awhile to warm up to Chance, but what I discovered is that he is a complex, multilayered hero who isn't easy to read at first, or second, or even the tenth glance. He's not upfront about his feelings, and often acts in direct opposition to what he really wants to do. But when he finally shows little pieces of himself, I knew I had to re-evaluate my original opinion. Chance definitely has potential, and I can't wait to watch him reach it ;) How about you? Any book, movie, t.v. show I need to put on my "must" list? Labels: books, movies, television
posted by Stacy~ at 7/13/2009 07:38:00 AM
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Friday, July 03, 2009:
Book alert: "Back in Black" by Lori Foster (02/10)
Back in Black February 2010 SBC president Drew Black is as controversial as they come. But the hot-headed entrepreneur is a perfect match for his popular sports club venture: uncompromising and extreme. Maybe too extreme. With a reputation for saying what he thinks, Drew's been causing a lot of friction. That's why someone's been called in to clean up his image—before he does any permanent damage. The lucky lady is Gillian Noode, a PR expert who's smoothed out the rough edges on many a man. But Drew is rougher than anyone she's ever met, and he refuses to change for any woman, for any reason. To make matters more complicated, Gillian's starting to like him raw. Now, opposites aren't only attracting, they're igniting. But in the rising heat, which one of them will end up on top?
This one's definitely on my tbb list? How about yours? Labels: books, Lori Foster
posted by Stacy~ at 7/03/2009 03:40:00 PM
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Thursday, July 02, 2009:
Book alert: "Broken" by Shiloh Walker
Shattered Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.
Desperate
Sarah McElya is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.
Driven to desire…
But Quinn must get closer to Sarah when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…
I totally swiped this from Shi's blog. And yes, I am VERY excited about this one! After loving "Fragile" so much, I can't wait to read it. (My review of "Fragile").
So would you buy this book? Labels: books, Shiloh Walker
posted by Stacy~ at 7/02/2009 06:32:00 AM
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Book watch: "Captive of Sin" by Anna Campbell (11/09)
He pledged his honor to keep her safe...
Returning home to Cornwall after unspeakable tragedy, Sir Gideon Trevithick comes upon a defiant beauty in danger, and vows to protect her whatever the cost. He's dismayed to discover that she's none other than Lady Charis Weston, England's wealthiest heiress-and that the only way to save her from the violent stepbrothers determined to steal her fortune is to wed her himself! Now Gideon must hide the dark secrets of his life from the bride he desires more with every heartbeat. She promised to show him how to love - and desire - again... Charis has heard all about Gideon, the dangerously handsome hero with the mysterious past. She's grateful for his help, but utterly unwilling to endure a marriage of convenience-especially to a man whose touch leaves her breathless. Desperate to drive him mad with passion, she would do anything to make Gideon lose control-and fall captive to irresistible, undeniable sin .
I probably totally missed the boat and this has been around blogland for ages, but I just came across this at Anna's website. So, what do you think? Labels: Anna Campbell, books
posted by Stacy~ at 7/02/2009 05:04:00 AM
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009:
Contest: signed copy of "Tails of Love" anthology
Ten all-new stories that celebrate our animal friends, by bestselling and award-winning authors.
From Seeing Eye dogs to the cat who cuddles in your lap, animals are there for us in more ways than we can count. Helping us get through the day with a wag of the tail and a tilt of the head, they let us know that someone is on our side no matter what. They also have an amazing ability to break down barriers between people; bringing families and loved ones closer, and giving strangers an excuse to strike up a conversation. In "Tails of Love," each writer draws from her own unique perspective on our loyal friendsaexploring the many mysterious ways they bring love into our lives.
Hi all. During the Lori Foster, Dianne Castell event, I managed to get an extra copy signed by all the wonderful authors of this anthology, and I'm going to have a drawing for one lucky winner. It will be incredibly easy: just tell me your favorite animal. It could be a dog, cat, horse, tiger (like mine), squirrel, whatever. So all you need to do is include what type of animal you love, maybe your own pet. Maybe it's one that has been there to give you unconditional love when you've had a bad day. We could all use that from time to time.
I will chose a winner on Sunday, June 21st, noon CST, and the winner can provide me their email address at that time. The contest is open to anyone, regardless of where you live, as long as you can receive mail.
As a reminder, please do not include your email address in your response as it is the winner's responsibility to contact me, and you must answer the question in order to qualify. A winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck! Labels: books, contest
posted by Stacy~ at 6/17/2009 05:25:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009:
Book alert: Julie James book blurb
FATE HAS THROWN TWO SWORN ENEMIES…
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and nearly ruining his career…
…INTO EACH OTHER’S ARMS
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it’s no joke: the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension…
____________________________
Okay I totally swiped this off her website, but it just sounded too good not to share. Doesn't this sound awesome? Stop on by Julie's blog and let her know how much you want this book! You never know, maybe we'll get it sooner? There's always hope :) Labels: books, Julie James
posted by Stacy~ at 6/16/2009 05:23:00 AM
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009:
I can't believe the weekend is already over. Hope you all enjoyed the mild weather that's been going on. On Saturday, Nickelback rocked the house! The concert started at 7pm with Saving Able kicking it off, and they were pretty good. Next up was Seether, and though lead singer Shaun Morgan wasn't much of a talker, I thought they were awesome. I just love his voice, and they even performed "Broken", and it was amazing. But my absolute new favorite song by Seether is "Fuck Me Like You Hate Me". I can't get it out of my head, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm not complaining yet. But of course the icing on the cake was the over 2-hour performance by Nickelback. From the first seconds of "Something In Your Mouth" to the last blast of fireworks after the encore, the show was incredible. Chad Kroger is a performer through and through, loves to talk to the crowd and is a total guy with his juvenile sense of humor and extreme fondness for beer. One cool thing is having seen them 2 years ago, they didn't do the same routine - that would have been lame. Instead the guys put on a show that was worth the price of admission a few times over, even without the other bands. I'm already anxious to see them again, and they will be back in the Chicago area in August. Hmmm....  Read my first ever J.A. Konrath book over the weekend. I've been meaning to read "Whiskey Sour" for awhile, ever since I saw the author at a booksigning at a nearby bookstore and was curious to find out who he is. Plus he seems like he'd be really funny. His book wasn't so amusing, being about a gruesome serial killer and all, yet I was intrigued by the idea of him writing about a female protagonist. And there were many Chicago and surrounding area references, and that's always a treat. I definitely plan on picking up the next one, "Bloody Mary". Fun times.  I also finished Sara Reinke's "Dark Thirst", which told the story of virgin hero Brandon Noble, whom I was made aware of during RNTV's "Virgin Hero" week. I enjoyed the story very much, though Brandon didn't come across as much as a alpha hero, despite his violent heritage. Still I liked the story enough to want to continue with the 2nd book, "Dark Hunger". I liked that all of Brandon's problems weren't solved in the first book and appear to continue at least into the second story. It has me hooked. I've been feeling a strong case of reviewer's block lately, and this is not good for someone who does reviews for another, and truly wonderful, website other than my own. But with the support of the lovely ladies who run that site, I feel much better about it. I was putting too much pressure on myself to crank out reviews, and it was becoming a bit tedious and stressful, so now I'm just going to take a breather and get back into just reading for a little while. The problem was I was beginning to repeat myself way too much in reviews, and each one sounded too similar. That's when I knew I was in trouble. It's all cyclical, sure to infect me again in the future, and that's when I know I need to step back and not try so hard. As Marisa said, reviewing should be fun. I was making it harder than it had to be. My complete bad. So, hopefully you'll all stop by RNTV for this week's "Duke of Slut" celebration. Andrea kicked it off with "London's Perfect Scoundrel", and she did a fabulous job. I'm chomping at the bit to read this one, but it's book #2, so I know I'll have to read "The Rake" first, even though Andrea said it wasn't completely necessary. Stay tuned for more Dukes of Slut, found in books by Lisa Kleypas, JD Robb and Nora Roberts, to name a few. I myself will be talking about my very own DoS: the one and only Sam Starrett, from Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series. Look for my take on this bad boy on Wednesday afternoon. I know I won't do him justice, but I sure the heck had fun trying ;) What's been keeping you busy these days? Labels: books, JA Konrath, Nickelback, Sara Reinke
posted by Stacy~ at 3/17/2009 06:58:00 AM
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Thursday, September 11, 2008:
I don't always do the memes, but I thought this one was kinda fun and very easy, so here it is... I am going to list three categories of books 5 MUST Read Books, 5 Books on Your Nightstand, and 5 Look For These Soon. Anyone I tag should put these same lists on their blog but SUBTRACT one book from each list and ADD one of their own. (My added titles are in RED.) Then they should tag at least 5 more bloggers. It will be fun to see how the lists change as it goes around the blogosphere. Please come back to this post and leave a comment so I can see how the lists are changing as they go around the blogosphere.Since this is Book Buzz…please keep your lists to titles released in 2007-2009. MUST Read Books: "Seduce Me At Sunrise" by Lisa KleypasFreefall by JoAnn Ross It Only Takes A Moment by Mary Jane Clark A Mile in My Flip-Flops by Melody Carlson Yellow Moon by Jewell Parker Rhodes 5 Books on the Nightstand: "Pleasure Unbound" by Larissa IoneMy Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson Crazy in Love by Lani Diane Rich From Harvey River by Lorna Goodison 5 Look For These Soon:"A Wallflower Christmas" by Lisa KleypasAcheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon Wanted by Shelley Shephard Gray Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins Midnight: A Gangster Love Story by Sister Souljah I'm going to tag anyone who stops by the blog and wants to play. Have fun! Labels: books, memes
posted by Stacy~ at 9/11/2008 12:39:00 PM
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Friday, March 21, 2008:
Borders: closing their doors?
I love Borders. Even though I worked at the "other place" for what, 4 years, I still hold Borders near and dear to my heart. Their store is always so welcoming, despite being a large chain, I felt more appreciated there than I did at the other place. It seems more welcoming to everyday folk, whereas the other place is rather snooty. Since quitting my job from the other place (it's been over a year, November 2006), I can count on one hand the number of times I've stepped into the other place. But with Borders, I go there several times a month to feed my need for instant gratification. Such as next Tuesday when Lisa Kleypas' "Blue-Eyed Devil" and Sherry Thomas' "Private Arrangements" will be released. But with the economy as bad as it is, one of the first things people start cutting back on is entertainment, and for the most part, books are a source of that entertainment, and now Borders is feeling the pain of that loss. It breaks my heart, it really does. I do shop more online now, Amazon and yes, the other place, but not as much as I shop in person. I have 2 Borders located within 5 miles of me, so it's very convenient for me to drop in, usually after work, sometimes on my lunch hour. I can't imagine them not being there. Of course this is just the beginning, so they may be bought out as well. I'm trying to be optimistic as I don't want to see them close their doors, don't want to lose that informal, comfortable setting, the performances and events they host, none of it. I would miss it way too much. It's never good for a reader to hear a bookstore will be closing. Do you visit the bookstores, or buy online? Which do you do more of? Do you shop at Borders, or the other place instead? Labels: books, Borders
posted by Stacy~ at 3/21/2008 05:30:00 AM
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Monday, January 07, 2008:
Sometimes, yes it actually is. Spending money is wonderful, don't get me wrong, but what happens when you really need it? Do you charge it? Sure, but paying off credit card bills for the rest of my life is not my idea of a good time, not with those finance charges. I can do without that stress. Eating more feels good at the time, especially when you're indulging in fattening and flavorful food, but not fitting into my favorite jeans makes me cranky. I could wear sweatpants all the time, but I love my jeans when I go out. Getting more sleep is a luxury, but I also notice I am rather sluggish at work when I sleep more than 6 hours a night during the week. Six hours seems to refresh me enough to be more alert and better company. I might nap on the weekend if I need more rest. This year I've decided to buy "less" and enjoy "more" what I already have. I have a teetering TBR pile that could be considered armed and dangerous to anyone who got too close, namely me. So here is my plan for the year: Work on reading my tbr pile. Realistically, I know that I will still end up buying books (such as Elizabeth Gaskell's "North & South), but I hope to buy less and read more. Right now I feel overwhelmed by what I haven't read: Elizabeth Hoyt's trilogy, Nora Roberts' Chesapeake Bay series, the rest of the Nalini Singh Psy/Changeling series, the rest of Lara Adrian's vamp series, the rest of Anne Stuart's Ice series, on and on. And so far this year, other than my BAFAB, I haven't purchased any new ones, despite being dangerously close to a bookstore last night. Yay me.
Don't spend money I don't have. I've paid off my credit cards and plan on starting fresh. I've opened up a separate savings account to put spare change and have a book, DVD, & clothing fund, as well as a vacation fund (planning a few trips this year). Before, my debit card would get an indiscriminate workout rather frequently. This year I plan on keeping a better eye on my finances, and spend money less foolishly and impulsively, which has led to regret on occasion. I am also canceling my membership to a gym I haven't been to in way too long and putting that money towards my new account. I'm not getting any younger and a rich man isn't going to come and take me away from it all, so it's up to me to save for the future...or win the lottery.
Feel less guilty for not keeping up with what the rest of blogland is reading. Let's face it, I go by my moods when it comes to reading, and right now I'm seriously paranormal-ed out, so if the next best thing is a flying chihuahua with magical powers who might be half frog with a touch of ostrich, well, I'm just going to have to pass. (Unless it's She-Ra of course, then I'll make an exception). I don't care how good it is. Reading should be for pure enjoyment, and not the next greatest thing. Plus I seem to be a slower reader these days...could it be all that blogging?
This all probably sounds boring to you, but the dork in me is completely excited about my brand-new change jar, complete with a counter to keep track of how much I save. I love it! I'm like one of those old ladies who only pay with bills - no one's getting my pennies LOL. Are you changing your ways? Anyone else have any useful tips for 2008? Labels: books, saving
posted by Stacy~ at 1/07/2008 05:47:00 AM
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