Aria's Dark Musings...

Tuesday Musings...Who?

2012-01-31T05:13:00.000-08:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

Dr. Seuss

Tuesday Musing...A Little Wicked

2012-01-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

"It was a wicked and wild wind that blew down the door to let me in."

Coldpla

Tuesday Musings...Beliefs

2012-01-17T04:59:00.000-08:00

"Live your beliefs, and you can turn the world around."

Thoreau

Book Review....Kitten-Tiger and the Monk by Carolyn Crane

2012-01-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

From Amazon.com (novella from Wild & Steamy):

Sophia Sidway, Mid-City's most dangerous memory revisionist, seek out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption...but it turns out that the Monk is not all pious, and the turnpike is not a turnpike at all.

I've been a fan of the Disillusionists Trilogy from the very first words I read (of course, I was introduced to the series by some of my favorite book bloggers) and still can recall to this day the exact moment I yelled and raised my hands .in frustration (the good kind, I think) at the end of Mind Games (book two). I tend to enjoy books I yell at. Come to think of it, I may have yelled at this series more than once...

When I ran across Tiger-Kitten and the Monk, the title threw me off. Shrug. Because I needed it. This may seem a little odd...to NEED. But you didn't hear me ranting after I finished the Double Cross. Just saying.

Tiger-Kitten and the Monk is a short little treat that gives us more insight not only into Mid-City, but the characters we've come to love to hate to love, as well as the Tangle. (Honestly, I still have no idea what exactly it looks like. Even with the insight Sophia lends at the end. Spoilery-ish.)

Entertaining if not too short, the novella focuses around Sophia, the minion (if you will) of Otto Sanchez and the memory revisionist I like most like to yell at. Sophia is seeking out the Monk, the one disillusionist no one knows the identity of (save Packard) who is the ultimate in disillusioning. The end all and be all. And Sophia is tired and done with hurting others as well as herself. Too bad the Tangle (er, road) leads to the one man she most and least would want to see. And maybe she'll get a little more than she bargained for.

Until you may want to rant a little once again.

Where have all the bookstores gone?

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

I love the smell of a bookstore. It may seem odd, or you may wrinkle your nose, but it's true. I love it.

Maybe because I have fond childhood memories of going to the bookstore with my mom and begging for a book. Trading so many sink fulls of dirty dishes just to have that one book that I could sneak read with my flash light...

I love Tuesdays (almost as much as Wednesdays...new comic day!). Walking in, checking out the new release section. Looking for that new book to rush home to read. Or maybe spending a few hours with a hot cup of caffeine in hand, perusing the aisles for new treasure.

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine, woefully sharing my sadness at my local Borders shutting its doors. She shared her sadness as well, telling stories of how she would take her kids there with homemade (and home brought) hot chocolate for hours of fun in the children's section. I made the off handed comment about how great their own bookshelves must look when she dropped the bomb on me.

They didn't go to buy books. They just went for the atmosphere. The free atmosphere. My jaw must have hit the floor faster than if you'd handed me celery with peanut butter (I hate celery, even if you put peanut butter on it.) because she asked if I was okay.

Okay? SERIOUSLY?

Herein lies one of the problems. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure this wasn't the only reason I've lost the main source of my credit card purchases. I'm sure she must have bought a book every other time, right?

Nope. At this point, I bit my tongue all the while my mind was racing. A bookstore isn't just a playroom. They have to make the rent and the payroll. My only hope is that her little ones got an appreciation for books and will carry this tradition on at a library.

And now? I travel a few more miles to get my fix, even if I can get new treasures cheaper on Amazon.

And who knows, maybe there will be an independent bookstore in my future...

Tuesday Musings...Wonder

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

"Wisdom begins in wonder."

Socrates

New Review...Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

2012-01-09T05:54:00.000-08:00

From the back cover....

They're here.

They ride.

The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday...or let it ride...

Immortal Rider

Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She's been marked as Satan's bride and her jealous fiance wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself-and everyone else-safe is to keep her distance.

Arik Wagner knows the saying "love hurts" better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he's topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

Missing your favorite daytime drama? I have the answer for you!

There are no shortages of hot steamy scenes (you know the kind...just imagine your favorite soap hero/heroine accidentally coming out of the shower only to see the one person he/she hates yet secretly longs for and will do anything to protect, even from the nasty mistakes they've made in the past that they've hidden from everyone they love that could now ruin their lives forever?)

You may think that soaps are cheesy, and I admit they can be...however, they are one of my absolute favorite guilty pleasures. Until Larissa Ione.

And I'll tell ya why. Each storyline in a soap somehow ends up repeating itself, even if its only partially. Yep, there's that one evil character who seems to be every one's daddy, and everybody hooks up (well, almost everyone) eventually. And every character has lied and cheated and is keeping secrets. This is where Ione sets herself apart.

Maybe it's the demons. Or the angels. It's most definitely the Horsemen.

Finally, a heroine I can sink my teeth into. Not only do I love Limos in her sassy ways, she has a great big ol heart thanks to her bros. Did I mention I'd love to crash at her pad? Sigh...always a soft place in my heart, those Hawaiian Islands. She's tough when she has to be, saucy when the time calls for it, and lays it on the line when the moment arises. Like any young immortal being, she has made her mistakes in the past. And, just like any immortal being, when you grow up, things catch up with you.

Arik sees the tough side, accepts it, and pushes past it. A tough military guy with connections with the Guardians and super secret military faction. Who gets in a bit of trouble over a little kiss. Scorching hot kiss, but if her only knew how that kiss would make things end up. Or where. Sigh...

There is a nice crossover with the Underworld General Hospital (demons and a hospital? Paranormal Soap Opera HEAVEN!) and we get a visit from some old friends as well as a look into the other Horsemen. Not to mention Harvester and Reaver...

If I had one complaint, it's that Satan himself is the Big Bad but doesn't make much of an appearance...something I'm hoping will show up as the series progresses.

Now, I'm left waiting and totally wanting for Thanatos' book.

Soap Opera? Nah, so much better...

Oh, How I've Missed You!

2012-01-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

The last year has been both a blessing and a curse. Blessings are often accompanied by a few bumps in the road. The view and the journey normally well worth the bumps. Or chuck holes. Or craters.

The injury came just before the bundle of giggles that now gives me a never ending supply of warm fuzzies on a daily basis.

And now, with the New Year comes new beginnings, as well as new challenges. The ankle isn't as flexible as it was before, which makes much of the choreography an incredible challenge. Translation: This bellydancer can't dance in as many shows with her belly sisters as she would like, and teaching is on a break right now. Heartbreaking, but every single day I fight the good fight to get my muse back in her right place. (I love physical therapy. Really.)

The other change? I'm a mom. (Which still surprises me...I mean, they let me take this lil guy home? Aren't they afraid of what I'll do? Are they crazy? The answer is yes, obviously!) Work has taken a back seat to snuggles, spit up, and yoga with baby! Forget trying to read the book a day I was averaging...as you can tell by the frequency of posts over here.

Enter scheduled posts, my shiny new laptop (evil virus claimed old faithful with all my media. I'm still hopeful the hard drive can be saved.), and new wireless router. Let's see how the game turns out.

New Year's resolution...try to not let this page go to waste.

Tuesday Musings For A New Year

2012-01-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year, and each and every one of us seems to filled with the feeling of promise. Promise of things to come, of what we can be, and what we cam do.

In honor of this glorious feeling (the hope of it staying somewhere inside each of us all year long), I give you one of my all time favorite sayings. Which I may have used once before, but it's my party and I'll repeat it if I want to.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."

Henry David Thoreau

Happy New Year, and may all your roads lead to your dreams...

Book Review: Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-12-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

From Sherrilyn Kenyon's website:

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed every life had a price. Until the day he finally found a reason to live. In a single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he'd spend eternity protecting the humans he once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abbigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief: Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day she meets the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

Like most of my favorite series, I discovered Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter novels right smack dab in the middle (surprise, surprise). Usually, with a series this long running, there is always the fear of the same old story creeping in, making each story sound somewhat familiar.

Not so with the Dark-Hunters...

One complaint I have is that Retribution seemed the most distant to the Dark-Hunter lore that has been previously introduced. Sundown and Abby's story sets itself in another pantheon with it's roots in Native American lore, with the introduction of the Cherokee 2012 prophecy of Time and Untime. (Which personally, I really enjoy because it reminds me of good memories...but that's another story!) Whether or not the details are true to the actual mythos, I lend to creative story telling. (Think of it like telephone. The details can get changed around depending on how you hear it!)

More sympathetic to the Apollites, we get into Abby's mind and see her perspective on Dark-Hunters. Seen as lethally evil murderers of the family she has been raised by, she sets out to take out as many as she can, with the the help of some demon enhanced abilities.

Until things go from bad to worse. As with most things, it's really all about perspective. You know, that whole there's three sides to every story. One side, the other, and the truth...

Sundown is a sexy cowboy stuck in his ways (gotta love a man who rides a horse. Save a horse, ride a...you get the picture.) to the extent that every syllable that falls from his lips drips with that cowboy way of his...which is addicting, if I do say so myself. Honestly, I worried that I might get a tad annoyed with it, but just the opposite happened. It only added to his character.

As they battled evil and we discover their mysterious past, Sundown and Abby become more and more what I have come to expected from a Dark-Hunter novel. It took a bit for me to warm up to Abby, mostly because she just seemed to flip flop a little too much for me. But, in the end, girlfriend kinda won me over.

At the end of the book, we get a little Acheron action. And of course, Simi. Because, really, a Dark-Hunter novel without Simi (and Ash) is like dinner without barbecue!

While not my favorite Dark-Hunter addition, Retribution definitely filled the hole I've had waiting for some bow and arrow tattoos to show up. (For more Dark-Hunter fun and games, check out the website...)

Tuesday Musings...Dreams

2011-11-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

Oscar Wilde

Tuesday Musing...Thanksgiving Style

2011-11-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

I decided to make this one pretty simple (which means I may complicate things just a bit, so bear with with me.)

When I began this journey, boy oh boy, never did I realize where I would end up. Books, dance, and whatever else I had going on in my crazy life. Easy, right?

Then, everything went literally crazy. From an ankle injury (that almost completely took away my ability to walk let alone dance), to the passing of my beloved kitty (which broke my heart), to the personal circus we won't even get started on...and then, to the thing I am most thankful for in the world.

My family and its new addition.

So, my words to you today are simple.

Be thankful...and thank you!

Tuesday Musings...Much Ado

2011-07-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

"If it prove so, then loving goes by haps.

Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps."

Hero (from Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare)

One of my favorites (and not just because I love the movie version with Keanu Reeves...sigh). And truly, who hasn't fallen into the trap?

Tuesday Musings...Puppies and Sunshine

2011-07-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Love isn't all puppies and sunshine. It makes you scared as hell."

Anya Bast, from Dark Enchantment

Just a sneek peak of my next review ;-)....

Five Things I Love...Tribal Fusion Bellydance

2011-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

First, if you have no idea what Tribal Fusion Bellydance is, be sure to visit the page link to get a mini course (not all inclusive, and no pop quizzes!).

1.) Tribal Fusion Bellydance is a style that originated in California. Why is this on my list? Creativity and explosions of art are always to be celebrated! In a time when most schools are struggling with budgets and the arts are the first to be cut, it's a beautiful thing to know that art still has relevance and that this ever evolving art is inspiring dancers to create and explore.

2.) Bellydance celebrates all types of women! Young, old, any and every body type and ethnicity. Anyone can do it! (Don't roll your eyes! If everyone was perfect at something the first time they tried something, how boring would that be? Ugh!) Tattoos, piercings, Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, tall, short...it doesn't matter. All women are beautiful in their own way...I'm not a skinny girl. Curves are celebrated. I'm proud to say I look better in my bellydance wardrobe than most of my everyday and work clothes.

3.) I've to learned to take joy in learning. Especially the first few times..ok, maybe more like the first ten to twenty times...I tried to make my body do what I thought was impossible. I giggled. A lot. Which made it even more fun and enjoyable. There is so much we beat ourselves up over that having this outlook has expanded into other areas in my life.

4.) I dance with the most beautiful, generous, and loving women. The cattiness that is usually so prevalent when some women spend time together is not an issue. It has renewed my faith in so many ways! We help one another, whether its with making our stubborn hips and obliques make that crazy bumblebee walk work, fix a wayward costume piece, or just get a hug when you need it.

5.) Sharing...not only can I share my dance with an audience, students, and even you in some ways, I can share my interpretation and fusion of the style. New music, costumes, influences...there are no rules here.

To Read, Or Not To Read

2011-07-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

It's still there, lurking and waiting. Sometimes, it looks at me with longing. Other times, the feeling generates guilt. I know it's mad at me or feels abandoned.
The It? My TO BE READ pile. Or, as my husband calls it, the collect dust while everything else speeds on by pile.
Truly, I'm not sure the culprit is as simple as a reading slump or as complicated as I have a life changing event coming in a little over two months.
I have a feeling it's a bit of both.
To be honest, I'm overwhelmed with everything I have to do to get ready for my lil bundle of chaotic joy. Even the everyday simple mundane tasks seem overwhelming. (Don't even get me started on the kitchen remodel that keeps getting stalled. Oy.)
So, to get myself out of my slump, I pulled out an oldie but a goodie. Okay, maybe not that oldie.
If you've visited me in the past, you know the love I have for Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. After a few months of overwhelming (are you sensing a theme here?) feelings, I knew the only thing that could pull me out of this funk was Irial. And Niall. And Seth. And Ash..and Donia...and I hope you get the point.
So, five books later, I've finally picked up something new...partially to help my brain take a break every now and then. I'll let you know how it works!
And, I've decided to let the parts of the brain that can't seem to let go have its own voice on a lil blog I've started. If you want to check it out, great. If not, that's cool. But I hope you'll stop back.

Five Things I Love...Chicagoland Vampires

2011-06-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Having joined the Chicagoland Vampires train a little late in the game isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it fills that insatiable need for the next book in the series that most people who have discovered these little gems since their inception.

Me, I get instant gratification.

Okay, well, almost.

Because four books in and I am chomping at the neck (or nibbling, depending on whose neck it is) for the next one. Which is out (but, my local bookstore isn't cooperating. Oh, but it will.). And that would be book number four. Yep, still a bit behind. Do you hear me, Borders?!?

So, until I get my hot little hands on it, here are five reasons I love the Chicagoland Vampires and Chloe Neill.

1.) I adore Chicago. Not just because of Wizard World Chicago, which is one of my favorite comic cons...I mean, where else can you hear Joss Whedon tell a room full of people (that your husband illegally snuck you in to...the panel, not the con.) a sniff sniff wipe a tear away little story about an unaired Buffy epi about boots, saving the world, and the one thing you would give your best best Wiccan friend. From the museums to my fave deep dish to the lake front and even the transportation, I feel like I'm there every time I turn the page.

2.) Ethan. Just imagine Beckham with a little Eric from TB. Enough said. Feel free to pause and appreciate...

3.) Story element that makes me keep reading...normally, we don't get choices on the big things that change our lives forever. These moments come up unexpectedly and everything is different, and no matter how hard you try things will never be the same. And then, we have to deal with them. Sometimes, not well. And even then, the emotional roller coaster gives you the ride you'll never forget. Merit's journey usually has me going right along with her...

Most authors don't give this journey enough credit. And I love how Merit deals or doesn't.

4.) The toys. I've always wanted to learn how to use a katana. And drive a sleek sports car. Plus, the wardrobe is to die for (pun? Maybe. Maybe not.)

5.) Did I mention Ethan? Because the sexual steamy tension mixed with those seriously yummy moments of sincerity...oh my...

What do you think?

(For more Chicagoland and Cadogan House, visit Chloe Neill here.)

Tuesday Musings...Graveminder Style

2011-06-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

"Memories. Love. Letting go."

from Graveminder by Melissa Marr

There is something I've always loved about the pacing and wording that Melissa Marr uses in her writing. Anytime I've been in a reading slump, or my brain is on multi-tasking insane mode, I just pick up a little Wicked Lovely, and then everything seems to slow down and get back to, well, not normal, but some semblance of normal...

So far, Graveminder seems to be doing the trick.

Finally, the WINNER of Alien In The Family!

2011-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the drawn out anticipation...as many of you may or may not know, I've been slowly recovering from an ankle injury (great for a bellydancer, let me tell ya) while expecting. A family illness pushed everything a little over the edge...

But, on a happier note, the winner is....

Jen B! I'll be emailing you to get your info!

Thanks for all of you who entered! It makes me happy to know that books still make us all turn into silly messes in a bookstore, or that a little Sam and Dean makes our day, and that a good ol comic book still does a little something!!

Here's to all of the Fan Girls out there, no matter what your passion may be!!!!!!

Virtual Book Tour...Review Alien In The Family by Gini Koch

2011-05-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Super-being Exterminator Kitty Katt and the Alpha Centuri she loves, Jeff Martini, should be finalizing their wedding plans. But that was before she discovered Jeff is in line to become Emperor back on his home world. Kitty knows she is everything a royal family wouldn't approve of, and is bracing herself for the worst. As it turns out, the royal family is just the beginning. Especially when extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists are determined to start and end Kitty and Jeff's nuptial festivities with a bang.

Not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but I am a true and tried geek girl. And, there are few things that ever give me the chance to voice this little quirk of mine. It's always there, lurking under the surface, waiting to jump up and be noticed. Imagine my giddiness when asked to participate in this virtual blog tour!! I may have blushed....seriously, after I squealed. This book is one of those reads that will kick start your reading rut, at least it did for me!

(Quick note...I'd like to thank a few tweeties, Bells and Collette...for the Martini addiction.)

In the third book of this series, it still seems Kitty can't keep away from the fugliness that seems attracted non-stop to her. From the Wonder Woman wanna be's, to emissaries from other planets, and even royal family members ready to put her to the test (yikes). Thank goodness she has Martini to distract her when she most needs it! (Um, in case you hadn't noticed, maybe just maybe she might get a nice distraction from Chuckie...or Christopher...or Kevin...you get the idea. This works because, hey we are all human *!* enough that we notice others hotness or something we find drool worthy. The key, however, is what you get to take home, ya know?)

Who knew getting engaged would cause intergalactic subterfuge and deadly girl power assassins plus a really colorful light show? (And with all the hoopla surrounding royal weddings, let's just say the timing worked well for me *wink*.)

Just like real life, one things most definitely leads to another. Extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists leads to intergalactic emissaries of all, er, types, leads to the grandma's and all that family drama, which inevitably should end up in Vegas with all the craziness and twists and turns you can get while not being the Hangover. Which, sadly, didn't really enjoy (the Hangover, not the book!). I can't even imagine the in-law situation...shudders. Also, I want a poof...however, my lil kit and caboodles would most def get jealous.

Love how well Kitty either handles a situation, or, as we all would, doesn't. And to complicate matters even more her best friend, and not so bad on the eyes himself, Chuckie may have the upper hand, in at least a few situations. Which, as imagined, may not go over as smoothly as one would hope.

As much as in the previous two books from this series, this girl got her geek on (see post here) as well as her shop envy on (have you been to Vegas? Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning. However, I prefer Cesar's...just saying.) and her hotness quotient filled. (Screaming orgasms have me rethinking remodeling my bathroom. Shh, don't tell...) Gini Koch has the ability to make cute (I use this term lightly, only because normally the term applies differently in my mind but I credit A Buckeye Girl Reads!) sexy, smart, geek chic all at once.

There was a deeper message hidden in there, as well, and just as in the story telling the message hits, stays with you unconsciously through out all the action packed mayhem that kept piling on. You'll just have to pick up for yourself and take what you will...There was a a few moments that left me thinking, well, heck, what's next...

Martini, you'll always be Martini to me. Just as like Kitty, I may take a look around but always come back to you...(Is it just me, but are some men more like a girl than you are *wink*?)

To celebrate the virtual blog tour, I have been graciously given a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky person. Click here to enter the geekiness!!!!!!

(Reviewer's note...copy of Alien In The Family provided for review.)

Alien In The Family Giveaway, Comic Geek Girl Style!

2011-05-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

"Never piss off the comic geeks-girl."

If there's anything a comic geek girl loves, it's the ability to happily geek out while enjoying one of her other loves. The two collide, and geeking out occurs...This phenomenon, while rare, is truly an interesting sight to see...or hear.

So, imagine my utter happiness when my favorite amazonian warrior had a reference in one of my new favorite series, "Alien In The Family" by Gini Koch. (Yep, squealing that some might say only my gorgeous golden retriever could hear. But, what can I say?) What can I say, I totally had Wonder Woman Underoos. TMI, anyone? Anywho, in true geek girl fashion, the reference is used and corrected by the other secretly (or not) geek characters to truly embrace the true nature that is Wonder Woman. (Go fan boys and girls!!!!!) Now, where did I leave my lasso? Never mind...

(Side note, the picture above is beautifully rendered by Michael Turner, and is undoubtedly of my favorites...no copyright infringement intended! Check out Aspen comics and get inspired to geek out, too.)

Now, I've always had a thing for Iceman from Top Gun..and Goose...and Slider...and I could go on and on. Hmm...*shakes head* Thanks, Gini *grin* for all the fun times! (Hello, beach volleyball, anyone?)

Down to the business at hand. Up for grabs...a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky winner, thanks to KLB Virtual Events.

To enter, answer one easy peasy little question...

What makes you geek out? Be it comics, a movie, your favorite new pair of shoes...Leave a comment below, contest ends May 18th.

Good luck, y'all! Open to U.S. and Canada only...

New Review...Dreams Of A Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

2011-05-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

From the back cover:

He vowed to come for her...

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

She awaits his return...

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals-unaware that he belongs to their world.

To sate a desire more powerful than death...

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan's torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared-even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Kresley Cole is the genius who has discovered how to utilize the wonderful mind spinning element I like to call the flash sideways. To be able to completely understand exactly what it is to flash sideways, I sincerely hope (and no doubt you have!) had the chance to devour the previous books in the Immortals After Dark Series. Imagine be able to see all the juicy details, going on simultaneously like a picture in picture. (Now, I see the appeal of the whole sport split screen...you know the one, where every single game in the NFL can be seen all at dizzying once detail.) But, this is far better. And more enjoyable!

Starting out, I was a little bit worried. Regin, courageous yet young (!) Valkyrie she is, barges in demanding aid (not just for herself, but she must save her sister Lucia...flash sideways moment!) from the handsome yet dangerous Berserker Warlord Aidan the Fierce. Aidan sees the promise in her, and knows she must be his...but not quite yet. Thank goodness.

As time goes on, the two meet once again, and fall for one another. Just as happily ever after seems in sight, a immortal takes his revenge and Aidan loses his life, but not before promising to come back for her. Then, we get to the nitty gritty.

Someone has been capturing immortals of all kinds, studying and doing unthinkable things...and now, they have Regin. (Hmm, Buffy, anyone? Which is probably why I saw a bit of Riley in Declan!)

And her jailer, is none other than her fierce bersereker, but in this reincarnation, he hates her and all her kind (which he groups together as all evil, no matter their race nor inclination) and would like nothing better than to destroy her will and steal her secrets.

If only her knew what one of those secrets was, hmm?

The key to the flash sideways is to give just enough detail of the other stories to (and this is a deviously delicious plan!) to make you want to go back once your finished for more. I adore Nix and her crazy zany ways, so that is always a fun time!

Declan's inner struggle added to his tortured past lives, making his decisions and actions a constant struggle, while Regin sought only to protect him at the cost of her own heart.

While not my favorite of the series (mostly because it's incredibly hard to pick one over another), I loved Regin's gorgeous hot messiness (her room would give me a heart attack...or serious envy) and the fierceness and dare I say the hotness in which the relationship developed, not only between Aidan and Regin, but also the glimpses we catch of the others in the Lore.

An action packed flash sideways is just what a girl needs every now and then...especially with sparkly goodness thrown in.

Alien in the Family Tour!

2011-05-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

I know, it's not my turn, but there are some other places we can go to join in on the fun!!! Also, I can tell you not only will I have a review but a giveaway!! (And I'm sure you'll want to enter!) So, while I deviously ponder the details, check out these fabuolous stops along the way!!

May 1st with Drens B Spot
May 2nd over at Larissa's Life
May 3rd with Nikki Brandyberry
May 4th at the Order
May 5th with Nancy McGregor
May 6th there's a party going on over Hanging With Bells
May 7th it's time to head over to with Deanna and Chena
May 8th, come hang with comic geek girl (me!)
May 9th go check out Mark of the Stars and see what's going on!
May 10th, the host of our fab tour, KLB has something you'll want to check out,
as well as a little something with Love To Read For Fun

Have a great time checking these wonderful blogs out, and can't wait to see you here!!

(P.S. To any bloggers, if there is a change or anything you'd like to add, just email me!)

Tuesday Musings...with a bit of sweetness

2011-05-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

From my Dove dark chocolate Easter basket candy...

(Just a little sweetness and words of wisdom...don't worry, the chocolate was celebrated!)

Tuesday Musing...Alien In The Family

2011-04-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

"If the packaging was decent to look at, that was a bonus, but it wasn't what mattered."

Gini Koch, "Alien In The Family"

Alien In The Family Blog Tour!!!

2011-04-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, seriously excited about this!!!!!

If there is one thing that I adore it's the opportunity to go full on Fan Girl. Unabashedly, I love Wednesdays almost as much as Tuesdays just so I can get my comics. Comic cons, I'm there (especially if Sam Witwer is in attendance. Or a few of the Final Five...or even a life size Wolverine).

So imagine how much I drool over Martini and wish I were Kitty? Oh yeah...(Singing "Danger Zone" out loud...and in key.)

I'll be posting the details of the blog tour soon, so stay tuned y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where Oh Where Have I Been?

2011-04-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ever have a moment when you, in the blink of a moment, say "How in the world did I end up here?" (Mostly because you don't remember getting on the super duper fast train that has led you to this spot in a loud screeching stop!!!!)

That's been my life...in a blur of sorts, in the last few months.

My whining, you've no doubt, seen on my Twitter. The ankle. Yep, it's still there. My advice to y'all...if you ever get a boo boo, don't put off getting it looked at. Sucking it up works well in some situations, but in one such as this, it can seriously mess up your life...almost permanently. (I've been told a break would have been better.)

Because, I have a complication. A happy one, yet still a complication.

Yep, I'm expecting a little pumpkin! Now, this may be the only mention you'll see around these parts...but, the little one complicated the whole healing process. Not to mention the insanity of the day job. Nine hours on your feet five days a week on marble sucks, as I'm sure some of you know. Add to the whole shebang doctors telling you about the weight that you will be gaining (happily, but still...), and not being able to have any sort of meds save tylenol. Might as well give me just a glass of water and a sugar cube...And frozen ankle syndrome? *Shudders*

But, finally the healing has begun...the sleepless nights, morning sickness (stupid name, by the way!), the aches, the tears are becoming a memory. Not quite distant, but soon, I hope! With hard work and little faith in myself. And maybe chocolate. Or strawberries. Both?!

And with that, even as I haven't danced in such a long time or even logged on here, I'm slowly coming around.

So I look forward to seeing you all again...

New Review...Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

2011-02-25T06:34:00.000-08:00

From Amazon.com:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark King is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark king and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and the final conflict, some will win...some will lose everything.

My love for the Wicked Lovely Series has sadly reached its end. Not in a bad way, mind you...and it most definitely does not mean that old memories can't be revisited at any time that the itch needs to be scratched. With Darkest Mercy, once again, Melissa Marr had me riding the emotional roller coaster that began all those books ago (that have been lent out and well loved many a time).

Here's a link to an Amazon vid with Melissa Marr discussing the series here...

First off, the admiration I have for an author who knows and respects her reader by not dumbing down or pulling punches is reinforced whenever I discover someone who resides on the opposite end of the spectrum. (Case in point, you don't need to necessarily remind me with specific terms what genre your work is...especially in the midst of the action. It makes me sad.) This, however, doesn't preclude the fact that I will make inarticulate sounds, gasp, sob, or even (yes) yell as I read. Which, I seem to do far more with this series (and Carolyn Crane's Mind Games, etc.) than any other. Exhausting...

Side note: I would love to send some love to my local Borders...with all the craziness surrounding my fave big box bookstore (there aren't many indie shops in my neck of the woods), I have been just a little skeered about my book browsing future. And so, I headed in on Tuesday on my second stop to search for Darkest Mercy. I am one of those browsers who feels like the finding is the best part of the journey. However, tears threatened (I had just come from physical therapy, and was feeling it) as I searched fruitlessly... it was nowhere to be found. So, I ferreted out a headset clad Borders employee, who headed for the handy dandy terminal. Where it wasn't listed as in the store. So, off he went to the back, and came out brandishing a cold, never opened treasure. Sigh...

Okay, enough blabbering...

SPOILER ALERT! I try not to put too much on here, but, if you're reading this, you may just infer a few things. Just warning you!

Keenan, the Summer King, has left Aislinn (the girl's whose life he sent into utter upheaval to strengthen his court), Seth is missing in Faerie, the Dark Court is entrenched in chaos (whoa!), the new Winter Queen is struggling admirably with her own feelings towards Keenan and his new queen (that's a whole new ball of yarn that lil kittens will love to play with). Added to the fact that War has gained her feathers and is becoming more powerful while taking out one of the Gabriel's pups and the gravely injure the former Dark King - and we have the storm of the century. Because, according to Faerie Law, to destroy War would in fact, destroy Faerie.

And that is just the beginning...

Faerie is based, partially, on the concept of balance. Dark has Light (or, in this case, the High Court), Summer has Winter, Order has Discord. But when Discord becomes War, a Shadow Court emerges to balance the High Court, and Faerie itself is sealed, everything comes to a head.

Destroy War and possibly Faerie, or perish in the battle...

Each time I read one of the Wicked Lovely books, I fall a little more in love with each character. Donia for her strength and vulnerability as she protects those she considers hers (even if they are of her court). Seth, whose ability to love no matter what and protect those he cares for even as it puts him between a rock and a hard place. Irial (sigh..) the Dark King, er, Former Dark King whose heart makes him fierce and frightening as well as the guy willing to do the things no one else is. I love him beyond. Niall...the reluctant yet fitting Dark King who once was Summer's advisor whose passions and emotions come to the forefront even as he tries to do what he believes is right to strengthen his Court. The Summer King, whose ways aren't always clear to everyone around him, even as he struggles with the cards he's been dealt. We all try to do the right things the way we think they should be done.

Sometimes, it just takes longer to see the bigger picture.

A fitting end *sobs* to a masterful and emotionally crazy roller coaster of a series.

Tuesday Musing...(yes, I know it's Friday)

2011-02-25T06:16:00.000-08:00

Since I've had to take a "break" from this little activity (and heal the hurt that seems to be more stubborn than I ever thought!), I figured it was well within my right (since I am indeed the one typing merrily along) to do a Tuesday thing on this snowy sideways blizzardy Friday.

"There are always choices."

Melissa Marr, from Darkest Mercy

Sigh...that's all I have for this moment.

(Oh, and you can bet that I will, in fact, reviewing Darkest Mercy...mostly because I can't really explain the odd looks my husband gives me. Really...the crying, the squeeing, the WTF moments - whiskey tango foxtrot the delicate ears, er, eyes)

Tuesday Musings...Hope is a good thing.

2011-02-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

"Watch our words spread hope like fire..."

Angels and Airwaves

That sounds like a very good thing, doesn't it?

Book Review...Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch

2011-01-31T07:07:00.000-08:00

Relating to a character in a book, or a situation that a heroine has suddenly found herself placed (precariously or not) should be a key component when you really connect with a book. And by that, I mean really good, squeal in glee moment. Unfortunately, this moment happens less often than not (or, rather in the low end of the spectrum). Which, all in all, doesn't diminish the moment. I just don't make the kind of noises that make puppy dogs ears perk or husband's eyebrow quirk. And most of the time, I am perfectly okay with this.

Seriously, I'm not necessarily a faery hiding my dark side (though, there are times I feel a dark side want to peak out) or a lonely girl investigating the death of my sister with the help of a devastatingly darkly handsome mysterious bookstore owner.

What I am, besides book obsessed and tribal bellydancer (even though its a couch show at this moment), is a fan girl. With an extensive comic book collection, and yes even a few statues. Oh, did I mention I absolutely love the volleyball scene in Top Gun (Slider...sigh. And remember when Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise were drool worthy?)? My ipod, alas, has over 5,000 songs on it, and I routinely program with the help of Genius a playlist for the day.

(All of this wasn't very relevant at the time...but I think some of you may get the idea, huh?)

You see, a few months ago, one of my favorite book bloggers had a new review. Eh, I thought, not so in to the whole alien thing, but I'll check it out anywho. I liked Men In Black. Will Smith hangs a good suit. But, the only draw back was it sounded, well, cheesy? (I use this word with a cringe because one person's cute is another person's yummy.) I wasn't sure it was the book for me. But, as it happens, the snow ball effect began and everywhere I turned, there it was.

From the back of the book:

Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt had just finished a day on jury duty. When she stepped out of the Pueblo Caliente courthouse, all she was thinking about was the work she had to get caught up on. then her attention was caught by a fight between a couple-a domestic dispute that looked like it was about to turn ugly. But ugly didn't even begin to cover it when the "man" suddenly transformed into a huge, winged monster right out of a grade Z science fiction movie and went on a deadly killing spree. In hindsight, Kitty realized why she probably should have panicked and run screaming the way everyone around her was doing. Instead, she got mad, searched her purse for a weapon, and, armed with a Mont Blanc pen, sprinted into action to take down the alien.

In the middle of all the screeching and the ensuing chaos, a tall handsome hunk of a guy in an Armani suit suddenly appeared beside her, examined the body, introduced himself as Jeff Martini with "the agency," called out to an Armani-clad colleague to perform crowd control, and then insisted on leading her to a nearby limo to talk to his "boss."

And that was how Kitty's new life among the aliens began...

Aliens? Yep, there's the sticky ewy gooey aliens bent on taking over the earth type...but, hello ARMANI? Sigh...if only all men had the body to hang a good Armani. Gini Koch takes every fan girl's science fiction dream and makes it reality, throwing in what every girl also wants...a devastatingly handsome witty powerful man who adores her. (With maybe a little of that Top Gun fantasy thrown in... I mean, seriously!!!) What really hit the spot for me was how seamlessly it all stuck together with just the right amount of smarts, tongue in cheek sauciness, and good old fashion flirting and fight for the universe-we-all-share-the-same-things-in-common that made it entirely too difficult to put down.

Kitty is the kind of heroine a girl wants to be...smart, confident, and creative, all while rocking her jeans and kicking a little alien booty. And, let's just say the A-C's (that's the hot Armani clad aliens, btw) could use a girl like her....

Now, if you'll excuse me...I have playlist to get going. Hmmm, what would be perfect for Alien Tango?

Midnight Musings...Missing My Shimmies!

2011-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

The hardest part of any injury is the healing. Its incredibly and undeniably easy to injure yourself, sometimes so much so that you haven't even realized the severity until its, well, that severe.

And it sucks even more when you're a bellydancer.

The moment the EVENT (as I call it now, and not fondly) occurred, I honestly just stood up and brushed myself off and went on with my day. Not much slows me down, and I figured it was only a tad sore.

Looking back, I was an idiot. We all do it, forgetting to put ourselves and our wealth fare first.

So, here I am. Almost two and a half months, six x-rays, tons of anti-inflammatory meds, an air cast, countless icing sessions and one cortisone shot later. Still miserable and on a slow road of physical therapy and wondering if I'll be able to actually stand in the morning or even walking by the end of the day. And, barely twenty minutes of actual bellydance activity in that entire time. (I can kinda couch bellydance...real cute, let me tell you.)

Tonight, my girls and I have a benefit for a children's hospital, which I've been to committed to since November. And I desperately want to do. it..even if I have to fake it.

Here's to the Universe...you certainly have a way of making me remember what I really truly should be worrying about. And while it may no be okay for some people to be mean or just miserable when I'm at my job, its most definitely okay to miss doing the things you love. And to work hard to get back to them.

(While break a leg might be appropriate, I'll just send out a nice loud YIEP! and positive thoughts...coupled with some kick ass couch shimmies!)

Winners...Better Late Than Never

2011-01-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

Sigh...

Let me tell you, the Holidays were actually much easier to deal with this year than I have ever experienced. Because, it was the days after that killed me.

Sadly, I lost the first man in my life a few days after Christmas. (My kitty Drew has been in my life longer than my husband. Which, seems like there's never been a time when I haven't had him around to lovingly torture.) Tore me up.

And, to add insult to injury...literally...it seems I have an ankle issue that has made me grumpier than a certain dwarf with a huge yet adorable sniffer. Finding a good doctor is a journey I do not envy anyone.

Which brings us to today (quickly, because Shadowfever finally got left at my door!!!!!!!!! *dances giddily* The following lovies won my Holiday Celebration (chosen by my pumpkin of a niece who wishes I had more contests she could help me with!)

Ahem...

A Highlander for Christmas....Stephanie!

Christmas CD and Larissa Ione swag...Debbie!

Goddess of the Sea...Cathie!

Devil to Pay....Dren!

(Be on the lookout for an email!!)

Holiday Review...Second Chances by Lauren Dane

2010-12-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

For Christmas this year, and to help keep me holly jolly, I picked up a few Happy Holiday offerings for the Kindle. (Still have to name it...I mean, who doesn't name their toys?) And, to keep with the theme, the Favorite Things (I had a music box that played the song when I was younger, and there was something that always felt like Christmas to me. *shrugs*)

Second Chances came my way by the means of Lauren Dane herself (I find it fitting that I won the ARC in a twitter contest since I discovered her through the twitverse. *G*)

From Amazon.com :

Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now, she's back, older, stronger, and finally loving herself - and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams...and her adult fantasies.

Jude can't believe the sexy, confident woman in front of him is actually Rori! She's gotten under his skin like no other woman has...and she brings out secret desires he can't resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.

Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she's in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he's lost his chance forever...

Second Chances, previously released in 2005, first came to my attention when I found Believe, a Holiday novella that takes place after the events in Second Chances...but, more of that in just a little bit...

Admittedly, there is something about this author that I just can't seem to get enough of, so I was very excited to get my...ugh, eyes? on this one, especially after getting to know the characters in the holiday novella. And of course, I expected all the hot steaminess mixed in with the heart and soul that permeates previous works I've devoured.

Here's the difference...even though Rori left an ugly duckling, she hasn't quite turned fully into a swan. She's confident and brushed off the uncomfortable fog that hung around her (mostly in the form of her over bearing and somewhat condescending mother) that plagued her as a teenager. Traveled and more experienced, Rori is most definitely a changed woamn. But, we get to take the final part of the journey with her. And what a journey...Jude, the lady's man, yet entirely the sexy object of her teenage dreams, becomes a reality. She decides to play his game against him and turn the tables. Too bad her heart won't get with the program. Or, for that matter, his. Jude doesn't know what he's got until he's too stupid to let it be gone (and, the commitment idea scared him right down to his sexy in command lil toes). Enter Zach...thanks to Jude, Rori knows what she likes, and Zach takes this to an entirely new level for her and she falls head over heels. (Zach is one of my all time faves!) Like any good friend, I wanted to smack Jude upside the head a few times for his, well, stereotypical commitment phobe don't know what you've got til someone else is tying her up-ness. (And, the smoldering is so hot I'm surprised you don't see smoke coming from the screen just thinking about it!) Zach is almost too good to be true for Rori, and the way they challenge one another is fun loving and sexy. Until things go not so happily ever after. Few books make me cry... is one of them. No spoilers here, but woah...and wow

Still want your Happily Ever After? Check out Believe...and my next review...

Holiday Reviews...Assasin's Heart by Monica Burns

2010-12-20T10:17:00.001-08:00

HOLY SMOLY! This Saturday is the day...its Christmas! With that terrifying thought (I still can't find a Kindle at Target for the husband who keeps stealing mine!) lodged in my brain threatening my sanity, I decided to take a breather and blog deliciously (and quickly) about a few of my favorite things...er, reads over the past few weeks. Enjoy...

I have major love for this series, having discovered it in my very first ARC tour. There is something beyond sexy about a secret order of the Sicari, assasins (but not in the evil, bad guy, assassin kinda way...think, sexy, Italian, and secretive in that way that somehow just lets you know you want to be held captive.) Okay, maybe I went a tad bit overboard. What can I say?

From Amazon.com:

The half-angel, half-demon face that telepathic Lysander sees in the mirror is a reminder of the monster he must keep hidden to avoid expulsion from an order of assassins. His dreams of ancient Rome hint at a destiny with the woman he loves, but can never have.

When the gifted healer Phaedra travels to Rome in search of a legendary artifact, she works alongside a man who once rejected her love and healing touch. But her dreams of ancient Rome tell of an irreversible and possibly dangerous future. For the distant past and present are about to collide-with the one man she is destined to love.

I've always been intrigued by the legends and tales that surround ancient Rome...even as I walked along the ancient streets when I visited, I would imagine all the people who walked the same steps before me and marvel at the layer upon layer of history evident in each and every stone and building, relic and church. (Even as I cringed at the MacDonald's on the corner. Yuck.) Monica Burns brought back those feelings of wonder and made them even better, from the sexy Sicari men (and women) and the intertwining of past and present, to the use of Latin and Italian peppered in to entice...and the food *groan*! (I felt like I was back in my Nana's kitchen watching my big hunky Uncles cook...nothing cuter than a bunch of men, trying to out do one another with their culinary skills!) Not only a fantastic PNR, but this series has stolen my heart. and imagination...

Lysander may be damaged on the outside, but Phaedra knows there's something more beneath the scars and coldness. In her dreams, the man she knows is there, loving her in every way possible. But in the harsh light of day, she still wants to reconcile what her heart knows with what her eyes and head witness. Will searching for a legendary artifact bring them closer together, or will secrets drive them farther apart? There was something about Phaedra in Assasin's Honor that made her one my favorite female characters. Sassy and strong are two of my favorite characteristics of a smart heroine, and I have to say, I kinda want to borrow her wardrobe. And, silly silly Lysander...some men just need a girl to give them a swift kick in the, well, you'll just have to read more for yourself to find out what happens next...

In Mailbox #1 (and Happy Holidays Contest #4)

2010-12-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

(Hosted by the Story Siren) This is my first In My Mailbox, mostly because Sundays are always insane for me. But I thought I'd do a little twist on the subject...

First, here's what was in my "mailbox"...

ARC of Never Have I Ever by Alisha Rai (Won by me!)

Lady Mechanika #1 (hunted down by me!)

Despicable Me DVD (I still want minions...)

And now, what I am tackling from the TBR pile...

Blameless by Gail Carriger (Where's my parasol?)

Danger Girl by J. Scott Campbell (graphic novel)

For my wish list for Christmas...

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning (I know, it doesn't come out until after Christmas, but I can hope for a Christmas MIRACLE, right?)

Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch (Seriously, it needs to be in my stocking, Santa!)

A parasol and a minion, as well, Santa. I've been extra good this year!!!!

What do you want in your stocking this Christmas? (Besides that candy cane....I call dibs!) Just answer below for a chance to win an oldie but goody - The Devil to Pay by Michele Hauf. Contest ends December 26th. (U.S. and Canada only, please...if only due to my inability!) Comment below with your email to be entered!

Steampunk Review...Lady Mechanika #0 by Joe Benitez

2010-12-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

Lady Mechanika has no memory of her past. Her arms have been replaced with mechanical devices, found by authorities alive in an abandoned laboratory amidst cadavers and body parts, the only survivor of a serial killer (or, so it has been said). Now, she uses her unique abilities as a private detective in Victorian England, during a time when magic and mystery meets scientific reason.
This has long been one of my most anticipated books of this entire year. The zero issue has had three (yep...three) printings and was so hard to get to my hot lil hands on that it took until the third printing to get one at one of my local comic shops. (But, I did dish out a little to get a sketch variant at a comic con. I know, I have a problem.) The bright spot in all this reprint madness, of course, means more gorgeous covers!
In issue zero, we meet a mysterious creature on the run from a zealous group of hunters...but, then Lady Mechanika steps in, only to realize he isn't dangerous, only hungry and scared. For Lady Mechanika, her past is a shrouded in the dark, unknown...but, this creature recognises her. But, before he can give her the details she so desperately wants, the one of the members of the hunting party cruelly kills him and her chance to finally find out who she is...
The simple set up in this prequel not only made me want more (and thank goodness I have issue number one!!!!!) but set the tone for what I hope is a fabulous contribution to the steampunk genre. And interestingly enough, the creator of the series, Joe Benitez, shares his inspiration for the series (oh, yeah, there are a few comic con trips involved!), plus some steampunk recipes (which made me hungry) in the book. So many times, the inside artwork doesn't live up to the cover or the premise promised. Not so with Lady Mechanika...the attention to detail to bringing the steampunk genre to life not only lives up to itself, but exceeds.

To check out more on Lady Mechanika and its creator/owner, click here. And don't forget to go out and get it for yourself. If you can!

Happy Holidays Giveaway #3

2010-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Spreading cheer and hoping your holidays are everything you hope for, no matter what you celebrate! To win a copy of P.C. Cast's Goddess of the Sea, just answer this question in the comments below...

What word did I use to describe the Iron Duke in my review located here...(which, I may add, my spell check didn't recognise as a spellable word, but, hey, what does it know.)?

Happy Holidays!

(Contest ends Dec. 26th...U.S. only)

Book Review Steampunk Style...The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

2010-12-17T08:07:00.001-08:00

From the back cover:

Seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas, where nanotech is fused with Victorian sensibilities-and steam.
After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.
Mina can't afford his interest, however. Horde blood runs through her veins, and despite the nanotech enhancing her body, she barely scratches out a living in London society. Becoming Rhys's lover would destroy both her career and her family, yet the investigation prevents her from avoiding him...and the Iron Duke's ruthless pursuit makes him difficult to resist.
But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

Admittedly, I am just a few days early for my review. Call it lack of patience, timing, or just plain old I couldn't wait to put my thoughts out there and make you (yes, make you!!!) go out and get this for someone on your Christmas list. Yep, I am that much in love with this book.

From page one, there was something decidedly different about The Iron Duke. So many people seem to be jumping on the steampunk train without truly getting not only the tone but the actual small nuances of their world that the reader starts to feel cheated. (I picked up a supposed steampunk romance this past year and disgustedly had to put it down. The word steampunk was so often rendered that it made me want to make a drinking game up. To help me finish. I'll keep the name to myself, but suffice it to say, it kinda jaded my opinion on steampunk for the rime being.)

At first I felt like I was transported into some alternate universe that felt like a new pair of leather gloves. A tad awkward at first, a little stiff yet snugly comfortable, but the more you wear them, the more it molds to you and makes your more movements that much easier. On world building alone, Meljean Brook dishes out exactly what you would expect and more. The back story and setting give meaning and purpose to each character's reactions more than any other novel I've had the pleasure of reading. No punches pulled here, the author knows her reader can handle any term she throws at them. Which is why The Iron Duke is a book meant to be savored and poured over, and took me a good week (after I found it again, but that's another story along with the crazy schedule that is life) to read each and every single word.
Mina may be a bugger, but her humor and depth of character shine and made me root for her even as she explored the gory details of dead bodies. Ew. Smart, even somewhat, dare I say, cheeky at times and full of character and heart, I loved the Inspector with each and very turn of the page even more. But, any heroine worth her salt has to have a worthy hero. Even if he seems a little rough around the edges.

The Iron Duke reluctantly saved England from the Horde, and his reputation, more often than not, proceeds him. Daring, and just a little dangerous, the Duke does all that he can to get under Mina's carefully controlled exterior...and other things. There was something so manly (sigh) and yet snuggable (what can I say...) about his actions and demeanor that I was hooked from the first.

And even better, the combination of airship travel (goggles, anyone?), intriguing characters (oh, to captain an airship!) with a few zombies and maybe a sea monster thrown in made The Iron Duke steampunk with the hottest amount of steam added to make you want more. Definitely in my top five for 2010, without a doubt!

(Hmm...this review will have its own role in my Happy Holiday Celebration...just sayin.)

Preview...Steampunk Style

2010-12-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

Being a fan girl at heart, this is one that I couldn't wait to get my hot little hands on. The hard part, though, is the getting hands on part. Because number zero has sold out not once, but twice and is on to its third printing. (Go Aspen Comics!) Which also means, for those of us who have, well, serious problems, more covers with fabulous art by Joe Benitez and J. Scott Campbell (and I'm sure a few others!). An artist owned title with kick booty artwork and storytelling from one of my favorite comic companies equals a win win...and its STEAMPUNK? Bonus!

(This one was a much anticipated contest prize that has had its ups and downs that have nothing to do with the actual book. Ahem, husband misplaced once. And now, I can't wait to share my thoughts with all of you.)

Being bitten in the past by various "steampunk" novels that maybe just didn't fit the bill for me (saying steampunk a dozen times or so a chapter does not a steampunk novel make), I was a tad skeptical at first but decided from the blog buzz to go for it just one more time. And, not that it really matters, but the steampunk episode of Castle made me, well, steam wanting. So, in deference not only to my fan girly-ness but the fun that is goggle-liciouness, onward and upward I read...

I have a feeling I'll be seeing you sooner than later!

Holiday Giveaway #2!!

2010-12-15T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are fast and furiously approaching. Which is why I capitalized it. Because, somehow, they take over and speed toward a finish line that I am so not ready for! I still have a few lights to put up, a few gifts to get together. But, my Holiday cards are in the mail. CHECK!

To mark this monumental occasion (celebrate the little things!), I have a few little presents for someone special! A holiday CD by Joe and little Larissa Ione Swag.

To enter, just leave a comment below with your email so the winner can be notified. As always, two entries if you follow...Contest ends December 20th. (U.S. only please...)

Off to the lights....(I am grumbling, by the way. That's the noise you keep hearing as you read!)

Holiday Musings (or, Tuesday Musings a Day Late)

2010-12-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor."

Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

(And, from one fan girl to, I hope, many others, I hope you enjoy this piece by one of my favorite artists, Michael Turner. Posted as a loving remembrance someone who brought much beauty into the world.)

Holiday Giveaway #1

2010-12-13T09:02:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays! With all the craziness and zany times that the season brings, I have been a busy little bee. (My kitchen is designed, the cabinets are in...and a wall is gone. WHO DOES THIS DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Yep, that would be me.) To help spread the love and the the spirit of giving...it's contest time. I know, it has been a loooooong time. And so, here is the first of just a few surprises to help make the season even more, um, sparkly.

So, on the blog, there are two reviews posted here and here. In my review of Lauren Dane's To Do List, how may variations of the word Holiday are there? And, because I know you looked, what colors are the stripe of the candy cane on my scrumptious review of Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast?

To enter, simply post your answer below with your email...two entries if you follow.

So, what will you win?

Contest ends December 20th...Happy entering!

Holdiay Review...Sweet Enchantment by Anya Bast

2010-12-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

The thought of combining the holidays with paranormal romance may not seem like your perfect pairing. Given the season, I set myself out to find some. Okay, a small white lie. Literally, it stared out at me from the table at the library. In case you don't recall, allow me to refresh your memory...

It's all about the candy cane, don't you think? Or is it the stocking? Roaring fire, perhaps...
In Sweet Enchantment, Bella lives the life of the pampered Seelie court. She has her own quarters, every beautiful dress, drool worthy shoes...pampered in the glittering court. The only problem is, in Piefferburg, everyone has long memory. Especially considering the fact that the walls have been enchanted by the Phaedir to keep everyone snugly inside. Years before, the mage Ronan left the Unseelie court, and Bella fell...hard. The heat that ignited between the tow of them made her burn. Until he publicly humiliated her and walked away. Now, Bella finds herself in a hard position. Ronan has stolen an artifact for the Phaedir, facing the terrible wrath of the Seelie Queen. Hoping to save him from death, she bargains for his life, offering marriage in name only to save the man who once held her heart in the palm of his hand and then crushed it for all to see. Tis Yule, after all. But, can she ever trust the mage, and the darkness she feels?
Anya Bast has created a world that encompasses all that I have ever loved about paranormal romance...from the multi-layered world that somehow exists entirely on its own to characters that somehow seem more than they seem. Multi-dimensional, and, if I do say so, incredibly hot. Smoldering. Having two characters that have a history may seem as if their story is being told in the midst, but having already met them through the first full length novel, it felt right to meet Bella and Ronan where I did. (Drool...plus, you have to love the fact we meet the mage without his shirt, even given his circumstances). Don't expect much holiday cheer, it's more a piece of the background than a major contributing factor. Once Ronan knows that Bella still has feelings for him, no matter how buried she has kept them, he'll stop at nothing to protect her. Sounds like a match made, in well, Piefferburg. Warning...there may be just a little lingering smoldery-ness invading your sense along the way.
But,the journey is well worth the destination.
(P.S. Happy Holidays Celebration hint...keep this page in mind!)

Holiday Review...To Do List by Lauren Dane

2010-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hmm...combine one of my favorite authors with the magic of the holiday season? What could be better? Because, for some odd quirk of the universe, this year, I've decided to take the holiday cheer train by the horns and actually enjoy every single insanely crazy moment of the season. Even if it means the possibility of adding more insanity *G.

Holiday hotness abounds in Lauren Dane's holiday offering, To Do List. Imagine the life you think you've always wanted. The perfect job with the corner office with the firm, the big city condo with a view to die for, all the shoes you could ever want. Then, the reality of it all sets in. The family who brought you up lovingly is part of a distant memory, no doubt due to the numerous little special moments you've missed because your holed up in your office with filing after filing. Those fab shoes? In boxes. Waiting for you to actually have enough time to slip them on. The cell phone that never seems to leave your ear...or fingertips. What you need is a good old fashioned family Christmas...with all the trimmings. Including mistletoe...

When Belle Taylor goes home for the holidays, the first bit of Christmas spirit that greets her is the incredibly sexy frame of Rafe Bettencourt...right smack dab under a sprig of strategically placed mistletoe. And, really, who wants to fore go that holiday tradition? After a kiss that knocks her off her feet (whew!), Belle begins to realize there is more than just a yuletide rest awaiting her at home. But, can she look at her carefully planned out list and read between the lines?

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the sense of family...and, knowing that sometimes, family isn't just who you are born with, but those special people who you actually choose to invade your crazy life. As with every other work by Lauren Dane, To Do List combines the family closeness we all crave and the sexy hotness that makes the holidays (and everyday life) that much more festive. Rafe has the edge of a sexy cowboy (well, its a dairy farm, but I like the farm boy side!), yet he has the sense to know what he wants and to go after it. My only regret is the length of the novella, but, as with all good things, a visit back with old friends in a future story gives us a glimpse into the HEA (or, as I like to call it, the everyday effort filled side of reality). He's sexy, lets Belle be who she actually is (even if she doesn't realize what she wants for herself.). Which, along being, well, Rafe, makes things that much better.
On a side note, if I could carry mistletoe in the hope of finding the hotness that seems to make the holidays merrier...hmmm...
(P.S...there may be a good reason to refer back this review for presents...just sayin!)

Holiday Preview...Er, Previews

2010-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Holidays are here, and what better way to take your mini vacation and dive into your favorite or newly discovered author's holly jolly-ness? (And the crazy malls...baking cookies...putting up the tree...wrapping...sigh)

After you're done fanning yourself (Candy Cane, anyone?)...wha? Oh, sorry. Just the teeniest bit distracted here. Usually I stray from anthologies or novellas because I am just so darn greedy and need more. Yes, I may be high maintenance in my choices but I have found a way around my loophole. Series by two of my favorite authors in lil novellas!

Check off your paranormal romance wish list with Sweet Enchantment (from the above Hot for the Holidays Anthology) by Anya Bast. Seelie court member Bella is desperate to save the mage Ronan, who spurned and stepped all over her heart years before. Defying her Queen, who has decreed his life forfeit for assisting the Phaendir in stealing an artifact, Bella decides to make any sacrifice, no matter the consequences, to save the mage in spite of his ill treatment of her heart and the anguish he has caused her. But can she do so and save her heart once again from Ronan? In this first in the Dark Magic Series, set before the first full length novel Wicked Enchantment (LOVE LOVE LOVE) we get the back story not only of Bella and Ronan but a glimpse into the world of Piefferburg, during the magical season of Yuletide.

For the contemporary lover, ahem, in you...To Do List by Lauren Dane (Thanks to my Twitter pimps for shoving her into my life. Forever grateful!).

From Amazon.com:

He wasn't a part of her balance sheet. But one night in his bed could tip the scales. Since she could pick up a pencil, Belle Taylor has used lists and charts to map out her life. When she achieves a goal she marks it off her to do list. Simple. But now, just steps away from her corner-office, name-on-the-letterhead goal, she realizes that the life that she thought she wanted may come at too high a price. Exhausted, she retreats home for Christmas vacation to rethink her life, complete with all-new lists. What she hadn't expected is Rafe Bettencourt, her brother's best friend, the man who she thought only saw her as a pesky younger sister. But when he kisses her under the mistletoe, Belle finds herself with a whole new set of goals to balance with what she thought she always wanted.

Rafe knows Belle is trying to figure out what to do with her life. He also know he's done loving her from afar, and he's not beneath making it as hard as possible for her to choose to return to San Francisco.

Because Rafe can make to-do lists too--and his plan is to seduce Belle back home where she belongs. At his side. And in his bed.

Warning, this title contains the following: Smokin hot monkey love and naughty wish fulfillment, a few words you wouldn't say in your grandma's presence.

See you soon, lovies...Happy Holidays!

Holiday Celebrations...and Giveaways

2010-12-08T08:19:00.001-08:00

There has never been a time when I haven't disgustingly and absolutely adored the holiday season. It always seemed magical...no school (of course, that is one of those I achingly miss), presents, family actually getting along (until they didn't, which I always ignored blissfully), and that special spark that permeated the air. Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, right?

Fast forward to being a big kid (I refuse to use grown-up to describe myself...not exactly Peter Pan but, eh) and I have found a different kind of appreciation to add to the pile of sparkly goodness I envelope myself in for a month and a half. (Sometimes, I include Halloween. I've never given up the whole dress-up thing. Bellydance costuming is a fabulous outlet, by the way!) Corny as it may sound, but giving and helping out others (especially furry little pumpkins who have no voice) has taught me the importance of paying it forward.

Interestingly enough, I've discovered all the different ways people celebrate the holidays (Bellydancers come in all kinds of faiths and are beautiful in so many ways. Sorry, gotta gush a lil for my girls.). Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yule, Kwanzaa or any other celebration of the season, I hope its as magical for you as it is for me!

And with that gushy silliness, I will be posting a few special presents for the next two weeks to celebrate the season. So stop back to visit and enjoy the season...along with a few holiday themed reviews!

Guest Post: Author Emily Cale

2010-11-30T06:42:00.000-08:00

Today, I giddily give you over to Emily Cale, author of Tamed...enjoy with a nice hot steaming mug of coffee!

In tenth grade, my history teacher used to remind us that Wyoming was God's country. Whether that meant God blessed or God forsaken was up to us. Of course, as a bored teenager who spent her Saturday nights drinking coffee and gossiping at the local twenty-four hour diner, I pretty much always thought the latter. When it came to apply to college, I judged schools based on one factor: how far away they were from Wyoming.

I don't remember when I first noticed, but on one of my many trips home for a holiday, I noticed that you could actually see the mountains on the drive from the airport to my house. The mountains had always been there, but the state of mind that allowed me to see them hadn't. After living in several large cities over the past seven years, my appreciation for the state has grown. Sure, my friends and I still hang out at the same diner, drinking coffee and gossiping when we get together over holidays, but I appreciate more of the little things. The friendly people, dear blue skies, and peaceful nights are among the things I never noticed growing up. I have also never noticed growing up. I have also never once gotten stuck in rush hour traffic.

Of course, if a single one of the cowboys at my high school (yes, we had them) looked like the guy on my cover, I might not have left. The guys in the agriculture program (a special track for students who were going to work on a ranch as a professional) at my school were considered extremely low on the social scale. I'm sure that now that they have grown, we will all be begging for their forgiveness at our next high school reunion.

The fact that Wyoming is blessed is something Lucas know from the start of Tamed. Delia, on the other hand, takes a little convincing. In a lot of ways, she is like me: A city girl who isn't sure Wyoming offers her enough. Fortunately, she has a cowboy who is willing to go the extra mile to make sure she sees just how wonderful it is.

TAMED

Can a hot fling on a Wyoming ranch lead to more than just sex?

Tired of bringing home unsatisfying and nameless men, Delia Hawthorne needs a change of pace. When her Aunt invites her to spend some time at their family's Wyoming ranch, it takes little prodding for her to agree.

When Delia arrives,s he finds what she has come to avoid: a take-charge ranch hand Lucas Dane. Despite her Aunt's warning of Lucas' womanizing reputation, she decides he may be worth the risk. What starts out as just sex quickly turns into more-forcing Delia to choose between the guy she is falling in love with and her responsibilities back home. What's a city girl to do?

Buy link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-tamed-484425-144.html

People can find me on my blog : http://emilycale.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EmilyCale

Thanks for stopping by, Emily! On a side note, I am anxious to get my hands on Tamed (due to technological difficulties, I'll need more coffee and I may just dust off the cowboy hat while a certain someone helps me out.). I'll let you know how it all works out...

Guess who's stopping by?

2010-11-29T07:54:00.000-08:00

Social networking has its benefits. And I don't mean that in the crazy stalking checking out every move you make kinda way. (You know you've done it a time or two...you know who you are!) Why else would I have such a huge (trust me) TBR box filled to the brim with book upon book upon deliciously fabulous book? Or my new friend, the Kindle (who needs a name *taps chin*) who has introduced me to entirely new universe of possibility and *ahem* fantastic *ahem* new authors? Twitter, how I love you for feeding my addiction. And finding such fabulous new people to chat with! (How's about that for an intro?)

Tomorrow, I am so excited to welcome author Emily Cale on my blog!

Hmm...I wonder if Emily has the same addiction to coffee and cowboys I do? (Pitifully, although the boy I married wore a cowboy hat when we first met, he isn't really a cowboy. But we still adore our coffee.) Eh, he's no werewolf either *sigh*. But he still has that hat...

You'll have to stop by tomorrow and see for yourself. Ooh, and here's a sneak peek:

(I couldn't resist! I mean, seriously...)

Tuesday Musings...(ah, perchance to dream...)

2010-11-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

A little whimsical turn of words, and perhaps a little fanciful wishing on my part...

"The clouds methought would open, and show riches

Ready to drop upon me: that, when I waked,

I cried to dream again."

from The Tempest by William Shakespeare

(P.S. Love this picture, the photographer is amazing...as is the beautiful bellydancer pictured.)

New ARC Review: Undertow by Moira Rogers

2010-11-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

From Amazon.com...

Being needed isn't half as desirable as being wanted.

Building Sanctuary, Book 2

Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision-helping his alpha build an island sanctuary for werewolves. Harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack-especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other. A woman he must resist, or risk becoming just the latest man to make demands on her.

Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, she is now fired with a sense of purpose-the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards. Yet, even as Europe beckons, her instincts-the same ones that led to trouble before-keep drawing her back to Victor.

During a sailing trip to the mainland for supplies, Victor finds it impossible to hold himself aloof from the warm and engaging Simone. And when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon, she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he'll stay away, but how he'll let her go.

If you've ever wondered what it would feel like to be stranded on an island in a blizzard...then wondered how in the world you would keep yourself warm, this would be the survival guide for you (wink wink). But, we'll get to that later...

First off, let me sing the praises that is my new toy. My Kindle. You are such a pleasure to read from that I will be going straight back to more Moira Rogers treasure once this review is done.

And now, on with the review!

If there is one world to dip your toes into, its the world of Moira Rogers. These lovely women (and their sneakily and alternatively sassy and saucy minds) have created not only a world but people that build and add to every single enjoyable page. Simone is one of my favorite characters, if only because she seems vulnerable yet strong as she puts others in front of her self. She holds a massive weight of guilt upon her shoulders for the things that have happened in the past but doesn't allow it to taint how she looks at the pack she now belongs to. However, this also makes her interpret how others react to her differently than before. (Ahem...Victor.) And Victor...it seems that the strength and dominant instinct that runs so deeply in some wolves is also what can make them act like absolute moronic men. And I mean this in a way that includes but is not limited to gruffness being the brilliant action of the day instead of say, oh, communicating that they actually have feelings for you and want to protect you. Which, in turn makes the female in question get those familiar hurt emotions that then in turn, walk away.

Miscommunication happens, and the easiest thing to do isn't always what you really want to do. Until, there is no where to walk (or run) away to. Because being stranded on an island during a blizzard in an abandoned tiny cottage and then having to, uh, do things to keep yourselves warm creates the perfect "storm" for some intense...communicating. Those instincts that Victor is so afraid of turning him into just another person who will use Simone unfairly can longer be denied...But what will happen when they have to return to the world and the wizard waiting for them? Will she choose love, or her work for peace between the werwolves and wizards?

I adore Moira Rogers' work and felt very lucky to get this ARC (hangs head in shame at how long it took me to get to it) and am so glad to finally finish and spread the word about this series. (Oddly enough, I have not read the first in the series and really felt like this didn't hinder my feelings at all...Victor and Simone had me so entranced I would have read this no matter what.)

Note: Undertow provided by author for review....

Tuesday Musing...(for someone special)

2010-11-09T07:51:00.001-08:00

This one is entirely selfish. I admit it.

Today is my wedding anniversary, and like a goober, I forgot *gasp* what day the actual ceremony took place.

Before you judge, let me dish out a few facts to better help your judgement. First off, we had a destination wedding with two dates during our week long stay in mind. In the end, we decided to married longer in the beautiful island paradise rather than our crazy single selves. Hence, we picked the earlier day.

Yet, somehow, this year...my brain turned to mush and I thought the date, in my time warped lil mind, was Thursday. *Hangs head* Yep, I in fact, not the husband, had the date wrong. But I figure we're even. (I'm the grill master...that works, right?)

So, here is my sentimental nod to the best day of my life (that ultimately led to even better ones). Even if I messed up the date, I always remember the day.

"If ever two were one, those two are we...."

Anonymous

New Review....Inside Out by Lauren Dane

2010-11-08T05:32:00.001-08:00

From Amazon.com:

In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, Ella Tipton has spent each day putting her life back together. She doesn't have any room for romance, but that doesn't mean she has to stop admiring the scenery.
Sexy security professional Andrew Copeland is no stranger to women, but he know Ella is something different. Determined to get her to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense-and before long, all that skin on skin contact have them both turning inside out.

There is just something about the characters in Lauren Dane's sexy tattoo covered series...its at times unexplainable, at other times the heart wrenching sweet hot sexiness just oozes. (Or, my case, an occasional squee that elicits an odd look from either someone seated near to me or the puppy.) And the best part isn't the gorgeous covers, or the mind blowing hotness (remember the oozes?)...its the way Lauren Dane presents unconventional situations (that, lets face it, exist in real life. After all, we don't live in an HEA bubble all the time.) and makes them seem, well, right.

I loved Ella. Her strength, her humor, even her misplaced guilt over what had happened to her in the past. And, her daydream that opened things up definitely made her even more...who hasn't had a in the moment fantasy about the hottie across from them? The little things, like remembering that Cope likes cinnamon, make her character multi-dimensional and not just the somewhat geeky victim who longs for the hot hunky womanizer. And let us not forget her bff's the extremely pregnant and glowing Erin and the bride-to-be gorgeous Elise...these woman have conversations that any close nit group of girlfriends would have. Not pulling any punches, gently shoving their friend towards something she is so obviously blind to, and diggin for the nitty gritty details. And what details they were (fans self!)...

And, Cope...the hot security professional who definitely likes the ladies. Things aren't always what they seem, now are they? The outside version of yourself isn't always the person you really are. When everyone has only seen that version they tend to treat you differently. To finally be able to let someone really in, and allow them to see all the layers you keep from the world (even your "family", who only see you as the womanizing type with no real outside interests) takes an enormous leap of faith. Because, once you do that, they can hurt you in ways that no one else can. Andrew (aka Andy/Cope) takes that chance with Ella, despite his issues. Who knew all the delicious details of his life? No one...and whats hotter than a man who reads poetry...in Spanish? (Sorry, had to wipe drool off keyboard.)

Since this is the third book, the relationship has already had a bit of establishment (i.e. the first meeting, first time noticing one another...yadda yadda) which I really enjoyed because it allowed us to see the ups and downs that are at the beginning stages of any relationship. Because not everyone has that, okay, we love each other and everything is just perfect life. It takes work, because we always tend to take out our fears and frustrations on the ones we love. And of course, we get to see all of our friends from the other two books....Erin, Todd, and Ben have their own issues to deal with (oh, Ben, I love ya) and of course, the wedding plans are in full swing for Elise and Brody. Even Raven and Adrian make an appearance or two.

What this all boils down to, and my absolute favorite aspect, is how they form an unconventional yet beautiful family with each other. It may not be the one they were born with, but it's the one that they live, love and laugh with every day. Which is what really matters.

Preview....Inside Out by Lauren Dane

2010-11-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Imagine my unfettered gleeful squealing when, on a whim (and because I needed a little something to make Monday, well, less Monday in its stature) I took my lovely lil phone all tidied up with an offer ready to be used...and saw this...

From Amazon.com:

In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, Ella Tipton has spent each day putting her life back together. She doesn't have any room for romance, but that doesn't mean she has to stop admiring the scenery.

Sexy security professional Andrew Copeland is no stranger to women, but he knows Ella is something different. Determined to get her to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense-and before long, all that skin on skin contact have them both turning inside out.

(Please excuse any drool or odd squealing noises that may accompany this or future review post. Sometimes, I can't help myself!)

Book Review....Stray by Rachel Vincent

2010-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

From the back book cover:

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.
Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.
I'd been warned about Strays--werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.
This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back...for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever--and whomever--I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays--'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them--

Awkwardly enough, and has happened with most of the new series I've discovered, the only books I could actually see in person with my very own eyes have been the later books in the series, never number one. I've come to accept this as the quirk of my life. At least it makes things interesting, right?

While waiting and wishing for Stray to show its little whiskers to me (because, for once, I was bound and determined to start at the beginning), I stumbled upon Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series. Or, more accurately, the first in the series. A fast read (the good kind, with an easy flow that kept me turning the pages not out of automated motions, but the need to read more....NOW! kind of way) that I found myself truly enjoying the story, and it only made me want Stray even more.

Which, could be a double edged sword.

I like to call it the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The Good...It's an interesting and fresh take on the shift shaping phenomenon. Don't get me wrong, I loves me some wolf growlin', but kitties are different. And sometimes, different is a good thing, especially when the story doesn't feel like you've read it over...and over...and over. A pride of kitties (not sure if I should use cats here...plus I like kitties) makes dynamics interesting. The senses used by the werecats made the world seem richer. Plus, the back story of the Pride and Faythe's place was told in an easy way, revealed bit by bit through emotions rather than the author flat out telling the reader. And the toms in the Pride...let's just say, meow.

Now for the Bad. (Which, I must start with a disclaimer. For me, Bad isn't necessarily BAD. It's kind of a grumbly thing.) It took me a few times meetings the toms of the Pride to keep them separate from one another. The pace was still there, but in an entirely different way. And it entirely relates to...the Ugly.

The Ugly...I really started out liking Faythe. Independent, strong...and then, she seemed to just kind of deflate in my eyes. I wanted to shake her, make her understand she didn't have to accept the ego inflated macho attitudes of all those toms around her. Yes, I am a little old fashioned. I like the idea of being protected and treasured. But don't treat me like I'm helpless or have no choices. It makes me want to kick you. (But, I'm also a lover, not a fighter.) So, I wanted Faythe to kick...someone, anything. And maybe love on something.

Now, here's the twist. I stuck with it for two reasons. One, I was invested and hoped our heroine wasn't as silly as I hoped, and two, the word on this series is just that good. Confronted with the attitudes of the Pride and how absolutely ludicrous I kept finding the whole thing, I yelled. A bunch. And I'm glad I did. While not entirely satisfied with Faythe's decisions or the attitude of the other kitties around her, I learned a little about the Pride in the same way she did. (I grew up in an over bearing Italian family...and my toms were my uncles, all fierce, over protective and playful. And it wasn't until I entirely understood that I truly had each and every one of them twisted around my little finger that I truly appreciated those big lugs. So, in some ways, I understood the Pride and their treatment of Faythe all too well. But I still wanted to yell at her. She needed a little more twisting around her finger happening.)

The hardest part of all of this, of course, is that the end barely pulled this together for me. What is my final thought? Rachel Vincent makes me want to check out the werecats of Faythe's Pride to make sure they behave themselves. (Or how some of them don't...)

I may still yell at them, however.

Preview: Stray by Rachel Vincent

2010-10-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

What's a girl to do when she can't seem to find the first book in a series that's all over the Twitterverse and bragged about on blog after blog? Stalk her favorite bookstores, that's what! Which I did, and finally, here we are...and guess what's up next? (I know, duh, I showed you the cover already...but hey, what can I say?)

Review...The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton

2010-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

There a few things in life that I've always wanted to do. I love old houses...discovering nooks and crannies, those hidden treasures left behind just waiting to be discovered. Old houses/buildings that have a history. (I am also addicted to HGTV...just sayin.) So when I was approached to check out The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton, little did I know I would get a small taste of that dream. And of course, one of the best parts of creaky dust covered architecture is the mystery and dark nights filled with spooky sounds that go bump in the night.

For a quick refresher, click here!

And the sexy angel with the drool worthy accent didn't hurt, either.

Usually, I enjoy reading my books solid form in my hands. It's comfortable, totable, and I've often mentioned this fact here. But, things aren't always the way we want (or I'd have all day to play with the wet tennis ball my pup loves so much...while watching commercial free episodes of my favorite eye candy). And this isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are times when working harder for something makes it all worth while. And so, I gladly battled dry eyes, impossible schedules, and a persistent golden retriever who became quite petulant.

Lori Brighton has managed to take a story about ghosts, angels and demons and make it into something I literally didn't want to put down. Or shut my laptop? Anyway...

Ashley is searching for answers, from the mystery of her father's disappearance. to answers about her own life. Denying who she really is and can do for most of her life because everyone thought she was crazy, she had settled for a normal life with her fiance. Until fate offered up the opportunity to escape it all...to Scotland. (At first, I wasn't exactly sure where, but the hints dropped subtly by the author not only allowed me to settle in just as Ashley did but built the world in a believable way.) From the first moment she arrives and meets with the estate agent (ugh, I abhor fake lipstick!) to the first steps into the pub, Ashley senses something different about the place, but pushes it away in attempt to be "normal". Desperate for answers, she holds on to her new home, refusing an offer from a devastatingly dark and handsome stranger, Cristian, who seems undeterred by her refusal to sell. Persistence in its finest smoldering form, if I do say so myself!

This relationship has the perfect amount of heated irritation and subtle denial that builds and battles in the best possible way.

At the pub (which is more of an inn), Ashley has a few unexpected guests...a group of ghosts who reside in her new home. At first she ignores them, but Maggie is a spunky and relentless lil ghost, and eventually they become a part of her oddly formed family. All until Cristian shows up to rent a room...and is suddenly everywhere, especially underneath her skin.

Just as she admits to herself that she (and she alone) can see and communicate with her new friends, they begin to disappear. Could Cristian have anything to do with the sudden absence of her new friends? And what's with the sword (which I've always loved...along with the muscles needed to wield them, of course!)...and the strange tattoo (love!)? And the big question, what does he know about her father's disappearance?

(I hate spoilers, so I won't give away much more...and I hope it leaves you wanting more!!) Needless to say, ghosts, angels, demons...with a few vampires and werewolves thrown in.

Not to say that Lori Brighton is a "new" author, but there are times when you can just tell. This is most definitely not one of those. The perfect amount of smolder (oh, Cristian...and Devon...and Cristian), wit (hello, a Justice League reference...love!), and storytelling. Oh, and the steamy yumminess? Let's just say, humidity is welcome...

I have just one word....FANFREAKINGTASTIC!

You can find out more about Lori and her books here...

(The Ghost Hunter was provided by author for review!)

Winner...A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

2010-10-23T05:49:00.001-07:00

So here's a quick little note (which is long overdue, I know, trust me!!)

I would like to congratulate SARAH for winning a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

I passed on your email...enjoy!!

Tuesday Musings (with a twist)

2010-10-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Sigh...it's Tuesday, and last night was a rough one.

This week is a little hectic, mostly because I have vacation at the end of the week. Which translates to settling any and all problems that will invade work when I'm gone, getting the house ready (i.e. cleaner than ever) for the house sitter/puppy playmate, and (GULP) packing.
Gone to the wayside only slightly is my beautifully hatched idea to keep a schedule around here.

The cause? I blame Not Really Southern VampChick (wink) and Carolyn Crane (wink wink)...

"Most people think happiness is about gaining something, but it's not. It's about getting rid of the darkness you accumulate."

(Justine, Double Cross by Carolyn Crane)

You see, I came home last Monday after a grueling crazy day at work to find a one way ticket on a thrilling roller coaster ride. This little package was one of the most eagerly anticipated book to jump ahead my TBR pile for the year. I knew, without a doubt, that Double Cross would be devoured in less time than it takes me to glue my next bellydance costume together. Settling into my comfy pillows, the devouring began. Then, I realised what my week looked like....I have two ebooks waiting for review, this new sched....(you get the picture). But, the hooks were in.

Double Cross, you and I decided to have a lingering and respectful relationship. Because, while I didn't always like you (in fact, I yelled a few times...an entirely fabulous thing), I always respected, and yes, loved you. Stretching out the experience for almost a week (I worked a ton, in my defense...plus, its hard work to entertain the boy when he has time off with me!), last evening was the pentacle. And yes, my lil friend Collette egged me on to finish. (Thanks for helping me torture myself.)

When my eyes scanned over that quote, I knew I was in trouble. Because nothing could be closer to the truth...

Midnight Musings...October, The Monster Month!

2010-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, when I set on this adventure, I told myself, like so many do, it would be easy. Who doesn't love to share their favorite new book and feel that rush when someone else feels the same way (especially after you've bugged them incessantly about your newest bookshelf addition--or in my case, book box, desk, another book box, AND bookshelf edition!).

Ahh, then that pesky little thing called life enters the picture. And you realise how insane your schedule really is. (Especially this month---I mean, really, who knew October was such a fun insane raging monster of a month?)

There are so many must reads I've crossed off my list in the past few weeks, that to review each and every one separately would: A.) Take entirely way too much time leaving none for puppy (not an option because she won't allow it), no bellydance (also a non-negotiable), and no fun time with the other half (which he already eyes the Droid as competition). LIGHT BULB!

So, here are my midnight musings encompassing the must-reads I've finally gotten down and dirty with (not really dirty, but you get the gist!) and a quickie review/drooling/ugh. Enjoy!

Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane....All this talk of Terrible Fever?!??!! What's a girl to do? Book pimpers, this one's all one you. My biggest issue? The drugs threw me off (I actually felt sheltered and confused *hangs head for a moment*) and made me leery. A different spin, and one that I found to be imaginative as well as pushing the envelope in the direction not many would go (our heroine is am addict, the dark brooding afore mentioned Terrible is named, well Terrible). And it works. While I don't entirely have Terrible Fever quite yet, here's to joining y'all on the journey. I already have the next one lined up....

Sin Undone by Larissa Ione...Seriously, pure genius to take the two sexiest creatures of paranormal hotness in the form of the darkly sexy vampire/alpha yummy werewolf Con. Seriously...enough said.

Fallen by Lauren Kate...Cover art alone sold me on this book. Unfortunately, it took me quite awhile to actually get it into my hot little hands! There seems to be a trend leaning towards angels in my reading cue of late, and this was the first to jump into the fray. A little slow for me at first, but then I hit a point where I couldn't put it down. There are threads to be unraveled (some of which I'm positively itching to uncover!)...and luckily for me, Torment is now available. (Sigh...the only question is, when? Have you seen my pile?)

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick...Patch, you evil little bugger (I mean that affectionately, I assure you). Fate stepped in, because I believe if I would have read Hush Hush before Fallen my opinion of Luce and Daniel would have paled in comparison to Patch and Nora. My favorite YA authors have always been the ones who aren't pulling back or dumbing down their work for their audience. The respect them in such a way that it only makes the story telling that much better for it. Perfect example.

And with that, I have to say my words are jumbling and not quite cooperating. Til next time!

Preview: The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton and Undertow: Building Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

2010-10-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she's in for far more than she bargained for. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she's also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing...

As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can't accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don't work together, they won't have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, considering Cristian is the very man responsible for her father's disappearance.

Ooh, just a few pages in, and I can't wait to share my review with you!!

And of course, Undertow by Moira Rogers...if I don't dance myself into an early winter's nap!

From moirarogers.com:

Victor left behind a life of crime to focus on a new vision--helping his alpha build a sanctuary for werewolves. harsh experiences prepared him for the hardships involved, except when it comes to dealing with the young female refugees of the brutal Boston pack--especially Simone, who rouses his inner wolf like no other. A woman he must resist, or risk becoming just the latest man to make demands on her.

Born to wealth and privilege, Simone lost everything when she fell for the seductive whispers of the textile heir who turned her. Once adrift, now she is fired by a new sense of purpose--the chance to broker peace between werewolves and European wizards. yet even as Europe beckons, her instincts--the same ones that led to trouble before--keep drawing her back to Victor.

During a sailing trip to the mainland for supplies, Victor finds it impossible to hold himself aloof from the warm, engaging Simone. And when a winter storm traps them together during a full moon she breaks through his walls so easily and completely, the question is no longer how he'll stay away, but how he'll let her go.

Plus, you can still enter to win Safe Harbor here.

So, I am now off to practice my shimmy-ing little booty off *grins*, and maybe sneak in a few pages here and there...

(**Both titles provided by authors for honest review**)

Tuesday Musings...

2010-10-05T08:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, so a few days or so ago, I told y'all that there were be some changes happening around here.

So, here's the first one...

Every Tuesday, you'll get a little musing from yours truly, in the form of the written word. Or more precisely, a quote. Like those little inspirational calendars but with a twist.

One day, it could be a favorite quote, the next maybe random movie fun, or even a little snippet from my latest reading obsession.

To start off things right, I give you a greatest hits from my ragged little notebook. In fact, its top on my list...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."
-Thoreau

Sounds like good advice, right?

Speculative Romance Fall Frenzy (or sharing the love for some fabulous authors whom I heart!) Blogger Tour

2010-10-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Win a copy of A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers!

Find out how it all began...

During the bite of the Great Depression, sole female dominant Joan Fuller struggles against the rise of cruelty among her alpha counterparts. The men tolerate her interference--until she breaks from the pack and allies with a witch and a vampire. Now the Boston alpha intends to bring them all forcibly back into the fold--and teach her a lesson she may not survive.

Seamus Whelan and his werewolf bootleggers intend to retire from smuggling and savor their fortune, but first they must do a favor for an old friend: escort some female wolves to safety. An easy job, if their leader wasn't a prim ex-debutante with enough power to challenge Seamus himself. Chance makes them allies; powerful need makes them lovers.

Together, they have the opportunity to build a sanctuary for their kind, but first they must free themselves from Joan's past, and the powerful man who would see her destroyed.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of A Safe Harbor!

This contest is a part of Moira Rogers' & Vivian Arend's Fall Frenzy Event. For your chance to win books, gift certificates, ereaders and more, visit http://www.moirarogers.com/contests/

Winner chosen October 14th!

Midnight Musings...at noon?

2010-09-30T08:59:00.001-07:00

Part of the reason I decided to start this little side project (despite the insanity that has always been my life) was to have a little fun and share my obsessive love of books and the world authors create.

Unfortunately, I seem to let some things fall to the wayside. So, in order to help feel less like a crummy parent and more like the awesome bellydancer I am I've decided to do some fun stuff around here. Now, whether or not you think its fun is another question. But I hope you will at least get some amusement out the craziness that pops up!

So, expect some changes around here within the next week. I hope it means we can get together more often!

Plus, I absolutely adore Halloween...I do want to live like Jack and Sally. I mean, my puppy is already cuter than Zero. But not by much.

Here's a few things I am so excited about! My copy of Double Crossed should be here soon (SQUEE! Thanks, Amanda, you fabulous Not Really Southern Vamp Chick!) and I am jittery with anticipation...almost to the point of utter and absolute distraction. Also, my sojourns to my haunting grounds that is the used bookstore has yielded a few books I have had my eye on...Hush Hush, Fallen (which I've just finished and will be reviewing here soon!), Beautiful Creatures, and a few Patricia Brigg novels. (Even though I bought the one with the red covers twice...I say red because its the only way I can remember to not purchase it for the third time!) In comic news, Aspen Comics has some steampunk themed book coming out soon, called Lady Mechanika. Oh, yeah! (Rubs hands together!)

And, of course, the Halflaween show...AFI and Amon Tobin will never be the same!

(And more importantly, the updating of my utterly poorly planned kitchen is in its planning stages. Silly to some, but it's where the coffee is made. And the deserts are created! I heart cooking. I am Italian, after all!)

So, my lovelies, I'm off to shimmy and drill the Halfaween number. And read. And play with the puppy. And maybe a little work. Oh, coffee and chocolate? (mumbling as I hit publish.)

New Review: Pack of Lies By Vanessa Vaughn

2010-09-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

For a synopsis and check out my preview, click here.

Not everyone shares the same love for things that are different. Take my inner struggle with the love for the sensual connectivity I find whenever I pick up a book and hold it in my hands and the inner tech geek who loves the kindle app on my itouch. And the research that ensued. Really, should I get a Kindle? I'm on the fence. Seriously, I've read and touched and carried my books for all my life. Even hidden them under a pillow and snuck out my handy flashlight to get my fill. Yet, still, I'm intrigued and not totally against the idea of checking out the digital epub world. (So many choices, though!)

I only bring this up to give you an idea how I feel about the whole m/m romance. Not something I'm familiar with, but...why not? Especially after a sneak peak I found...

Because I did it. I took the plunge.

Pack of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn...where to start? Paranormal? Check. Romance? Check. M/M? Check. Sexy hotness? Check, check, check.

Underneath it all, though? A tale of finding yourself in a world that you never imagined you would step a foot into, and realizing maybe there is much more than you ever realized.

From the get go, Jack seems sure of his place in the world he has created for himself, playing a role he believes is...well, right for himself. He's a successful business man, wears the right clothes, knows the right people.

Until he meets Marcus.

Marcus rules his pack by a tenuous thread, having to keep a watchful eye on anyone who may betray him. Including himself.

On the night of the full moon, the pack revels in the debauchery and salacious behavior, from appeasing their sexual appetites to the thrill of the hunt.

After a violent encounter with Jack, his car, and Ivy (the sexy model who seems to be Jack's only friend), Marcus finds himself in a unique situation.

Werewolves are born...and turning humans is so rare that it's believed it can't happen. At least, not fully. Which would only make them weak and a threat to the pack. And weakness is not tolerated.

Neither is the attraction Marcus feels towards Jack. Which means, while he must find out if Jack has turned, he also must be incredibly careful not to let anyone see how he truly feels.

Vanessa Vaughn's story telling is smart, sexy, and thrilling with just the right amount of smolder. In the beginning, I was hesitant, yet my trepidation was quickly calmed as I found myself unable to look away. The dynamics of the pack, the intensity of emotions...the smolder (yum)...

My only complaint (other than not being hold the pages in my little hands) was the ending...I felt like it was not enough, I wanted more...that's a good thing right?

Find Vanessa Vaughn at:

Website: VanessaVaughn.com

Twitter: @AuthorVanessaV

Facebook: Vanessa Vaughn

Blog: Erotica Electronica

Note: Pack Of Lies provided by author for review...

Sneak Peak: Pack of Lies by Vanessa Vaughn

2010-09-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...just thought I'd stop by and show you a lil sneak peak of what I'm reading right now (fans self)...

When Jack is attacked by a powerful werewolf one moonlit night, his world is forever changed.

Marcus is that wolf, the strong leader of his pack, who never imagined a mere mortal could ever escape him, much less ever become one of his kind. And yet, as time passes, he can't deny the handsome human is slowly beginning to change.

No longer the civilized architect he used to be, Jack feels a new power coalescing inside of him. He barely even recognizes himself as he becomes more sexual, more impulsive, more wild in every way.

But as the bite transforms him, it also binds he and his attacker together forever. The two share a powerful unbreakable link, no matter how forcefully they may each try to deny it.

Marcus is already hiding secrets from the other wolves, and his position as Alpha is threatened. Could Jack be the new ally Marcus needs to set things right, or will their desire for one another draw them away from all they know and alter the course of their lives forever?

As an added bonus, click here. to view the trailer...

See you soon with my review! (And now, back to to uncharted territory...)

And The Winner Is (4)...

2010-09-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Monday mornings aren't always the prettiest, are they? So, in order to bring a little happiness to our dreariness that is upon us, its time for a winner!

With no further adieu, the winner is....

Tori!!

(Imagine my giddy squee when I found both the girls done by the same artist that kicked it on the cover of the comic?!?!)

Thanks to all who entered and shared the love and geekiness that is Comic Con...I hope you all get a chance to experience the best parts someday. And if not, there is always Halloween!!

Enjoy...

And The Winner Is (3)...

2010-08-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

Ooh...thank you to everyone who has made the concept of actually leaving my home for things other than hunting through the used bookstore and my local Border's a mere step away to reality!

And, with no further delay (at least, I hope...you never know with me and technology lately!)..

The winner is...

VIXEN PEARL

Congratulations!

Adventures at Wizard World Chicago...Giveaway!

2010-08-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Is there anything better to a fangirl than Stormtroopers, Slave Princess Leia, Batman, or even Harley Quinn rubbing elbows with you as you search for the first issue of Danger Girl? Yep. When its in Chicago!

Every year, the awesome man I married and I take a road trip to Wizard World Chicago in Rosemont. Crazy as we are, we actually drive to Chicago just for the day (5 1/2 hours there, and the same back) to get our fix on all that is comic greatness. Sometimes, its epic. (Take the year we snuck into a Joss Whedon Panel to hear the most deliciously Joss tale of Buffy, her new shiny boots, and Willow...priceless!) Seeing the entire Top Cow Universe and the amazingingly talented artists who bring it to life (and the first time I saw Michael Turner in person...), making my friend get Amber Benson to sign my Buffy card because I knew it woul dmake him blush.

There is nothing like getting to Chicago, parking in that parking garage (most of garages scare me, but not this one...its a portal to that which awaits!) and walking in to see Marvel, DC, Top Cow, Aspen Comics, Zenescope, Dark Horse....I could go on and on.

Except for this year. Sadly, there seem to be no major companies coming to hype up theirw new releases penned by the hottest artists, all in a row. More like a ghost town than a comic convention. Just a little disappointed in this department.

Instead, this year was an invasion. By the final five cylons (Hey, there, Hot Unccle Cooper), Buffy-ness (SPIKE! Glory! Xander!), the Captains Kirk and Picard, Adam West (da da da da da BATMAN), Terminator royalty, and wrestlers old and new. Although, the Slave Princess Leia was none other than Adrianne Curry. Wow...I only had to wonder how many fan boys had a fab day thanks to her hotness. Go Fangirls!

No Captain Tightpants. Sadness...

Alas, although I begged to take both Sam the Cylon (cough, cough, Michael Trucco) and the bloody awesomeness that is James Marsters home as souveniers to share with y'all, the husband wasn't having any of it. And so, I instead share this with you:

Imagine my supreme fangirl giddiness that transpired in the middle of the convention floor as I squealed and gushed over these lovelies. And let me tell ya why...the covers of both are by one of my favorite artists, J. Scott Campbell. (All the single ladies, if you want to get in to a conversation with a cute tatted up hunky fanboy, get yourself JSC's 2011 Calendar. Picking up will ensue!)

To celebrate all that was this comic con trip, I've decided to give away the first issue seen above (not only to give you some vampy-ness, but to suck you into the world of comics *evil laughter*!) and another goody from Chicago to two lucky winners! To enter, please just leave comment below, include email address (or if you're shy, send me an email with it) and tell me who you would dress up as at comic con. Open to U.S. and Canada...

Contest ends September 10th...

New Review...Night Myst By Yasmine Galenorn

2010-08-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the Dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they imagined. Now Myst, the Vampiric Fae Queen of the Indigo Court, has enough power to begin a long prophesied supernatural war. And Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, may be the only one who can stop her-and save her beloved Fae prince from the Queen's enslavement.

Once, when I was a little girl, I dreamed of Fairies. Not the Tinkerbell Disney kind, either. Oh, sure, there may have been one or two flitting about in the background, but most of the fair folk I dreamed off were, well, lets just say my mother would have been a little worried about me. (As in, scary...and I wasn't really scared.) These weren't nightmares...

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I have a few of Yasmine Galenorn's books that I've gathered (in an attempt to actually read in order...I know, I'm learning!). Serious face here, I actually made a silly kinda squeaking sort of noise when I found a NEW series. Luckily, there were no other people around to witness my moment of silliness (except for you, now!).

A rare event occurred. Ever pick up a book, get so involved...suddenly find yourself a mere chapter or two from the end - then, for some reason, want to stop? Not because you are bored or lost interest in the characters, but because you find yourself not wanting it to end? Yep. That's what happened to me. I almost pouted.

Cisely grew up mostly jumping from place to place with her mother, who ran away from not only who she was, but who her daughter is and would be. A wind witch who taught herself most of what she knows (with just a bit more than a little street smarts) who only knows little more than what a childhood companion, who grew into more, taught her, Cisely now finds herself going back to the home her mother tried to keep her from. And to all the sudden strangeness she has inherited.

People are suddenly disappearing from town, and no one seems to want to do anything about it. Members of the Society and magic-born gone without a trace. Even the vampires of the Crimson Court seem to have no real grasp on the situation. (Which, as Vampires, naturally does not sit well, so scheming ensues.) There are whispers in the air of a new threat, and the woods outside her cousins home may not be the same place she explored when she was young. In fact, there are things out there that do really go bump in the night.

Once, the Fae Grieve and Chatter were childhood playmates to Cisely and her cousin Rhiannon. As they grew up, Grieve became so much more to her. But, now, it seems Grieve may not be the same fey she fell for and left all those years ago. Her prince may have gone through a few changes himself. The court of Rivers and Rush has had a few changes...in the form of the Indigo Court and its Vampiric Fae Queen.

World building is a crucial component in any story. In this case, while there is a bit that the author assumes the reader already has the gist of, the reveals that are crucial aren't dumbed down. Thanks for not treating your readers like they are reading a Fey For Dummies Book, Yasmine Galenorn. (But, just to warn you, there are a few times when some info is repeated...but more in the way you would go over facts in your own mind.) I enjoyed the small details here and there that added a richness and layering to my reading.

Oh, and if you are interested in some smoldering hotness (I mean, HELLO, Vampire and Fairy?) I think this may give you what you're looking for. Tension, smolder (love smolder!), and just enough of all the rest.

The only con, here...I have to wait far too long to see what happens next.

New Review....Street Magic by Caitlin Kittredge (and Giveaway!)

2010-08-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

From Publishers Weekly (via Amazon.com)

The first in the Black London series, this dark tale takes Kittredge's supernatural shadows to the next level. At 16, Pete Caldecott witnessed the apparent death of punk rocker Jack Winter after he raised an ancient spirit. Twelve years later, Det. Insp. Caldecott has followed in her dead father's footsteps at Scotland Yard. She follows a tip about a missing child and finds Jack, now a heroin junkie claiming intimate knowledge of a parallel realm called the Black. As Jack detoxes and more children disappear, he joins Pete's quest to find them, teaching her to use hexes and spells as well as her physical abilities in the fight against a rising dark power. Kittredge (the Nocturne City series) knows how to create a believable world, and her fans will enjoy the mix of magic and city grit. (June) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A girl named Pete? I have to throw this out there first. Mostly because my husband kept asking me this utterly inane question periodically. To which I responded, "Yep. Didn't name her babe." Then the look. You know the one. The one which telegraphs the "I'm reading. I will stare at you until you comprehend this fact and cease the interruptions though I find you amazing charming so are you finished" sentence directly into their brain. At least until they get up to finish off the ice cream you'll no doubtfully search for....but enough of my issues...

Caitlin Kittredge first came into my estimation when perusing one of my fave blogs, Whedon alumni Felicia Day. Oddly enough, I'd hit a rut in my reading, mostly because I had been let down recently by my purchases. I needed help. As it turns out, fan girl extraordinaire is a fan girl herself of a few things, and authors, that I...cough, cough...drool over, too.

A match made in heaven.

To be honest, can't remember how much she said, it just stuck in head. Nocturne City (it may have been one of her strong female character lines, I think) quickly devoured. Enter the steampunkish-ness reference.

As you may or may not know, I have a little love for Steampunk (and its influences in my creative side)...so, I thought, HECK YA! Bring it!

Enter Pete...and Jack. (Did you see that cover...drool drool drool. I know most authors have no say over covers, but, thanks anyway.)

We start our journey with a younger, more innocent Pete...with her sister's boyfriend Jack (Gonna throw this out...I always channeled Spike from Buffy. But, with a lil more hair.) Doing suspiciously suspicious doings in a cemetery. Then, chaos ensues.

Flash forward, Pete thinks jack is dead. She's a cop (in London) and her investigations involve missing children and their mysterious circumstances.

For me, this was a Love/Hate relationship.

The author obviously researched and put a ton and a half of effort into her new series. I mean this as a good thing. However, the language (even in narration) was so involved in vernacular that I really had to concentrate through the first half of the book. HARD. I pushed myself, mostly because there was something about Pete and her relationship with Jack (no matter how much of a bugger he was being at the time) that I needed to discover.

Then, a little over halfway through, I actually called an inanimate object a bloody wanker. No flippin kidding, folks. It all clicked. I still heard Spike, but now, he was Jack channeling Spike.

World building, I believe, is something an author either excels at, does pretty well, or...eh. This, in my opinion, is the former...I love layers being pealed back and not being treated like I may not be smart enough to get it.

And while it may have been slow going in the get go, I am chompin at the bit for Demon's Mark...because I need some more Jack and the world he lives in. Plus, now I know why there's a girl named Pete.

So, to hook you up with my lurve of Caitlin Kittredge and her world, I'm going to give away a copy of Witch Craft, A Nocturne City Novel...

To enter, just leave a comment below! And if you feel like adding a new series that you are excited about, or maybe you almost didn't get through but then loved, please do. I can always add to my TBR Mountain!

And, any British vernacular is appreciated (because then I won't feel so sodding ridiculous, luv!)

Contest ends September 3rd....

Book Review....Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas

2010-08-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Warning...the following review of Comfort Food is meant for adult readers only, please.

From Amazon.com:

BOOK DESCRIPTION:Emily Vargas has been taken captive. As part of his conditioning methods, her captor refuses to speak to her, knowing how much she craves human contact. He's far too beautiful to be a monster. Combined with his lack of violence toward her, this has her walking a fine line at the edge of sanity. Told in the first person from Emily's perspective, Comfort Food explores what happens when all expectations of pleasure and pain are turned upside down, as whips become comfort and chicken soup becomes punishment.

DISCLAIMER:This is not a story about consensual BDSM. This is a story about “actual” slavery. If reading an erotic story without safewords makes you uncomfortable, this is not the book for you. This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behavior done to another human being without their consent.

*Author's Note: Several readers have emailed me after reading the book saying that they were nervous about reading it because of the disclaimer. Comfort Food is not "brutal" or particularly "violent". The disclaimer is because I don't want people to assume they are reading "BDSM romance" fiction with safewords. That's not what this is.

The first time I saw Comfort Food, I have to say I passed it off as just another little story from a self published author. Perhaps it was recommended on my Kindle App, or somehow that interesting little world called Twitterland whispered the title into my ear. Either way, after checking it out, I dismissed it, if only because most of what I've sunk my teeth into lately has been primarily on the paranormal side. I wasn't sure, after a sneak peak, it was something I would enjoy. Another thing I really have been considering...is it something I would review here? Not a paranormal or urban fantasy...and so far away from the YA I sometimes enjoy.

Fast forward a month or two...again, Kindle and Amazon sent a gentle nudge my way. And, in all honesty, I enjoyed following Kitty Thomas on Twitter. Just a little thing here and there, but the buzz (if you can call it that because it just sounds...odd to me) continued.

Inevitably, I caved. Call it an experiment, if you will...plus, I liked the idea of supporting an artists work. Commence the download. Sounds easy, right?

Wrong...it took a week for the Kindle App and Amazon to decide to play nice with one another (in which time, I tried three times, whispering sweet nothings to no avail to hit the buy now button. Unsuccessfully, because in their eyes, I already did. Silly, silly.) .

Finally, the day arrived, and the sync happened.

Warning, in advance, that this really is an incredibly explicit book...disturbingly dark and almost uncomfortable at times, yet somehow beautiful. Erotica? Definitely...But, in my eyes, it was so much more. The insanely addicting things for me made me at once realize that I wanted to scream and yell, but somehow cry for the parts that were broken yet fit together. If this had been written in a different time, there is a part of me completely believes I wouldn't have had the urge to do these things. How could this happen, now? Maybe in an old manor in the English country side...cold and isolated, maybe in the eighteen hundreds. But, in the present?

More and more, I saw it as a character study or a psychological documentation of some kind, which I devoured even as I rode the roller coaster of emotions it brought upon me. The methods employed, the rewards, even the mode of communication seemed a calculated line that was precariously walked. (Which as the reader, you feel...trust me.)

Even the point of view that were told mostly through Emily's eyes but then would change during certain situations felt like a piece of the puzzle that fit together and wove together in such a twisted yet precious way. (It seems strange to use some of these words to describe how the story unfolds, but I hope if you've read or will read it, you will agree.)

Would I recommend Comfort Food? Definitely, but not for the faint of heart.

And the winner is (2)

2010-08-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

First off, I think I may have set myself up here...I keep on getting new series I have to start from all of your lovely comments! GAH! If only money grew on just one tiny little tree in my back yard. I would share, I promise! Then we could all lounge in hammocks with iced mochas and bowls of yummy cherries (I love summer!) while the ipod mixes the perfect playlist. What do you say?

And now, for the winner...I mean WINNERS! Two is better than one!! (I so want to snicker a tid bit here!)

The winner of the Christine Feehan's Dark Challenge is....

Stacey!!

And the winner of J.R. Ward's Lover Revealed is...

Meredith!!

Congratulations!! I will be contacting you via email!!!

And thank you everyone, for adding to my addiction. My husband thanks you...

Book Review....Heir to Darkisle by Cassandra Pierce

2010-07-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Sebastian and Ruby Morgan arrived in the small seaside town of Darkisle, claiming to be the grandchildren of the reclusive Edgar Morgan, who recently died at the age of 108. From the beginning, Briana Dempsey has her doubts the Morgans are who and what they claim to be. She is, however, certain of one thing. Sebastian Morgan unnerves her in ways she's never experienced before. His skin is cold, his eyes are hypnotic, and he seems to have no heartbeat. Yet all she can feel when she's with him is an all-consuming fire that fills her with desire. When a local woman is murdered and Briana is implicated because of her involvement with the Morgans, she must confront the truth about the mysterious man she has fallen in love with. Is he the lover of her dreams, or the architect of her nightmares? ** A Siren Erotic Romance

Usually when I start a new read, I can tell right away away how fast and how interested I will be in the world I am about to enter. With Heir to Darkisle, the first few paragraphs pulled me in. So I became intrigued.

Then, reality set in. This is not necessarily a bad thing...it just makes the entire experience a entirely different one.

Encountering Todd and Ami on the Isle felt a little rushed, not unlike Todd himself, whose extreme behavior is fueled by foolishness and alcohol. We quickly find out that Todd is being carriedthrough his life by his older sister, Brianna, who always seems to have to clean up one mess after another all the while never really solving any problems. (I believe its called enabling...I think we all have had someone we do these kind of things for, unfortunately!)

While having their little moment together (drunkenly and sloppily) they come face to face with the Isle's new owner, Sebastian Morgan. And surprise, surprise...he's mysterious, dark, tortured, and in a struggle to be something better than he is, at least in his own eyes. Which, in this case is a vampire. Unknown to the the sleepy tourist towns inhabitants.

Instead of pressing charges, Sebastian agrees to allow Todd to work to help him restore his "grandfather's" estate. Having no license (drunk driving issues here), Brianna agrees to drop him off at the manor at dusk and pick him up again at midnight.

I struggled with the characters at this point, mostly because I felt Brianna changed herself on a dime when Sebastian (in his wonderfully elegant words) points out that she's not doing herself or her brother any favors by allowing him to keep up the way he has been. Sebastian is described as tall, dark, aristocratic...yet felt static until he was with (and I love love love her) Ruby. She pokes and prods at him making him seem less like a stereotype and more like...well, your typical vamp.

Oh Ruby. The bright spot and the character I wanted more of. Sassy, incredibly comfortable with herself and who she is, Ruby is the girl you want to protect, hang out with, and live vicariously through. I found myself wanting more of her...

The romance had its place, but once again, felt a little rushed (I guess I'm a build up the tension and make me smolder kinda girl). Not to say it was bad, I just wanted more smolder...that I have to have you, I itch and burn to touch you feeling. The sentiment was there...but I'm not sure I felt it enough to want it to happen between the two of them. Until later...

Here comes the oops....Ruby (who sees no need to deny herself needlessly) decides she wants to sink her teeth (literally) into Todd's all to willing neck. And who walks in on them? Yep, Brianna. After trying to make her forget, Sebastian can't seem to stay away. Enter an attempted robbery, which forces the two together and then a confession of mutual longing. Which inevitably leads to other things (and hints at all too cold skin on her own warmth *grin*).

In all honesty, I found myself enjoying most of the scenes when the two were apart, and most of them involved Ruby. I mean, the girl has a Maserati. I like it! (Of course, it's her brother's, ugh, grandfather's, but hey, I liked it.)

And then, tragedy (of a sort strikes)...the fling Todd washed up on the shore with shows up, literally washed up on the shore, once again...only dead. On the beach by Morgan Manor.

Of course, Brianna and Sebastian become suspects...and things get worse from there for Brianna.

Not going to mince words here...I really had to make myself keep going at first. I felt a little bit of a disconnect with Sebastian and Brianna, but then Ruby caught my eye. Then, it fell into place. There were parts of the plot line that made some of the earlier situations make more sense to me. And the pay off was worth it...I really didn't see it coming. When a book does this for me, as in make me work for it and enjoy the pay off, I find that I appreciate it that much more.

And as for Ruby? Still love her, and I can't wait to see what Cassandra Pierce does next...

(Note: Heir to Darkisle was provided to me to review...)

And The Winner is (2)...

2010-07-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

First off, thank you all for entering....it was a little dicey there and I thought maybe I'd have to randomly pull someone off the street and say "Hey!! Congratulations...you won!"

I may have ended up behind bars.

And now, without any further delay, the winner is:

Sara M.!!!

Congratulations, Sara! And to everyone, I would like to thank you for making me feel like I'm not the only one to feel a little behind...and now, I am off to add to my mountainous TBR pile.

Don't forget to enter my other contest...because there will not be just ONE winner, but TWO!!!

Just click here to enter!!

Midnight Musings...On A Paranormal Path

2010-07-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

A bit of fun...

There is a large pile (it's actually mountainous, to be completely honest. Or monstrous) of books lurking in my office. Some cleverly hidden in a rather sturdy box that is just behind my desk. Others added almost daily in what began as a leader space to eventually the box but has now grown to a tower of paranormal yumminess.

I can link this obsession to four specific books in my life. The first may surprise you. Don't laugh. Well, not too hard, anyways!

Yeppers, that's a vampire bunny. My first vampire. (Ironic that my husband's nickname is Bunny, right? But don't tell him I told you.) Oh, the mystery of carrots and celery drained of their juices (eww...but I think the celery deserved it. Yuck. And don't tell me to try peanut butter, it's still celery underneath it all!) after the family adopts their newest member. And werewolf daschunds (LURVE THEM!)? Oh, yeah, I said it...errr, typed it.

Then, there was...The Vampire Diaries. Don't even get me started on Damon. (Sorry, wiping drool here. Wouldn't you?) Who can resist a dark misunderstood...brooding, sexy vampire? (Raises hand. You can, too. You know you want to. Don't even try to deny it. Not me! Hence, Angel.) Even, right then and there, I was hooked. Before sparkles and the abs (I like that, too!). And that is the original cover. (Hangs head...I had it once...)

And now (rubbing hands together), for the romance. It was at a used bookstore, and unfortunately, I can't even show you the cover. Its that...out of print. Awaken My Fire by Jennifer Horsman. Oh, if only I could weave the story together of Lady Rochelle and her Vincent. Talk about steamy...and, really, I literally read it my room because I was so certain everyone would know what I was thinking. Or reading, as it were. Or, was it the one with my name that my mom and I hid from my dad? Hmmmm.....

Finally...the well documented (I've probably mentioned it once or twice on here *wink*) stiletto cover of Laurell K. Hamilton. Also a sucker for shoes, that's me! This sealed my fate.

I'm curious...what was your first paranormal toe dipping into the waters that have led you to where you are?

I say it's a great place to be.

Guest Post: Author of Heirs to Darkisle, Cassandra Pierce

2010-07-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Keeping with the theme from the last few days, I am so excited to have Cassandra Pierce as my guest (it's getting pretty busy around here!), author of Heirs to Darkisle.

Welcome, Cassandra...thank you, and I hope everyone enjoys a little vampire insight! (Sigh, who wouldn't, really?)

VAMPIRES, THEN AND NOW…AND THEN

By Cassandra Pierce

The early descriptions of vampires that have come down to us through folklore, provide a stark contrast to today’s hunky, bare-chested bloodsuckers who no longer necessarily suck blood. It’s true that some of the old, scary vamps sometimes ran around shirtless (they might, for example, have escaped from their tombs clad only in a winding sheet), but in those cases they tended to show off discolored, cadaver-like rib cages rather than sculpted pecs and perfect six-pack abs. They also had terrible breath, bad skin, a hollow gaze, and a complete disregard for their human prey. Not exactly the stuff of sexy dreams.

Nowadays, in addition to having excellent hygiene, many vamps are also loathe to drink human blood, and those who aren’t rich (though most vampires are, probably thanks to earning centuries of compound interest) may work in life-saving professions like law enforcement or medicine. These new, sexy vamps move among humans (especially the heroine) almost the way the Greek gods were once thought to interact with their toga-clad subjects. Both alternately protect and seduce, throwing in a few punishments for the vain and wicked along the way.

As an ardent vampire fan and an avid reader and writer of vampire fiction, I couldn’t be happier with the current explosion of principled vamps. One thing does worry me, though. Now that the rehabilitation of the vampire from fearsome monster to ideal mate is complete, where do we go with the genre? I suspect that romance readers are already starting to get a little bored with detectives who use supersensory powers to solve crimes and avenging angels with archaic vocabularies. This might be why werewolf tales are starting to take up the shelf space formerly occupied by our favorite immortals.

One possibility might be a return to a traditional Gothic format, with tormented guys pacing the towers of possibly haunted manor houses. Another might be an even more extreme version of urban fantasy or steampunk, with futuristic settings and high-tech methods for the hero to slake his need for blood. There have been some rumblings about a line or two of Christian-centered vampire romances.

I doubt the vampire hero will ever devolve—Count Orlock, with his oversized bald pate and frighteningly long nails and teeth, just wouldn’t fit the bill in a romance novel. On the other hand, teen vamp dreamboats with pouty red lips and a passing resemblance to Elvis in the 1950s have already become the objects of parody (and cell phone commercials). The publishing industry will soon try to convince us that vampires are last year’s hot ticket, pushed out by shapeshifters and even zombies, but the truth is that they’ll be back on top—as soon as writers can find a new angle to sink our fanged friends’ lovely teeth into. That’s what immortality is all about.

Cassandra Pierce’s vampire e-romance, HEIRS TO DARKISLE, is currently available from Siren-Bookstrand: http://www.sirenpublishing.com/cassandrapierce/
Readers can also visit her website at http://www.cassandrapierce.com/ and check her out on Facebook!

Thanks, again...it was wonderful to have you!!

And here it is, in case you were wondering *wink wink*

Be sure to check out my review of Heirs to Darkisle coming up in just one day...you won't regret it!!!

Midnight Musings and Pleasant Surprises (Prizes?)

2010-07-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't sit funny when you sit down to read a good book that you've heard an absurd amount of buzz (from either your blogging buddies or the girls at work)? The hard part of the whole situation is two fold. Either you get so excited to get going or you worry about being let down.

Where do you set your expectations?

Once in a while, you get the whole enchilada...

(Great, now I'm hungry.)

Take the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The first time I encountered the Brothers, I am ashamed to admit, I wasn't impressed at first. Vampires have taken on so many different characteristics in the last few years, from the dark, brooding yet entirely misunderstood battered soul to the bloody, vicious demons. Did I really want to dive into yet another person's version of the Count ?

Back on the shelf went the unwilling King. Until a friend bothered me to borrow from her now personal library (my fines aren't as high *wink*). The following day, I swear she was drooling and shaking her head at me like I was crazy to not have read this steamy masterpiece.

Still, I resisted. Until I gave in at the library one day. Lover Avenged (and my not so little mohawked Rehv....sigh) joined a few other choice pieces in my go green library bag. Feel free to pause here and enjoy the view.

And I was lost. (No thanks, in part to the Twitter conspiracy that refused to let me forget! You know who you are, my dears!) The reading frenzy and frantic searches for all the Brothers' at every bookstore (new and used) began, all the while getting crazy looks not so cleverly hidden from my husband. And I read the rest in order. (Kinda proud of myself!)

Vampires who were hot, hunky, and knew how to dress? Swoon! Oh, yeah, the ink and such didn't hurt the fan yourself factor, either.

I even spread the insanity to the girls at work. Yep, I'm officially a book pimp, as well. Sometimes I worry I may be corrupting them all too well. Then I laugh evilly.

And, my favorite Brother...sigh...that's between me, and him! Mostly because I can't always choose just one.

So, really, there are two final thoughts I'd like to impart with you.

The first, maybe its not always the right time for us to meet our favorite vampire (or Barrons, but that's another story *grin*). The stars need to sometimes align and then, it just works,

And the final (which is a two parter) is it is okay to not always start at the beginning. Because, as you may or may not know, it can be sometimes a tad trying to get the correct reading order. (Insert pout here.)

Did someone say prize?! (Looks around) Wait. That was me!

To win some yummy series goodness, just leave a witty comment below featuring your favorite buzzed about series that you fell under the spell of and why. Please be sure to leave your email (or send it privately, if you prefer). Winner gets the choice of either Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan or Lover Revealed (Oh, Butch!). You get an extra entry for following, as well! Contest ends July 30th.

And if I reach 50 followers, double your pleasure...two winners. Thanks for stopping by and joining me! I can't wait to read your thoughts and maybe find myself a new addiction...

Now I must be off to play with the puppy and her (whispers) B-A-L-L while shimmy drills ensue!!!

Guest Post By Author of The Amoveo Legacy, Sara Taney Humphreys

2010-07-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure to review The Amoveo Legacy, the first in the Amoveo series, by first time author, Sara Taney Humphreys.

Bio

Sara Taney Humphreys Sara secured TV roles in such shows as A&E Biography, Guiding Light, Another World, As the World Turns and Rescue Me. She then became a Drama Teacher at her al ma mater, Convent of the Sacred Heart, and quickly launched her own after school theatre workshop studio for kids called Ensemble Productions. Bound by reality, Sara lives in New York with her husband, who is very considerate of her double life, four amazing boys, two dopey dogs and an extremely loud bird. Life is always busy, but never dull

You can read the review of The Amoveo Legacy here...

Today, I would like to welcome Sara (my first guest post *waves*)...I hope you enjoy as much I did!

Thank you Sara...its all yours!

Musical Marketing Muse

Soundtracks for movies and television shows are standard. In fact, a
really great movie or show is often instantly associated with kick ass
music. Well thanks to my old college buddy and DJ John Campbell...I
found the soundtrack for Book 2 in my shifter series.
Actually, I had been in a major writing rut. Completely blocked. Book 2,
Amoveo Heart was not coming to me as easily as the first book did. At
any rate, John wanted to interview me on his weekly radio show and had
gotten some musicians who were willing to let me use their music as an
intro for the interview. He sent me the links and the second song I
listened to stopped me dead in my tracks. I couldn't believe it. It was as
though this song was written just for the heroine in Book 2. Amazing!
The combination of the lyrics and her hauntingly beautiful voice were
absolute perfection. I immediately contacted the artist and asked if I
could use her song for Amoveo Heart's book trailer. Gratefully both she
and her record label said yes!
Then I had an idea to take it a step further. Luckily, she is located not far
from me and as a new musician is looking for new opportunities for
exposure. Why not have her play at my book launch/signing? Gratefully
she agreed. Amy played at a couple of my book signing events and it
really brought a great bit of texture to the signings.
The song that sparked my creative juices and woke up my muse is
called "Honey on the Skin". You can find Amy Petty and her spectacular
music on her website http://www.amypetty.com/
John connected me with another awesome musical muse. The Strike
Nineteens. TSN are a band of adorable guys from Scotland.
Ladies...think William Wallace/Braveheart accent....yummy. Their music
is gritty and intense. These darlings actually wrote me two songs! One of
which will be on their new album "Screams for Denver" which will be
released this Spring. I look forward to checking them out LIVE when they
come to the USA later this year.
You can check out their music at http://www.myspace.com/
thestrikenineteens
Cross marketing with music is fun and a little outside the box...just the
way I like it.
Sara Taney Humphreys
http://sarataneyhumphreys.com/

Thanks again, Sara! Can't wait for Amoveo Heart! And my muse likes the right kinda music, too!

And as an extra bonus, here's a little something Sara did (I hope you don't mind) over at Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick's blog (a good cause...check it out!)

Also, feel free to find Sara at:
blog: http://amoveoromanceseries.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/authorsara
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Amoveo-Series-Paranormal-Romance-of-a-Different-Breed/34755877882?ref=share
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/amoveoromanceseries
Link to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Amoveo-Legacy-Sara-Taney-Humphreys/dp/1554872774

And now, I am off to do a little musical research...hmm, I wonder if I have an extra itunes card. I have a feeling I'll be adding to my playlist...

Review: Moon Called...Or Starting At The Beginning

2010-07-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

Having just finished Moon Called, which by the way, I hate the fact I waited this long to pick it up. Especially when I recall, distinctly, picking up subsequent books in the series and biting my lip, contemplating and yet never indulging. I loved the covers, and each one seemed to call to attention the series, they belonged to one another. But I never did. Mostly because I have this really annoying habit of finding series in the middle, and while so far (knock on wood) its been pretty easy on me, the reviews and tweet of mouth, err, fingers? made me not want to do the tried and true method.

And while my TBR pile is really a mountain (or a mountain range as it were), I finally caved. Border's gifted me (as it does on a weekly basis) with a fabulous offer. Home Moon Called came (say that three times fast!)...

Let me tell you, a little vitamin d time and some Mercy make for an enjoyable afternoon...with no where to go save the cooler.

As I read, I felt a little biased. I checked out my fellow bloggers reviews (mostly on goodreads) and saw that a few thought it started a little slow. Perhaps a little long in explanation about Mercy? But, I found I liked that. It wasn't slow to me, more like an introduction. Of course, it was just enough in my eyes to allow the rest of the tale to fill in the spaces in between.

As a heroine, Mercy isn't your typical female, at least not at first glance. A tomboy mechanic who specializes in foreign (read mostly German) autos, she's independent and not afraid to get dirty. And she knows more than a walker (read, coyote) should about werewolves given that she's not. Especially since the area alpha lives right behind her trailer in his rather nice (hmm) abode. (It tickled me how she loved to push his buttons...three wheels, a little graffiti perhaps?) She had strong character but, unlike how some stories tend to make their female character either entirely strong willed and loud mouthed or simpering and obedient, Mercy knows how to handle a situation both politically and to her advantage. Its kinda refreshing.

The fabric of her world is woven in such a way that the story, like previously mentioned, fills in the details, at times with Mercy herself or just the situation she faces. Subtle and yet at times, kind of a here ya go. The distinction between the preternaturals was presented in such a way that really, it wasn't like you need an extra in the back of the book to keep everything straight.

The werewolves alpha in town gets attacked (and a lone wolf that Mercy took in gets killed), all in a tangled web of mysterious druggings, changings, and downright messiness. Oh, yeah, and his human daughter gets kidnapped. Mercy somehow gets herself wrapped up in this (but lets face it, the girl has great extincts combined with fierce loyalty and protectiveness so its not a surprise).

***Possible Spoiler in next paragraph***

Adam is badly hurt, possibly by a member of his own pack, that Mercy takes him to the only other alpha she knows that is more dominant to control the wolf (who wants to be dinner when you're trying to help?). Her old pack, whose alpha is the Marrock, Bran. The leader of all packs on this side of the ocean. With all the old baggage that comes with going back home (read sexy dominant first crush, and all that extended family fun). All the while, knowing someone deliberately attacked the area alpha...and there may be more beneath the surface.

Okay, you're good to go now.

As I read and finished my first Mercy Thompson Novel, I recalled how I felt when I read Guilty Pleasures for the first time by Laurell K. Hamilton. (But in that case I had in fact, my in tradition, started at Cerulean Sins...I'm a sucker for a stiletto.) Anita became a strong character who likewise didn't mind getting dirty. The beginning of series can do one of two things, I believe. It either makes you like it, care enough for the characters to want to see more and hope the next one is better. Or it begins the series in such a way that just itch to get the rest. Right then and there. And Guilty Pleasures was the latter for me. Eagerly, Moon Called also fits into that category.

If I had any complaint, its that for a late comer like me (in this and any series), I need a reading order folks. Sometimes you can't rely on the info on the first few pages. So I've taken to previously logging on Amazon or the authors site to get a reading order and making myself a nifty little list. Now, I have it at my fingertips (love you, my smart phone.)

Here's a link to help with this little annoyance!

And now, I can proudly say I am now on the Mercy Thompson Express. Or something not so cheesy sounding!

Contest:

Post a comment below to enter to win a copy of Red Fire by Deidre Knight...The first in the Gods of Midnight Novels, so you can start out right!

Rules:

1.) In your comment, tell me what series you've discovered and loved, yet you seemed the last to be in the know! (It's okay, there are like three I've found and about two more that I have to get a move on!)

2.) Please leave your email address or click on the link to send it to me if you'd prefer!

3.) This isn't a requirement, but you get an extra entry for being a follower (I love finding new blogs).

Good Luck! Contest ends Friday July 23rd....Good Luck!

Book Review...Coming Undone

2010-07-14T14:06:00.001-07:00

From Amazon.com:

A new novel of "toe-curling" erotic romance from the national bestselling author of Laid Bare.

After his parents' death, Brody gave up a promising career to care for his family. Now, with his siblings grown, Brody owns his own business, and for the first time in years he's alone. Elise has come to Seattle with her daughter to find peace. After years as a world-famous ballerina-and trapped in a marriage gone bad-she's looking for neither love nor attention. But she finds both in the handsome, honest man who befriends her with no strings attached. Brody and Elise discover in each other the wild, physical passion they need. But it'll take a shadow from Elise's past to make them look beyond what they need-to what they truly desire.

The second book in this series (and I hope not the last), Coming Undone makes me love Lauren Dane's writing abilities even more than I already do after reading Laid Bare.

Normally I review more paranormal and urban fantasy/romance. Coming Undone is definitely not even close to being either one of those. In fact, if I hadn't read the first book in the series, I'm not entirely sure I would have picked this one up on its own (even if I think the cover is drool worthy). The different elements (um, please don't hate me) that I like in my mini vacations (insert book title) normally don't include too much everyday family and...kids. Because I loves me some hotness and not sure if certain themes fit. But, Lauren Dane makes it not only work, but these things become such an integral part of the story that you couldn't pull any part out or it would feel like something is missing. Like its heart and soul.

Brody is Erin's sexy tattoo artist brother, over protective and incredibly loyal. Did I mention sexy? Ugh...gah (wipes drool). With tattoos...and piercings...gulp. The perfect image of the dark brooding bad boy.

Elise is a former prima ballerina who moves to town to start over with her lil munchkin (hey, my mom used to call me that) and start her own dance school. Start over her life for the both of them. Without any attachments of the romantic kind. Including the sexy bad boy across the street...She's one of my favorite characters, not only for her ability to accept people as they are, but to stand up for not only herself, but those she loves. You go, girl!

Brody? All his life, he's sacrificed for the ones he loves, watching their dreams while allowing his own to take a different path. When they need him, he's always their, the big brother and father figure. The best tattooist not only in the area, but good enough so people come for his incredible inkings specifically, Brody owns his shop, has a rockstar for a brother, and a zany sometime rockstar/cafe owner for a sister whom he loves deeply. Always the rock of his family, our Brody. He's not into entanglements of the serious kind. Even with the stunningly beautiful ballerina who moved in and stirs him like no one before. Even if your protective overbearing ways are meant well...

Which always means things are going to heat up. Be careful what you throw out to the universe, because it gives right back. And in all the right ways (who doesn't adore a bad boy!).

What starts out as a no strings attached (and incredibly hot) arrangement soon evolves into something that both Elise and Brody are unable to openly define. Especially when they factor in their prospective pasts (read: baggage). Its easy to fall into one another (as well as other...places) but its how we handle the baggage that gets thrown at us that makes us be in love, to know that what we feel is real. And there is plenty of it here, on both sides.

Who doesn't like to catch up with old friends Erin, Todd, and Ben? This trio, while not conventional, makes their life work. It shows. The acceptance and love that surround every member of this entire extended family is one that I truly hope exists somewhere in the real world. A beautiful thing, opening your eyes as well as your mind.

Family is a strong theme in both books, and she manages to make it extremely sexy (Brody is def the alpha male) while Elise and her daughter show a side to him we only get glimpses of in Laid Bare. It works on so many different levels, from the actual family aspect to the HAWTNESS that ensues.

So with great pleasure (and a little sad that I've finished both books) I recommend...but, warning not for the faint of heart...with a little rock and roll.

(P.S. You may also want a little ink or piercing after reading. I did! *wink*)

You can pruchase Coming Undone from Amazon here...

Or check Lauren Dane's website!

New Review...The Amoveo Legacy by Sara Taney Humphreys

2010-07-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

What if everything you knew turned out to be a lie? You find out that you aren't even human--at least not entirely. What if, one day, you realize your world will never be the same again? These are the questions that Samantha Logan must face in "The Amoveo Legacy". A dream on her thirtieth birthday compels her to leave her artists loft in New York City and move back to the beach with her Grandmother, Nonie. However, the instant Samantha steps foot on the salty shores of her childhood home, she realizes the landscape has changed.

The moment she encounters the mysterious, arrogant neighbor Malcolm Drew, her life is never the same. Through a seductive courtship, he introduces her to the magical mystical world of the Amoveo. The dream walking, telepathic, shape shifters that he claims are her true heritage. However, Malcolm holds back a secret that could destroy them both. Will he be able to protect Samantha and convince her of the secret legacy buried deep inside of her?

Recently, I had the pleasure of being contacted (yay, another first...what can I say? I'm giddy!!) by someone who said she may have a little something (or two) I might enjoy. Of course, my interested was piqued. Hmmm...I wonder...shape shifters, eh?

And so I sat down at my trusty (love you, my friend) laptop and began to read the digital edition. Now, here's the thing, though. I love reading (duh) but, I also like to multi-task at times. Such as exercise bike while I peruse, or a little vitamin D exposure at the same time. And sometimes a page flip gives me a certain amount of satisfaction.

Would I be up to the challenge? And so I sat with my favorite mug steaming full (well, not so steamy...its hot in July!) of a caffeinated beverage and open the file.

To find, well let's just say...drool, okay?

And so I began...

From the opening, I felt a kinship with Samantha, who makes the decision to do what makes her happy, to stop waiting around. LOVE THIS IDEA. More often than not, I believe we all place ourselves in this position. We tell ourselves we just have to wait a little longer, pay our dues, wait for Mr. Right, wait for the right opportunity. We wait...and wait...and really, we shouldn't.

Oh yeah, did I mention the dream? The one with the beach (sigh) and the wolf happily running along it? This is all prompts her to go back home, to the home she grew up in and the woman her raised her, Nonie. (And there are few more...very...nice dreams to come, lets just say!)

And so Sam, whose parents died when she was only six months old, moves back, to a home complete with her loving Nonie, a fabulous art studio (who wouldn't want to move back to live your dreams?), and the mysterious house next door (that comes complete with an equally mysterious and handsome neighbor Malcolm and his cheeky elderly butler).

And can you imagine that handsome mysterious neighbor is a shape shifter (and a sexy one at that)...and maybe, maybe just maybe Sam is the mate not only he, but his people need to survive? Not only that, but, horror of horrors, Malcolm must try to court her as a (gulp) human? With only two really good seafood restaurants in town?!

The Amoveo Legacy was a pretty easy read...by this, I mean that the points of view, while switching between Malcolm and Sam, told tid bits about the shape shifters and Sam's own self awareness to keep your interest. (There are times when I feel overwhelmed with info, being shoved at me too fast to enjoy takes away...not so here.) In fact, if I had any complaint, it was that I wanted more. We do get glimpses through different members of the Amoveo (kind of confusing at first, because there are several different clans...eagles, foxes, bears oh my!) and the inside workings. In this case, it does make for more books (please!!) to fully develop this world more than these teasing glimpses.

As far the characters, at first, I really respected Sam for making the choice to be happy now, and felt a little put off by her reaction to Malcolm. Mostly because I knew so little about him. But then, we do get more insight into our shape shifting eagle, and so does Sam (but not the shapeshifting part, at least right away). And as she gets to know him, the mysterious pull she has towards him becomes stronger. And more undeniable.

Oh, and there is a family of humans who know about the Amoveo, the Cadeo, whose main focus in life is to see the abomination (their thought, not mine) of the Amoveo extinct. Hatred and the fear of the unknown combined with years of a deadly legacy. The easiest way to kill Amoveo is to kill their mate...and now, they have a mysterious helping hand contributing to their cause.

And their target is now Sam. Who may or may not be an Amoveo, due to her father only being a shape shifter of the wolf clan.

If I had any complaints, which are minor, is that the chapters felt short in the beginning and I had to scroll faster! Just as I felt a rhythm...scroll time.

Other than that, I have to say I am very interested to see where the next book takes us. Who will we meet? Dante...William? Hmmm...

You can check out Sara Taney Humphreys site here....

(Note: The Amoveo Legacy was provided for review by me through Heetr Promotions and Publicity)

Book Review...or I Really Want My Own Parasol

2010-07-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Alexia Tarabotti, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs.

Then he disappears - leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria. But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can.

She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

After reading the first book in the series (to which you can find the story behind my discovery of Alexia and her parasol inclinations as well as a little Steampunk fun when I guest posted over at Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick here), I have to say I had been eagerly awaiting the next in the series with baited and gas lit breath...

Of course, the day arrived, and I eagerly made my purchase. From whence it sat, in my ginormous (that's a word, right?) pile of TBR tomes. And sat.

And, then, I had to read it. Sorely, I missed Alexia. Little bit prejudiced (ack, that just sounds odd) being of the Italian persuasion myself.

As with the first book, I very much enjoyed a few key things that seem to define this particular sect of the Steampunk genre. Gail Carriger delightfully mixes the paranormal with a touch of Victorian Steampunk in way that seems to be almost seamless. Word after word, complex and full of color that painted the picture of this world...that I strangely would have skimmed quickly over in some novels, but not so here. The fact that our heroine is in fact happily (we think!) married to her Alpha werewolf, muhjah to the Queen, and best friend to the flamboyant Lord Akeldama, you would think at first look all is well in London. I mean, even Ivy, with her hideous hats is engaged!

But, all is in fact, not well.

It seems there is a strange affliction affecting the ghosts, vampires, and werewolves at strange intervals....they become mortal and all that implies. The only one not to be influenced by the phenomena is Alexia herself. Then there is the matter of her Alpha husband. Lord Maccon doesn't always share every tid bit of information, either about his work at the BUR, his pack (hello, darling husband, go ahead and let the entire regiment pack camp out on the front lawn!), or his own past (there are a few things you should share, really). Then he off and disappears to Scotland and his former pack without so much as a word to her directly. Which means his practical Alpha preternatural wife must contend with the Queen and her advisors, her best friend and her horrible hats, her sister (tgif that I am on only child *g), the pack and Major Channing Channing, and the strangely beautiful yet altogether unsettling Madame Lefoux.

And deal she does...

If Alexia had any downfall (except her soulless state), I would say its her personality. In the best way possible. She is blunt, able to look at situations clearly, handle the oddest of situations, and accept anyone even if they have more than a few faults. Those who surround her hold up a mirror for the reader so that we see her qualities through them and their interactions. (Who knew an Italian could have such a big heart under all that? Oh, yeah, I did! P.S. Total tongue in cheek here I hope you know. I just find it so amusing. Being Italian.)

The Steampunk element is alive and well, too, but I will say the dirigible trip (and, in case you were wondering, I don't think I'd be a good floater. I hate heights.) seemed more about helium and the blandly steamed food (yuck!)...and a common form of transportation. Madame Lefoux and her inventions layer in the amount of technicality that is needed without being too much. (I loved how Alexia processes this character...after the fact. Really, I wanted to bop her with her parasol. We all have this friend who never quite gets this particular...situation. Sigh.)

Did I enjoy? Yep. Such a nice change of pace from most the books and authors I enjoy. If I had any complaints, it would have to be the brevity of which the romance element is played out...but, hey a married couple who still have the urge to be romantic? I'll take it!

Sadly (slight spoiler), the ending made me want a parasol of my own. To soundly beat a certain werewolf over the head. Men.

And now, once again I must wait. For who knows how long for Blameless...

Assasin's Honor or I finally got an ARC!!!

2010-07-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

A sexy new adventure-packed romance with a paranormal twist-from the award-winning author. Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches relics. It's how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins-the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an artifact she doesn't have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths-someone who can sense the emotions of others- are the norm. Now someone wants her dead, and her only hope of survival is an assassin who's every bit as dangerous to her body as he is to her heart.

(Note: Review material provided through Arc Tours and Amanda at Dark Faerie Tales, thanks Amanda!)

It's a Friday, I've just arrived home from a long day at work. You know the kind...just want to go home and put on anything else, get a cold bev, and sit in my gorgeously landscaped (if I do say so myself!) backyard. Then, my husband gets the mail.

And it all changes.

Silly, I know, but this is my first ARC and I REALLY wanted to read this one. Not knowing I had actually picked it up and had it in my hot little hands the night before, but had judiciously put down as to not leave the TBR piled neglected with yet another friend/competitor of my attention.

As you may or may not know, I love a good cover. And I usually start a series in the middle or pretty close to the end. So, to get an ARC with a bland ol' yellow cover...that starts at the BEGINNING?

Priceless...

I do in fact, get myself somewhat afore mentioned situation...but, I add Assassin's Honor and I begin...

Gleefully.

As I began, two things stand out. Immediately, the reader is immersed into Emma's world...the textures, the sand, the discovery...and then, the murder. Her colleague/family friend is murdered in the same horrific manner as her parents. All on their search for the mysterious Sicari, and order of assassins from the days of ancient Rome. An obsession Emma's tried to avoid as much as she can...

But, there's one...man...who'll change that. In so many ways...

Inner dialogue can go either way for me. At times, I feel I can be disconnected from the character, like she's shutting me out. Not the case here...it was as if I were inside experiencing Emma's thoughts and feelings (I even had a little whiskey with her...kinda...). Emma has a talent, if you will, for artifacts and even more mundane everyday objects. When she touches them, she experiences things that have either happened around the object or to its owner. She becomes immersed in the moments. So did I. It worked for me.

Oh, Ares...the head of the Sicari guild in Chicago, he finds and protects Emma from a fate similar to her parents. And himself. (Warning, steamy sexy powers here...just saying.)

The Sicari aren't what they seem. In more ways than one. (Tiny note, but one I really enjoyed...the use of swords versus guns...love this. It added elegance and grace....and just a spot or two *evil grin* of sexiness. Loved it.) A secret society full of mysterious people with so many talents and a rich history of ceremony. I found myself feeling as if I was there, experiencing every moment. It didn't feel contrived or "made up" which sometimes can happen when detail is overwhelming and out of control.

I'm definitely one of those readers who doesn't believe in spoilers, so you definitely won't get any here...but, suffice it to say, steaminess does ensue. All while on the hunt for the Tyset of Isis, a mysterious object (actually, there is so little known about it, no one really knows what it is) that the Sicari must find before their enemies do...

Do you think my first ARC experience was a success??? I do. This will definitely be in my library...and I can't wait for more....

Where have I been?

2010-07-06T06:45:00.000-07:00

Here's to hoping this lovely lil update doesn't mysteriously disappear (which, my dear friends, has happened twice since my life has slowed down enough for me to actually to sit my booty down and get to typing!!). One of which I really liked....sigh...

And, now, we're off!!

So, as you may or may not know, my little belly friends and I had a marvelous time at the coffee shop (which has turned into a semi-regular shindig). We have a benefit for autism coming up, which is a wonderful opportunity to give something back (so cliche, yet true). Plus, I am now teaching beginner's tribal fusion. Which also means more practice time for me (LOL if I only knew!) And that's just the beginning...

(Here's a little peak for you...right before my hip scarf shimmied its way to the floor!)

The good news...my little 63 pound baby girl (err, golden retriever bundle of playfulness) had a few weeks of health issues. She's all good now, but a puppy with a sprained "wrist" is a ton (well, maybe not that big, but I did have to carry her everywhere, including outside for her to...you get the picture) to care for. Which wore me out...

Work...I can't even tell you. Grrr. But, we all have that problem, in one way or another, don't we?

But, I missed you so much....promise!!

So, now what?

Well, getting ready to post my first ARC review...even though it's out already (I think I was low on the totem pole, but...well, you'll have to read to find out!!!) This may sound silly, but I was incredibly excited to finally get my grubby hands on an ARC. What can I say? It's the little things sometimes. So, thanks to Monica Burns and Angela.

I am now off to review...see you soon!!

Long time...blog?

2010-06-26T08:54:00.001-07:00

Midnight Musings...In the morning.

2010-05-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

It's the morning after our coffee house show...

And, I would like to say...I conquered another "fear" (I use quotes only because really, I mostly fear sharks the most. It seems silly to not use the whole " " thing, then.) last night.

I've danced with my lovely troupe ladies countless times. In a group. And I love it. Bellydancers are some of the most supportive, nurturing people I've ever encountered. (Boy, do they love their red wine and whiskey!) Coffee, as well, if last evening was any indication. Which in and of itself was pretty darn amusing. (Yep, 10 or so Bellydancers all hyped up on caffeine. Good times!)

Okay, the conquering.

Two numbers had to get pulled due to injuries (eek!), so we had time to fill. Found out that morning, and had to fill in. Originally, I had planned to do a solo (trembling in my boots), but so many ladies wanted to dance that I had decided to perform, alone (GAH), at our next performance. So, now, we had two spots.

As fate would have it, one of my lovely ladies just found a gorgeous veil (silk, colorful, and cut perfectly...which is so important, trust me!) that she wanted to show me. I love veil work, and it was the one thing I missed from my cabaret dancing.

TADA! Hey, they all decided, do a veil dance...(here's the part where I get a panic attack.) I hadn't picked up a veil...geez, in a year or longer.

Turns out, much like riding a bike, it's kinda all in the muscle memory. Especially the joy part. So, there I am...I picked out a tune I love that's a little more traditional (in that it's not the funky crazy eclectic stuff we usually use) that I love and know by heart.

At the show, we had to move up my number...gulp...a few spaces. And there it was.

Let me tell ya...it was a beautiful thing. Total improv, on the spot, danced out of pure bliss.

(And they really liked it...bellydance shows are a very loud thing, no polite silence or polite clapping. Although, there can still be silence if you don't connect with your audience.)

It wasn't quiet. Towards the end of the night, I was asked to do one more number. What the heck, I thought.

So here I sit. Kinda been neglecting the blog, and not reading as much as I want. But, I hope it was all worth it. Hopefully, I'll have a few pictures for you.

*Looks over at Phury's book*

I know, *shakes head*, Lover Mine can't be touched until you're done. (I like talking to my books. They are like my friends. I always get the last word! *evil laughter*)

Off I go, sad its over, but knowing there are other things on the horizon that are as equally fun and scary.

Hope your week was as fun mine.

(Oh yeah...Part of my costume fell off. Shimmied it right on off. Then I knocked the speaker over. But those are the things that make ya laugh, you know?)

Was it?

Midnight Musing...why I love it.

2010-05-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Just like everyone else, there are days when I feel like I am so overwhelmed with everything I do that I really don't know how to...well, do anything.

Sounds silly, I know.

I'll let you in a secret. I hate getting lost. Violently.

Funny thing is...its only happened to me, like twice. Ever.

But it haunts me...

Okay, so here's the dish on how this belongs here.

But, like all things, it may take a few sentences and rambles to get us there.

I...(gah, confession time.) cyber stalk. A lot. I twitter...blog follow, live journal, youtube, you name your poison. This, my dear friends, is why.

It's not as though my life is so utterly boring and uneventful. In fact, like the above sounds, IT'S INSANE! At times, the insanity tends to rear its ugly little beady head and stick out its slimy tongue, all a waggling and drooly. Overwhelming and annoying, I have a tendency to allow the little bugger to have control over my life, muddling over the what ifs while I really could be doing the whole iffing. If you get my meaning.

When he shows up (or she, I try not to look to closely), I cyber stalk. Melissa Marr, I hate to embarrass you, but you are my favorite non bellydancer stalking subjects (hangs head in shame, not wanting to look like a loon you need a restraining order for). If only because your insane (love that word today, right?) balancing act and quirky sense about life...give me a much needed kick in the...you know. (And the bellydancers...youtube is my rock.)

Side note: Hearing about or watching some one's triumph's is an odd thing. Some people get jealous evil meaniness. Yet others feel like they know how it feels with an added drop of envy. Still others, like me, tend towards an odd mix of congratulation, desire (as in, I want so of that! Which may or may not be vanilla ice cream with Dr. Pepper, but I digress), and....inspiration.

Here's my point. Finally.

A month or so ago, during one of my cyberstalking events, I discovered said author (ahem...Melissa Marr) would be...in Ohio. As in NORTHERN OHIO. Where, in fact, most musical acts sometimes skip over, championship sports teams get sucked into a black hole, and...well, not much happens. (Don't get me wrong, our theater district is AMAZING. But authors that I know and love? Not so much.) Day requested off...check. Radiant Shadows devoured....sniff, sniff...check. Husband informed he was driving me to the other side of town and coming with me....CHECK. Or so I thought.

Life getting in the way as it does, the road block was up. Husband's work schedule changed. Bellydance show next week. Crazy day/night/anytime job expands in leaps and bounds on its pull.

Mud puppies. (That's my wacky attempt at clean profanity.)

Two choices. I can allow my silly stupid fear of getting lost to over take me and miss out on an experience. Or. Two. I can suck it up, face my silly fear, and do something for me.

I chose me.

Actually, I chose to choose me, if that makes sense. While I would adore to fawn over every minute detail (alas, we all promised we wouldn't spill any secrets...sigh), I can tell you this. This was my first real book event. And what a great one it was.

There was no earth shattering realizations (biting my tongue...ugh) that I can share, but I can tell you that inspiration comes not only from the authors that give us a piece of their worlds, but also from the fellow readers we meet on that journey. (Waves to y'all!!)

On to my journey....I decided to reread Wicked Lovely (hee hee on my kindle app...), get my booty moving on this blog (I have two in the ready to publish state), and...this weekend, its tribal bellydance, baby!!!!!!!!!!! Just a little excited....sorry....

There are always choices. (Not my words, but I kinda like 'em)

So choose to try something new, go have a fabulous conversation with a bunch of strangers, check out an Angles and Airwaves concert, or even try the express way for the first time (HA! I CONQUERED YOU!!)...see where it leads you.

Mind Games...Review

2010-05-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

JUSTINE KNOWS SHE’S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem. Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

Just a quick little love for this book.

I picked it up at the bookstore the day it came out after finding the author on twitter. Unfortunately for me and the book, I tend to gather faster than I can read 'em. A blessing and a curse (I never run out). And if I'm really honest with myself (sheepish head hang inserted here), I'm not sure I would've picked it up if not for the whole social network interaction shindig.

Then one night, I picked it up. After, reading review upon dazzling review, I had to do it. And once I started, literally, I found myself on a roller coaster I had no desire to get off of.

Heart wrenching, real, intense, and witty...I was hooked. Finished in one night. Disarming.

I'm not a hypochondriac, but I could easily relate to that debilitating feeling that washes over you from time to time. And it made Justine relatable on a level I haven't experienced in a long time. From her need to feel normal, to fit in, find that easy secure place...it was tangible and right there waiting for me.

And Packard and his disillusionists? Finding out that family isn't always related by blood or easy to deal with is a lesson we all have learned. Each one of her teammates has a specialty....something that the normal everyday person would consider a hindrance. But, hey when you get lemons...sometimes you get some kick booty lemonade. You just have to know how to make it.

You see, each disillusionist has something that, in most people perception, is a kind of curse. But, now, they get to use their talents to rehabilitate people who have done bad things. Each assignment is paid for a by a wrong party, either a victim or family member. Talents intermingle in a multi-layered system meant to tear down. And in the end, they should become a better person for it. Good deeds, and all...right?

But, are things what they really seem? Are these things, these projects, really about just doing good...rehabilitating these people? Hmmm...

Packard...sigh...yep. Any man who tries to tell you what you know deep down is the truth but can't accept it in some way will get under your skin. Which can feel good...sometimes.

But, I have to say, I was surprised were the tale led me...in a good way.

I kept reviewing this post...because I felt it was to short. But, my love for this book makes me not want to give away too much. Discovery can rock your socks...

So, if you have a free night...I have a little something for ya. Oh, and pick up some Mongolian barbecue. And stop by to let me know what you thought.

Avalon Revisited....Steampunk Continued.

2010-05-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

From Amazon.com:

Arthur has made his existence as a vampire bearable for over three hundred years by immersing himself in blood and debauchery. Aboard an airship gala, he meets Avalon, an aspiring vampire slayer who sparks fire into Arthur's shriveled heart. Together they try to solve the mystery of several horrendous murders. Cultures clash and pressures rise in this sexy Steampunk Romance.

As many of you know, I just finished a guest post on Steampunk over at Not Really Southern Vamp Chick's Birthday Bash Countdown (I just love typing that because it sounds like a party in and of itself!!) in which I made mention of a few steampunk titles, one of which is the above pictured Avalon Revisited by O.M. Grey.

My first kindle edition...and to be honest, I was a tad worried. Not so much about the content, but about me.

You see, change, in its early conceptions, freaks me out. How was I going to read a book that's...not actually a book in my hot little hands? Where would the satisfaction of keeping track of my progress via my sometimes tacky yet lovingly placed bookmarks? Ack!

But there it was....Avalon Revisited, only on Kindle. But, I don't have a Kindle. And I lamented this fact on my twitter. Enter the lovely artist who did the cover art, Catherine Somerlot (she tweeted me, told me about the app for my itouch) and the rest , as they say, is history.

I won't linger too much on the whole steampunk genre (but, if you haven't clicked on the link above, you really should. If for no other reason than to join the celebration) which, I have to say is as varied and colorful as your imagination will let it be.

And Avalon Revisited is no exception. A combination of steampunk and paranormal romance which keeps its identity all through without having to remind you why at every twist and turn.

I tend to speed read, and sometimes that's a good thing, others, not so much. For the first time in a while, however, I took my time, allowing myself to fully enjoy the nuances and pacing O.M. Grey afforded. Cleverly intertwining history, Arthur, we learn, is a Tudor. Yep, you read it right. Given the recent popularity of this time in history, it was refreshing to have this angle. I loved it. Not only did it give him the identity that completely matched his personality traits, it added to his heartbreak.

To which we then meet Avalon...a spinster of sorts, who Arthur falls in love with, practically at first intriguing sight. On a dirigible. If there is one scene that really gives you the feel of the whole nature of steampunk, in my eyes, this is the one. Descriptive and layered, the main characters blend to give the reader a true sense of this world. Avalon is no shrinking violet, and is so intoxicated with the technology and the world around her she barely notices our...vampire.

Ahh, but its not just dirigibles and gears here, ladies and gentlemen. There's a killer afoot. A vampire...who, in fact, is not our narrator...but seems to follow in his footsteps. Is the killer perhaps a little more than your run of the mill vamp? Perhaps. And his victims are rising from the dead, just like their creator.

Which leads Arthur to team up with the lovely (who, in fact reminds him at first of Catherine..yep, that one) Avalon and her partner in um...vampire hunting, Victor. Who have no idea they are actually working with said creature they are supposed to be...hunting.

No spoilers here, though...but I will say there was a sprinkling of steampunk technology and subtle steaminess and at times, not so subtle ;).

If you've never dipped your toes in the genre, you won't be disappointed. And if you have, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Even on my Kindle app. Change can be a good thing.

(Side note, Avalon Revisited is available in Kindle and the good old fashion kind as well over on Amazon...)

And the winner is....

2010-05-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Just a little quick post...

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in some way, shape, or form of my first lil ol' contest...from suggestions and encouragement!

And, the winner is, decided by the cute boy I married...

Beth!!

Here's the new button....

Yay!!!

So, Beth, your gift card is on its way....Thanks, lady! I lurve it!!

And, to thank all of you...I will be posting a new giveaway in a few days, so you all will get an extra entry!

P.S. Please don't forget to stop in at Not Really Southern Vamp Chick's Birthday Bash everday because she has some fabulous fun going on!! I had a fantastic time on my guest post...

Guest Post....Steampunk style!!!

2010-05-03T09:55:00.001-07:00

I am part of Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick's Countdown Birthday Bash!!

YAY!!!

Since I am having technical problems, I humbly suggest clicking on the Birthday countdown Button on the side bar and join in the fun!!

Thanks for having me, lady...it was so fun!!

*waves* Blog ya soon!

What to do?

2010-04-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to stop in and let you all know what I've been up to...and will be up to!!

First off, I finally found Lover Awakened...OMG. I will have to share my thoughts. On another post, because...well, those of you who know what I mean, know what I mean...you know?

Things are crazy as Spring has finally decided to show her lovely little visage. Between enjoying the intermittent sunshine and opening the windows to let in the fresh air...sigh. And then the things that come with it. Love greenhouses and garden centers!! And my puppy demands all my attention.

Lucky she's so cute.

On the dancing side, I have a show coming up. Which is insane...even though its mainly just a little coffee shop shindig. Costuming cracks me up. I can't sew...at least, when I look at it, I think, did my ten year old niece do that? Hey stitching glue is amazing! Don't even get me started on the organizing aspect...

And, what is really exciting for me....doing my first guest post! Which means research. In a good way, because what I'm looking is something I already have an interest in. A little nervous, but its that good kind! Go on over to http://not-really-southernvampchick.blogspot.com/ and check it all out!!

So, if all goes well, you'll have two new review this weekend...and winner of my first contest http://ariadarkmuse.blogspot.com/2010/04/another-midnight-musing.html announced by Sunday....

Thanks for following!!

Review: Pleasure of a Dark Prince

2010-04-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

From the back cover:

A DANGEROUS BEAUTY

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her-and those she loves.

AN UNCONTROLLABLE NEED

Garreth MacReive, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddenly sensual creature as his own.

THAT LEAD TO A PLEASURE SO WICKED

From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia's greatest weakness-her wanton desire for him

My Review:

True to my usual pattern, this was a series I picked up a few books into. An unabashed cover junky, that's me. I can't for the life of me tell you which one, but I can say I hungrily sought out the entire series. And then became disappointed when I caught up.

Warning: The Immortals After Dark series is addicting. The mixture of vampires, werewolves, witches, Valkyries layers in everything you would love about the paranormal. Strong females heroines who embrace head on with tenacious veracity every aspect about themselves. From strong sensuality, to (in my opinion) an addiction to texting, as well as loving shiny things, playing video games...inciting lightning. Yum. I adore strong female characters, and Pleasure of a Dark Prince is no exception.

Lucia, who is THE archer, can't miss a shot or else she'll experience the worst pain imaginable. She forgoes the...company...of the opposite sex, choosing this skill not only to protect herself, but those around her. Sometimes, she makes the wrong decision for the right reasons...like running from Garreth, the brother to the missing Lykae King, who turns out to be...well, you'll have to read that for yourself. I think you can guess ;), though.

If I had any complaints at all, it would be one of two things. The first, I think, is all a part of Kresley Cole's diabolical plan to make me (and in turn, you) salivate for more, forcing you to want to re-read the series over and over. The book follows a longish time span, which begins early in the series, and extends farther into it. Which means, we encounter many characters from previous books. Its a nice check in for those of us who can't seem to let go of Emmaline or Mariketa and their scrumptious males. On the downside, my brain kept second guessing myself.

So what did I do?

Yep. Got out my dog eared previous tomes and checked in. Like I said, diabolical. *smiles evilly* Cause I love Nucking Futs Nix. Tons...

The second is more me than anything. Garreth, enormous hulking lykae that he is, is from the highlands of Scotland. Which, more than once, made me read out loud (or at least silently mouth) his words. And I kept visualizing Collin Ferrell's accent just to make sure I got it spot on. Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. But it did make either the pup or the husband eye me suspiciously. (Kept them on their toes!)

When all is said and done, while I have kept promising this to you all (and welcome new followers!!), and adore and LURVE this series.

I may even start them once again.

And the gorgeous cover...that doesn't hurt, either.

Another Midnight Musing...

2010-04-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

So...recently it was brought to my attention...that...ahem...I (hangs head) have no button...

And being that I am just a tad bit challenged (not too, challenged...but I just figured out how to actually get on Google Chat) in the whole area of (clearing throat) buttons (why do I have a song in my head?)...I need help!

So, in search of my own button...what to do???

I turn to you, dear blogworld. I know you are brilliant and fabulous because I see your handiwork spread far and wide. Will you help me? Pretty please???

Now, my only question is, do I bribe you, or will you try to help me out of the goodness of your heart. I'm thinking both.

Now, here's the idea I have. (Drum roll please...eww, that reminded me of Will Smith somehow...shakes head.) Depending on response, I will (attempt...ahem) post responses...and if (pleads silently) I get a few...then we'll vote. You and I...

I'm hoping for some kick booty happenings...and the winning button will receive a pretty prize from me. Now, this all depends on how many responses I get. (I still think my husband is paying all of you.)

This will be my first giveaway...sigh...I'm hoping, and wishing...So feel free to contact me or leave a comment below.

By the way, Pleasure of a Dark Prince?? I'll tell you what I thought very soon...

Update:

Hmmm...I'm thinking maybe your lack of enthusiasm is based upon prize mentions, huh? (Silly me...seriously I thought I put it on here. Must drink more coffee.) Alright, so winning button will get a Border's Gift Card for $10. Winner will announced on April 30th....

Review: Get the Fever...

2010-04-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

From the jacket cover...

He calls me his Queen of the Night. I'd die for him. I'd kill for him, too. When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.

Mac's quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V'lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.

As All Hallows' Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds-with devastating consequences...

Review

First, to point out an obvious...once again, in the industrious line of my habitual start in the middle of a series, I did, in fact plunge head first with full knowledge that Faefever was no' the first in the Fever series.

That being said, let me also say I would like to thank all you little twitter book bloggers I follow for having debates (which entertained me while irritating my husband as I giggled over my Droid endlessly) about this Barrons person...because, now I know why.

There were three entirely odd things that sparked for me in this book.

First, I LOVE that the author didn't feel the need to make every character that were natives of Dublin speak with an accent. She allowed the city to paint the feeling as well as the characters of Dublin. This has, at times actually slowed down my enjoyment of a novel, only because I felt as if I wanted to read aloud (not that I did, mind you, but still...) or say "wuh?" because my brain didn't want to translate. (And I want to say fecking now. Is this really a swear word? Because if I am offending anyone's delicate ears, I apologize.)

Second...I felt the inner dialogue really replaced the actual interaction Mac had with other characters. Starting the series in the middle probably contributed to this because I felt I was missing something...Barrons and V'lane . There was really no great place to put a bookmark in...and sometimes I needed to stop. You know, to eat, work, sleep. Though it was a pretty fast going because of this...hmmm. Might be on to something. Seriously, though, the banter between Mac and Barrons made me want more.

Third. After the twitter stalking and giggling, I set myself up for some pretty intense moments. Ummm...part way through, I had to ask myself, did I miss something? (This should teach me to get the first book, girl. Seriously.) But the moments that were there were an entirely different level of intense. Building up, and I have to say, I kinda want to check out Barrons and V'lane myself. Which I did. On the Karen Marie Moning site. I would have to say the action was more on a sensual side, which sometimes is just what ya need...

So, without any spoilers for those of you who haven't (which should be few, if all that tweeting can be believed), I felt Mac was an intelligent, tough yet tender, selfish yet caring character. She loves her clothes. And I loved her taste in cars. (Really, the Viper didn't even have a radio or a/c when it first came out...its all about what a fast yummy lil sports car should be.)

Am I interested in the first two Fever books? Absolutely. Did I feel like I missed out on things sometimes...definitely. The cliffhanger...woah. So, yep, my lil Not Really Southern Vampire Chick friend, I am so glad I did not get the next book instead. Who knows where I would have ended up....

Next...Review of Pleasure of a Dark Prince (just start sighing now...what a cover!)

Busy Times...

2010-04-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

With the busy crazy schedule (and my attempts to set up various other networking opportunities) its been a little slim pickings here. But I wanted to give a tiny preview of things to come in the incredibly near future!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!

Yep, I'm gonna do it...but, as with all things, it needs a little more fun. And that means followers! Those of you here right now, I lurve ya...because I've been blog stalking you. But I'm lonely...well, not so much lonely, but hoping you all aren't either A.) My husband in disguise or B.) Being paid by said husband to follow me!!

So, while details to come, you can bet they'll include some new follower quotas amongst them...

Reviews....I have two get ready to gear up. A double, if you will, within the next 12-18 hours.

A few surprises I'm hoping to hash out...I know, such a tease, right???

Any ideas or comments or helpful suggestions, post 'em below...

Now I'm off to drill some tribal fusion bellydance...have a good one!

A Little Midnight Musing

2010-04-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny when you discover something new...from someone you've never met, and it changes everything?

Recently, I RT to an author and the artist my love of the cover of a new book, only to discover the only current media it was available in was in the "e" realm. With all the twittering and news articles surrounding ereaders as well as my own reluctance to really delve deeper into this new fangled form, I pretty much dismissed be able to get said book to check out until it was released in paperback.

(Said book, by the way, is Avalon Revisited. In case you're wondering...steampunk is incredibly intriguing to me as a whole, from the general technology and history, to the costuming influence in bellydance.)

The artist sent me back a message telling me how she didn't have a kindle, but downloaded the app to ther ipod touch. LIGHT BULB...So I logged on and got myself a lil ol' kindle app.

Backing up just a tad...Initially, I felt kind of...odd about the whole concept of an ereader. I love how a book feels in my hands, the smell (I know, kinda musty), having my favorite titles displayed proudly like trophies saying, yep, I read 'em. All of them. Really. So the thought of just one more device (WITH NO COVERS? GASP!!) launching me further into the digital realm made me feel overwhelmed. Really...which device? Could I keep track? But I love the library...and the used bookstore...and wandering through Borders for hours!! Will the pages turn fast enough (I read fast...my husband doesn't always believe I'm reading. Like I would just flip pages to amuse him. Seriously?)? ACK!

But...as with my new foray into short stories with Melissa Marr, I jumped in with her estory Stopping Time. Which also meant I didn't need another copy of Fragile Eternity, since said story was included with the new soft back edition.

*Pools of light shining down from the heavens*

Guess what? Yep, loved it. Well, let me clarify...

I finished part one of Stopping Time, and am part way through the second. UGH! I love Niall and Irial...and Leslie. Be able to visit with them once again...and before Radiant Shadows? Fab. Whet the appetite...

Just a bit about Stopping Time...

If you've read Ink Exchange (and if not, please do...I recommend the entire series very highly), you would understand why these characters have a little more of their story to tell...It's still heartbreaking and a darkly beautiful love story. Normally, I tend to skim through when there is too much explanation, but I never seem able to do so in the Wicked Lovely series. This is no exception. **Minor spoilers if you haven't read Ink Exchange**

Irial, the former Dark Court King, has sworn fealty to Niall, the Dark Courts new regent, and both have promised Leslie, the girl they both love dearly and utterly, to essentially alone and allow her to be...human. But, in the way that fae often do, they keep to their promised words while still protecting her. And Irial, with whom I just fell in love with, is more concerned with keeping Leslie safe and his need for Niall to be happy (a word I use lightly, because, really, no one in this situation can be) than his own well being. The relationship between these three characters is gut wrenching...and feels so real. Because sometimes love isn't enough. And a happy ending isn't guaranteed. My only issue...I wanted more.

So where do I stand? Other than searching the kindle store obsessively and now alternating between my droid and ipod touch? I like it. Alot. But, I'll still get my favorites, for now, in the good old bookstore... For now.

JoJo's Book Corner 200 Follower Giveaway

2010-04-02T07:42:00.001-07:00

As noted in my sidebar, one of my favorite bloggers (not only books, and if you've been there, you know what I mean. If not, what are you waiting for! Click the next words!!) JoJo's Book Corner is celebrating her 200 Followers!!

And if that isn't enough for you (see above picture), she always has little goodies for you...

Congratulations!! Share the love.....

YAY!! My First Award!!

2010-04-01T18:51:00.001-07:00

Let me just say, I totally geeked out and did a lil' dance...because, I am so totally convinced my loved ones are just somehow paying people to follow me and make the hits go up...Thank you, lady!

I received the Beautiful Blogger Award from Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick.

Here are the rules:
Thank and link to the person that gave you the award.
Pass this award on to 15 bloggers you’ve recently discovered and think are fantastic.
Contact said blogs and let them know they’ve won.
State 7 things about yourself.

15 bloggers I just love!

Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick
Jojo's Book Corner
Parajunkee's View
Intense Whisper
Darkly Reading
Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

Welcome To Larissa's Life

Smexy Books

Writings of a Wicked Book Addict

Kindle Vixen

The Book Guru

Bitten By Paranormal Romance

Book Faery

Papercut Reviews

Writings of a Wicked Book Addict

7 things about myself:

1.) I am, in fact, a tribal fusion bellydancer. But, what, you ask is tribal fusion? Here's how I learned, my friends...youtube Rachel Brice. Trust me...

2.) Avid Joss Whedon fan. I own three versions of Serenity. I love my captain.

3.) Bought my first romantic lil worn and torn paperback because my name was in it. Which freaked my mom out because she was with me. *shrugs*

4.) Comic Cons are one of my favorite things to do. Especially day trips. I don't dress up...but secretly want to one day...Princess Leia or Elektra maybe?

5.) Okay, silly little confession...I find it hard to say anything bad about a writer's vision at times. It's their world, and in fact, they make the decisions for it. That being said, I can tell you how I felt about it...

6.) Realized I love tormented male characters...Mal? Angel? Even Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl (yes, guilty pleasure). And Dean and Sam, oh my...And don't get me started on Lords of the Underworld, UGH, or even BDM.

7.) I have one tattoo, but am itching to get more!

Have a wonderful day, you awesome bloggers...who I've been stalking!