Wednesday, December 31, 2008

last night and made it all the way to page 160. Few side notes I'm not happy with... In the first book Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth was mentioned a lot on how Jane and her would interact. Why is it that in this book they don't even meet until page 141 right before the death of Henry the 8 or if they did meet it isn't brough to our attention until then?

Also there are two parts to the story the first part is a telling as if a story teller is sitting in front of us retelling a story of Elizabeth. In the first book she had different POV so that we could really feel like we the reader was in the mind of the person speaking. This feels a little odd. I prefer the POVs simply b/c I feel disconnected with Elizabeth and I really wanted that close connection with her like I had with Jane.

Particularly when King Henry dies. I would have liked to see what Weir thought Elizabeth was thinking or going through instead it felt like I was reading yet another history book on the topic. Not to mention but didn't Elizabeth have small pox at one point or does that come later? If so it is completely skipped her but I would have swore I heard that somewhere?

Other than these few little things I am still enjoying the book and can't wait to see what Elizabeth goes through in the second half.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

On page


70 of The Lady Elizabeth and I have to say things are picking up. I honestly didn't know that Elizabeth had so many bad things happen to her in her life at such a short time. No wonder she had a fear of getting attached. First she learned at 4 that her mother was killed by her father, then another woman Queen Jane dies after forming an attachment, then her governess leaves her to attend the prince. All of these things are major to a little girl who doesn't have a place nor a mother to love her. Its no wonder how she formed some of her thoughts (and before you flip out yes I know this is all spectulation but at the same time they did all die when she was young that has to be hard on a child.)


Needless to say I am really enjoying this book and I highly recommend it!

Well I did it

I joined some challenges in 2009 with the hopes of kicking my butt into gear and learning to take time for myself, doing what I want. Reading.

So if you would like to keep up with my progress please head over to http://saraisbookchallenges.blogspot.com/ and see where I'm at. I will also be posting here as I read the books for your entertainment and viewing pleasure LOL! It officially kicks off tomorrow YEAH.

Oh and I am hoping to post a list sometime soon but we shall see!

Monday, December 29, 2008


This is book 2 for Alison Weir's fiction books. She wrote The Lady Jane Grey which I reviewed as I read here a few post back. I rec'd this book for Christmas and I knew it would be the perfect book to get me back into reading for the New Year. So far I'm on page 25ish give or take and we are being told this book from what I believe to be Elizabeth's POV at around 3.
It is coming across as if someone is telling a story and I believe it to be Elizabeth but I'm not certain. Although I know she is around the age of 3 or 4 b/c she has just been told by her older sister Mary that her mother has been killed. It is refreshing to see what a young child might think during this time and even though I know it isn't pure fact I still find it mighty interesting the things that have happened to Elizabeth and I would like to image that maybe, just maybe she did react this way. Not to mention how interesting it is to watch her become the Queen we all know so much about.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

And sadly I have nothing new to post b/c yours truly hasn't been reading jack. Yeah that's right you heard me I haven't read crap. So instead I thought I would show you something positive in a way and let you know I havent' forgotten about the blog I just havent' been reading and I have no idea why that is.

Okay back in October I made a promise that I wouldn't buy books until I had read all of my list (here's the list again in case your curious)
2008 ban on buying books
1. The Last Mermaid by Shanna Abe
2. Midnight Awakenin by Lara Adrian
3. Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian
4. Grimespace by Ann Aguirre
5. Virgin Slave by Louise Allen
6. Night Keeper by Jessica Andersen
7. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
8. Deamon Eyes by Camille Bacon-Smith
9. For Her Pleasure by Maya Banks
10. Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton
11. Witch Fire by Anya Best
12. Too Scandalous to Wed by Alexandra Benedict
13. Daughter in Blood by Anne Bishop
14. The Devil inside by Jenna Black
15. The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
16. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
17. Hundred Years to Reform a by Laurie Brown
18. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
19. Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
20. Firestorm by Rachel Caine
21. Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke
22. The Loin’s Daughter by Loretta Chase
23. No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
24. Blood Magic by Matthew Cook
25. Sleepless at Midnight by Jacquie D’Alessandro
26 Good with His hands by Alexa Darin
27 Unquiet Dreams by Mark Del Franco
28 Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
29 Night Rising by Chris Marie Green
30 The Wicked Ways of a Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke
31 Revenant by Carolyn Haines
32 Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
33 Happy hour of the Damned by Mark Henry
34 Lord Sin by Kalen Hughes
35 The Sword by Jean Johnson
36 Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
37 Low Red Moon by Caitlin Kiernan
38 Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge
39 Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima
40 Talyn by Holly Lisle
41 Holy Smokes by Katie MacAllister
42 Crimson City by Liz Maverick
43 Fallen by Erin McCarthy
44 The Queen’s Bastard by CE Murphy
45 Fairyville by Emma Holly
46 Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann
47 The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall
48 To Serve and Submit by Susan Write
49 In the Midnight Hour by Patti O’Shea
50 Carressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
51 Hunting the Hunter by Shiloh Walker

Now I have to say although I have read only one on the list I haven't bought any new books (yay me) so I haven't broken the contract however, I am going to get more books for Christmas. So here's my new revised "contract" I will not buy any new books next year until I read: the books listed above and 10 more from my TBR pile which I will list after Christmas when I get the new books. So I have to read 61 books before I can buy any new ones.

So you are more than welcome to join in the new revised "contract" and pledge with me to not buy any new books in 2009 until you have read X amount of books.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

I picked up a new book out of the TBR pile! (And you go crazy b/c you've been dying to see what I am reading and praying it isn't boring LOL)

This one may be considered boring by your standards too (although I have no idea what standards you have set coming to this blog or why but work with me) However, I happen to find it interesting. Okay so what is the book and what is it about right?

The book: Heart of Light by Sarah A Hoyt

Book blurb: On a luxury magic carpetship in 1889, an English couple travel to Cairo for their honeymoon. Except for a brush with a dragon, the voyage is uneventful. But for Nigel Oldhall and his beautiful Indian-born bride, Emily, the holiday hides another purpose. Within hours of arriving in th teeming city, they are plunged into an extraordinary struggle among demons, murderers and magic.

In Cairo, Nigel can no longer hide his secret from his wife: he is on a mission to rescue a ruby that will ensure Queen Victoria's hold on Africa forever. The search has already swallowed up Nigel's older brother - and now it has put his own Emily in mortal dnager. But is she the innocent Nigel imagines? Soon the two set off for the heart of the continent among conspirators and traitors - all seeking the ruby and the gifts and curses it offers them... and all of humankind

Interesting no?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Of reading non fiction or historical fiction books. Which means for you dear readers of this blog BORING reviews/recaps. However, I find that every once in a while it is nice to just take a break from the paranormal, urban fantasy and of course basic romance to get a hot dose of reality. Or as I like to call a purple prose and some food for thought!

Yesterday in my sick bed I managed to finish Allison Weir's book Innocent Traitor some of you might have figured it out but I LOVE that woman. Anywho I posted some thoughts on it over at http://www.readingromancebooks.com Go check it out.

Now I find that I am dying to read something a tad different than what I normally post about. So until I can figure out how to read 2 books at once this blog might be silent for a while. Or not depends on how this non-fiction book goes. If its really good I might just have to share the love.

So what are you guys reading right now?

Monday, November 17, 2008

Because I am totally loving her. She is an excellent writer and really knows how to suck a reader like me (with a busy schedule in) so bad that I forget appointments. Man I love this woman! Okay so far we are a little further along. The King has died and his son being only 9 is unable to take over the throne. However, that doesn't stop all the plotting going on to get him to marry our Lady Jane Grey. And I must say for the record her mother was a horrible, horrible person. I just don't understand how a woman can be that retched to her own child.

I know it happens but dang reading her perspective is down right uncomfortable (which is why I say again Ms. Weir is an EXCELLENT writer) If you can make me feel uneasy about reading a POV from a person then you are doing a great job.

One thing I really like about this book is: the POV's are all from the women's perspective. They are told how they are the weaker sex and yet we see how they think, scheme and work to make their lives better anyway they can. I really enjoy reading how Lady Jane who is 9 see something different then the Queen who sees it differently then Lady Jane's mother, and the maid. It is a wonderful thing she has done and the odd part I don't even know how she does it. It's like having 6 different women telling me something and it flows seamless through the story!

Anyway I will let you know more as it progresses

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I have found on a 30 minute lunch one can only read about 25 pages. Especially if those pages are so involved with different characters POVs and filled with history facts or not. So I think I am doing good. The book is really interesting and I am loving Allison Weir's style just love her writing.
Anyone who can get me to sit down and read a history book and close it with a sigh of understand is a hella good writer.

But that's beside the point. Right now I am at the part where Lady Jane Grey has just turned 7 and her parents are trying to make her the next queen of England. They are wanting her to marry King Henry's son Edward. Throughout the book they have pushed, punished and forced this little child to become a grown woman and made her understand that she is not loved. Her only job and only way to earn her parents love is to be a) a boy which didn't happen and b) the next queen (although she doesn't know it yet)

Now Jane has just met the last wife of King Henry who has decided to take the young child under her wing. The queen has noticed how little amount of love Jane has rec'd and is very put out. Alright you are caught up with me LOL I can't wait to see how Jane progresses (In real life Edward dies soon but I am wondering if Ms. Weir will keep him alive for the story sake or not? After all this is her first fiction book)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. The reason I picked this book is simple I love the Tudor time period and I have read all the historical non-fiction Ms. Weir has written on British History and I love her style of writing. So when I discovered that she was publishing a fiction book on the Lady Jane Grey I begged and pleaded with my mom for a copy and POOF I rec'd it last year. However, I just now am getting around to reading it.

So far I'm on page 21 it is jumping around from 3 different women and I am sure by the time it is done we will see more. It is flowing well and i am enjoying it. It is first person past tense of Jane's mother, the Queen (who has died so she won't be in it any longer) and Jane's nurse.

I will keep you up dated

Tuesday, November 4, 2008



TITLE: The Lady Flees her Lord
AUTHOR: Michele Ann Young
COPYRIGHT: 2008

TYPE: historical romance
PAGES: 401

SERIES: not that I am aware of

REASON FOR READING: Sourcebook contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing this fabulous book and I said YES

SUMMARY: [from Back of Book ]
She’s desperate for peace and safety… Lucinda, Lady Denbigh is running from a husband who physically and emotionally abuses her b/c she is unfashionably plump and has failed to produce an heir. Posing as a widow, she seeks refuge in the quiet countryside…
He’s returned from the wars, wounded and tormented…Lord Hugo Wanstead, with a wound that won’t heal and his mother’s and Spanish wife’s deaths on his conscience, finds his estate impoverished, his sleep torn by nightmares, and brandy his nly solace. When he meets Lucinda, he finds her beautiful – body and soul – and thinks she just might give him something to live for
.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I liked this story I really did. I had like 2 issues throughout the entire book but all and all I enjoyed the characters. Lucinda was a sweetheart who put up with a lot. The abuse in the story appeared to be more emotional and verbal then anything else. To me that is the hardest abuse to escape. Even after you have left the person the words are still there as are the wounds. The same was true for Lucinda. She couldn’t believe any man would be interested in her for anything other than her money, which as a widow she doesn’t have a lot of.
Hugo on the other hand is your typical wounded hero from a war. He is both mentally wounded and physically and turns to the only thing that eases both brandy.

Okay the plot: Lucinda flees her husband who is abusive when she finds out he wants to take her to a party and pass her around to the male guest for money. In her attempt to flee she takes only a little bit of money and winds up with an orphan (I’m not going to give away how b/c I thought it was a cute historical bit) Anyway she ends up on Hugo’s estate renting his cottage. When Hugo returns he almost runs over the orphan and that’s how they meet.

The plot continues from there she doesn’t think he could ever like someone like her. While he doesn’t want to like her b/c the last woman he did was killed and he blames himself. Needless to say they do get their HEA.

I enjoyed Ms. Young’s writing. It flowed well and sucked me in from page one. I fell in love with Lucinda and found myself wanting her HEA. Hugo was a little tougher for me to like but it came together when he started working on improving his life. The ending was enjoyable it had a twist I wasn’t expecting but it worked.

Things I didn’t like: I didn’t like that Lucinda had the affair with Hugo while she was married (keep in mind this is a personal issue with me.) If you are married even to a scumbag you shouldn’t cheat. Get divorced (which was a lot harder back then I get it) or do something but cheating and lying to the man you love about a story that isn’t true doesn’t ring real to me. Not to mention that all is forgiven that easily.

Would I recommend this book? Yes I would I thought it was a sweet historical read

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? She was new to me but I look forward to reading some of her other books

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping I think I will re-read it again
Did you enjoy the book? yes
SCORE: 7 out of 10

http://www.micheleannyoung.com/

Wednesday, October 29, 2008


So got a new book from Sourcebook. This one is about a rich lady who is overweight and married the handsome Lord thinking he was in love with her. Turns out he was using her for her money. When she discovers that he is basically going to sell her around to his friends for fun she flees. On her way of fleeing she is handed a child and told that the mother is applying for work. Turns out the woman just fleaced our heroine.
SO now she is not only fleeing an abusive husband but also fleeing with a child trying to pretend to be a war widow.
That's great until the Lord on the manor she is living at returns and starts having the hots for her. And wouldn't you know it she likes him to.

The book is good I am at the part where the Lord of the mannor is trying to spend more time with her and yet he knows something is not right. In other words he knows she is hiding something and he wants to know what. At the same time he is attracted to her but doesn't feel as if he is worthy of her love in return.
I am liking the book the only issue I can see coming up is the lying. This whole time she has lied to him about a husband that doesn't exist that died in a war that the hero fought in. The whole reason he is respecting her at this point is b/c her husband was a brave fellow and a fellow fighter. Also she is still married and if I'm not mistaken marriages don't get dissolved that easily. And since she was unable to get pregant with the VILE husband I am betting the first time the hero and Heroine hook up she will get knocked up (typical romance ploy) so then is the baby going to be a bastard????
Anyway I will update you as I read. I am hoping to have a review up by Friday and Michele was gracious enough to answer some of my many, many questions so I will post her interview as well.

Monday, October 20, 2008

I actually sat down last night and read a book from cover to cover. Yes it was that good so good I didn't want to put it down and I am dying to start another. So you know what that means right? I'm OVER MY READING SLUMP *knocks on wood*

So I will attempt to post the review this week for you b/c I know you are dying to know which book it was.

More to follow I promise

Thursday, October 2, 2008


Still working on the first I swear. However, I have officially started Hex Appeal and I have to say it is SUPER cute. So far me likes what me sees and I regret that I am giving up my copies (go to other blog to enter the coolest contest on the planet)

Anyway I am about half way through and I am starting to remember the first book and the reasons I liked it so much. I like Jazz and I really, really like Nick! (side note: Nick is a freakin' hot alpha guy that loves his Jazzy (sidenote within sidenote: yes this is my new nickname for her) for her and her quirks) K where was I? oh yeah this started off with one really HOT sex scene that turned out not to be a sex scene but a really bad nightmare.

You see Nick is a vampire and in the dream he and Jazz are having great sex and then WHAM he rips her throat out. Well as you can image Jazz wakes up madder than hell that he would do this and Nick has no idea what is going on. SO she leaves only to have fluff and puff (holy terror bunny slippers) accused of killing a carnie guy (not really a guy more like a were weasel) anyway the story progresses from there. (and that was just the first 20 pages or so)

I will give you more as I go right now I am Really tired so anywho the short end is Jazz is figuring out that this is a dream but she doesn't know why she is having them...

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

I got tagged by Alys!

Who realizes that I am busy but I thought hey this looked fun and well I don't have much else to blog about except OMG they just had sex and WOW (Sword of Darkness!)

Stuff I've read are in my favorite color
1. Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
2. Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
7. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
8. Forever by Judy Blume
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
10. Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
11. Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
12. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
15. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
16. Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
17. A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
19. Sex by Madonna
20. Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
21. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
22. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
23. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
24. Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
25. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
26. The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
27. The Witches by Roald Dahl
28. The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
29. Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
30. The Goats by Brock Cole
31. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
32. Blubber by Judy Blume
33. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
34. Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
35. We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
36. Final Exit by Derek Humphry
37. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
38. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
39. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
40. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
42. Beloved by Toni Morrison
43. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
44. The Pigman by Paul Zindel
45. Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
46. Deenie by Judy Blume
47. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
48. Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
49. The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
50. Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
51. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
53. Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice) first naughty book I ever read.
54. Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
55. Cujo by Stephen King
56. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
57. The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
58. Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
59. Ordinary People by Judith Guest
60. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
61. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
62. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
63. Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
64. Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
65. Fade by Robert Cormier66. Guess What? by Mem Fox
67. The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
68. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
69. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
71. Native Son by Richard Wright
72. Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
73. Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
74. Jack by A.M. Homes
75. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya EXCELLENT BOOK
76. Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
77. Carrie by Stephen King
78. Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
79. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
80. Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
81. Family Secrets by Norma Klein
82. Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
83. The Dead Zone by Stephen King (WHY IN THE HELL ARE THERE SO MANY STEPHEN KING BOOKS BANNED?)
84. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
85. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
86. Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
87. Private Parts by Howard Stern
88. Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
89. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene EXCELLENT BOOK
90. Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
91. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
92. Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
93. Sex Education by Jenny Davis
94. The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
95. Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
96. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
97. View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
98. The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
99. The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
100. Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

So which ones shocked you the most? I have to say Stephen King's shocked me. Other than that how many did you read?

Monday, September 29, 2008

So what's next on the reading list you ask? (You didn't I know but hey I felt bad that the blog is being ignored and this is a blog I would like to keep around)

I need to finish Sword of Darkness (which I did read about 5 pages today and I am getting frustrated that I lost that hour lunch break b/c my reading has really declined.) So that is the lunch book.

But today I just rec'd (From Sourcebooks) Hex Appeal the second book in the series by Linda Wisdom so that is a must read by the end of the week b/c it gets released on Wednesday (YEAH!!!) So I will post that review shortly *cough* more like this weekend. But you know I will post little tibits as I read.

Okay back to Sword of Darkness.

Right now I am at the part where Kerrigan has stabbed Seren b/c she woke him and in return he had her healed. After he had her healed he realized that she had made him something and now he's feeling even worse. Oh also my favorite character Blaise discovered that Seren might actually be a (well I won't give it away but it was a surprise to me if she is moment) Anywho I am beginning to see where this is heading and I am dying to know where the HEA is.

So what are you reading?

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Yes that's right folks you heard correctly I finally finished a book (and the crowd goes wild) Does this mean your out of your slump Sarai? Well I'm glad you asked b/c the answer is no. I finished a short story by Nalini Singh. The title: Beat of Temptation was it good you ask? Why yes, yes it was.

I have to say one way for me to get out of this funk might be to finish Nalini Singh's books b/c that woman can right. I have loved her series from the beginning and Beat of Temptation was no exception. LOL!!

You may wonder if you have to read them in order and honestly with her series you probably should read in order to understand the complex world she has created. Now that being said you do not need to read this one in order b/c 1) it is a short story focusing on how 2 of the pack members became bonded and 2) they are already bonded in the first book so this is more of a pre-book then anything.

Okay where to start on the review. It was short and sweet. I cried yes I did and no I am not ashamed of it. This book was a quick, sweet, hard romance. I really enjoyed both characters and I understood where they both came from. If you are looking for something sweet to read check this one out.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Because I have been in a reading slump I am going to start posting reviews I have done over the year here in hopes it helps others find new books to read. And I hope this will help me get over the slump!!!


TITLE: Running From the Past
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
COPYRIGHT: 2008

TYPE: romantic suspense

SERIES: nope

REASON FOR READING: Katie wrote it which means I must read it *g*


SUMMARY: [from Back of Book ]
Daughter of a deceased, infamous arms dealer, Emma Garcia has been running from who she is her entire life. When she witnesses a terrible crime, she goes on the run. With no family to speak of, running off isn’t what’s hard, it’s figuring out who she can trust with her secrets. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she hides out in the last place anyone would think to look for her; a horse farm in the middle of nowhere USA. The only thing she doesn’t count on is being attracted to the rugged cowboy who owns the place. Whenever he comes around, her brain turns to mush and the only thing she can focus on is his seductive voice and sinful body.
After twelve years in the Marines, Caleb Ryder likes his quiet life as a horse breeder. Imagine his surprise when his living, breathing fantasy drops out of nowhere his in response to an ad he placed for a new chef. He knows she’s lying about her identity, but he doesn’t have the heart to turn her away. Not when she’s so obviously desperate. Half his men fall for her b/c of her cooking skills alone, but he wants all of her, including her trust. After being burned by a woman once, he doesn’t let that deter his mission to claim Emma body and heart. He wants to help her, but it’s difficult when she won’t trust him
.


THOUGHTS/OPINION:
Katie has a way of writing characters that makes you want to be best friends with both the hero and heroine. She makes you fall in love with the hero and than celebrate when he finds the one woman that he would die for. Caleb is no exception. He is strong, fierce, loving, and caring. He loves Emma and wants to shelter her from the first moment he sees of course he also wants to screw her as well. Hence the conflict now when you throw in that Emma is the daughter of an arms dealer and the pretend finance of the new dealer you have a case of romantic suspense.
Now let’s not forget about Emma she has been lied to her whole life, she was scared to get close to anyone in case they would be used against her. Now she has her freedom for the first time in her life after witnessing a horrible crime. And for the first time in her life she is going to let herself live and that involves living while being in Caleb’s arms.
I really liked Emma and Caleb they felt right for each other and they truly felt as if they belonged together. I wanted them to have the HEA and I was thrilled when the pieces came together. As I said before Emma is a girl I would love to be friends with and Caleb well Caleb is a guy I wouldn’t mind coming around to rescue me.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? Nope she isn’t new to me and YES I would buy from her anytime!


Are you keeping it or passing it on? Keeping


Did you enjoy the book? Yes


SCORE: 9 out of 10

Anything else? You can buy any of Katie’s new releases at http://www.katiereus.com/

Friday, September 19, 2008

And have no idea why? I mean there are more than 300 books calling my name and my mom continues to send me new ones (to remind me how much she loves me that and to prove to me she has figured out how my amazon whislist works LOL!) and yet I find I don't care?

Have you ever been there where nothing sounds good? Or worse you start numerous books and nothing reads well or sounds good so you put it down only to discover that you can't pick it back up no matter how interesting it was? Well that's me right now. Nothing is holding my attention, no books, not my writing, not even working out. All I want to do is sit in front of the TV and veg out.

NOT cool at all. Seriously I have some really good books dying to be read not to mention some really good stories in my head that are dying everyday that I just sit here doing nothing. So dear readers what would you do in this situation? Would you just ride it out or would you push through it? And if you pushed through it what would you read?

Monday, September 15, 2008


Okay I just started Sword of Darkness last night by Kinley MacGregor who happens to also write under Sherrilyn Kenyon (for those of you who don't know that would be the dark hunter series that I LOVE) Anywho last night I got 4 chapters in and WOW I am digging her take on the Arthur legend.


Let me see... okay here's the summary from goodreads.

The new king of Camelot wears no shining armor: Arthur and his knights have fallen and a new king rules.
In the darkest forest...
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful –– and feared –– man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
In the heart of London...
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
Their worlds are forever changed...
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them...or death
Now seeing how I am only in chapter 4 I really don't have any major thoughts except that this looks to be like a typical SK hero/heroine set up. They are evenly matched and she is normal while he has magical powers. I am enjoying it so far but keep in mind I am a HUGE Arthur buff!

Thursday, September 4, 2008


Okay for the last few nights I have been reading I am Legend by Richard Matheson (and yes I so picked it up b/c of the movie.) And let me tell ya WOW this book is 10 times better than that stupid movie (and if you liked the movie think how great the book must be!) Seriously this book is about an everyday factory worker who happens to be immuned to a plague that is killing all those around him. Then it turns out that the plague is not just killing those around him but bringing them back to life like vampires.

So far he has been alone for 3 years and has discovered through research that the plague is really that a plague that gives the effects of vampire like symptoms. This blows his mind b/c all along he believed them to be real vampires. Add to it his wife turned into one and the only reason his little girl didn't was due to the government taking her body and burning her. Seriously folks this is a GREAT book. Just reading how he survived (an everyday joe like you and me surviving the night when the vampires came to his house calling him out, tauting him wanting to kill him) And then every day he went out and killed them just to remain sane. Not to mention that he didn't talk to anyone for 3 whole years!!!!

Oh and the dog scene seriously broke my heart b/c in the book it is so much more. OMG I am tearing up just thinking about it.

I am at the part where he has met a woman (supposely like him but he has some serious doubt that after all this time there is another ) he has told her everything he has learned and then WHAM she knocks him out cold and disappears leaving behind a letter. (turns out she really is) Okay that's all I'm telling I refuse to ruin it (and I am only half way through)
Great book!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Go check it out. I finally did a review for Reading Romance.
The review is over The Tin Star by J L Langley so go read it review it and tell me what you think!

Oh and what do you think of the new header? Bettie Sharp made it for me doesn't it totally rock?

Saturday, August 30, 2008


But it wasn't one on the list nor was it one I was bragging about reading...

Small Changes Big Results a 12 week action plan to a better life by Ellie Krieger. It was interesting to say the least. I have to admit it does explain the reason for switching to healthier foods and why those changes are needed. It also doesn't stress that you HAVE TO DO THIS TO BE THIN. In fact it focuses more on listening to your body and understanding what it is tell you. For example when you eat out at a resturant you should eat slowly and stop when you are full. Otherwise you become OVERFUL with = gaining weight. It also focused on working out and how to help with stressful situations.

It also does what the title says it does. It gives you small changes that you can make over a 12 week time period in order to eat healthy, live healthy and exercise without feeling like you are making these HUGE changes at once and end up quitting b/c you failed.

All and all if you are looking for a book to help you understand that weight loss is more than just eating well but encompasses a group of things this is a book you should look into.

However, since I work out regularly and usually don't have issues with stress, my main issue is food, it didn't really help too much. Instead (if this is the case for you like me) I recommend her cook book The food you Crave (Because that book TOTALLY ROCKS)

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Alright so for not reporting on my reading progress but I just started a new job and well life has been crazy. Anywho I have only been able to read another chapter. This sucks b/c I am just at the point where the killer comes after Chance (heroine) of the book and her husband is teaming up with demons to fight her (AKA the killer). So I am right at the point where I think Chance might not make it but I don't know and I haven't had anytime to read. So bare with me. this is a good book but I am just not able to read as much as I would like.

I have started the book club read and I am seriously hoping that it picks up soon b/c right now I could care less that Claire is now in Scotland back in the day. But I am crossing my fingers that it will pick up REAL Soon.

So what are you reading?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Low Red Moon

So I'm about 1/2 way through the book and WOW just WOW. Everytime I think I have it figured out something else comes along and makes me shake my head. I can't tell if I like it or not. It has sucked me in, I will continue to read it but I can't tell if its out of curiousity or horror?

And keep in mind I don't like Horror but something about this book sucked me and and won't let me go. Right now I have been in the head of the woman (Chance) who is having visions of blood and is pregant with the main male (Deacon) he is a psychic that can touch something and find what he is looking for AKA the body or where the person is at. So you know the police were all on that. He couldn't deal with the visions and nightmares afterwards so he became an alcoholic.

However, he stopped drinking when he married Chance b/c she asked him too. And I've been in the head of the killer who is a female and I believe she is also a half demon with a MESSED up childhood which could explain the demon part or the psycho nature she possess. Either way that is where I'm at.

What a line up huh?

Monday, August 18, 2008

Apparently Beneath a Marble Sky has holds at the library so once again I am going to have to put it on hold. That sucks for me b/c I was just getting to the good part. Damn you library gods *shakes fist in air out of anger*

Oh well I need to work on my list of banned books so that I might be able to buy some new ones soon. I think I shall start on the Tailsman tomorrow (I borrowed it from a friend and she is getting angry with me for keeping it for so long). I am working on Low Red Moon by Caitlin R. Kiernan which it turns out isn't as scary as I thought although it is weird and I am hoping that changes soon. (I think it is mainly b/c we are just in the set up phase working really hard on the coming together phase *g*) So anywho that's about all that is going on here.

Seriously if you are out and about and not participating in the banned from buying books contest I would highly suggest you pick up Beneath the Marble Sky Very good book and I am only a 1/4th of the way through it.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

1. The Last Mermaid by Shanna Abe
2. Midnight Awakenin by Lara Adrian
3. Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian
4. Grimespace by Ann Aguirre
5. Virgin Slave by Louise Allen
6. Night Keeper by Jessica Andersen
7. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
8. Deamon Eyes by Camille Bacon-Smith
9. For Her Pleasure by Maya Banks
10. Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton
11. Witch Fire by Anya Best
12. Too Scandalous to Wed by Alexandra Benedict
13. Daughter in Blood by Anne Bishop
14. The Devil inside by Jenna Black
15. The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
16. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
17. Hundred Years to Reform a by Laurie Brown
18. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher
19. Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine
20. Firestorm by Rachel Caine
21. Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke
22. The Loin’s Daughter by Loretta Chase
23. No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
24. Blood Magic by Matthew Cook
25. Sleepless at Midnight by Jacquie D’Alessandro
26 Good with His hands by Alexa Darin
27 Unquiet Dreams by Mark Del Franco
28 Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
29 Night Rising by Chris Marie Green
30 The Wicked Ways of a Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke
31 Revenant by Carolyn Haines
32 Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
33 Happy hour of the Damned by Mark Henry
34 Lord Sin by Kalen Hughes
35 The Sword by Jean Johnson
36 Seize the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
37 Low Red Moon by Caitlin Kiernan
38 Night Life by Caitlin Kittredge
39 Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima
40 Talyn by Holly Lisle
41 Holy Smokes by Katie MacAllister
42 Crimson City by Liz Maverick
43 Fallen by Erin McCarthy
44 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
45 Fairyville by Emma Holly
46 Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann
47 The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall
48 To Serve and Submit by Susan Write
49 In the Midnight Hour by Patti O’Shea
50 Carressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
51 Hunting the Hunter by Shiloh Walker

Friday, August 15, 2008


So J Kaye did a challenge and I said oh hell I must join so here I am joining b/c I can't suffer alone and I really do need to stop buying books. LOL

So here are the rules to help curb the spending madness.Guidelines for the 2008 Ban on Book Challenge:

1. No purchasing books for yourself until all the books listed are gone. No purchasing books for other people with the intention of reading them after they are finished. Library or other borrowed books can’t be listed.

2. Any books won in a raffle or given to me as a gift will be added to this list.

3. Books to be reviewed for promo companies, other blogs, authors, etc. do not count and are not added to this list.

4. Start anytime and list as many or as few books as needed. Once all books are checked off from the list, the ban is lifted and the spending can begin again.

5. The ending date for each person can vary to a few weeks or months as long as it doesn’t exceed December 31, 2008. This ban can be lifted earlier if all books listed have been read or donated.

6. If you don't have a blog and would like to still join, list your books in the comment section below.

List to follow tonight!!! Or tomorrow depends how volleyball goes. In other words come join me!

out of myself last night. Lord so I'm reading a low red moon at home and its definately not one I should read before bed b/c *shudder* that is some messed up crap.

Moving on... Started Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. I got this suggestion from Naida and thought I love India so lets give it a whirl. Not far into b/c I had a short lunch today but basically we are getting the story told from the grandmother to her granddaughters of what happened to her and how she went from a princess to a fisherman's wife.

Right now we are seeing what her life was like in the palace and how she grew up. Very interesting it also hints about the love her father the emperor had for her mother a bead seller.
I am digging it so far will let you know as it goes.

Thursday, August 14, 2008


Well its done the book has ended and I told you the other shoe was going to drop. I mean I should have seen it coming but dang it I was too wrapped up in other crap. And no I won't ruin it by telling you what shoe dropped just know that it did. Stupid shoe.
Oh and then I find out this is book 1 of 2 and book 2 focuses on that damn companion I was telling you about that no one seemed to care about. Well guess what she gets her own book so you better believe I am heading over to half priced books to get it unless one of you owns it and would be willing to swap? The title is: One Kiss from you by (duh) Christina Dodd.
Anywho it was a good nice fluffy book. Nothing major but every now andd then I just need one of those. I still think CD's HEA are the bomb can't help it. I'll try to post a review at Reading Romance books the new site I am reviewing at sometime this weekend.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Not really but the title is catchy no? So the book has picked up. The H and H have had sex (how many times can I use a word with H in it?) Good sex too not that ho hum sex. Let me see where did we leave off. Of the villain is still bad but the hero has figured out some of the plan. The heroine is still a little stubborn but I have just reached the part where she realizes HOW FRIGGING STUPID AND IMMATURE SHE HAS BEEN. She is regretting it (see I told you Dodd does that with her stories)

Um the heroine has told the hero she loves him and I am still waiting for the shoe to drop and the hero be like "well good that's my revenge have a nice life" ride off in the sunset and on the lat 10 pages realize that was stupid, ride back say sorry and she and he get the HEA. However, if I know Dodd (which I'd like to think I do than this won't happen) But something is about to happen b/c she has declared her love and we still have 1/4th of the book to go. And is anyone else curious about the real companion her cousin? I mean what's happening with her? Did the American kidnap her and take her back to America? Did he realize she isn't the dutchess I mean what?

Okay other than that things are going good. Oh I finished Oh George last night. Cute little book, had the boss and secretary thing that can go either way. I did like the sex and I thought the menz behaved like menz which is always good. I didn't care for the ending seemed a little rushed and neatly packaged (than again it was a short story so *shrug*) Alright that's about it for now. I need to start a new book at home and I need to get ready to switch out work book tomorrow. Thinking of going with Under the Marble sky but not sure.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008


I'm in a reading slump and don't know how to get out. (now that its off my chest I feel as if I can continue.) Okay first thing first I finished a book YEAH (I know right I mean I actually finished a WHOLE book, which now and days is becoming rare for me) Okay the book was Jet Mykles' Dark Elves 1 & 2 and there were some things I loved about it and things I hated about it.

First off things I loved: I loved the sex (and OMG who couldn't I mean dark men with white hair made for the sole purpose of pleasuring women?!?!?!?! Sign me up) *clears throat* sorry about that. I also totally dug the mythology and culture that Ms. Mykles has made with her Dark Elves. I mean the woman knows how to make a fantasy world with rules and follow them. All very good.

Now things I didn't care for: The women are captured by the Elves, put under a spell that makes them very, very, very horney. In otherwords as Diana said they were raped. They didn't get a choice, they didn't get a say and even though it was pleasurable for them I wouldn't enjoy it either.

Now I understand it is a work of fiction and it ended HEA for both parties so I get that which is why I was able to move past it and enjoy the story. (that and Ms. Mykles is a fantastic writer. MAN she knows how to suck you and not let you go and no for the record that pun was not intended!)


Alright now I need a new book at home (one I am not dying to read b/c Lord knows it won't happen in one sitting)


Work book is where I should focus now. So far it is not improving although we are getting to the part where the heroine is realizing what an ass she was and has been. We are also starting to see more of the overall picture and OMG Gabriel still carries her glove that she wore the night she broke off the engagement. *sigh* I am really starting to dig Gabriel. Maddie still needs time to grow on me.

Anywho they have discovered part of the "evil" plot and are trying to convince the other to "go home its too dangerous" however, Maddie won't go b/c she is stubborn and Gabriel well he's a typical man so that answered that.

Maddie is certain her father will show up to gamble and refuses to leave until she has him. The catch her father has already given the crown to the "evil man" and now Maddie has to figure out how to get it back (in case you are wondering she goes to Gabriel to ask him to win it for her) Stupid move on her behalf b/c the deal is he will win it but she must sleep with him for 1 night (and I said that's it? seriously you've already done that once and TOTALLY enjoyed it, I mean shit I bet that it wouldn't be so bad to do it again. And why only 1 night, what is his wang magical or something? I mean if you have her in a tight position ask for a week)

Anyway you can probably guess that she has said no but is reconsidering. And that's where I'm at.


So what are you guys reading?

Monday, August 11, 2008


So Darkfever didn't go the way I planned and I was beginning to wonder if it wasn't the blog's fault (and yes I do blame others for my problems its a character flaw I have learned to deal with) But seriously folks ever since I started writing down my thoughts as I read I find I finish less and less books b/c they just aren't working for me.
But then I wonder if it is really the blog's fault or if by doing this while reading I am just realizing more issues I have with books. And by default since they are brought to the light where others can comment that no I'm not crazy they found it annoying too. If that is giving me permission to not finish?
Anyway enough crap for the day I started a new book (and the crowd goes wild) Today is a historical romance novel by none other than my favorite historical romance writer Christina Dodd. She was the first romance novel I ever read and since I happen to own all her books and haven't read this one I thought, how can i go wrong. So anyway the book is Scandalous Again
So far we have been introduced to both characters (hero and heroine) and I have to say I like neither which isn't a bad thing b/c Ms. Dodd has a tendency to write about the characters no one likes. They are usually too demanding, too alpha, too in your face, too stubborn, too annoyingly right. Until about midway through and then they realize what an ass they've been. *sigh* Every girl's dream no? Anywho so far following the same pattern.
Maddie is a dutchess in her own right (which is rare) anywho 4 years ago she stood up Gabriel b/c he gambles and she hates people who gamble b/c her father does and has lost a great amount of money. In fact when she returns to England she learns her father loss her in a bet no less to another man. To make matters worse she belives her father is going to go to a gambling game (one of the biggest in the country) to gamble away the Queen's crown which was given to her family by Elizabeth the first!
Okay so she talks her cousin and companion into switching places with her (her cousin will go to the man who won her in gambling to stall while she finds her father and talks him out of it) However, her cousin is shy and not at all a dutchess and well Maddie is too outspoken to be a companion. (Whew that was a lot) Needless to say we have just gotten to the point where Maddie shows up as a companion to a young girl (with a really weird name that I can neither pronounce nor spell) when she arrives who does she discover is there? (Seriously if you haven't figured it out pooh on you) Gabriel that's right folks the one she jilted at the altar. And then had sex with before fleeing the country for 4 years.
Now you are where I am on the book. Has anyone read it? Any thoughts on it?

Friday, August 8, 2008


I like but I don't. I don't like being told a story so far in past tense that I Feel the person telling the story is purposely leaving out vital information.

Ex.: I didn't get what he was trying to tell me that night, but later, when it counted, I would remember and understand. pg. 192
Seriously its like this the whole book. I don't understand but later when it is important I would remember that. I DON'T CARE. Tell me what is happening now or what you were thinking then. Don't tell me that later on in life you realized how important that was.
Because it has nothing to do with the present which means you are dragging me out of the story and trust me when I say that you are doing it more and more almost every other page. VERY DISTRACTING. I do not enjoy things like that. Now later in the story if you are like Shit I remember when he said (insert blah) and I didn't listen hell that would have been useful. But don't tell me now.
Another thing is the whole she knows more than she is telling me which makes me wonder WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS VERSION THEN. Apparently it is pointless b/c it all changes later. OMG so I'm frustrated. I will see this book through but I doubt I will pick up the next especially if it reads like this.
Plus I really, REALLY hate the blonde, dumb, southern sterotype that she is playing into. Just b/c she is from the south didn't mean she had to be stupid, dress in pink, look like Barbie and be slow to think of things. SERIOUSLY enough alright just once I would like to meet a fast thinker from the south who doesn't look tan and blonde who doesn't care a wit about cussing not being approiate for proper young ladies and doesn't WEAR PINK they all can't be like that surly? Can they?

Thursday, August 7, 2008



***Comments are in black just b/c green was wiggin me out***

I'm the first admit when I am wrong about something and well I was wrong about this series. For some reason everytime I passed by it in the store I would roll my eyes and move on. *clearing throat* Well folks I was wrong.

I am throughly enjoying this book. Although it is in first person and I personally have some issues with Mac (seriously though name a book I don't have issues with a character) I have to admit I am hooked. And by hooked I mean I am pissed off I couldn't read more. I am dying to find out what happens and how many books are in this series? Are they all about Mac?

Okay plot Mac's sister has died a horrible death when she gets her cell phone (which she happened to drop in the pool I have been there done that although I didn't wait 2 weeks to replace it and it was the toliet not the pool anywho) she discovers her sister tried to get in contact with her the last few hours before she died regarding something.

That something happens to be a book on the Unseelie (did I spell that right?) Fae. Needless to say Mac is not happy the pictures presented to her of her sister don't jive with the girl she once knew and she is getting pissed that she can't figure out what is going on (which I totally believe she reacts in a way I would which is a bonus for the writer) She doesn't believe in the supernatural (just like you and me and admit it you know if something like this happened to you, you would so not believe it) Anyway the only hiccup so far is the whole book is like reading a well written diary seriously (I start to get sucked in and then something about loving music or how french fries to this day make her sick gets thrown out and takes me out of the moment) but hey that's my only gripe and that in itself is impressive. Really liking this series is the next one a continuation with the same people or new ones? Anyone know?

Monday, August 4, 2008

The Mane Event had to be returned to the library tomorrow or I get a late fee. Since I haven't paid my current late fee I am trying to avoid that option. So new book reading at work is Dark Fever by Karen Marie Moning (Thanks to MaryKate) So wish me luck hopefully this one will go smooth. So far I have had a lot of misses with library books! I will return to the Mane Event when I get another chance to check it out.

Just started


The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston and I am up and arms about it. Not sure if I like it or not. It deals with Brooklyn girls (which is fine except when the author tries to write the accent) Let me see... The main hero is Mace who has been in love with Dez since he was 14 (again with the whole mate thing) anywho he comes back and learns that a member of his sisters pride (which is the part I am liking. She has at least stuck with what traditional lions are a pride which means one male lots of females having babies or possibly 2 males but no more) has been killed. Oh and PS his sister HATES Dez b/c she's not good enough for her lion brother (insert rolling eyes)
Mace isn't welcomed in the pride b/c he is an alpha male and make the others feel threatened. However, his sister would like to trade him out to another pride. He doesn't want to go he wants one mate (Dez) who is stuck in the whole "he's too pretty and rich, and good for me why would he want anything from me other than sex?" mode (which I am getting tired of. Would it matter? Just screw him already you know you want to so what if he doesn't call the next morning wasn't like you've admitted your in love with him yet)
There are some funny secondary characters which I am guessing have the second half of the book (this is 2 short stories in one) Smitty and Sissy Mae (southern wolves) if you were wondering. All and all still not sure. Will read tomorrow again thinking this might be a loss on me simply b/c I'm so indifferent and well no one is rubbing me right but I don't think I have read enough of it to really judge at this point. We shall see how I feel after the 2 finally hook up. (HA HA that's dirty LOL)

Sunday, August 3, 2008



I finished Ink Exchange and you know what it is by far one of my favorite YA's I love how Ms. Marr doesn't give us the HEA b/c in real life there is no such thing. I love how although its not the HEA in the sense of what we want a man and woman together it is a HEA in sense of what the heroine needs and what the hero needs. I really , really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all.

This is a book that shows how hard teenagers have it and what it means to truly love someone. I fell in love with this book in the last few pages and I throughly enjoy the book. I hope you all have a chance to read it and appreciate it the same way I did!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

So found this online and had to share. Now personally I'm a Twilight fan and New Moon Fan but that's it. I didn't care for Eclipse and more then likely will pass on Breaking Dawn
Anywho this cracked me up!:

Martha Brockenbrough Explains Why 'Twilight' Sucks
My 13-year-old cousin warned me: "The amounts of pain that can be inflicted on those who insult Edward are better left unspoken."
I'm going to brave that pain and say it anyway: Edward is a complete prig.
It's not just that he sneaks into Bella's room to watch her sleep -- that's more stalker than prissy, anyway. It's also not just that he drives a Volvo, the car of choice for priggish drivers who obsess about side airbag safety.
Nor is it that his skin sparkles like gems in the sunlight. However gag-worthy this might be, he can't help it if he has pores that Madonna, Nicole Kidman and other alabaster celebrities would envy.
For me, the last straw really is that he is more obsessed about wedding planning than any groom should be. That makes him a terrible role model for teen girls, who will grow up to face real-life mates who don't know the difference between cummerbunds and canapés, and who will also make rude faces when asked for an opinion on either.
Seriously, though, there's a dark side to priggishness, and that's condescension. Bella and Edward aren't equals. Edward knows it -- he's stronger, his senses are sharper and he's nearly immortal. He constantly has to protect Bella. He even leaves her temporarily to do just that. Bella, meanwhile, settles for a lesser college so she can be with her boyfriend. Augh!
So what does that tell our teen girls to crave? A relationship with someone they worship, rather than someone they can work with through the various challenges of life?
However much I enjoyed the books -- and I read every one, twice -- that's my fundamental concern with them as a parent. Bella constantly needs rescuing and protection. Her vulnerability fuels her desirability, for it's not just a vampire who wants her. A werewolf does, too.
This is where it's worth making a comparison to "Harry Potter." Harry solved his own problems. When he needed rescuing, his friends -- who had complementary talents and courage-quotients -- came to his aid.
Bella doesn't really have friends, at least not among her peers. She hangs out with werewolves and vampires, any one of whom could eat (or drink) her for lunch.
She's as far from being a kick-ass heroine as she can get. She's clumsy and weak. Yes, she has her attractions. She's a devoted daughter who never complains about all the cooking she has to do for her hapless dad.
But girls would be much better off following in Hermione's footsteps. Now there was a girl who could cast a spell, throw a punch, and catch the eye of an international Quidditch star (only to lose interest because he wasn't intellectual enough).
I'm not arguing that every book needs to be the equivalent of a plate of nourishing, raw spinach. I like a cream puff as much as the next person, and possibly even more. We just need to make sure our daughters aren't thinking cream puffs are the best life has to offer. They're the stars of their own life story, and waiting for a handsome guy to bite their necks sounds to me like a tragedy in the making.

LOL I so agree pfft who needs Edward! Oh and for the record here's the website http://movies.msn.com/movies/pmg/twilight/?GT1=28101 read the whole article it has a good pro section too!!!


I personally think my lunch breaks should be long enough for me to enjoy a WHOLE book. But I digress...
Alright this book has some really tough issues for young girls and boys to deal with and I respect Ms. Marr even more for presenting them in a way that makes us all (and I mean even us adults) step back and look hard at our lives. This young girl (Lesley) is a survivor. HARD CORE. She has been through hell and is still struggling to right her self. And I applaud her efforts.
I am at the part where the dark king is trying to finish the connection he has started with her through her tattoo. But Naill (who me thinks is suppose to be the hero) Anywho Naill wants her but fears his past and his power (something to do with touch. When he touches a mortal they begin to crave his touch and eventually die from lack of touch) So he holds back. However, now that the Dark King is after her Naill is fighting for her as well. Including fighting against his desire to have her.
This book is going good. VERY INTERESTING read and one I would HIGHLY suggest if you like YA (there will be no sex but Ms. Marr does almost everything but) Also this is a book I am suggesting to my teenage cousins.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Ink Exchange


Which I keep calling Wicked Lovely and have no idea why. Anywho we are working on a YA book currently and so far its flowing well. I enjoyed Wicked Lovely enough to pick up the 2nd in the series and I have to admit I am enjoying this one a lot more. I like that the heroine is damaged from a hard life. Call me what ever you like ALL TEENAGERS do not live in a perfect world.
The heroine from the first book saw fairies evil and good (OHHH scary) her life did not suck nearly as bad as Lesley's does. So I am liking it. I also like that there is another triangle that I am sure will resolve itself (b/c God love Ms. Marr she understands that triangles are fun but there has to resolution to them rather quickly especially if teenagers are involved and I'm not going to get any sex out of it. Speaking of sex how come YA books never have sex in them? Don't people realize kids do the dirty deed often? Hell I got my sex ed from romance novels b/c YA books didn't exist.)

Well them let me move on. So far Les has gotten the outline for her tattoo and is already feeling the effects of it. She has the Dark Fairy King after her but doesnt' know it and a Summer Fairy after her but doesn't realize it as well. That's about it. So far you know as much as I do. *g*

Monday, July 28, 2008

Okay finished The Tin Star by J.L. Langley last night and I have to say for all the that's not possible OMG moments I had at the beginning I can see why its Jen's favorite. By the end I couldn't put it down and I am seriously suffering from that lack of sleep today. (Memo to Sarai not a good idea to read until 2 on a Sunday night when you know you will be tired anyway on Monday without the extra lack of sleep)

I really enjoy Ms. Langley's writing and I will be buying up her entire back list.

Let me see as far as plot there were no major SHOCK moments but I was very surprised at some of the action. In fact I love how Ms. Langley showed how hard it would be for a gay male to live "open" in the midwest/bible belt. She didn't go and make it all peaches and cream for the guys. She gave them the support group they needed and then let them have it from the small minded people they lived around.

I did enjoy it A LOT and highly recommend it to those who love a good M/M!

Alright started Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr (she also did Wicked Lovely which I enjoyed but wasn't too excited about it. You can read my review at good reads I think it was before I did reviews at the othersight) The reason I am giving it another go is her writing. I did enjoy the story I felt it was rushed at the end but I did enjoy it. So I thought this might be a nice breather from Mr. Perfect which I didn't enjoy AT ALL. (I am still debating if I should give Ms. Howard another shot I mean 2 out of 2 I didn't care for didn't hate them but didn't like them either. I'm up in the air.)

Okay I am only on the second chapter of Ink exchange so not much happening just a little set up going on. Will report tomorrow on how it goes (ended up balancing the check book for the remaining half of the lunch break and realized that was stupid b/c it just depress me.)

Sunday, July 27, 2008



So I am currently reading The Tin Star by J. L. Langley. I loved My Fair Captain and when this book came into my possession I was thrilled to no end. I mean what is sexier then gay cowboys?

So I am on page 90 and so far so good (Of course I have issues but come on name a book I haven't had issues with) Although with M/M I tend to not think about the issues as much as I do with any other type of book. Still not sure why that is?

Any who the plot: So far James (Jamie) Killian has come out to his family who happens to own a ranch where he is the foreman. The one job he has wanted since he was a kid. Okay so he came out and his father blew a gasket kicking him out with nothing. Before he could panic his older brother's best friend Ethan Whitehall gives him a call and tells him he can work for him as well as stay there.

As the story goes on we learn that Jamie's brother and sister are okay with him being gay. Ethan it turns out is gay but in the closet b/c he didn't want the reaction that Jamie rec'd. His father (and by his father i mean Jamie's) is an asshole in more than one way. Ethan is attracted to Jamie and now that he knows he's gay its on like snow? Don't ask.

So far lots of kissing and petting nothing heavy but I have a feeling I have just gotten to that part. Also on Jamie's first night two ranch hands dragged him out of his bunk in the dead of the night to kick his ass for being gay. (Bastards what kind of people do that. I get you don't respect it, or you don't like it but let it be. There is no reason for you get all high and mighty casting stones and beating people up for it.)

Alright off the soap box for now. That's as far as I have gotten. I really enjoy J.L's writting and even though I have a few minor issues (like the fact Ethan is gay but hasn't come out and yet no one has noticed???? in a small town) but its stupid small stuff that doesn't matter. In fact it is not distracting me at all which is a nice change of pace.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Trainwreck


Okay thinking this book is a train wreck, you know what i mean (so bad you look away and yet you can't help but look back and stare wondering if your going to see anything) That's this book for me. I just don't get it AT ALL. If this was straight romance I would still be pulling my hair out. I get Sam is hot in fact he's the only reason I am still reading this book.

I'm on chapter 16 page 210 and nothing. ALL THIS BUILD up for nothing. A list its a freaking List over the perfect man WHO CARES I do that crap all the time (and yes before you ride my butt I am keeping in mind it's 2000 but still) Also the villain NOT so scary DON'T care. The main heroine who is Sam's next door neighbor is ballsy, brass, crude, and doesn't give a crap. But then after 1 (count it 1) kiss she's all boo hoo he didn't call me when he left town, Oh he must have a girl friend how can I be so stupid (HE'S A FREAKING COP UNDERCOVER DETECTIVE NO LESS get a clue he ain't going to call ya ALL THE TIME trust me I know I was married to one) Just b/c he didn't call who cares it was one KISS and dinner (ohhhhhhh) WTF Seriously grow up.

*deep breath* sorry about that but needless to say the heroine is rubbing wrong in all kinds of way. In fact the book is rubbing me wrong. I think it is the wrong genre to begin with (I don't usually read romantic suspense the few I do read suck me in ASAP) well I will give it one more day at lunch (Monday for those of you counting) if something doesn't happen I'm moving on to my first Suzanne Brockman (b/c so many people love her let's see if I can tear it to shreds too *sigh)
In case you can't tell I'm beyond frustrated.

Thursday, July 24, 2008



Okay I didn't get to read as much as normal b/c I didn't take a lunch break. I will announce why that is some other time. Right now what is important is the fact that Sam D. is hawt and not just a little hot but he's starting to grow on me and I HATE cops and detectives as heroes (personal thing) but I do enjoy him.

I have gone through the car washing scene and the reporters and I am beginning to wonder if anything is EVER going to happen in this book. Is it suspense or romance. If it is just romance then I am one happy girl b/c I like the intereactions. However, if it is suppose to be suspense I ain't feeling it. AT ALL. I got nothing. Is it ever going to happen? So far a phone call that even I would have blown off with a roll of my eyes and moved on.

Not scary folks. So someone tell me is this a ROMANCE or a SUSPENSE? So that I can approach it with a more open mind.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Mr. Perfect.


Cue scary music b/c me thinks this one is suppose to be scary. I will say one thing for Ms. Howard she has set up the hero and heroine and I even know who the villain is but DANG man there is no action at all. And I'm like almost half way through.
The plot so far: 4 friends have gotten together like girl friends do and started making a list of what the perfect man would have. And well one thing led to another and the list blew up and got loose. Now it's spreading like wildfire through the office and even the news. (why the news would care I have no idea you would think there was something else going on in the city to concern yourself with other than the Mr. Perfect list but there you go.)
We also know the heroine has been engaged 3 times and fell short. The hero is a cop she has mistaken for a drunk and looks good naked when he walks around his house early in the morning naked. (why would he do that I don't know very many men who own their own house without the wife and kids but the few I do know that are single don't hang out naked? And I'm guessing he what 10 inches b/c that's what they put on their list *rolls eyes* funny or not that's stupid IMHO) Oh and she is aroused by it, so that's about where I'm at. That and she did something stupid by attacking a drunk man beating up her neighbor because no one else would for some reason this had no point to it and made me angry other then to show me the heroine is going to rush into a situation she knows she won't win without thinking and pull a TSTL moment later on (You watch I'm betting its going to happen and YOU will hear about how I hate those moments. But for now I'm trying to keep an open mind maybe this was to show something else and I missed it?)

Now contray to what I have written (it may appear that I am not enjoying the book) Actually its just the opposite b/c Ms. Howard has a way about her writing even when the story was bad (raintree: inferno) I still enjoyed reading it. So I am enjoying the book I just wish it didn't have this huge build up. I mean I'm almost at the half way mark and Nada.... (okay whoops that's a damn lie b/c I'm on page 92) Either way something needs to happen soon b/c I am starting to get bored whens the bad guy going to make an appearence? When's someone going to bite the dust or get a scary note or something for Pete's sake

;;