~ Stacy's Place on Earth ~

Fan letter to author Nalini Singh

2011-06-21T09:55:00.001-05:00

Dear Ms. Singh,

I know you are a very popular author these days, with not just one but two amazing series available to your readers, and you probably get tons of letters and emails very similar to mine, but I would have to say they are well-deserved accolades. These days, with constant changes in technology and our attention spans getting shorter and shorter, it's more difficult to capture the imagination and even harder to hold onto it. In fact, as I told you myself when I met you at the Lori Foster get-together, I didn't even like "Slave To Sensation" the first time I read it, but something compelled me to go back and give it another try. And that is why I'm writing this fan letter to you today; because despite my initial lack of engagement, somehow I felt I was really missing out on something, and now I'm devouring each book like it was the most decadent and sinful candy ever created.

And I love it! Lately life has been relentlessly kicking my ass, so to have this amazing outlet to escape to and fall in love with is such a welcome relief. I feel like when I enter the Psy/Changeling world, I am free of all the demands and criticisms and yes even the loneliness I've been experiencing lately. I let myself imagine being enveloped in the sensual embrace of a sexy Changeling eager for skin privileges. I pretend I have the intelligence and boldness and strength to go up against even the coldest Psy. Nalini, you created this absorbing, wondrous world, and I thank you very much for that. I've experienced hours of reading pleasure by delving into your world and letting it wash over me. It awakens my joy of reading again, something I'd lost for a little while, and it makes me very happy to have found my way back to books. The pressures of adulthood and responsiblity can be heavy burdens, but losing my desire to read is perhaps one of my deepest regrets. Yet with your books, I've found it again, and it grounds me. Makes me feel like I have a safe haven to turn to on those occasions when life overwhelms me. That is very rewarding.

I know after meeting you, you mentioned there is a definite ending to the series, and that saddens me, although I understand the "why" behind it. Everything eventually comes to a conclusion, and while I don't want to think about it, when it eventually does happen, I will be glad for the chance to read this series and have experienced all the joy and sadness and love you infused into it. I comprehend the need for closure, so I will be happy that I got to go through it with all the other readers who loved this series so much. One of the worst things that could ever happen is to have a series "jump the shark", because that takes away from the enjoyment that was originally felt in reading it.

Now I cannot end this letter without saying what an extreme pleasure it was to meet you and spend a few moments talking books with you. You are a lovely, gracious, intelligent woman and so easy to chat with. I felt completely at ease in your presence, even while in the back of my mind I'm thinking "OMG this is Nalini Singh! Squee!!!" Despite never getting a break and constantly having readers approach you, you were patient and sweet and wonderful. It was definitely one of this reader's highlights.

And thank you ever so much for sharing your colorful and vivid imagination. If someone ever asked which paranormal series they absolutely must read, without hesitation I would mention the Psy/Changeling books. It includes all the elements of a truly memorable journey that all readers should be able to experience at some point. What I love about it is that there is not one element I skip over. I enjoy every aspect of the series, from the chilling Psys to the hot and sensual Changelings; from the bravest heroine to the most evil villain. None of it bores me, and I savor every word. That, my dear, is a reader's delight. Muchos gracias :)

Fondly,

Stacy ~

Winner of Eternal Rider!

2011-04-26T05:28:00.002-05:00

Sorry everyone, I've been dealing with some issues and I apologize for the delay. The winner of a copy of Eternal Rider is....

TYNGA!!!!

Thank you all for your patience. Tynga, I will email you for deets.

Eventually the blog will get back on track. Bear with me :)

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione & a giveaway

2011-04-15T06:55:00.003-05:00

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Things are not looking good. A seal of one of the 4 Horsemen has been broken, rendering the keeper of said seal evil and it's only a matter of time before another seal is also destroyed, which will bring on the Apocalypse. Ares, though part demon himself, has no desire to see that happen, and along with his other siblings, seek to keep anyone - or anything - from breaking his, a agrimortus which is bringing protected by a fallen angel. Only evil has other plans, and the seal is not safe. The fallen angel manages to transfer it to another, a human. Only humans cannot sustain it for very long, and end up dying. Ares and the other Horsemen must find a way to keep the seal safe, even if it means dealing with a human....

Cara Thornhart cannot believe the crazy things that have been happening to her. Angels and demons and other "supernatural" beings are trying to kill her, only this is not some cheesy horror movie; this is her life. Reluctantly joining forces with a moody, bossy yet extremely hot Horseman, Cara tries to stay alive so as not to trigger the end of the world. It's a huge responsibility for someone who has never known such beings truly existed outside of a book. All she did was just save this dog with really bad breath....

Ares and Cara are racing against the clock, trying to find a fallen angel who can more adequately protect Ares' seal while fighting the immense attraction that exists between them. Now is not the time to be diving between the sheets, not when the world's about to explode into battle. Ares is used to not feeling anything for anyone. His goal is to win wars by any means possible, and showing tenderness towards another is a sign of weakness. Cara has a secret that has kept people from getting to close to her, even her loved ones. Yet together they forge a bond that soon cannot be broken....

My thoughts:

This book kept my attention right from the start. I happen to be fascinated by biblical stories, and the signaling of the end of the world tends to fascinate me for some morbid reason. In the hands of a skilled author such as Larissa Ione, it's quite a wild and intense ride.

Ares is your typical warrior: fearless, strong, and removed emotionally from others. His unusual response to Cara, a mere human woman who holds the key to salvation, baffles and frustrates him. His goal is to keep the world from ending, and he doesn't have time, nor the desire, to care for another. Cara has always felt separated from others, even her own family. She's not used to trusting another, but she must trust Ares to keep her safe, even if he is a huge, irritating jerk.

I enjoyed their dynamic, the fact that they confound each other. Their awakening feelings amidst such chaos is rewarding to watch, and gives them both something to fight for. I liked how Larissa added an edge of danger to Cara's and Ares' desire for each other. There was a strong and believable element of violence that enhanced their attraction, and was - whew! - undeniably hot. And it worked. I felt their desperation and need, and it was a palpable, breathing thing.

Cara's ability and unique affinity for animals added an intriguing element to the storyline. I love animals, so this was fun to see how it was worked into the story.

I found the creative history of the Four Horseman fascinating and ripe with possibilities for the future stories. Larissa left us with so many nuggets of "what if" that I cannot wait to discover just what they might be. I also loved that we got to re-visit with beloved characters from the Demonica series. I get attached to characters, so seeing the again was a treat.

I don't wish to give anything away here, and I cannot do a better job of expressing the awesomeness of this book as some of the other bloggers have so eloquently done, but suffice it to say, you will be on the edge of your seat reading this book. Even when you know what's going to happen, you can't help but hold your breath and curse Larissa for tying you in wonderful, emotional knots. Dread and hope war with each other, and you're utterly engaged in this story. I'm really excited to read the next thrilling installment of this brand-new series.

Rating: **** out of *****

I am haing a contest for a copy of Eternal Rider that will end at 6pm CST on Sunday, April 17th. All you have to do is answer the following question:

What would you do if it was your last day on earth?

Good luck!

Ups & Downs...and ups!

2011-03-29T07:04:00.000-05:00

Hello! I missed you guys! And my blog. I can't believe I've ignored you for so long. Okay, yes I can. I've been in a selfish mood and really haven't felt like making an effort. But that is done. I am tired of being sad about things I cannot control. Not to say I won't relapse from time to time, but there are other things, fun things to get excited about. So I will. Let's see, what's been going on:

- Weight: I have lost a total of 13 pounds since December. I keep wondering why not more, since I sweat my ass off at the gym 4-6 times a week and eat fairly healthy and drink a gallon of water a day. It's muscle, isn't it??? But as long as it stays off, I should be content, right?

- Job: I now work in downtown Chicago. Weird, because I never wanted to commute. Still don't, not really, but so far it's been rather fun. I am so looking forward to nicer weather and exploring the city more. And meeting some new people.

- Makeover! Okay, I haven't had one, but I intend to. Now that I'm working on being kinda cute, I need to look the part. I plan on going on a shopping spree and totally, okay partially, change how I look. I would love to get purple streaks in my hair, but I don't think my employer would be too thrilled with that though ;p

- Attitude: I'm getting one! I have been a mopey rag for far too long, and now I'm ready to be "me" again. Not to say that I didn't learn something while I was dealing with some personal stuff, because I sure did. And sometimes being proven right isn't all it's cracked up to be. But whatever. The main thing is not to lose yourself or to try to change for any other reason than you want to. I tend to be a people pleaser and really, it's not worth it most of the time. So time to get my bitch on.

- Books: I'm reading again. Go me! Finished Anne Rice's Beauty trilogy, which was dark, BDSM'y, yet whimsical. The last book draaagged for me, but overall, not a bad series.

- Music: obsessed with Silversun Pickup's Panic Switch. "Waitng and fading and floating away". Right now those words sum up some feelings I've had.

And now it's time to enjoy life again! Got a lot going on in the next few weeks. Meeting new friends for the first time in person, reading some great books, touring the seamier side of Chicago ;)

What's going on in YOUR world?

Northwestern U's Fucksawgate: a supporter's perspective

2011-03-08T08:43:00.002-06:00

One of the things I like to do at this blog is to talk about subjects that interest me, whether they are popular or not. Especially if it deals with women's issues. This would definitely fall under that category. And I think there are tmes when it's vitally important to speak up, even if it's about a topic even your closest friends will disapprove of. This may be one of those times. For those of you who have known me for years, especially as a reader/blogger in the romance community, you know what I am really all about, and I should hope you keep an open mind yourself and share your thoughts if you are familiar with this issue. Thank you.

Many of you may have heard about the recent event that took place on February 21st at Northwestern University as part of a human sexuality class that has many people up in arms. Having been following the story closely myself for a few reasons, I can't help but feel dismayed at the outrage and negative feedback this has generated.

I first heard about this story on Twitter from local people I follow, some of whom are actually friends of those involved in the demonstration. And because it was a local story, I started reading the articles and watching the news stories being broadcast. And it became extremely evident that the media was on some sort of witch hunt, with their accusations of lewd live sex acts and deviancy and vulgar behavior. For those not fully informed, it wouldn't have seemed wrong to join in the witch hunt. But that's when I saw this WTTW interview and realized just how far off the mark most of the major media is. Instead of taking this opportunity to educate readers and viewers about the real intent behind he demonstration, it's become a rant about some kind of perverted act of exhibitionism, most specifically aimed at those active in the kink community.

The thing is, we're all adults, or at least we should be acting like it. And one of the things you do when you are an adult is to find out the truth, perhaps do a little research, and not go off on a tangent after the first blurb you read or see. Because these days, I don't know about you, I really don't trust most of what I see on television. Even once respected news programs have become sensationalized and money-hungry gossip rags who talk more about Charlie Sheen and #tigerblood than they do about the real problems we face in our country.

What bothered me about the Northwestern story is the references being made to "porn", and the fact that many people are disturbed by the fact that the four individuals that participated in the demonstration are involved in Chicago's kink community. True, the word "kink" drums up all kinds of lurid images of weird, unnatural, scary sexual acts that make people feel uncomfortable at best, but usually generate a stronger - more negative - reaction. I won't lie. I do get that. Believe me, I have had my own strong thoughts on the subject over the last several months, but I've also educated myself quite a bit since then and discovered that truly, the majority of us are kinky on some level, whether it's something they've known all their lives or ahem it's a more recent discovery. And my belief is, as long as you are being smart, safe, using protection and not involving kids, animals or doing anything truly nonconsensual, I don't care if you wear an actual monkey suit when you do it (truly, no FurCon pun intended).

I mean really, would it have truly made a significant difference if the demonstrators had been dressed in their best church attire while preaching the gospel and insisting this is God's will? That would be rather hypocritical (although damn funny!) Besides, some of the kinky people I do know are extremely intelligent, interesting, successful, more opened-minded and accepting of others, the kind of people I actually want to meet, and you'd be fortunate to count them as your friends. And guess what? They really are just like anybody else, so let's stop focusing on their sex lives and focus more on the message that this demonstration was actually trying to send: one that was about celebrating female sexuality and dispelling some myths about female orgasm that are very alive and thriving today. Hell, as a woman I thought it was fantastic that this demonstration took place. And we all have something to learn, whether we're 19 or 39 or 99. I say bring it on.

Now I understand and respect that most people don't want to broadcast their sex lives and talk about explicit details with their closest friends much less in an open forum of several hundred people, but this class was built around the principles of sharing ideas, engaging in frank discussions and looking all all areas of sexuality, from swingers to BDSM to the sexual practices of different cultures, and the intent was to open up people's minds and prove to them that there are ways women can enjoy orgasms that they may have never thought were possible before. I'm all for that! It's a learning experience for men just as much as for women, and I am proud of the students, and anyone else, who supports the demonstrators because they know that the intention was not to shed a bad light on the university in any way. In fact I believe the reason this even was brought to the attention of the media was due to the complaints of students and parents that weren't even in attendance and had no idea what was going on. Shame on them for turning what was supposed to be an educational, positive experience into an embarrassing and out of control game of "telephone". At this point, I shouldn't be surprised anymore how the media tends to turn topics like this into an eye-rolling Beavis & Butthead spectacle.

So I did send messages of support to two of the individuals involved, and quickly received replies back from both of them. I mention this because I wanted to share that they were both gracious and lovely, and more interested in educating others about sex and having open dialogue with other like-minded individuals than they were in making a name for for themselves and creating scandals. The last I'd read, some of them may be in serious danger of losing their jobs due to the way this whole situation has just gotten so widespread. I think that's a shame because THEY. DID. NOTHING. WRONG. But once again, the media and small-minded people are attacking, out for blood. I am ashamed of living in a country where sensationalism is more important than the truth. Go back to watching fucked-up Charlie Sheen, people. I for one would rather find out more about those G-spot orgasms.

Some related links:

Neil Steinberg's comments

Jim Marcus' rebuttal

And be sure to check out Sunny Megatron's website for updated posts and information about the now infamous "Fucksawgate".

Cover alert: Animal Attraction from Jill Shalvis

2011-03-03T08:31:00.001-06:00

Out October 1!

Release Day & upcoming signings: A Lot Like Love by Julie James

2011-03-01T00:34:00.001-06:00

The FBI wants her cooperation.

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .

Signings!

Thursday, March 10, 6:00-9:00pm
BOOK SIGNING AND WINE TASTING AT WINESTYLES
Join Julie for a book signing at the wine shop that inspired A Lot Like Love and a complimentary wine tasting
WineStyles
1433 West Belmont Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-2227

Sunday, March 13, 3:00-5:00pm
BOOK SIGNING WITH AUTHOR BETH KERY
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Webster Place
1441 West Webster Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 871-3610
*90 minute free parking in lot

Happy Dean Day!

2011-02-14T06:58:00.003-06:00

For those of you who are not a fan of Valentine's Day, or who just think Jensen Ackles is incredibly hot, today is the 2nd annual DEAN DAY!!!!

Intense eyes and that sexy mouth. What woman could resist????

He might be a little rough around the edges, and completely off his rocker at times, but the love he has for his family, most notably his brother Sammy, makes him all the more irresistible.

Here he is, scruffy and cleaned up. Dangerous combination....

Can never have too many Dean pics...and really, what more do you need that a visual of a really hot sexy guy to make your day???

Such a good-looking guy, no matter what he's wearing....

I am so freakin' sad this is the last season of SUPERNATURAL! It's been an incredible road trip these last 6 years with Dean and Sammy, the sadness, the death, the fun, the sexiness, the emotion, the betrayals, the reunions, the lips, the violence, and that awesome car....

I heart you Dean!!!!

Go to JoJo's Bookcorner to check out Dean at these other places too!

Coming soon: Dean Day!!!! (2/14)

2011-02-08T07:02:00.000-06:00

*Blog button courtesy of the lovely JoJo from JoJo's Book Corner*

Hey! What I'm up to....

2011-02-07T07:27:00.001-06:00

Hey you guys! Yes I'm alive and well, just haven't had much of a blogging mojo going on, but I think it's slowly awakening. Been busy watching some movies and catching up on some t.v shows. Done a little bit of reading. Just working on some self-improvement issues which are going slower than I'd like, but progress is being made. So life is GOOD. I am doing great, finally figuring things out and enjoying the experience. There have been ups and downs, but it's all part of the process.

So let's start with what I've been watching:

From the creative minds behind THE SHIELD and THE SOPRANOS comes this intense drama about an outlaw motorcycle club.

Bound by blood as well as by duty, Jackson Teller (Charlie Hunnam), his mother, Gemma (Katey Sagal), and his stepfather, Clay (Ron Perelman), are each prominent figures in a motorcycle gang that runs both a (legal) auto body shop and an (illegal) arms trade.

Season One follows each member as they struggle to contain their family secrets while battling drug dealers and law enforcement, and attempt to protect their quiet hometown of Charming, California. Action-packed and rife with dark humor, SONS OF ANARCHY debuted to critical acclaim for its blend of raucous, revved-engine fun and smart storytelling. This collection includes every episode from the show’s first season on FX.

Love this show! Growing up in a small, blue-collar area, I've always been a bit attracted to this kind of element, although none of the bikers I'd seen ever looked half as good as Jax ;) (Who, by the way, sounds just as sexy with an English accent) I want one of those. And I even have crushes on some of the other guys too: Tig, Chib, Juicy. All deranged, wild, crazy, but damn, HOT. Don't ask me why I like them too, I just do. And I don't care. I love this show, and can't wait to watch season 2, which is already in my Netflix q.

FIGHT CLUB is narrated by a lonely, unfulfilled young man (Edward Norton) who finds his only comfort in feigning terminal illness and attending disease support groups. Hopping from group to group, he encounters another pretender, or "tourist," the morose Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), who immediately gets under his skin.

However, while returning from a business trip, he meets a more intriguing character--the subversive Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). They become fast friends, bonding over a mutual disgust for corporate consumer-culture hypocrisy. Eventually, the two start Fight Club, which convenes in a bar basement where angry men get to vent their frustrations in brutal, bare-knuckle bouts.

Fight Club soon becomes the men's only real priority; when the club starts a cross-country expansion, things start getting really crazy.

Like Tyler Durden himself, director David Fincher's FIGHT CLUB, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is startlingly aggressive and gleefully mischievous as it skewers the superficiality of American pop culture. Outstanding performances by Norton and Pitt are supported by a razor-sharp script and an arsenal of stunning visual effects that include computer animation and sleight-of-hand editing. One of the most unique films of the late 20th century, FIGHT CLUB is a pitch-black comedy of striking intensity.

Can you believe I just watched this for the first time yesterday? I don't know why I didn't before. Love Brad. Love Edward Norton. HBC is usually a hoot and she does not disappoint here. Violence doesn't bother me. Well, whatever the reason, I finally watched it and loved it too. And I know there's definitely a Tyler Durden living inside of me, just itching to come out and wreak some crazy havoc.

Reading: Shadowfever! Taking my time with it, because I'm sad to see Barrons (and oh yeah, that Mac chick) go. So far I'm really enjoying it, though I still feel a little lost as to what is going on, but it's actually fun not to know everything. I feel like I'm on a bit of a roller coaster with it, just waiting for the next sharp turn. I love when a book can do that to me.

What I'm listening to: Pink is one of my girl crushes, and I am totally grooving to her song "Raise Your Glass". This one goes up to 11 on the volume scale in my car. Hey any anthem for "dirty little freaks" has got my approval ;)

So...what are you up to, my pretties???

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T08:31:00.000-06:00

May the new year be filled with wonderful surprises, new discoveries, and wild adventures ;)

What I'm watching: 9 1/2 Weeks & Eyes Wide Shut

2010-12-28T07:24:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been really curious about the darker elements of sexuality, especially when it comes to myself. And by that I'm not referring to ugly or negative things, but that exciting yet secret side of ourselves most of us tend to hide or worse, completely ignore altogther. I've only recently discovered a lot about myself through conversations with friends who surprisingly feel the same, and what we've discovered is that there are a lot of people out there who live beautiful, sexual lives outside the norm. This completely fascinates me because I've always had questions about things nobody wants to talk about, and have now had the opportunity to share these opinions with others who live very satisfying, happy lifestyles. What I'm referring to here constitutes everything outside of what is known as the "vanilla" relationship.

I've never really cared for the word "vanilla" in relation to someone's sexual life. Too many times, it's used in an insulting, derogatory manner, which to me is counterproductive and goes against the adage of those who claim to live an open, free and accepting sexual lifestyle. Personally I believe that everyone could use a little vanilla, because even the more extreme scenes that exist can get old after awhile and you need a way to temper them, and then go back and appreciate them all the more. Of course that is just my assumption. I'm not on one end of the spectrum or the other, but somewhere in the middle. But to me, the idea of mixing up some sensual, tender lovemaking with the intense, kinky encounters sounds like the perfect blend, especially if you're sharing all these experiences with a life partner/spouse, etc. But a lot of kinky people think vanilla is too boring and normal. Maybe they're just not doing it right ;)

So in my journey of self-discovery and education, I've been watching movies that portray the darker side of sex. Most of the ones I've seen so far are older movies, dating back 10 or more years, and as you can see, a lot has changed since these movies came out.

I read this book back when I was 14 or 15, and though at the time I didn't fully understand the subtle undertones to it, I thought it was hot and dirty and I liked parts of it. I never saw the entire movie until recently, when I decided to give it a whirl. It really wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be, although Kim Basinger screaming like a silly teenager throughout various parts of the movie had me rolling my eyes (and no, this wasn't during sexy times. She just did this in general). The movie has several sensual scenes, most notably the food scene, which was sexy and fun. But there were signs of things to come in the relationship. Mickey Rourke's character would have taken care of her in exchange for her trust in all things. It hints at what a true D/s relationship consists of, and I wish they would have taken it further, but this was the mid-80's, and it probably caused enough of a fuss as it is. Still, knowing what I know now, it was disappointing to barely get a glimpse of what a genuine relationship of this nature looks like.

From BooksaMillion.com:

Stanley Kubrick's final film is a mature, highly intelligent, thrilling masterpiece of sexual obsession and marital (in)fidelity. Tom Cruise stars as Bill Harford, a doctor who becomes obsessed with a sexual fantasy that his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), confesses to him. Although the fantasy (involving a naval officer) occurred only in Alice's mind, Bill can't get it out of his own head; his obsession leads him through a series of potential sexual encounters, each one surrounded by the specter of death. His whole world threatens to unravel as he falls deeper and deeper into a web of mystery, lies, and deceit. Kubrick's film breathes with vivid blues, reds, and blacks, the threat of illicit sex and death lurking around every corner. Cruise and Kidman, who are married in real life, are utterly convincing as a happy couple suddenly forced to reexamine their faith in each other. Sidney Pollack, Todd Field, Julienne Davis, Marie Richardson, and Vinessa Shaw sparkle in minor roles. Based on the novella TRAUMNOVELLE by Arthur Schnitzler, EYES WIDE SHUT is a brilliant examination of the psychological nature of sex and marriage, of faith and faithlessness, of obsession and desire. Kubrick said that his last film (he died shortly before the film opened) was "my best film ever;" while that is debatable, there is no doubting that the film is a splendid finale to a glorious career.

What was the big deal with this movie? Bor-ing. It all hinged on a dirty fantasy Alice (Nicole Kidman) has about another man. Not even a real encounter. And then it goes into something weird and unsexy. I really wasn't sure what I'd expect about this movie, other than before I saw it, someone told me it was a good perspective of a married couple, so instead I concentrated on that. It's about the secrets we keep from even our spouses, which can be damaging. If there's one thing I understand, is we all have secrets, and some of them are ones you never want to share with someone you love. Or sometimes you have to in order to have a healthy, long-term relationship, no matter how much it hurts. It all really depends on the relationship.

So though neither of these two movies really provided me with any new insight into the constantly changing and evolving sexual world we live in, it still gave me some interesting concepts to think about in regard to relationships: trust, control, honesty, fantasy, respect, and love. I intend to keep on delving into more about these elements, and exploring some of the ideas that fascinate me most. I'm fortunate to have some friends who are very open and willing to share their experiences, and it's been amazing to speak freely and ask questions. And not to have to worry about what's normal, because that definition is different for everyone. So whether you're vanilla to the core, the kinkiest person on the block, or somewhere in between, it's all good.

Have you seen these movies?

If so, what was your take on them?

Any others you'd recommend?

Confession: My real-life girl crush

2010-12-14T07:39:00.002-06:00

Today I'm posting today about my real girl crush, my first ever. I'm actually kind of excited about it. Now this is not a "oh you're so pretty I want to hug you" type of girl crush. I've had tons of those. No, this is about really being seriously sexually attracted to a girl. And it recently happened to me.

To be honest, I thought all of 5 minutes about posting this here, where so many people know me, because there might be some who aren't going to understand, or approve. But then I got over that. I don't think there's anything wrong with a girl being attracted to another girl. In fact I think it's beautiful. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm still me. I just happened to recently had some new feelings I've never had before, and I am completely okay with them. No "my" girl doesn't believe in God, but I do, or at least something more than science, and the God I believe in would totally be into people loving on each other. So I've made my peace with my spiritual side, and believe it's time to let any fear go.

Now this doesn't mean I'm thinking about every girl this way, because truth be told, I'm not. In fact when I first felt the attraction, I would look at other girls and wonder...but no. It hasn't worked liked that for me. So far it's just the one. So if anyone is ever rooming with me for reader events (which is rare cuz I like having my own room), you've got nothing to worry about. Seriously.

So, what is so special about this girl? Well, she's amazingly hot: totally beautiful, incredibly sexy, exceptionally smart, and the one thing that really sealed the deal: a complete book nerd. It's the one thing about her that I can totally relate to and it's nurtured my crush until one day I realized it was more than just thinking she's cute. And it didn't freak me out like I imagined it would.

So some of you who are actually still reading this might be wondering: does she know? Yes she does in fact know. I've been completely honest about it with her. And she's been so sweet with me, teasing me with it ;) But in all reality, this girl is so out of my spectrum that I expect to just crush from afar. And she's wild, so I know I don't stand a chance LOL. She's someone I know from the 'net, so she might see this, but I'm not going to go out of my way to tell her. I did this is for me. Besides, I've been bothering her enough lately, and she's been so patient and encouraging, but I really need to stop being so clingy. It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster lately, yet all in a good way. And I'm not actually in love with her; she just happens to be my ultimate girl fantasy.

Another reason why I wanted to post this is because over the last several weeks, I've discovered A LOT of women who have similar girl crushes themselves. Some of them are happily married. Some are younger, and more open about their sexuality. So it's not as unlikely as you'd think. Personally I believe we should embrace this side of ourselves and not worry so much about whether other people approve. I've been happier by doing so.

Upon further reflection, I thought I would be completely terrified to post this here, but I'm not. I didn't hesitate for more than a second. Okay maybe 5. But it's really freeing to be honest about this. And It's not like I'm completely surprised. I've read my share of Lacey Alexander books, and yeah, the girl on girl action has been a turn-on for me, so maybe it was only a matter of time before .

Of course now I am wondering how people will react to me at the next get-together. Cuz you know I still like guys, always will. And by that time, who knows, my crush may have fizzled out and that was that. Or maybe it won't. Thing is, I'm still shy and weird and moody and a total dork. I'm melodramatic and immature and silly. See, still me :) I just have a real crush on a girl.

Anyone else want to confess? ;)

What I'm Watching: A Room With A View (1986)

2010-12-07T07:13:00.001-06:00

From BooksaMillion.com

E.M. Forster's 1908 novel, A ROOM WITH A VIEW, is adapted for the screen by director James Ivory in this beautifully lighthearted tale of Edwardian manners. Helena Bonham Carter stars as a young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch. When Lucy and her spinster chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), travel to Florence, they meet an unconventional Englishman, Mr. Emerson (Denholm Elliott), and his romantically unhappy son, George (Julian Sands).

After George makes the grievous mistake of kissing Lucy during a picnic in the Florentine hills, Charlotte rushes her back to England. Safely home, Lucy becomes engaged to the stiff, very proper Cecil (Daniel Day-Lewis), but after finding out the Emersons have moved close by, Lucy has a hard time ignoring her attraction to the unsuitable George.

Producer Ismail Merchant considered A ROOM WITH A VIEW Merchant Ivory's first genuine blockbuster, and it enjoyed more popular success than any previous Merchant Ivory film. Screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala was awarded an Academy Award for her screenplay, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. Director James Ivory's tale also features British movie icons Judi Dench and Simon Callow. A ROOM WITH A VIEW was the first of three Forster novels (the other two were MAURICE and HOWARDS END) adapted by Merchant Ivory Productions.

Helena Bonham-Carter is exquisite as the passionate yet buttoned-up Lucy Honeychurch. It is evident she is as taken with George as he is with her, but her spinsterly chaperone does not approve, so she ignores her feelings and upon returning back to England, immediately .

But try as she might to fit in to her new role as an engaged woman, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stifle the emotion and vitality George Emerson, played brilliantly by Julian Sands, has awakened in her. When he comes to visit his father in England, and they meet up once again, Lucy is beside herself, yet stubbornly holds on to her proper ideals. It is quite a sight to see her fighting her own feelings for him. And Cecil, though everything she imagines an Englishman should be, continues to irritate her with his judgmental and rude behavior. It isn't until a few well-meaning people intervene that Lucy is finally able to make a choice and follow her heart....

My thoughts:

I simply adore this movie. I saw it a long time ago, and remember being captivated by it's lushness, by the tense emotion, the constraints of polite society. Even today, we still experience the disapproval and condemnation of our peers and families over the lifestyle we choose to live.

This film is just ripe with sensuality, even stifled as it is, and you can breathe it in like a heavy fragrant cloud of air. It's charming and the acting is spot on. Daniel Day Lewis especially seems to really relish his role as a pompous, judgmental windbag, and watching it again made me smirk at his delightully horrid behavior. I can't imagine what Lucy Honeychurch saw in him to accept his proposal to begin with, but it provided the much-needed excuse for Lucy to keep her distance from the man she really longs for.

Watching it again, years later, I was able to find details I missed when I was a soft-headed teenager. The intelligence, the dry humor, the inneuendos. I now feel I must own this film. And the remake, done by Masterpiece in 2007, cannot even come close to touching this one. Such a disappointment that one was. The is the true, the original, the best.

What's a favorite period piece of yours?

I'm still me....

2010-11-30T07:22:00.003-06:00

I realize with a lot of stuff I've been talking about lately (mostly on Twitter), some of those who may have known me for longer are wondering..."what the hell?" Well, rest assured, I am still me, and most likely always will be. I'm still reserved, and quiet. Still love reading hot books, loud music, driving fast, vanilla iced coffee, Gerard Butler, taking naps, Supernatural, warm summer nights, the annual Get-Together, and blue-collar guys. I still hate onions, idiot drivers, Nascar on US99, (I'd rather watch racing than listen to it, dammit!), being cold, shopping (except online), flying (only like the destinations) and Monday mornings. Not much as changed.

But I'm definitely going through some stuff now that scares me a little too, but not in a bad way. Truly. I'm just not sitting at home wondering why my life is not what I want it to be, and by that I mean I'm not staying on the sidelines. I'm careful, not stupid, and I haven't even really "done" anything, but my life is in a rut, and I need to find a way to get out of it. So it's about a whole lot of stuff: work, friends, family, all of it. Nothing bad, just something different. So, for example, say, when my pals from the Ge-Together see me next summer, I won't be any different than I was before. And I wanted to say that not because I'm doing anything wrong, but because you guys have been there with me a damn long time, and if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have such special people in my life. I wouldn't have taken that first drive to Cincy 6, 7 years ago and met so many of my online friends. That is a very valuable and important part of who I am. But I also need to open up more, discover things, and it's a little scary in the sense that I'm doing it on my own, but I guess that's how you learn, right?

Thank you for being here, for seeing me through my little dramas *g*, and I will continue to post about books and movies and all the other things I do love so much. You guys rock :)

Beg Me by Shiloh Walker (2010) - review

2010-11-27T10:29:00.001-06:00

Beg me…there had been a time when those words made her burn with desire. But now, there was only fear.

Once, Tania Sinclair’s life was almost perfect…oh, it had its ups and downs but she was happily married to a guy that adored her, one who had no problem indulging every kinky fantasy she ever had. But a couple of tragedies later, she’s barely holding it together. A car accident took away her husband, and an attack from somebody she should have been able to trust has shaken not only her confidence, but it’s also stripped away her fantasies and even made it painful to look back on her memories of her husband without fear.

Two years after her attack, Tania is determined to take her life back and the first step is taking back herself…her fantasies, her dreams, her memories. There’s only one person she can trust to do it, too. One person she wants enough…Drake Bennett, her husband’s best friend.

Falling for your best friend’s wife—never smart. Drake’s watched Tania quietly for years, watched her…wanted her, knowing he’d never have her. First, she was taken. And then, that night two years ago—a night that still scars her, a night that’s left bruises on her that still haven’t healed. He does what he can, though, because he loves her too much not to. He’s her friend, there when she needs him.

And now she needs him. She’s asked him for a favor…one that just about blows his mind…

Warning: This book involves light bondage play, rape fantasy & role-playing. The acts between the hero & heroine are consensual, but they may not be ideal for all readers…

Despite my pestering of her, Shiloh is always very good to me and I got this eARC of another of her amazing stories because she knows how to keep me happy. And it's absolutely no burden at all to review one of her books. It's definitely not a chore for me. It's actually lots of fun trying to find new and interesting ways to gush *g*

Drake's been in love with his best friend's wife for a long time, way back when they were married and Kyle was still alive, but his buddy is gone now, and it's all Drake can do to sit by and watch as Tania faces another anniversary of her husband's death. But she's missing Kyle, so how can Drake ever reveal what's in his heart to her?

Tanis is barely holding on by a thread, and each year it gets worse. She's not moving on, and the fear is just as great as it ever was. She needs to find a way to work through it, and she decides the best way is get back up on that proverbial horse and live out the fantasies she enjoyed so much before, with her husband. Fantasies that were taken away from her by a selfish, sick man who didn't understand the level of trust and respect and affection between her and Kyle, someone who tried to steal her spirit. Facing herself scares her, because she's so afraid something is irrevocably lost. But she needs to push herself anyway. And who better than the one man, other than her husband, who would be there for her and see her through and not judge?

Drake is floored that Tania would like to take that next step with him. Though he knows by no means that she is looking for anything more, Drake can't say no. He will be there for her in any way she needs him, to provide strength, someone to depend on, and the means to give her her fantasies back. And maybe, just maybe, he has enough hope to believe it will give both of them what they really want....

My thoughts:

First off, huge shout-out to Shiloh for writing about such a sensitive, taboo subject. A woman's sexuality is a complex and beautiful thing, and sometimes that means desiring and indulging in fantasies that others might, and will, find traumatic and possibly even disgusting. I have never had a problem with this particular fantasy, I don't have any personal experience with rape or being attacked, but I don't take lightly those who have. Some people will not understand why anyone would want to act out being forced to have sex. Why being sexually dominated in such a forceful manner would be acceptable. But it is, as long as it happens between consenting adults, pretty much anything is acceptable. So that is why I give Shiloh a whole lot of credit for "going there".

Shiloh doesn't really go into why Tania is into this fantasy, but you know what? I don't think she has to because there doesn't necessarily need to be a reason other than that it turns her on. A lot of us want to put pretty labels on why things are the way they are. Sometimes they just ARE. Tania acts out her forbidden, kinky fantasies of being forced with her loving and understanding husband. It's a wonderfully healthy, open, satisfying relationship, one that her husband enjoys just as much as Tania does. But then he dies, and she's attacked, and everything she knew changed in a really bad way. She needs to find a way back to herself.

She finds that way with her friend Drake, a sexy, caring, dependable man who just happened to be her husband's best friend. She knows in her soul Drake would never hurt her, that he knows about her fantasies and isn't disgusted with her because of it. She needs to feel that way again. So she turns to Drake.

A man to die for. One of the things I loved about him is that he talks to Tania. A lot. They discuss going forward, they talk about what is going to happen and how it should happen. Drake doesn't close his eyes and hope he doesn't scare her. He asks her questions about what works for her, what doesn't. He takes his time, but pushes while gaging her responses, and in doing so, he experiences the pleasure himself as he watche her blossom under his touch, become bolder, more sure of herself again. The woman he loves takes back her sexuality. And he got her there out of love, and patience, and a firm hand. It makes them stronger. And Tania discovers that she can love again. That there is a man who will cherish all of her. The dark and the light. The sassy and the scared. The complete woman she is. And who could ask for more than that.

So I encourage you all to read it. This wasn't reading outside my comfort zone because I didn't have a problem with this fantasy. I loved this storyline. But others will have a more difficult time. I'm really relishing this opportunity read stories that push our buttons, that scare us and challenge us and make us think. Not that there is anything wrong with good, old-fashioned sex and romance, because I need that too. But to step away and put your foot out on that ledge, to flounder a little and feel shaky and terrified and angry, well, it can be cathartic. It can help you learn more about yourself. We need to learn more about ourselves. Never say never until you know for absolute certainty.

And if nothing else, Shiloh tells a wonderfully hot and delicious story that has you hooked from page one. She's one of the few that I will read an eARC for (yeah, I know, get an eReader!) and it is well worth it to me. And writing this review has been effortless and FUN, and educational. I feel like I accomplished something good by putting these words on paper. I would love to do it again *g*

Rating: ****1/2 out of *****

Comfort Food by Kitty Thomas (2010)

2010-11-26T07:33:00.003-06:00

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.

I first heard about this book last June, at the Lori Foster get-together. An author was talking about it in great detail, and I was so disgusted by the description of the story I just knew I would never read it. It made me so angry to think of a man treating a woman like a trophy, uncaring of anything other than his pleasure. I quickly dismissed the notion of going anywhere near it.

Flash-forward to October, when I actually bought the book. Again, Twitter has had quite an impact on me as I'd noticed several readers who really enjoyed it, or at least were more accepting of the idea than I had originally been. Some even fantasized about a Master of their own. While I wouldn't take it quite that far, I did get some insight into the Master, saw that he believed he could break someone and own them, and with her obedience came great care from him.

When we first meet Emily, she's already been captured, and wakes up in a prison cell. She's terrified, convinced she's going to die or at the very least be raped. At this point, her fear is such that she really has no thought to go against him, to fight him. She will comply if it means her survival.

The Master is silent in his approach to her, communicating by action and by expression. Emily has to try to figure out what he wants, and she quickly does. The more she obeys, the more accommodating he is with her. But if she refuses him, he will leave her in the cell, naked, alone. Without human contact. And Emily cannot handle that. She craves, no, requires human touch. She cannot survive without it, and it's her great fear to be deprived of it. So she let's him do what she wants to her, even enjoys it, as long as she's not alone in that cell anymore....

My thoughts:

This was a challenging read for me but also could have been much worse because of my personal feelings about sexual slavery. Ms. Thomas isn't overtly explicit in her descriptions, so while we understand the Master's goal is to have Emily be his slave, and that most definitely includes owning a sex slave, it's not portrayed as extremely violent or abusive, and soon Emily is conditioned over time to crave his firmer touch, to long for any sexual punishment he sees fit to give her. To me, I feel that a relationship of this magnitude tends to be out of balance. Though Master always silently offers Emily a choice, he knows what her weaknesses are, so he sets it up in such a way that she's going to choose what he wishes her to choose. It's all done with the belief that he is choosing what is best for her when it really means he is manipulating her to get what he wants in end.

Now Emily is so different from me. I am an introvert, so being around crowds drains me. I crave touch as much as the next person, but not to the same critical level Emily does. Despite the fear, I think I would have fought more. Or at least I hope I would have. But when you are kidnapped, and you're terrified, who knows what desperate measures you would take to stay alive. Emily received a lot of pleasure from the Master, so while I wasn't totally consensual, she did enjoy it.

And it certainly doesn't hurt that the Master is extremely good-looking and ungodly rich. I kept having to remind myself that it was just fiction, so it was going to be written in a more appealing fashion than it most likely would have been in real life. Even myself, who has no desire to be anyone's slave, found him to be attractive, and perhaps I wouldn't have minded my captivity with such a Master. Much.

But I am me, and though he was attentive to her needs, I also found him to be too cold and calculating. He treated her like a pet, not a human. His goal was to break her. His plan was to have someone to control, to do his every desire, and in doing so, that was to be her pleasure. I think that's a turn-on to a point. You want to pleasure your partner, but at the same time, you have your own fantasies, and the idea of someone else controlling what you enjoy so completely bothers me.

But that was the point. It wasn't a game, it was a real case of slavery. This man methodically planned to kidnap this woman. He watched her, planned out her abduction, built a cell to keep her like a favored pet. Relinguishing control over to another sounds appealing on a lot of days, but not complete control. I like to cook my own food, wear my own clothes, and don't wish to subject myself to another's wishes to such as extreme consent. But for A LOT of women (and men too), this is a very hot fantasy. It's much more common than one would believe. In fact it's not far-fetched to imagine it being more mainstream in the not too distant future.

So while I didn't warm up to the Master and eny Emily (much), I still found it to be an absorbing read, one that surprised me with how much I lied in the story. I think Ms. Thomas writes a compelling story, and knows how to capture the reader's attention. I would definitely read more by her.

Rating: **** out of *****

Being thankful today....

2010-11-25T09:33:00.003-06:00

I have so many people to be thankful for! My crazy family, my RL friends who put up with me, and most recently, my online friends who are there for me, share my love of naughty books, and see me through some challenging times this year. There's a lot going on with work and other stuff, lots of uncertainty, and I'm not good with the sharing my feelings thing, but online there's a level of freedom that allows me to do that. And it's been a wonderful community that I adore.

And I now know some really amazing, funny, crazy beautiful, strange and loving people who seem to get me, so big, big hugs and smooches to you all. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you get to spend today with your loved ones :)

What I'm watching: Crash (1996)

2010-11-18T07:27:00.002-06:00

Amazon.com
Adapted from the controversial novel by J.G. Ballard, Crash will either repel or amaze you, with little or no room for a neutral reaction. The film is perfectly matched to the artistic and intellectual proclivities of director David Cronenberg, who has used the inspiration of Ballard's novel to create what critic Roger Ebert has described as "a dissection of the mechanics of pornography." Filmed with a metallic color scheme and a dominant tone of emotional detachment, the story focuses on a close-knit group of people who have developed a sexual fetish around the collision of automobiles. They use cars as a tool of arousal, in which orgasm is directly connected to death-defying temptations of fate at high speeds. Ballard wrote his book to illustrate the connections between sex and technology--the ultimate postmodern melding of flesh and machine--and Cronenberg takes this theme to the final frontier of sexual expression. Holly Hunter, James Spader, and Deborah Unger are utterly fearless in roles that few actors would dare to play, and their surrender to Cronenberg's vision makes Crash an utterly unique and challenging film experience. It's rated NC-17, so don't say you weren't warned! --Jeff Shannon

Finding myself drawn to darker, more disturbing things lately, I got this movie recommendation on Twitter, so of course I had to watch it. And I chose the NC-17 version, no big surprise there. Why bother with anything else?

The above blurb pretty much covers the bones of the movie, so I don't feel the need to describe what happens. So I watched it. And tweeted and read and worked on boss stuff at the same time. It's a creepy film, hypnotic, dark and disturbing. But it also made me feel sorry for these people. In their minds, they were probably as happy as pig in shit, but to me, watching them desperately trying to connect was sad. The blood, and pain, and loss of life. I get that in the presence of death and destruction, it's only natural to want to live, and one of the most elemental ways of doing that is to have sex. But there's also some feeling that these people had a death wish. So busy seeking the ultimate thrill that they come too close to the edge.

Verdict: Just another fetish to scratch off my list. Just not into it. But there are people out there who are turned on by things like this, so who am I to discredit them? I don't fully understand it, but does that mean they are freaks? Another lesson remembered. Just because I don't like it doesn't necessarily make it wrong. Just means we're different. Exciting, isn't it?

I didn't hate the movie, just never see the need to watch it again. Though I do love James Spader and Holly Hunter, together or separate, I think I got what I needed from the film. And I am loving that I am testing myself. I guess I'm a late bloomer. Being shy sometimes does that, at least that's been my experience. Now I'm trying to push myself to go to places that I know are uncomfortable, because then I get to know myself better.

What is the most disturbing movie you've seen?

Reflections

2010-11-15T07:13:00.001-06:00

Much like everything else lately, I seem to be going through blogger block. After almost 5 years, it's not unusual for it to happen time to time, but it's at a time when I want to blog, but I feel seriously depleted of ideas. Could be the changing weather - I tend to be much more sluggish when it's cold and dark - or it could just be I don't have much to say. So I'll take a minute and look back and see what's been going on in 2010.

Once thing that's been on my mind a lot is a topic that both repels and fascinates me: BDSM. And before I go any further, let me tell you right now that no, I have not uncovered a deep, dark secret about myself. Not that there would be anything wrong with it, but the more I think about it and read about it and imagine it, I know deep in my heart I'm not wired that way. But what BDSM has done for me is opened my eyes to some things about myself. I think we all reach a point when we think we know ourselves so well. We believe we know if we're decent people, or if we're morally ambiguous, or somewhere in between. We are secure in our place in the world, in our sexuality, where we fit in with our family and friends. I thought that too, until I started becoming a little obsessed with the D/s lifestyle, yet consistently wondered why. I would test myself, read more about real-life people who were into it, and the more I read, the more confused I became because it didn't appeal to me other than on an extremely light, superficial level. But it taunted me. And after I gave it some time, I finally figured out why. Or at least I understood myself better.

I am a loner by nature. I have never been one to be dependent on others. I guess the way I grew up made it so, but at the same time, I truly believe we are born a specific way, and while events and emotions can shape us to a certain extent, our makeup is essentially what you were born to be. It also doesn't mean we can't change, but it's not an easy thing to do. Being a loner, I find it extemely uncomfortable to share a lot about myself, even the most mundane, ordinary events. I can't explain why, maybe it's some sense of being rejected that I never got over as a kid, but I tend to listen more than I talk. Now however, as I'm getting older, I notice myself becoming much more open with the people in my life. It was not a conscious decision to all of a sudden share the person that I am, it just sort of happened. And I think in part, it's because of some people I've met online (who I've mentioned before) are very open about their marriage and lifestyle.

It's weird how people I've never met in person - and even though they live in the same city most likely will never meet - have had such an impact on me. Maybe it's their confidence and their trust in each other as they also are exploring different avenues of their relationship that has encouraged me to share more of myself. It's true that you can't really have a meaningful relationship without sharing yourself, without giving trust, and I guess I need to learn how to do that. It's scary, but exciting at the same time.

Y'all are probably laughing right now, wondering what's the big deal. That's okay. That's part of the risk of opening up; is taking the chance that you might not always find happy, shiny acceptance on the other side. So be it. I'm learning new things about myself and realizing that the learning never stops. It might go on a break for a bit, but we are always discovering something new about ourselves. Kinda cool.

Has a topic or person caused you to learn

something new about yourself?

What was the experience like?

Cover alert: The Chase by Erin McCarthy

2010-11-09T06:35:00.002-06:00

Evan's story:

Due out April 2011!

What I'm watching: Secretary

2010-11-08T08:09:00.000-06:00

From Booksamillion.com:

The masochist says to the sadist, "Hurt me." The sadist replies, "No." Everybody's happy. This strange balance plays heavily into the Steven Shainberg-directed SECRETARY, based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill. Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a troubled young woman with a secret, destructive addiction fueled by her mother's overprotectiveness and her father's alcoholism. Sheltered and wholly dependent on other people, Lee's only form of self-expression is in this private, painful habit. That is, until she meets her new boss, the lawyer E. Edward Gray (James Spader), who hires her as his secretary.

It is exciting for Lee to hold down a job, even if she is a basket case in the office. Mr. Gray watches Lee, studies her, and slowly begins to correct both her typing errors and her personality flaws. At first Mr. Gray's dominance appears scary and overbearing, a true threat to Lee's naive, fragile psyche. But as the film carefully develops these unique characters, revealing their odd strengths and weaknesses, it becomes delightfully clear that Lee and Mr. Gray can genuinely help each other. SECRETARY is a bright, atmospheric movie that shines a light on the "fun" in this dysfunctional relationship, while using brilliant performances by Gyllenhaal and Spader to illustrate the benefits of sadomasochistic love.

I remember being slightly curious when this movie first came out (2002), but soon forgot about it. Now, years later, my curiosity has gotten the best of me.

Lee has just gotten out of the pysch ward. She has this little problem that when things get to be too overwhelming for her, she cuts herself to relieve the pressure. Her first day home happens to be her sister's wedding, and not much has changed as far as her family circumstances go. Her father still drinks too much and her mother still treats her like a fragile doll. Between the two of them, they are hurting Lee.

In a rare instance of independence, Lee decides to apply for a job, and settles on secretary, which appeals to her. She's good at typing, and doesn't mind menial work. She goes to work for E. Edward Gray, a man who still uses typewriters in his office, and has very precise ideas of perfection. He can't stop himself from watching his new secretary, and tends to correct her when she makes mistakes. The more forceful and demanding she is, the more she sets out to please him. Soon both are caught up in the routine, and it's not just professional courtesy anymore. Lee gets a sexual thrill from her boss' dominance, and Mr. Gray completely enjoys his secretary's submissive ways. However there's a level of shame he seems to feel about his behavior, and he tends to sabotage the best thing that ever happened to him. Only Lee is stronger than he thought, and she proves to him that what they have together can exist at all times, and she will gladly live that life with him.

My thoughts on more than just the movie:

This movie was, at the very heart of it, a love story. When it first came out, I probably wouldn't have appreciated that idea back then, and in fact would have been totally turned off to the idea that it could be love. But getting older does change a person's perspective, and I was able to see the beauty in the relationship, even when I found my mind wandering through parts of it. I did wish James Spader's character hadn't been so neurotic. I missed the dirty, immoral jerk from previous movies. That probably would have made me find the movie much more exciting than I did.

I did find Lee's awakening to be kinda hot. She just loved being his secretary, and all the little "perks" that came with it. She really blossomed under Mr. Gray's firm hand, and though she tried to sustain a more "normal" relationship outside of work, it wasn't until she was under the guidance of Mr. Gray that she really felt beautiful and cherished.

I've said here before that the BDSM lifestyle is not for me. I don't fully grasp the desire to engage in the D/s behavior, or I should say, what I see as the more abusive aspects that often come with it (peronal and/or public humiliation, withholding of pleasure). I do understand some people get off on it, but it's never been one of my fantasies. Sometimes I'm almost disappointed in how conventional I really am, but then again, I don't want to pretend to be something I'm not either. Essentially, the BDSM world is some far off place that looks interesting but not enough to explore beyond the outer edges.

Recently, I've started to get to know people online who live it to varying degrees in their homes, and I have come to, if not completely understand it, then to at least embrace and appreciate that there are those out there that are very happy in such specific arrangements. They are perfectly intelligent, well-adjusted people who just live different lives from myself. I believe there is absolutely nothing wrong with living out your deepest, darkest fantasies in a satisfying, loving relationship. There is something freeing about having that level of trust and respect between two (or possibly more) people. And if I'm completely honest, there are even some particulars of the lifestyle that appeal to me on a wholly physical level, but overall, anything I find exciting about it is more for the fun and pleasure and definitely not about establishing a completely new lifestyle change. (Case in point: when Mr. Gray has Lee wait for him a certain way for a significant amount of time, my first - and only - reaction was that there's no way I would have done what he asked and instead, I would have decked him. Not so he'd punish me, but so I could kick his ass and tell him to fuck off forever. Not very submissive behavior, now is it? Mr. Gray would be the one with bruises and I don't think he'd like that very much.)

I know some people who find the BDSM lifestyle suits their needs believe that those of us who don't engage in it are freaks. (This rather amuses me). But that's the beauty of the world. We don't all love the same things, get excited by the same fantasies, desire the same relationships. I try to keep an open mind, but I'm not perfect either. All I can ask myself is to do my best not to judge, and to wish everyone finds what makes them truly happy. Much like Lee and Mr. Gray did. Really, what more can we ask for?

Today's happy: Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland

2010-11-04T07:33:00.001-05:00

Sometimes there's a song that comes along that just puts you in a happy place. Right now, my office is digging Sugarland's "Stuck Like Glue". No matter how busy it gets, this song never fails to put a smile on our faces. (Damn, it's playing RIGHT NOW on the radio!!!)

Go check out the playlist for their latest album here.

What song does this for you, brings you to your happy place?

What I'm watching: Castle (season 1)

2010-11-03T07:25:00.001-05:00

From Booksamillion.com: Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion) is a smooth talker, a quick wit, and a great crime novelist. Possibly even too great: all around the city, bodies are dropping in exactly the ways he described in his latest book. Now, in order to stop the serial killer he inadvertently inspired, he’ll have to put his famous imagination to work for the NYPD--specifically detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a tough investigator who doesn’t suffer fools. Loved by audiences for its smart, snappy exchanges and clever characters, CASTLE follows the unlikely pair as they try to catch their crook (and somehow keep from killing one another). This collection includes every episode from the show’s first season, as well as a behind-the-scenes roundtable with the creators.

Once again, I am under the influence of my Twitter pals, many of whom rave about this show called Castle. Now I am no stranger to Nathan Fillion, remembering him from the days I watched soaps and he was on OLTL, to when he played Sharon's boyfriend on Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place, and of course to his memorable performance as Malcome Reynolds on one of my all-time favorite shows, Firefly. So now I'm jumping on the Castle bandwagon, and so far, I'm enjoying the ride.

What I like:

Nathan, of course. He's extremely charismatic, and though his rough-looking face makes him looks like he lives Charlie Sheen's life, it looks rather comfortable on him, and he can carry it off, much better than Mr. Sheen himself, that's for sure. I love his devilishness and his self-awareness; the guy knows he's attractive and gets away with all kinds of crap because of it. But he's so charming, who the hell cares?

Stana Katic, who plays Kate Beckett, the female cop. Total girl crushing on her and not afraid to admit it. She incredibly beautiful, but likeable because she doesn't stick her boobs out and pout like a sex kitten, but she's got that sexy walk, and a confidence I'd kill for.

Alexis, Castle's daughter on the show. She's more cute than pretty, with gorgeous hair, but I love how she's not your typical sullen, irritating teen. She's smart, responsible, well-adjusted, and her and her dad have an amazing close relationship. He brings out the kid in her, and she brings out the protective dad in him. Love it. Makes me adore Nathan, er, Castle, even more.

What I don't like:

So far, just the theme music. That whistling has officially gotten on my nerves by the 5th episode. And there's a hint of Dexter in it, which always throws me off.

So tell me: have you gotten your Castle on?

Winner of Kylie Brant's "Deadly Intent"

2010-11-02T06:58:00.002-05:00

4. Maureen!

Maureen, please email me your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com, and I'll make sure Kylie gets it to send your book. Congrats!!!

1. Barbara
2. Estella
8. Mariska
7. SiNn
9. Loretta Canton
6. Jane
5. Cathy M.
3. Misha1989

Winner of Jill Shalvis' "Simply Irresistible"

2010-11-01T07:26:00.001-05:00

10. LSUReader!

Congrats! I sent you an email notifying you, so please keep an eye out for that. Just a reminder, if I don't hear back by Monday, November 8th, I will select another winner. Hope to hear for ya soon :)

15. Barbara E.
2. Lucy
24. Shaz
13. CrystalGB
11. jcp
8. Mollie
17. Danielle
4. PinkStuff28
5. Maija
20. Zach H.
18. JenM.
16. Orannia
22. A.J. Larrieu
14. Spav
1. Misha1989
19. Marg
9. Tori_aka_ggs_closet
21. ClaudiaGC
23. Rachel S.
12. Ina
7. Leontine
6. Blodeuedd
3. Kelly M.

Win a signed copy of Kylie Brant's "Deadly Intent"!

2010-10-29T07:23:00.000-05:00

Kylie Brant was kind enough to offer up a copy of the 4th book in her Mindhunters series "Deadly Intent" as a prize. I'm doing things a little different this time around, so you must respond to the question Kylie asked in her previous post (comments turned off here).

Contest will end noon CST on Monday, November 1st. Good luck!

Special guest Kylie Brant

2010-10-28T07:32:00.001-05:00

I'd like to welcome back to the blog author Kylie Brant, whose 4th book in the Mindhunters series is out November 2nd. Kylie was here just about a year ago talking about the release of the first 3 books in the series, and now she's back to bring us the next installment in this riveting series. I'm really excited about having her back at the blog, as she's one smart cookie with a taste for blood. Okay, not really, but that sounded deliciously creepy. And speaking of which, Kylie is here to talk about......REDRUM.

Everything I Know about Murder I Learned from Writing

Oh, that sounds ever so much more ominous than it is :) Because despite my research, I'd be the worst homicidal maniac in the world. Too lazy, for one thing. Can't you hire that sort of work out? I don't even clean my own house, LOL. Plus, despite years of weight strengthening I'm the weakest person in the world. I can barely lift my (fairly stocky) two-year-old grandson. I'm definitely not up to wrestling an unsuspecting victim to the ground to enact murder. I've got a bad back. And neck. Not to mention the carpal tunnel that would make wielding a knife troublesome. My deadliest trait might be my innate ability to drive people crazy, but in my defense, for some it's an exceedingly short trip :)

But it's amazing the tidbits a writer runs across in the course of research. Need a body defleshed and don't happen to have a vat of acid handy? Get yourself a body sized plexiglass case and fill it with dermestid beetles before putting the corpse inside. (Although if you have the time, isolated space and a large amount of lime, you could always dig a shallow grave and top it with lime.) Wondering how long a severed thumb will keep? Three days, give or take in a cold environment. I'm told one can keep it in a baggy on ice. And in case you've ever entertained the burning question of when the best time is to commit murder, you might be interested to know that a body will bleed out quickest first thing in the morning, upon rising because the body is still warm from the bed.

And what sort of person finds these pieces of trivia fascinating? Well, um...me. But purely from a writing standpoint, I assure you!

Given that I come from a fairly ordinary background, I need to do a great deal of research to write some of my plots. Luckily, with the Internet that sort of research is made easier. It especially simplifies finding the experts I need to answer my questions regarding specific plot elements. I've gotten assistance from hostage negotiators, police detectives, private investigators, state police directors, criminal lab managers, forensic anthropologists and a forensic linguist, to name a few. Although I think I have a vivid imagination, it's amazing some of the ideas I get from some of them :) To my knowledge, I've never actually spoken to anyone with first hand knowledge of committing murder but given some of my experts' backgrounds, they have insightful tips for my stories that certainly wouldn't have occurred to me.

My most recent bout of fascination is with the area of forensic linguistics. As a writer I'm intrigued by words and their nuances anyway. So an occupation that involves doing threat assessments (how likely is it that the author will carry through on the threats?) and author analysis of ransom notes currently tops of my list of If Only I'd Known These Jobs Existed....

All these random bits of knowledge come in handy when cooking up my plots and for entertaining (if unappetizing) dinner conversation. And who knows? Maybe some day I'll be offered a gig riding along with homicide cops, ala the TV show Castle!

Whether writing suspense, contemporary or historical, authors often have intriguing bits of trivia in their books. What's the most interesting thing you've learned from reading a romance book?

No one knows the patterns and nuances of communication like forensic linguist Macy Reid. She is also an expert on kidnapping, having experienced firsthand the stark terror of being abducted when she was a child. So she is the perfect investigator to be called in when a Denver tycoon's eleven-year-old daughter is abducted—for the second time.

The biggest stumbling block for Macy may be a member of her own team: Kellan Burke, the wisecracking, rule-breaking investigator who relishes getting under Macy's skin. Their styles couldn't be more different; the attraction between them more explosive. And when it becomes apparent that Macy can't solve the case without confronting the demons from her past, Kell is just the man to take her there—and back.

Self Image: How that Marie Claire article brought out all kinds of insecurities

2010-10-27T07:59:00.000-05:00

A lot of people have read and posted about that extremely rude, insensitive and cruel article Marie Claire had posted yesterday, and as a woman, I don't blame them. The romance community is a very passionate, empowered, vocal group, and they tend to speak out against injustice and unfair treatment. One of myriad reasons why I love it so.

What really bothers me about crap like that being published is that it's just not about weight anymore. It becomes a bigger issue. A person's weight is just one of the most noticable things about a person, but then the critical eye starts zeroeing in on other "problem" areas: the blemishes, the wrinkles, the crooked teeth. And much like weight, not all of this flaws are so easy to fix. I have problem skin, and I've tried many different ways to "fix" it, but my skin chemistry changes, so what worked last month doesn't necessarily prove to be as effective today. If I had the money, there's lots of areas I would improve upon. But then where does it stop?

I had written a post months back about Heidi Montag and plastic surgery, and this post is very similar. I bring it up because I look at some of the women in the media today - the Kardashians and Paris Hilton, for example. They don't really seem to have any talent other than they come from rich families and they've all been on reality tv shows. And some people may consider them beautiful, but I find them boring. [I just watched the episode of "Supernatural" where Paris makes an appearance, and she freaked me out because she's like a human Barbie doll, and that made me skeert. The devil's got nothing on her.] But the point is that they all look incredibly plastic, they worry about things that I can't relate to, they live a lifestyle I will never know, and yet this is who represents "real" women? I don't think so.

But because of what the media forces feeds us, these are the examples we're given. Imagine being a 12-year-old girl or even a 19-year-old girl seeing this on television and in magazines, and what that does to their self esteem. We aspire to be 110 pounds with blinding white teeth, shiny hair, fake boobs, and the personality of lint. But why? This may not be the best example, considering some of her antics, but before Star Jones went crazy, I actually admired her because she was a smart, sassy woman with very definite opinions. I didn't always agree with her, but I liked what she represented. She took pride in how she looked, and I thought she was a wonderful example of a strong, successful, beautiful woman. She was rather heavy, and yes, I understood that for health reasons, she was trying to lose weight. Then she went and met some guy, starting losing weight (due to surgery), and basically went nuts. Soon after she ended up leaving "The View". And after losing all that weight, I don't think she was all that attractive. And mainly, it was her personality that suffered the most.

Yes it's true that we are attracted - or not attracted - to a person's looks. I can't lie about that. You know how I stare at Jensen Ackles' lips while I watch "Supernatural", and that I think Gerard Butler is hot even though he's still a man ho. But in real life, the majority of the guys I've been attracted to and dated have not been gorgeous. And some of my friends have even questioned my taste on occasion. But it was their sarcastic humor or their ability to take a joke around that I fell for. The fact that they loved animals. Little things that mattered to me. Guys are nowhere as concerned with their own looks as much as we are. The bastards.

So why can't women be a bit easier on themselves and not nitpic so much? Why are their magazines writing about fat people like they are the scourge of the earth? Why can't I appreciate my size 12 & 5'5" frame more, admire my green eyes, small wrists and hands instead of see the cankles, the blemishes, the crooked teeth? Why can't I be relieved that I am in my late 30's and I don't have to dye my hair? Why do I think I need to have a new nose and bigger boobs and a smaller butt to be happy?

So yeah, thank you Marie Claire again for trying to make women feel ugly not for just being fat, but for every imperfection we possess and even those we imagine we have. But gues what - you are WRONG. The women that I know out in the romance community are amazing - funny, smart, spirited, fearless, strong, brave, independent, silly, weird, kind, unique, and beautiful. So don't be thinking you can take that away from them. You just made yourself look like an ass. #MarieClaireFAIL.

Win a copy of "Simply Irresistible" by Jill Shalvis

2010-10-25T06:55:00.002-05:00

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

I loved Jill's book so much (quite possibly my favorite JS book to date), I decided that some lucky reader who hasn't read it yet should get the opportunity to do so.

Just answer my question no later than noon CST on Sunday, October 31st, and you are entered to win. It's just that simple! Open to anyone who can receive mail :)

What are your favorite hero names?

Good luck!

Winner of the $25 giftcard

2010-10-22T07:09:00.000-05:00

17. Julie

Julie, please email me your snail mail addy or, if you prefer, I can send it to your email, but I have no way to contact you. You will have until Friday, October 29th to contact me or I will have to choose another winner. I can be reached at trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com

Thank you ALL for participating in my birthday bash. It was another fun year, and I loved all the responses and birthday wishes. You guys really made it special, and I appreciate it :)

Have a great weekend!

34. Jen M.
25. Lynette
45. mariska
12. donnas
39. Maureen
35. Kris
28. Minna
15. Barbara
47. CrystalGB.
14. van_pham
36. Moonsanity
42. Twimom227
2. Liza
22. Paranormal & Romantic Suspense review
33. Loretta Canton
3. Natasha A.
6. Bells
21. jeanette8042
44. orannia
30. LSUReader
23. marian
29. elaing8
43. Kaetrin
26. Chelsea B.
13. Jennifer D.
5. Kelly M.
40. maeread
31. wishes4me
18. Barbara E.
16. Modokker
4. Danielle
32. cories5
46. Leontine
48. Cathy M.
27. Estella
10. SpazP
8. Blodeuedd
19. Dev
38. Lindsay
20. joder
9. Scorpio M.
41. I love Book Gossip
7. Lori
37. Jane
1. Tori ggs_closet
11. Robin K.
24. Jen D.

Guest spotlight: Angie

2010-10-21T07:23:00.001-05:00

Angie is yet another friend I've "met" on Twitter, and she's a fun, crazy person that's fun to tweet with. So of course I had to invite her to be a guest!

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

jaymzangel aka Angie avid reader, lazy blogger =D

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

A bitch, a blog & a bookshelf. sadly I'm a lazy blogger, I can't do it religiously so I pretty much do it when I feel like it. which is typical of me =P

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

I'm currently reading To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt, bought her other series because I loved Wicked Intentions so much. Previously, I read Personal Research by Cari Quinn & rereading Bound to Please, Mark St Crow = YUMMY

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning, hands down. I am both incredibly excited & sadder than hell that the series will be ending. I'm looking forward to the spinoff books though. hoping for Dani/Ryodan. *fingers crossed*

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

Christina Aguilera's Bionic CD, Misery by Maroon 5, Why Wait by Rascal Flatts, Bleed by Hot Chelle Rae & I Love the Way You Lie by Eminem & Rhianna

What are your favorite places to visit online?

I'm a Twitter & tumblr junkie, also Goodreads & Amazon

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

fave beverage ~ Jack & Coke, non-alcoholic beverage ~ milk, fave food ~ Maryland crab cakes, TV show ~ True Blood

Which hottie out there is to die for?

oh goodness, there are SO many I'd jump on but my #1 is Alexander Skarsgård. I heart him crazy.

Favorite restaurant?

I love Carrabbas, their food is fabulous & their pomegranate martinis are to die for.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I never sing where other people can hear me because I sound so bad doing it =P

Thank you Angie, for being my guest today, and sharing a little bit about yourself. I think Shadowfever has to be my most anticipated book as well. And dayum, I want a personal library like this - my idea of heaven :)

Winner of the charity donation!

2010-10-21T06:55:00.001-05:00

13. Stephanie D.

Congrats Stephanie! I will email you since you selected 2 different charities that you are involved in so you can pick which one I should make the donation to.

Let me tell you, this post really left me feeling pretty good. It's nice to do a little something for a cause in need of help. Thank you all for commenting and naming a charity near and dear to your heart. Love you guys and your generous hearts :)

21. Modokker
18. SpazP
2. Diana (book of secrets)
23. Loretta Canton
26. Crystal GB
1. Barbara
20. Bells
9. donnas
3. Lori
10. Natasha A.
12. Danielle
6. Moonsanity
8. LSUReader
15. cories5
7. Maureen
14. Barbara E.
25. Smash Attack
24. Jen M.
11. Jane
4. Dev
16. Estella
5. Tori
22. Lynette
17. The Book Pimp Blogs
19. Scorpio M.
27. joder

The Surrender of a Lady by Tiffany Clare (2010) - review

2010-10-20T07:23:00.001-05:00

"Sold." With one word, Lady Elena Ravenscliffe's destiny changes forever. Forced into Constantinople's slave market to pay off her late husband's debts and save her son, Elena reinvents herself as Jinan--a harem girl adored by the rich lords who bid on her favors. But one man instantly sees through her facade.

Griffin Summerfield, Marquess of Rothburn, let Elena slip through his fingers years ago. When he recognizes her on the auction block, he pays an outrageous sum to possess her even if it is for a short period of time. But when his deadline looms, Griffin will risk all in a desperate bid to make her his--and his alone...

I was fortunate enough on Twitter to win a copy of this book, the debut historical by author Tiffany Clare, and I was very excited by that because I had read a really fabulous review of this book at The Romance Dish, and I wanted it experience it for myself. The story sounded bold, exciting, romantic. I was prepared for some difficult scenes, and knew I might find myself a little bit uncomfortable about the events that take place in this book, but I wasn't daunted. In fact, I was fully prepared to step outside my beloved comfort zone and be blown away.

Right from the first page, we experience Lady Elena's gut-wrenching fear and desperation. She's just found out that her good-for-nothing husband has sold her to some unscrupulous people, and she cannot fathom exactly what that means, only that there's a huge weight in the pit of her stomach, and she has a baby to take worry about. Elena is forced into the slave market, a filthy humiliating place where humanity is not worth the a damn. Rudely poked and prodded like a piece of livestock, Elena soon discovers that being a slave is lower than being an animal. The horrors she encounters are unfathomable, yet this has become her existence. Fortunately - depending upon how you look at it - she is almost immediately purchased by a man who transports her, blindfolded, to a Turkish harem on the island of Corfu.

Fearful for the whereabouts of her baby son, Elena is relieved to soon be reunited with her young child, who has also been brought to the harem as the perfect means to control Elena. At this point, she knows without a doubt that her options are severely limited, and she has no choice but to accept the uncertain fate that has been presented to her if she wishes to survive. Gently but firmly, Elena is initiated into the ways of the harem, determined to make a secure home for her child. No longer a lady, she is now the seductress Jinan, and embarks on her new life with bravery and conviction. She is a woman who will not let shame break her. Jinan is a woman in charge of her own destiny, and embraces it boldly.

Years later, a man from Elena's past comes to the harem, and is immediately drawn in by her sensuous, familiar laughter. Griffin Summerfield at one time cared very deeply for the young woman he remembers, and seeing her again after all this time brings back those tender feelings, as well as the more base feelings of lust and possession. He never understood what caused her to marry another man, but now he has an opportunity to be with her again, and he's not willing to let her go this time. But can he convince the woman of his dreams that together they can start fresh and build a new life together with her son? Griffin must fight for everything he believes in if he wishe sto claim the woman he loves....

My thoughts:

The first impression I had when I started reading this book was how vivid Ms. Clare's descriptions were. As I stated earlier, the premise was bold, evocative, extremely compelling. I felt drawn in right from the first words on the page. I could practically smell and taste Elena's bitter fear, hear the painful pounding of her heartbeat beating in my own ears when she realized there was no way out of the situation but was still desperately trying to come up with an escape just the same in order to protect her son. I felt her hot shame at being treated with such a lack of respect and decency. No one should have to be made to feel like less than a person, yet this is the awful treatment Elena had to endure because of the selfish addictions of her own husband. Ms. Clare lets us see how ugly this is for Elena, a defenseless woman with an innocent child she will protect at all costs.

When Elena finally arrives in Corfu and ultimately discovers what her future will hold, I was somewhat disappointed to see that this is when the door closed in our faces. We don't see her completely metamorphose into Jinan; instead we just get a hint of what is in store for her. Yet at the same time, I understood her transformation wasn't something we needed to experience in full detail. It was enough to know she'd accepted her fate with dignity and determination rather than revulsion and feelings of degradation. She was in control of her destiny. So by the time we next see her, she's already existed in her new life as Jinan for quite some time, and has gained a new confidence from it, which has her very sought out by the rich men who desire to purchase her favors.

Now, enter Griffin. This, sadly, is when everything headed downhill for me. I disliked Griffin almost right from the start, feeling he was a slave to his previous addictions - brought on it seems due to losing Elena so long ago and an echo of her own husband's weaknesses - and also spoiled because of his own place in high society. He had a strong sense of entitlement which often tended to rub me the wrong way. My negative feelings only intensified the longer Griffin was in the picture. During the allotted time he had purchased Jinan for, he was absent for the majority of it on business, therefore not convincing me that there was enough of a connection established beyond the physical to sustain an everlasting relationship, despite their history together.

But what really sealed Griffin's fate and ruined the book for me completely was his abduction of Jinan/Elena. Both his actions and his words smacked sharply of those of a stalker, or that of a jealous boyfriend who would rather kill his own girlfriend than let another man have her. Griffin explained his behavior away believing it was "his right' to have Elena, that he "deserved" to be happy, regardless of her wishes and fears. He made me so angry at how he justified his rash and cruel treatment of a woman he claimed to love, forcibly locking her up and keeping her away from her own child because he was too possessive and selfish to care. He truly had himself convinced that Jinan would soon see that he was right. His behavior was abhorrent to me.

Another thing I think changed for me too was that in the beginning, we believe Jinan has become this proud, independent woman who is coveted by many men, a fact she doesn't let shame her, yet once Griffin appears on the scene, all of her experiences as a harem girl now seem tainted. She no longer seems the intrepid, bold seductress, but rather gives us the point of view of a meek woman who loathes herself everytime she's up on the auction block. I felt Griffin colored her outlook and made her feel unworthy of love and affection because of the circumstances she was forced to endure. He made her doubt herself, or at least this is the woman she now appears to be once he's made an appearance back in her life. And I resented Elena for believing she loved him back. I truly didn't understand why.

What kept this book from being a DNF for me was that I just had to see it through to the bitter end. I felt rung out emotionally, overwhelmingly disgusted with Griffin as the man for Elena, and saddened that a plot with such promise failed to engage me in any positive way. Yet I do feel a sense of fulfillment that I read the book and didn't leave any doubt as to the outcome.

Admittedly, it took me quite awhile to write this review. I set the book aside for weeks because I was unable to express myself rationally enough for my own comfort. I do want to stress that I believe Tiffany Clare does have a wonderful imagination and an amazing talent for evoking incredibly strong emotions, as I've evidently pointed out in this review, and I do believe that is sufficient enough reason for me to read her next story, hopefully with more positive results. But "Surrender of a Lady" was just not a satisfying read for me, and that is mainly because of the lack of a strong, heroic male lead I could respect and root for. I can only hope her next book provides me with a different scenario.

Rating: *** out of *****

Winner of the $20 Starbucks giftcard

2010-10-20T07:01:00.000-05:00

And the winner is......

17. amyt865

Congrats Amy :) Please send me your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com.

Thank you all for playing. I got quite a few giggles out of some of the comments, and I'm super jealous of both Cheeky girl and Christine for having hotties for husbands. Where can I sign up for one of those?????

Anyway, you guys are fantastic. Thank you for stopping by :)

1. Barbara
29. Danielle
4. Cheekygirl
37. Kris
38. Smash Attack
7. Kitt Katt
30. Loretta Canton
13. SpazP
31. van_pham
33. The Book Pimp Blogs
34. Scorpio M.
11. Christine
23. Dev
25. Jen
32. cores5
24. Natasha A.
3. Tori aka ggs_closet
21. Estella
16. Mandi
6. Kelly M.
8. Mollie
5. Crystal GB
14. Maureen
15. Andrea
2. Bells
19. DforDarla's Definite Reads
26. Tracy
35. tetewa
18. kim1989
36. Modokker
28. joder
12. jeanette8042
22. LSUReader
20. Penelope
10. Minna
27. Moonsanity
9. Diana Book of Secrets

Winner of a book of their choice!

2010-10-19T07:40:00.001-05:00

21. cories5

Congrats Cories! Please email me your snail mail addy along with your book of choice to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com.

Thank you all for the great movie selections. Some of seen, but some I have not, so I have some movie watching (and re-watching!) to do :)

3. Leontine
41. tetewa
9. Barbara E.
47. Ina
26. Bells
35. Booklover1335
42. Modokker
36. marian
44. Chelsea B.
30. Dev
4. jeanette8042
16. Liza
48. Kaetrin
22. host
29. DforDarla's Definite Reads
6. Crystal GB
27. Christine
10. Pamela Keener
40. Stella (Ex-Libris)
31. maered
12. LSUReader
43. Lynette
24. Kris
23. Danielle
25. Pixierump20
38. Maija
15. Barbara
34. van_phame
13. Julie
33. Moonsanity
28. Diana (book of secrets)
14. Maureen
2. Natasha A.
46. Smash Attack
1. Mandi
17. Scorpio M.
39. I Heart Book Gossip
45. JenM.
7. Mollie
5. Robin K.
8. donnas
20. Joder
32. Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Review
11. Blodeudd
18. Estella
37. The Book Pimp Blogs
19. Jane

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis (2010) - review

2010-10-18T08:14:00.002-05:00

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so "not "her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

I know I've said this before, but Jill Shalvis is one of my top favorite contemporary romance authors. She effortlessly blends humor, sexual tension, and romance with her own unique sense of the adorable to create stories that most readers can easily relate to. And while I love me some urban fantasy and paranormal romance, sometimes you just need a dose of the simple and real to make you happy.

Maddie Moore has come to Lucky Harbor with the hopes of starting fresh. She never really got to know her mother, a fact that deep-down makes her feel a bit resentful. But she's determined to make the most of what she's been left, even if it's going to take more than a little elbow grease and some tough negotiating with her sisters. Thing is, Maddie's always considered herself a mouse, so going up against her opinionated sisters is not as easy as it sounds, especially since it's been awhile since they've seen each other. But armed with her knitting needles and a recently discovered stubborn streak, she's determined to try.

Enter one very hot 'n sexy fantasy of a man by the name of Jax, and Maddie's got her hands full with getting her life back on track without losing her heart in the process. But before she knows it, Maddie finds herself getting to know her sisters, gaining a confidence she thought she never possessed, and falling for a wonderful man who does she her value. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to have faith in her heart and just take that leap....

My thoughts:

This time around, I really have to commend Jill for taking a stand in her books without getting preachy. She continues to write her really fun, sexy romances, but she's also exploring more serious topics, such as verbal and physical abuse. In Maddie's case, fortunately it didn't get really ugly, though any level of abuse is bad, and we see the afteraffects abuse can have on a person, how it can tear down their confidence and make them feel like they are the one at fault, and not the actual abuser. It takes Maddie awhile - and some time on her own - to finally feel like she can trust her instincts and let herself fall in love with a really great guy.

And that is exactly what Jax is. Not perfect by any means, Jax has his own demons to contend with, but from their first encounter, Jax has seen something in Maddie that draws him, and it isn't long before he's falling in love. It both hurts and angers him that Maddie was in an abusive relationship, but rather than being impatient with her, he takes his time, gaining her trust and showing her what it means to be treasured. He doesn't treat her like a fragile piece of china, but rather as a woman with needs and a strong will of her own, so at times he pushes her to get her to push back. I think Jax ranks up there with one of my favorite heroes of all time. He's gorgeous, smart, and possesses a generous and caring heart that he can't help but share with those he cares deeply about. Having once lived a life devoid of meaning, Jax is grateful he got out before he crossed a line and completely lost his soul.

It's also touching to see Maddie reconnect with her sisters again. Sharing the same free-spirit mother but different fathers, the three young women haven't really spent a lot of time around each other, and have pretty much gone on to live their own lives. Their mother's death forces them to get together and make decisions that will affect each of them, and finding out about themselves in the process. This opportunity gives them a chance to perhaps become friends as well as sisters, and though they go through a series of growing pains, it's pretty evident that all will work out in the end.

I think "Simply Irresistible" is now my favorite Jill Shalvis book, and THAT is saying something. But it was just the perfect balm to make me smile and sigh, and maybe even believe in love a lil bit. It left me feeling exactly the way a wonderful romance story should, and I am absolutely dying to go back and visit Lucky Harbor again very soon!

Rating: ***** out of *****

I'm also jonesing for more of Jill's Pacific Heat baseball series. So I hope many of you will buy a copy of "Simply Irresistible" so that we can get Gage's book! Let's tweet and tell @PenguinUSA how much we love Jill's books!!!!!

Winner of Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series

2010-10-18T07:04:00.001-05:00

The winner of the 3 books in Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series is....

Kai @ Amaterasureads!

Kai, please send your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com and I will get those out soon! Congrats :)

Thank you all for stopping by and wishing me a happy birthday. It was really very lovely, and I now have some fantastic song suggestions I need to check out. You guys are just really awesome :)

13. Kai @ Amaterasureads
34. Andrea
30. Loretta Canton
20. donnas
18. Blodeuedd
6. Kiwi
46. Diana (book of Secrets)
35. Joder
28. Sue
51. I heart Book Gossip
24. Lillie (AliseOnLife)
17. BookObsessed
48. Dev
14. Teawench
16. Julie
44. host
39. Minna
40. Maureen
26. Lucy
42. Barbara E.
25. StephanieD.
5. Maija
23. Christine
27. elaing8
50. Stella (Ex-Libris)
4. Mollie
33. Estella
32. NikkiBrandyBerry
41. Liza
9. BethanyC.
49. van_pham
8. amyt865
47. DforDarla's Definite Reads
29. MamaKitty
3. Ryssa
31. hrd074
15. jackie b central texas
52. tetewa
53. Modokker
12. Katiebabs
43. Marg
11. Tynga
38. KellyM.
37. CrystalGB
19. shannon
1. Misha1989
45. Pixierump20
22. The Book Pimp Blogs
7. Eva/TXBookJunkie
10. RobinK.
21. LSUReader
36. throuthehaze
2. shadowflame1974

Winner of Leslie Kelly's "Another Wild Wedding Night"

2010-10-18T06:31:00.001-05:00

I completely forgot about this contest! Sorry folks for running late as usual, and in this case, really, really late.

The winner of Leslie's book is....Susi Sunshine!

Susi, please email me your snail mail addy and I'll drop this in the mail sometime this week!

1. Susi Sunshine
4. Estella
5. Cories5
2. Dawn (heart) romance
3. Crystal GB

Birthday bash day 5!

2010-10-15T07:55:00.002-05:00

Well today is my final celebration, and I hope you've all enjoyed it :) It's been a lot of fun sharing with y'all, (and prolonging my birthday of course LOL).

Today I am offering a $25 giftcard to the bookstore or other merchant of choice. Could be Amazon, Best Buy, Bath & Body Works, whatever. It's your call. You just have to answer my question:

What SmartPhone application or website

can you just not live without?

Contest ends at noon CST on Thursday, October 21st. Good luck!

Birthday bash day 4!

2010-10-14T07:18:00.004-05:00

Today I'm giving back. Instead of a prize to an individual, I'm going to donate $20 to your favorite charity. Please leave a comment, letting me know which charity is near and dear to your heart (ahem, and not your book fund charity either. Must be for children or animals or breast cancer or MS or...) and a randomly selected winner will get a $20 contribution made to their charity of choice.

Contest ends noon CST on Wednesday, October 20th. Good luck!

Birthday bash day 3!

2010-10-13T07:46:00.002-05:00

This is Ian Somerhalder. Isn't he pretty? I have had a crush on him since he was in a show called "Young Americans". He was a guy attracted to a girl he thought was a guy. Very hot stuff. Now pretty Ian is on "The Vampire Diaries", playing "maybe not so bad after all" Damon Salvatore.

Now don't get too excited. I am not giving Ian away. (I'd keep him for myself anyway). No, today I'm feeding another addiction. I'm giving away a $20 Starbucks card. You just have to answer the question:

Who is your favorite hottie?

Contest ends at noon on Tuesday, October 19th. Entry must answer question in order to qualify. Good luck :)

Birthday bash day 2!

2010-10-12T07:01:00.001-05:00

Wow this is fun! I forgot how much I loved doing this last year :) I am still deciding all of what I'm doing, but I like being spontaneous.

Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes I've gotten. It was actually yesterday, but I am one Libra who believes in extending the celebration. So here we go....

Up for grabs: 1 book of your choice up to $10.

Question:

What is the sexiest movie you've ever seen?

Contest ends at noon CST on Monday, October 18th. All eligible entries must include an answer to the question. Good luck!!!!

Birthday Bash kickoff!

2010-10-11T08:20:00.002-05:00

Hey! Happy birthday to me! I kinda was slacking this year with my birthday bash, but I am going to post a few contests this week. Fun, right?

To kick it off, I'm going to offer up my absolute favorite series I read this year: Downside Ghosts by Stacia Kane.

I'm going to make it super easy since it's my birthday. Just post a comment about your current favorite SONG. Please include the artist as well as the name of the song.

Contest will end at noon CST on Sunday, October 17th.

Now go forth & enter! Stay tuned for other prizes throughout the week :)

Letter to new authors

2010-10-07T07:29:00.000-05:00

New authors. Gotta love 'em. It's exciting to think of someone just starting out, following their dreams. And with epublishing and even self publishing, there are so many ways now to get your book out there.

But some new authors are a little over zealous about getting their stories read. I am not the first nor the last to be frustrated by a relatively new writer going about and aggressively trying to get people to read their books, and getting good reviews. A part of me cannot blame them because of course they want people to buy their books. However it's the way some of them go about doing it that is a turn-off.

So I've come up with a list of do's and don'ts that I would follow if I were a writer and wanted to spread the word about my books. My own personal etiquette, if you will:

Do take advice from some respected and veteran authors. Many of them, like Lori Foster, have been very supportive of providing opportunities for new authors to get their work published. And I know for a fact that Lori is a big believer in writers getting to know their audience. She's been around over 10 years and obviously has had experience in the business and knows what she's talking about.

Don't relentlessly recommend your books to readers, especially readers you don't even know. A lot of readers I know are happy to read a book if an author asks them to, but when you use channels such as GoodReads to endlessly recommend your own work, it comes across as tacky. A recommendation from a person I don't know is more a deterent than anything else, and 99.999% of the time, I decline. Readers have so many books to choose from, a lot of which they already own, so trying to force your book on someone isn't the way to get it read.

Do get to know your audience. Online drive-by notifications about an upcoming book release are very frustrating, because you are most likely just trying to get free advertising for your book, and it's really rude to use another author's blog or Yahoo group to do so. If you don't take the time to get to know your readership, you won't have one. True, not all readers use the internet, but many of them do, and readers talk about the good and the bad. Check with local bookstores about setting up a signing. I myself have contacted bookstores on behalf of a reader, it's not hard to do. And it can be good business for them as well. This gives you the opportunity to meet readers. Sure you might be shy. Guess what, so am I, but if I want to meet an author, I'll take a deep breath and walk over. But there has to be an opportunity.

Do network. It's overwhelming, the number of places a person can network, both in person and online. You've got annual conferences, big and small, you've got your own website, perhaps a personal blog, industry blogs, reader blogs,Twitter, Facebook, MySpace (does anyone still use MySpace?). It's intimidating. Select the most effective ways that work for you and use them efficiently. Carve out an hour a day or two hours a week and network. Update your blog and site. Find blogs that you enjoy visiting yourself (if you have time) and ask if you can be a guest blogger.

Don't respond to reviews, unless it's a brief "thank you" whether the review is good or bad. It can't hurt to thank someone for taking the time to write a review, even if it's not favorable. But keep it short and sweet. I cringe when I see an author battling to defend their work, because ultimately, it makes the writer look bad. It doesn't matter the reason, just let it go. I've seen some authors claim the reader didn't "understand" the book. Oh, don't go there. VERY unprofessional and rude, and doing it online means there's a great chance it will spread to other readers. I blocked one person on GoodReads for this very reason. I won't friend her or read her book. Ever.

Do be a reader. I know you don't have time, but you don't need to read 100 books a year. It's good to read what's popular, and have something in common with your audience. Reading can be just as much educational as it can be fun, and it's good way to connect with other people.

Do keep your website/blog updated! I can't stress this enough. And take the time to have a professional site created, even if it's just a blog. They are either free or relatively inexpensive. Some of those glittery, blocky sites are eyesores, and I immediately leave. Provide excepts for your books. Readers are selective, and if they don't have a way of sampling your work, many of them move on.

Don't get too personal. I know a few authors who are very, VERY open about their sex lives, and their families, and even where they live. You need to think very carefully about this. I'm not a prude, and I have engaged in my share of raunchy conversations on occasion, but I don't get explicit, and I won't. Not in public. Writers, you risk alienating a lot of people by getting too personal, not least of which may be your own publisher. It's not very professional and in fact are very inappropriate. If I had those kinds of conversations at my workplace, I would be fired. And I'm not kidding. No second chances if I were reported for making any kind of comments of that nature. That's pretty serious. Also be careful what you share about family and friends. About a month or so ago, an author revealed on her blog too much information about a minor child she takes care of, which got a lot of readers upset because now you're invading that child's privacy. Not smart. I know the internet seems like a cozy place to share with your friends, but it's a very public forum where anyone could be watching.

Don't brag. When I get a friend request at Facebook or GoodReads, if I see the author going overboard touting their own work (best-selling author of the most amazing and original and brilliant "insert catchy phrase here" series), it doesn't sell me. In fact I tend to laugh cynically especially since chances are I've never even heard of the series, so how can it be best-selling? What are your sources? Just state the facts. Awards don't impress me much. I don't even remember any of the names of the recent RITA winners. Shame on me, but I don't.

Do write. Yes, networking and all those professional responsibilities are important, but you won't be doing any of that if you don't write your books. It's understandable if you take time away from the internet to work. Readers expect it, especially if we want the next book.

Now I am not an author, so take what I say with a grain if salt if you must. I just know what works for me and what doesn't. I've been a reader for over 30 years, and I've been on the internet for about 10 years. I've also gone to a lot of signing and events. And I love meeting new authors. Maybe one day I'll meet you too :)

Readers: anything I need to add?

Book alert: A Taste of Desire by Beverley Kendall

2010-10-06T07:06:00.001-05:00

Thomas Armstrong vows only the loss of his faculties could ever convince him to take Amelia Bertram under his care during her father’s absence from England. Sadly, that loss does occur… the moment Lady Amelia publicly states that rumors of his exalted sexual prowess are more fable than fact. Responding like any man with an ounce of pride would, he picks up the gauntlet she throws down on the ballroom floor.

When Amelia’s last failed elopement attempt has her sharing a roof with the very man who took her place in her father’s affections, she is determined to escape her prison to marry a man of her choosing. But, what she discovers in the seclusion of the viscount’s country estate is the ton’s ‘golden Greek god’ is more than the sum of rumor and innuendo, and under their mutual acrimony rages a fire not even a deluge from the Thames can extinguish.

But letting go of the past is difficult. Can Thomas and Amelia bury old jealousies and grievances for the promise of a love powerful enough to surmount his pride and crumble the walls surrounding her heart?

I really enjoyed Beverley Kendall's debut novel, Sinful Surrender, and was excited to hear that two characters that appear in that book have their own story coming out in January 2011. Beverley writes very passionate stories, and I like that. Especially since she also blends it with that much required emotional element I can't live without. And this one sounds like it has both of those things in spades. Beverley, I CAN'T wait to read it!

Trope: Enemies to Lovers

2010-10-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

I recently read a category romance with 3 stories in it, and one of the novellas centered around two people who work in the same area who have all this animosity towards each other, or so they think. It isn't until a wedding of mutual friends brings them together that they get the opportunity to explore the chemistry that sparks between them, and realize that all that hate is actually disguising deeper feelings.

I really enjoyed their story, and how they felt about each other. Jazz, our heroine, is spunky, and very forward. She has long since given up on love but not sex, so if nothing else, she figures now that her and Blake have admitted their attraction, they can act on it and screw like bunnies. Only Blake doesn't see Jazz as just another conquest. Although her rough behavior and antagonistic personality have always unsettled him a bit, he wants her for more than just a one-night stand.

Enemies to Lovers. There's just something so incendiary about these types of stories. Right from the start there's that incredible attraction that each person will deny with every breath, yet the more they pretend it doesn't exist, the hotter it gets. Plus, in many cases, the cause behind the hatred between them is usually a misunderstanding. Sometimes the stupid kind, but in these instances I can usually forgive them their stubborn behavior because it really kicks the heat up by several degrees. And me, I like ;)

Do you like enemies to lovers stories?

What are some of your favorites?

Leave a comment here and I will have a drawing to win a copy of this book by Leslie Kelly. Contest ends 3pm CST on Saturday, October 9th. You must answer the question(s) to qualify. Open to all.

Booksigning: meeting debut mystery writer Joelle Charbonneau

2010-10-04T07:55:00.001-05:00

Well this weekend I got to do something fun: meet a debut author from Chicago. Her name is Joelle Charbonneau, and she writes mysteries. Her first book, SKATING AROUND THE LAW, is set in a small town, and of course, around a roller rink. It sounds like a really fun series.

Joelle actually had this signing at a roller rink, which was a cool idea considering the setting of the book. It was fun for me since it was close by, and also because I saw many people I knew who attended the signing. 1 person bought 15 copies! Nothing like the support of family and friends to make an event successful.

And before you ask, no, I did not get out on there on skates. I am uncoordinated on the best of days, but I wasn't feeling too good on Saturday. But many people were there, enjoying themselves. It looked like a lot of fun.

I'm really looking forward to sitting down one day soon with this book and enjoying a good mystery, which admittedly I don't read too often these days. Sounds like a refreshing change of pace. Joelle, is was so lovely meeting you :)

Winner of the banned books contest

2010-10-04T07:01:00.005-05:00

Sorry I'm late (yet again!) I just remembered this morning, and according to Random.org, the winner of a banned book is....

22. Maureen

Maureen, please email me your snail mail addy. I can be contacted at trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com You get either a copy of "Speak", or another book off the banned book list.

Thank you all for stopping by. Let's keep these books off the banned books list!

2. Lucy
27. Andrea, aka the Barefoot Bard
18. Marg
13. Dev
28. sablelexi
3. Inspired Kathy
11. Estella
7. Marq
10. Kelley Vitollo
6. Lori
31. Stella
5. Blodeuedd
30. ikkinlala
24. orannia
1. J.A. Saare
14. Jeremy West
29. arceli
20. Karen
21. amandawk
25. Laurie
19. Mariska
16. Karen W.
26. nfmgirl
4. Bethany C.
15. A Buckeye Girl reads
8. Smash Attack
23. Joy
12. Tere Kirkland
9. SpazP
17. SiNn

Support Katiebabs and let people know that It Gets Better

2010-10-03T13:25:00.003-05:00

The always incredibly supportive and courageous Katiebabs has posted a pledge and a challenge to let people know that It Gets Better. She shares her personal story about being bullied and reaches her heart out to those who are currently experiencing pain and perhaps even considering suicide themselves. So let's support her pledge and help her reach her goal of $500:

It Gets Better: My $500 Pledge

Kate, you rock.

Rewind: The Wedding Singer

2010-09-30T07:40:00.001-05:00

From BooksaMillion:

New Jersey wedding chanteur Robbie Hart loses all hope after being abandoned at the altar by his fiancee Linda. Enter Julia, an effervescent ray of light in the shape of a catering-service waitress, who enlists Robbie's help in planning her own wedding--to a sleazy, DeLorean-driving junk bond salesman who tomcats around and treats women like unfeeling slabs of meat. Can our hero win Julia over before she elopes to Las Vegas? Will Billy Idol save the day? And, most importantly, will the fluffy romantic storyline be completely overpowered by the weighty mid-1980s cultural references? THE WEDDING SINGER is cheesy fun for the nostalgically inclined. Steve Buscemi tries to steal the film in an uncredited role as a drunk best man, but that honor actually goes to Alexis Arquette, as "George."

This movie came out in early 1998, and being a product of the 80's and a fan of Drew Barrymore, I just had to see it. I shouldn't embarrass myself and say how many times I went to see it in the theatre (3) because I developed this weird and totally unexpected crush on Adam Sandler, or rather Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, which had me a little obsessed with the movie. He and Drew have such chemistry in this movie, and they are both just regular people, so sweet together. It had all that angsty feelings of my later teen years and the music only brought those feelings rushing back to the surface.

It's not a perfect movie, having a few cringe-worthy moments, but most of it was pure awesome to me. I especially loved the song Robbie sang to Julia on the plane - "I Wanna Grow Old With You" - which has now been downloaded onto my phone. It makes me smile. There's "church tongue". And "Have You Written Anything Lately?" And let's not forget Billy Idol. So of course when it was released, I had to buy my very own copy. In fact, I think a "Wedding Singer" evening is on the agenda in the near future....

Do you love the 80's?

What are some of your favorite movies from that era?

Randomness

2010-09-29T07:24:00.003-05:00

1. What I'm reading: a few things actually. Another Wedding Night, a Harlequin Blaze by Leslie Kelly, and "Passion Unleashed", the 3rd book in Larissa Ione's Demonica series.

2. What I'm watching: season 1 of Nip/Tuck. I watched it way back (2003) but now because of tweep Kitty Thomas, I want to watch it again.

3. What I'm eating: I'm addicted to Panda Express' Honey Walnut Shrimp.

4. What I'm drinking: Lipton's Brisk raspberry iced tea.

5. Who I'm crushing on: Andy Whitfield (of Spartacus fame - see Monday's post)

6. What I'm listening to: "Grow Old With You" from the Wedding Singer. Cracks me up and melts my heart all at the same time.

7. What I'm dreaming about: spring! And going on a cruise. Anyone wanna go?

8. What I'm doing: (hopefully) a booksigning for Joelle Charbonneau on Saturday.

9. What I'm saving my money for: an iPad. And a car. Need many more dollars for that one!

10. What I'm believing: that Karma will come back to bite you, so think twice before doing that really mean thing now, cuz yeah, it's unbelievably tempting now, but will the consequences be worth it later? Yes? Then okay, go ahead and do it! *g*

11. What I'm tired of: radio commercials during the new fall t.v. season. Hearing the same ad 5 times in 5 minutes is beyond irritating.

12. What I'm hoping for: happiness.

13. What I'm doing now (besides typing this post): tweeting and listening to Nickelback

14. What I hate about getting older so far: I've gotten so damn sensitive. Someone needs to smack me!

15. What I pray for: That all the people in my life who are hurting find something to take away the pain.

16. What I crave: um, yeah, THAT. Also Dove's Cherry Cordial Courtship ice cream.

17. What/who inspires me: selfless people

18. What amuses me: inappropriate and/or dirty jokes (I just saw "Hot Tub Time Machine" and loved it!)

19. What drives me: the fear of being homeless!

20. What I'm curious about: what's on YOUR mind?

Happy Release Day to Joelle Charbonneau!

2010-09-28T07:01:00.004-05:00

Rebecca Robbins is a woman on a mission--to sell the roller rink she inherited in her rural hometown and get back to her life in Chicago. Fast. What she didn't count on was discovering a dead body head-first in a rink toilet. Now Rebecca is stuck in a small town where her former neighbors think she's a city slicker who doesn't belong, relying on a police department that's better at gardening than solving crimes. With the help of a handsome veterinarian, a former circus camel, and her scarily frisky grandfather, Rebecca must discover the identity of the murderer before she becomes the next victim.

Joelle Charbonneau is a Chicagoland author, and this is her debut novel. I am SO getting this! Sounds highly entertaining, and I love a bit of a mystery. Can't wait.

Congrats Joelle on your debut :)

MMMMM Monday: Andy Whitfield

2010-09-27T08:44:00.004-05:00

My reviewer's block seems to have extended to my blog as well, so what better excuse (if I actually need one!) than to have my latest hottie grace us with his luscious presence. This here is the yummy Andy Whitfield, who plays the lead character in "Spartacus: Blood &Sand".

He's got stormy gray/blue eyes and a sexy, gravelly voice that gives a woman shivers. His character is very serious on the show (what with being a slave and all) but watching the "special features" on the discs, he also is very funny and doesn't take himself too seriously. And dayum, does he look good nekkid ;)

But there's some recent sad news about Andy: recently his non-Hodkin lymphoma came back, and he is unable to tape season 2 of "Spartacus". Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts that he beats it and is back in action soon!

Are you loving on Andy?

I did it: my donation to JoinRed

2010-09-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

This past Friday I participated in a fun challenge to donate for a worthy cause. The instigator, er, originator of the challenge was the incorrigible Limecello, and here's her story:

#SocialGood

End result: from $10 came the astonishing generosity of the romance community which brought it up to $1150, and I am proud to hae been a part of it. Normally I wouldn't show proof, but I felt that since I helped up the ante, I wanted to show that yes, I did in fact put my money where my mouth is:

Transaction Date:
9/26/10

Billing Information
Amount:
$50.00

AIDS in Africa, inspired by (RED)
$50.00

Contact Information
Title:
Ms.

First Name:
Stacy

Last Name:
A------

Street 1:
**** X XXXXXXXXX Dr.

City:
M---- --------

State/Province:
IL

ZIP/Postal Code:
6----

Country:
United States

Email Address:
trelainastarblazer@yahoo.com

Inspired by (RED)

Payment Information
Payment type:
Credit Card

Credit Card Number:
****************
Gift Amount:
$50.00

Tax-deductible Amount:
$50.00

This organization's tax ID is:
582368165

Tracking Code:
1924-1201-1-741335-745462

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Winner of Something About You!

2010-09-26T18:36:00.002-05:00

The winner of Julie James' "Something About You" is....

1.18. Robin K

Congrats Robin :) Please send me your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com

2.3. LightsTouchEarth
3.10. Barbara E.
4.16. Maureen
5.21. Karen
6.22. Stella
7.7. JCP
8.19. Laurie
9.4. Blodeudd
10.2. Misha1989
11.15. Maija
12.1. JA Saare
13.11. Lisa R.
14.17. cories5
15.5. Marq
16.12. lyan
17.14. Loretta Canton
18.20. Just peachy
19.6. Patti (book addict)
20.9. Dianne Castell
21.8. caitieflum
22.13. Lady Graeye

And stay tuned for my upcoming birthday contest coming in the next few weeks :)

What I'm watching: Spartacus: Blood & Sand

2010-09-23T07:13:00.001-05:00

Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator.

The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I rented this show mainly for some dirty, nekkid hot men and the wickedness that should ensue from said naughty imagery. And Andy Whitfield does not disappoint in the title role of Spartacus. He is incredibly rugged and gorgeous, with a sexay bod and smoldering blue eyes. I'd follow him anywhere (sending a little prayer that he fights his cancer and goes into remission once and for all).

But...that's about the only good thing I've discovered so far. Granted, I've only seen 4 episodes, but I've found myself tweeting or reading or yawning and ignoring what's going on because I'm bored. I have no problem with the violence, but it's so repetitive. And there have been some nekkid sex scenes - even a m/m one which should have worked for me but nope, nothing - and they're not very sexy. There's no HEAT. The characters are mannequins. And no, I don't want to see John Hannah and Lucy Lawless going at it either. The only thing keeping me going is Andy, and totally for superficial reasons. I still have 3 more discs to go, and thankfully as the main character, I expect to see a lot more of him.

Has anyone else seen season 1 of Spartacus?

Does it get better?

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger (2010) - review

2010-09-22T07:34:00.001-05:00

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

I saw talk of this book on Twitter a few weeks ago, and thanks to the glowing words of Elyssa Papa, I decided to buy it (see, sometimes that's all it takes). After the annoyingly long wait for the book (you get what you pay for with free shipping), I finally got it last week, and when I finally got to it, I read it in about 2 hours, it was that good.

Bianca is the girl who sits at the bar of their teen hangout and keeps tabs on her girlfriends so they don't get into too much trouble. She's not much into the wild teen scene, but she loves her friends, and designates herself as their chaperone to keep them from getting out of hand. One boring evening while commiserating with the bartender, Wesley Rush, the handsome man-whore of her school, approaches her and gets her hackles up. And when he dubs her the DUFF of her group, she sees red - Cherry Coke red - and attacks.

But as time goes on and Bianca ends up encountering Wes more and more, she soon notices that her reaction to him after she kisses him makes her forget, takes the pain of her family life away for awhile. So when the two are assigned to work on a class project together, Bianca decides to kick it up a notch, and the two end up having sex. And whenever Bianca needs to stop thinking, she goes to Wesley.

But by covertly going to Wesley, she's also unconsciously avoiding her girlfriends, and this creates a bit of tension between them. Bianca is a little too caught up in her secret life, and she's not one to share what's going on at home. But now her actions may be jeopardizing her friendships.

And of course it's inevitable that after a time, Bianca begins to see glimpses into Wesley's life outside school, and what she discovers is not so perfect as she would have imagined for this beautiful, irritating boy. Yet when she starts to have feelings for him, it scares her off. Wesley is not supposed to make her care....

My thoughts:

What I loved about this book is that it feels extremely genuine, and it should, since the author is only 18 years old, and 17 when she wrote it. There's not an over abundance of angst and melodrama, but there is definitely a sense of authentic teenage emotion coursing through the story. We see the choices Bianca makes, or doesn't make, and it feels so real.

Another thing I loved is who effortless it is to read this story. The writing is so smooth, that it's like watching a movie play out, and I was flipping the pages faster and faster, wondering exactly how events would play out. I felt like I was standing in the hallways of the school, watching it all unfold around me, and I loved that feeling.

One thing I have to remember when I read a YA book is not to get frustrated by some of the choices the characters make. I've got decades more experience, so my choices would be different because I'm not a teenager and I don't think or feel the same way anymore. I'm not dependent on my parents, or have to worry about constant peer pressure or what my friends and classmates think. When I let myself remember what it was like to be Bianca's age, I can fully understand her reactions to what is happening around her, and how sometimes it's just easier to bury your head in the sand and pretend nothing's wrong.

Admittedly, Bianca is not always likeable, but you know what? That actually made me like her even more. She never tries to be perfect, she just is who she is, trying to cope with a crappy family life and now the added inadequacies of being considered a DUFF. And then to suddenly be having feelings for the boy who gave her the hateful nickname to begin with forces Bianca to go in a totally different direction. She runs.

Another thing about Bianca is that she's not a sappy teenager. I don't see her putting stickers of hearts and flowers all over her laptop, or getting all giggly over a boy. Bianca is more low-key, and that I liked most of all. I've never been much of a girly girl, and I don't act all helpless and stupid in front of anyone much less a guy, not even when I was a teen, so I fully appreciate that. Nor is Bianca the total rebellious teen, taking drugs and skipping school. She's somewhere in the middle, where a lot of us were back then. And the problems she's facing are very common issues that a lot of teens deal with, which makes Bianca fery easy to relate to. A lot of times, teens are portrayed as one extreme or the next - either bad kids or goody goodies, and Bianca is somewhere in the middle.

I also understood the way she tended to deflect attention away from herself. Whenever her friends would ask her how she was, she'd always say "I'm fine". I am very aware that I do this even now. I'm not big on sharing the burden of my problems with people, yet I tend to make a big deal out of little things. But her friends know her well enough to know that when she says those words, it usually means there's something going on. Bianca is stubborn though, and keeps so much to herself. She doesn't realize at first that by doing this, she's pushing her friends away. But she eventually learns to rely on her friends just like they rely on her.

I am really looking forward to reading the next story by Kody Keplinger, which looks like it will be out in 2011, but no details yet. But I can guarantee it's already on my TBB list!

Rating: ***** out of *****

Guest spotlight: Laurie

2010-09-21T07:03:00.001-05:00

I am BEYOND thrilled to have my very special guest here today. I have known Laurie for many years, since I hopped on the internet and joined Lori Foster's Yahoo group. Since then, I've had the fortune to meet with Laurie in person several times, most recently this past June at Lori Foster's/Dianne Castell's annual Reader/Author get together.

She is one of the most special people I have ever met, and I sincerely love her to pieces. Not only is Laurie sweet and charming, she's funny as hell (don't let that cute and innocent face fool you, she's got more than a wee bit o' the devil in her, God bless her *g*). And she spearheads an annual troop donation project that garners box upon box of items for our beloved troops. Just check out this picture from her blog of a recent collection of items. She's an angel through and through, a wonderful friend, and one of my favorite people on the planet. Now here's your turn to get to know my good pal, Laurie :)

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

I live in a small city in central Ohio and am the legal assistant to the senior partner in a civil practice law firm. I've been married for 31 years and we have two lovely daughters, 20 and 25. I like to joke that my hub robbed the cradle. Yes, we were young when we married, at 20 and 19, but the truth is that I'm just plain getting old!

I've been a romance reader since I was 14. I love to chat about books, the talents of my favorite authors and occasional personal tidbits on my blog at Laurie's Laudanum. I post independent reviews on my blog as well as reviews I write on behalf of Romance Junkies. I would like nothing more than to write a book and always seem to have story ideas running through my mind, some have even merited a few jotted notes and ideas, but I guess the desire (and self-confidence?) haven't been strong enough to actually try to make it happen. I don't know if I could give up reading for the amount of time that would have to be dedicated enough to make a worthwhile attempt.

Besides my family, one thing I'm very proud of is working with my dear friend Lori Foster for the past six or so years on what we simply call our troop project. We shop for and ship to deployed troops and with the boxes that are going to be shipped tomorrow, we have reached a milestone of 1000 pounds. I always wish that each shipment could be our last, but it looks like our servicemen and women are going to be needing our support for quite a bit longer.

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

I am curently reading Alison Kent's THE ICING ON THE CAKE and am absolutely loving it! I've always said that I would recommend Alison's grocery list as recommended reading, I love her work so much!

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

There are so many that I'm looking forward to including upcoming releases from Stephanie Tyler, Roxanne St. Claire, Jill Sorensen, Jill Shalvis, Maya Banks and Jaci Burton, but the one I absolutely cannot wait for (and recently blogged about!) is Pamela Clare's BREAKING POINT. Waiting until next July will be rough.

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

I tend to use my iPod more for Kindle app reading and Twitter; can't honestly say that I listen to music on it non-stop. My music tastes are fairly eclectic and my rotation includes my main man (here I go again, dating myself), Bob Seger, and Dean Martin, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, k.d. lang, The Royales (an Ohio jazz/funk group), Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Patsy Cline, Rihanna, Alison Kraus, James Taylor, Bobby Darin, Carole King and Carly Simon.

What are your favorite places to visit online?

I won't name individual author blogs for fear of leaving someone out, but I enjoy Dear Author, Smart Bitches, Stacy's Place on Earth (hugs), Romance Junkies, *red-faced* People of WalMart, Awkward Family Photos, and CNN and msnbc for news updates.

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

I'd be lost without Diet Coke, frosted brownies and (plain) M&Ms. My favorite television shows right now are Lie to Me, Bones and although I haven't been able to find it for a while now, I loved Paranormal State. We watch a lot of Project Runway, but admittedly haven't been as devoted this season as in past seasons. As for my favorite restaurant, I'm not sure that I really have just one. There's a little hole in the wall pizza place called Bennys that I love, but we also enjoy Olive Garden, Max & Erma's and City Barbecue. Obviously, our tastes aren't terribly sophisticated.

Which hottie out there is to die for?

I'm not as familiar with "hotties" as other women seem to be, at least by name, but I never get tired of looking at Carter Oosterhouse - his face is one that comes to mind when I picture fictional heroes. I remember having a huge crush on Lee Horsley (Matt Houston, anyone?) back in the day and when my oldest daughter loved MacGuyver when she was very young, it wasn't a hardship for me to watch it with her every week. Lee Horsley and Richard Dean Anderson have both aged very well! I have difficulty ogling guys that are young enough to be my sons!

Besides hanging on the internet, what are some of your hobbies?

I love to bake and make candy, especially for family and friends during the holidays. My husband and I enjoy visiting antique fairs/flea markets and going to antique shops. Our tastes are fairly simple and inexpensive. He likes old marbles and I collect lady head vases, unique decks of cards and old dice. I enjoy making jewelry and doing crafts with my daughters.

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

My hub is a real sweetheart and is always doing little things that mean so much to so many. He leaves the girls and I notes all through the house, picks my favorite flowers and leaves bouquets through the house, and stops to buy our favorite sweet treats to surprise us (and my 80 year old mom). He's also known for taking boxes of donuts/muffins to our doctor, dentist and veterinarian's offices.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Not sure there's anything about me that would surprise anyone. I'm exceptionally ordinary! I suppose some might be surprised that I swear like a sailor. Not always out loud, but in my mind or alone in the car? Oh yeah, I'm spewing filthy words. One quirk - I sort and eat my M&Ms by color. My favorite thing to eat with M&Ms is Fritos corn chips. Strange? Probably.

Well Laurie, you are wrong, because you are far from ordinary. And after this, I think you're cooler than ever :) Thank you for being here today. You brightened up my Tuesday. Have a great week hon!

Contest: Supporting books, not banning them

2010-09-20T07:35:00.005-05:00

For those of you on Twitter, most of you may have seen the numerous #SpeakLoudly hashtags yesterday about banned books. Most notably, the tweets were addressing a rather narrow-minded associate professor of management at Missouri State University by the name of Wesley Scroggins, who is blatantly claiming that the Young Adult book "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson should be banned because of some scenes he describes as "softly pornographic", which in fact are scenes of rape. I don't know about you, but my first thought was: What the fucking hell???

Now granted, I have not read the book myself, but I have seen and blogged about the movie because I felt it was a glimpse of the very stark reality of what happens to a lot of teenage girls. As a woman, rape is a legitimate and very real fear, and anytime some moron comes out and puts the blame on the victim, or turns it into something titillating and salacious, my first reaction is that I want to them to experience firsthand exactly what it is they are ignoring. This jackass and his uninformed opinions raised my hackles, and made me more determined than ever that this book not be banned.

I'm not the first, and hopefully I won't be the last, to stand up and want to do something. So today I'm joining a long list of book lovers and believers in the freedom of speech to support these books, and to hopefully get them back on the shelves. I hope you will join me.

So for the next 2 weeks, ending at noon CST on Saturday, October 2nd, I'm going to have a contest to win a copy of this book. Or, if you've already read it and would like to read another book on the banned book list, I will buy a copy and send it to you. (You can go here for a list banned and challenged books). Contest is open to everyone. Just leave a comment.

For more ways you can help, you can visit Laurie's blog and just follow the links.

And please stop by CJ Wine's blog and read one courageous author's own account as she SPEAKS OUT against banning books. If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will.

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read
September 25−October 2, 2010

SUPPORT BOOKS!!!!

Contest: win a signed copy of "Something About You" by Julie James

2010-09-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

FATE HAS THROWN TWO SWORN ENEMIES. . .

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and nearly ruining his career…

. . .INTO EACH OTHER’S ARMS

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it’s no joke: the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension…

Recently I won a signed copy of Julie's book on Facebook, but since I am lucky enough to already have one, I decided to offer this one up in a contest.

Simple rules: just respond to the contest question no later than noon CST on Friday, September 24th. Open to everyone. Must answer the question in order to qualify.

Question: Since one of the characters in Julie's book is an attorney, my question is:

What is your favorite law show and/or character?

Now you are free to go forth and enter :)

Good luck!

Heads-up: 2011 Lori Foster/Dianne Castell Reader/Author Get Together!

2010-09-16T11:58:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Reader and Author Get Together
June 3rd – 5th, 2011

Mark your calendars!

Cincinnati Marriott North at Union Centre, West Chester Ohio

Same location, same price, same great deal!

Registration for the 2011 event will open in January 2011.

Cover alert: Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill!

2010-09-16T06:38:00.004-05:00

GORGEOUS!!!

Guest spotlight: Leontine

2010-09-15T07:26:00.002-05:00

It's Leontine Time! This girl is one of my absolute favorite book reviewers. She completely blows me away with the way she describes a book. And she's got a fabulous blog to post those reviews. You can also go there just for her stable of studs and believe me, you will be well satisfied ;)

Here's Leontine to tell you a little about herself, and God bless her for being here today.

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

My name is Leontine, I’m 34 years young and once upon a time I graduated for my degree of neonatal nurse but I worked many years in a children’s daycare centre and now lead the *coughexcitingcough* life of an naughty romance researcher. I’m an avid reader of Paranormal Romance / UF / Fantasy Romance / Erotica, M/M – BDSM – Ménage – Dark Erotica and as a side dish also read Contemporary, Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance. Uhm, yeah, I might as well call myself a very eclectic reader *grin* Next to being an avid reader I consider myself a person who loves to blog too. Sometimes it’s a time suck spinning out of control but at the end of the day I still enjoy it to the fullest!

Since I was a wee young girl I always had a vivid imagination and for a part lived in my head. This hasn’t changes as an adult and part of me would love to write :) I think I definitely have the imagination for it but between my imagination and my keyboard to write it up in a story is a huge glitch. So I’m the only one who is currently enjoying all my fantasies but you never know what the future might bring. Never say never!

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

My Blog carries the name; Leontine’s Book Realm; A Naughty Romance Researcher At Play. It is literally a place where I get to play with all the things I love so much regarding books. I aim to have a blend of reviews, features, some promo like guestblogs and interviews, and a bit of personal stuff - mostly regarding me as a reader.

I love character interviews and though I haven’t taken the time lately The Beefcake Preview Club is still a feature that’s going to be present again on my blog.

Next to this I’m also the Cover Hussy Queen of the Cover Hussy Club. I love covers, cover candy and a cover artist creativity, so me and a group of ladies decided to have one day a month where we present our “cover research”.

Next to this I also have temporarily features. This summer I had the Smutty Researcher At Play feature; 14 days of erotic fun is what we had :) This Fall I have my ‘The Vampire, The Shapeshifter & The Kick Ass Chick feature; I looked at my pile PNR books and I just had to sample some new authors. A feature like this always is an extra push for me to get going. Coming December I will have an Angels feature, not sure what it’s all going to entail but Angels have invaded my shelves this last year!

Next to LBR I also have my place in the ROOB posse at REALMS ON OUR BOOKSHELVES . I think if there is one place that’s been my home with all the changes I’ve gone through as a reader of English novels then it’s this place, and for that fact only it holds a very dear place in my heart! Not to mention I share my love for books there with three fabulous chicks: Natascha, Marissa & Pearl.

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

Currently (9-13-2010) I’m reading Stacia Kane with UNHOLY GHOSTS and the kick off novel in this series is impressive so far so I would certainly rec it and later today I’m going to start in a debut erotica from Kele Moon titled; BEYOND EDEN!

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

I have two books I’m pining for: C.L. Wilson’s CROWN OF CRYSTAL FLAME ( I always have to look up the title, for me it’s still Tairen Soul LOL) I also can’t wait to get my hands on Nalini Singh’s PLAY OF PASSION, Singh is one of my author who constantly gives me books I love to read.

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

Uhm, yeah, here is where I tell you I’m a gadget Neanderthal and have no iPod. I love to listen to various songs from Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Enrique.

What are your favorite places to visit online?

Google is by far the site I visit the most on a day. It’s my gateway to all sorts of info and images a book & creative junkie needs.

Of course I have a “few” blogs I regularly visit, the one’s of; Fiction Vixen, Cecile, my sister Natascha, Blodeuedd, KC/K-Khan, Tanya, Pearl, Marissa, Mandi, Carolyn, Erotic Horizon, just to name a few.

I also tend to visit The Saurus.com a lot for my synonym’s. Quite some time ago I realized how stuck I was in a certain loop of English words while I write my reviews, so synonyms were the answer :)

And I just wanted to add, since it’s so very me – my favorite programs to work with on the computer are Photoshop and Artisteer (blog design) If that wasn’t on my computer I would be so lost.

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

I love a coke and rum. I’m always in the mood to munch on spare-ribs / pasta / a good salad and all things chocolate. I have a select few TV series I actually continue to watch and I am more a gal of watching a TV series on DVD; DEXTER – SUPERNATURAL – GREY’S ANATOMY – COLD CASE – THE CLOSER – NIP/TUCK – WITHOUT A TRACE – LAW & ORDER SVU and HOUSE. Hhhmmmmm, well, perhaps it’s more than a few huh ;)

Which hottie out there is to die for?

Can I just give you the key to my Stud Stable? Here is what dwells there, I dubbed this one Giovanni.

What is something unique about where you live?

*I iz pondering now* I live in a small town so there’s not much here that will baffle you? I have a three hundred year old working mill behind my apartment complex…would that be unique?

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

It’s the small gestures of my hubby that have the most romantic impact on me. Taking me outside to soak up some sunshine when I feel gloomy, giving me a hug when I have a crappy day, say that I’m still sexy when I feel bloated and giving me an unexpected pressie at an unexpected moment and knowing exactly what makes me happy.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I got to know my hubby via a contact ad in a magazine and had a scorching hot letter exchange before we actually met two months later.

*Fans self* Wow, that sounds like a romance story in the making! Thank you Leontine, for joining me today. I LOVED having you here, and I admit, I adore chatty visitors. You made my day.

And I'm definitely going to have to check out some of these web places you mentioned. Interesting and informative, that's what my guests bring to the table :) Thank you all for visiting with Leontine today. You guys make the internet a fun place to hang out :)

Chicago event alert: 7th Annual Young Adult Literature Conference

2010-09-14T07:03:00.001-05:00

Once again I have to give thanks for how lucky I am to live where I live. We tend to get a lot of amazing authors coming to the area, and I recently learned about this event. I don't know if I'll be attending, but perhaps I can try to go to any booksignings that might be open to the public.

7th Annual Young Adult Literature Conference
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Hotel Arista - Naperville

Is there anyone coming to Chicago or already in the area planning to attend?

Is it hot enough for you?

2010-09-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

I admit it, sometimes I buy books only because they are tagged as erotic. I get in those moods where I just want a hot, dirty read with a loving relationship at the heart of it. But mostly, I just want something naughty ;)

So it was with that thought in mind that I had picked up 2 books in a series labeled as erotic romantic suspense, and read them over the weekend (okay, I finished 1 book and am about 1/3 of the way through the 2nd). My thoughts: you don't always get what you want. The books, though filled with sex and a suspenseful plot, failed to leave me hot and bothered or even glued to my seat, caught up in an adrenaline rush due to the suspenseful action. Needless to say, it's been disappointing :(

The author of the books is someone I like very much, but I have to admit, I really don't think that this genre is her forte. These books are peppered with frequent sexual encounters of all varieties, but what's missing is...the heat. Sometimes less is more. And in certain circumstances, instant gratification can be a disappointment.

Anticipation can increase the intensity of just about anything. You want it so badly that the yearning grows over time. I found that the first kiss in "Faith and Fidelity" was so much HOTTER than most of the explicit sexual encounters I've found in a lot of romances, because of the need, the ever increasing desire and initial denial of acting on those feelings. As a reader, we became connected to these characters, began to fall in love with them as they fell in love with each other, and by the time they finally kissed, it was so intense and explosive. It's not all about nekkid body parts and multiple partners. It's about the attraction, they way you look at each other, the way you can't wait to get closer.

Of course the other problem in this series is that the suspense plot is weak, and the characters make several TSTL decisions (really, when the woman you love has been kidnapped, you're going to have sex with someone else???) so there's not a lot to fall back on. But then again I didn't buy these books for the suspense plot. It was all about the smexxin'. And while plenty, it was not very sexy.

Are you a fan of erotic romance?

What makes a story hot for you?

COVER ALERT: Julie James' "A Lot Like Love"

2010-09-13T07:26:00.004-05:00

The FBI wants her cooperation.

As the daughter of a billionaire and the owner of the city’s top wine store, Jordan Rhodes is invited to the most exclusive parties in Chicago. But there’s only one party the FBI wants to crash: the charity fundraiser of a famous restaurateur, who also happens to launder money for the mob. In exchange for her brother’s release from prison, Jordan is going to be there—with a date supplied by the Bureau.

Agent McCall just wants her.

As the top undercover agent in Chicago, Nick McCall has one rule: never get personal. This “date” with Jordan Rhodes is merely an assignment—one they’re both determined to pull off even if they can’t be together for five minutes before the sarcasm and sparks begin to fly. But when Nick’s investigation is compromised, he and Jordan have no choice but to pretend they’re a couple, and what starts out as a simple assignment begins to feel a lot like something more. . .

“Julie James writes books I can’t put down. A Lot Like Love kept me up way past midnight!”— Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

Check out Julie's blog for an excerpt!

Chicago: The annual Eric & Kathy's 36 Hour Radiothon

2010-09-10T13:00:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again, the time I never forget. The annual Eric & Kathy radiothon for Children's Memorial Hospital. They've helped raise money for the last 9 years, and I've been a part of it for most of that time because it's a very dear cause. Anything that supports taking care of sick children automatically has a place in my heart.

I'm not hear to preach or beg. I just like to post this every year because it means something to me. However If you were interested in donating, you can go here. Otherwise, please keep at least one child in your heart today. And have a wonderful weekend :)

It's official: I'm a Gleek!

2010-09-10T07:04:00.001-05:00

From Wikipedia: Glee is a musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States. It focuses on a high school show choir (a modern glee club) called "New Directions", at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio. The pilot episode of the show was broadcast after American Idol on May 19, 2009, and the first season began airing on September 9, 2009 .

I love music, and I love to sing (even though that is not a pleasant experience for others), yet when Glee came around about a year ago, I was all "meh". Whatever. It just didn't appeal to me for some odd reason. Then of course, my easily influenced self began to see all the chatter on Twitter about being a Gleek and this and that, so I finally decided I was just going to have to see for myself if it was worth all the fuss.

So I got the DVDs yesterday from Netflix, exactly 1 year after the first episode aired, and immediately began watching it. Almost right from the start, I was hooked. It was funny, charming, sweet, sad, and snarky. Fun! But what really hooked me was the last performance at the end of episode one (Director's Cut) - the rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'". Wow, that blew me away, mostly because as they're singing it, I'm feeling it. Those of you who love to sing know what I mean. It's that sense of wonder and emotion that takes you over whenever you're really into the music. I've replayed that scene 3 times now, and though it's not an over-the-top fancy number, it hit all the right buttons for me.

And damn, the episode with the football team and Beyonce's "Put a Ring on It" is freakin' hilarous! Just sayin'. I am having a blast watching this show *g*

Now I've already found characters I love, and ones I don't like (don't hate anyone quite yet), but I'm sure as the season progresses my feelings will change, and I expect that. I'm just really excited about watching all the episodes and falling in love with the music all over again. Reading the Wikipedia section on Glee, I love seeing the list of performers who've allowed their music to be used on the show, and am disappointed in those who refuse (you people suck! Not mentioning any names, Mr. "It Cuts Like a Knife".) Hopefully those few dissenters will change their minds and let Glee be an even better show.

Are you a Gleek?

What do you love/hate about the show?

Who are your favorite characters?

Guest spotlight: Marissa

2010-09-09T07:24:00.002-05:00

Hey, welcome to another exciting edition of Guest Spotlight! *g* I'm so glad my Marissa, my lovely guest today, sent me this picture you see above. What reader doesn't just drool over all those books. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I thought it should kick off her post.

[And you may notice that Marissa called me Tracy. I purposely left it in because I get called Tracy ALL THE TIME, so it's not unusual for me to respond to it, and I thought it was cute! :) ]

But today is all about Marissa, and I'm thrilled to have her her today. I love her blog and wish she was able to visit on Twitter more often. And Marissa just so you know, you are NOT boring!!!

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

Hi Tracy, thanks for having me as a guest on your blog.

My name is Marissa; I live near Rotterdam in the Netherlands with my partner and my two kids (7 and 3). As a child I used to travel frequently and lived a while in Africa and some other places as my father worked abroad, but now I am firmly grounded in The Netherlands, after all there’s no place like home. I am in my thirty’s and recently went back to work as an office manager & paralegal, and though I love my work it is seriously getting in the way of my addiction... books!

I love to read and like to blog every now and then when I have the time. I am not a writer nor want to be one. No talent whatsoever for that, it always amazes me how some writers can surprise you with their storylines and drool-worthy characters, I love that so I will stick to reading.

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

My blog is Marissa's Lair. I review romance books. My favorite genres are historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance, erotica and romantic suspense. The genres you won't find at my blog are urban fantasy and young adult, I don't know why but somehow those genres do not appeal to me. But maybe one day... I am willing to try out other genres if the blurb of a book appeals to me. I also review for Realms On Our Bookshelves.

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

I have just finished Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy, part 3 of her Fast Track series. Would I recommend it? Yess!!!! I love this series, I love the stockcar racing background, the characters, the men are delicious, the women strong, and I love the wit, the dialogues. This part is about Suzanne, who is easy to relate to and Ryder, a typical, but yummy man. They have many Mars-Venus encounters. Hot Finish is easy and light to read, a real feel-good story so yes everyone who loves romance should read this series!

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

I am really looking forward to read J.K. Beck’s paranormal trilogy When Blood Calls, When Pleasure Rules and When Wicked Craves. But I have so many great books on my to-be-read pile, right now it is +1000 high, so way too many books to read and not enough time….

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

I am very eclectic when it comes to music; I have both classical music and hard rock on my iPod. Love music from the ‘80’s so it really just depends on my mood what is playing on my iPod. But right now I listen a lot to a Dutch band called Kane, love their song No Surrender.

What are your favorite places to visit online?

Bookstores! In the Netherlands we don't have the huge bookstores you have (I am so jealous!), and the local bookstores do not sell the genres I read (I quote “we only sell quality books, no romance”, I so hate it when they say that…) so I have to buy all my books online, I spend a lot of time visiting the Book Depository and Amazon.

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

I love Italy, I love Italian men, so I also love Italian food. I hate coffee but I love tea and orange juice. Touch or take a bite of my chocolate and you will regret it; I am very possessive of my chocolate. My favorite dessert is tiramisu, but anything with strawberries and whipped cream will also do. I love “stroopwafels” (Dutch cookies) and ”kroketten” and no ketch-up on my French fries but mayonnaise! I love a good glass of wine, both red as white and I live on Coca Cola Light. My body contains 70% of diet coke instead of water by now I think... I have a weakness for bags, shoes and Marlies Dekkers lingerie and I love to watch Grey Anatomy, True Blood, Spartacus and a good movie when I have the time.

Which hottie out there is to die for?

Ehmmm, the right thing to say right now would be my beloved partner, but … I am a sucker for the dark hair and blue/green eyes type. I like them a bit older and for me there can be only one, (I can already picture the ROOB posse rolling their eyes, they know what is coming now), he is the one and only Beiron Andersson! I wish he had a single twin brother.

Favorite restaurant?

I do not go out that often anymore because of the kids so I don’t really have a favorite one; I love Rotterdam, that is my town. Rotterdam has many different restaurants that serve great food. As long as I don’t have to cook, get to hang out with my friends, have lots of laughter and a good glass of wine I am happy.

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

I think my idea of a romantic gesture is different than my partner’s idea of a romantic gesture lol…

He is not the flowers and chocolate type but every now and then he surprises me with something I really covet, like a new bag that had my name on it for a very long time or a weekend away without the kids.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I love history and have this penchant for old churches and cemeteries, whenever I am abroad and an old church or cemetery is nearby I have to visit it. I can spend hours in a place like that; old artifacts and history fascinate me. My partner fell asleep once on a garden bench while visiting an old castle, according to him I looked at every old stone with a magnifying glass, I just love to learn the stories of the people who lived there once.

Witte Huis

Well, I had fun answering these questions, so thank you for having me as your guest Tracy!

Marissa, thank YOU for being here! I loved getting to know you and I find other countries fascinating. And I definitely want to find out more about this Beiron Andersson ;)

Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon (2004) - quickie review

2010-09-08T07:42:00.000-05:00

Dear Reader,

What do you get when you take one immortal Viking warrior no one can remember five minutes after he leaves their presence, an Apollite heiress on the run for her life, and one seriously pissed off demigod? Basically, you get my life.

It started out simple enough. I went to save a woman one night in a club. The next thing I knew, the doorway to hell had opened and out stepped Daimons the likes of which I'd never seen before. Led by the son of Apollo, they are out to end the curse that has banished them all to darkness. The only problem with that is they have to kill Cassandra Peters to do it and if she dies, so dies the sun, the earth and all who dwell here. Life's just a bowl full of cherries, ain't it?

Brought together by fate, it's now my job to protect a daughter of the very race I have been hunting for centuries. Neither of us dares to trust the other. But she is the only one who remembers me...

Wulf Tryggvasen

This is book #4 or 5, depending on how you look at it, and once again I felt pleasantly surprised at being back in the Dark Hunter world and the endearingly messed up mythology of it all.

Though this is not one of my favorite stories - I feel there's so much going on that we don't get to see as much of Wulf and Cassandra together, just them that I couldn't connect fully with either of them - but I still enjoy it. It's heart-breaking because people die, whether by choice or whether as innocent bystanders. Wulf and Cassandra have been given a pretty hefty destiny, and yet side by side, the two fall in love under the most dire of circumstances - knowing that Cassandra will die in a few short months on her 27th birthday. Yet she's brave, and fights for her life at every turn. Wulf begins to care very deeply for this courageous woman who has lost so much already. And he begins to realize the prejudices he's carried with him for so very long. Loving Cassandra opens his eyes to those he believes are the evil enemy, and to see the torment they suffer at knowing their lives all have an expiration date much sooner than most humans, and certainly that of an immortal.

Cassandra herself learns much the same thing about Dark Hunters - those who vow to kill her race. Witnessing Wulf's protectiveness towards his only friend and squire Chris, as well as the way he takes care of her proves to Cassandra that Wulf is indeed a good man, and not a brutal killer. She falls for the stoic Hunter who expresses such tenderness towards her. How can she not when she sees his loving, gentle fierceness in every action towards her?

What I liked about this one is that we get to learn more of the Apollite history, how they came to be, and why Apollo has cursed them. We see their desperation at not wanting to die at such an early age (27), yet given the alternative, many will die. It's hard to hate a race that's been cursed by a god and only wishes to survive and carry on like any other. But the solution is to become a Daemon and steal human souls. Not an easy alternative.

Not having read all the books ( think I made it up to #8), there's a lot I still don't know. Some of my questions have been answered, but tend to lead to many more. I can't wait to read more. Just need to find some time....

Rating: **** out of *****

Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker (2010) - review

2010-09-07T07:29:00.004-05:00

A rebel army has been established to win back the land from demons-and a ne soldier named Xan has appeared out of nowhere to join them. Beautiful army captain Laisyn Caar is shocked by the powerful, all- consuming desire she feels in his presence, but when she discovers the dark secrets of Xan's agenda, she'll have to determine whether the man she's starting to love is a friend of her people-or a dreaded enemy.

Once again, I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC for Shiloh Walker's latest release, Veil of Shadows. This book is the 2nd one in her Veil series, and I can't decide which I liked better. But if that's the worse complaint to have about a book, it's not a bad deal.

This time around, we get to delve even further into this grim, murky world of magic and demons. Captain Laisyn Caar is more than capable of leading her team, yet many are skeptical that such a slight, small woman can handle herself in a decent fight. Those doubters soon learn otherwise when going up against her taunting challenge. Syn is no fool, but she knows how to fight, and she knows how to take care of herself as well as her team. When a stranger comes to their camp, Syn is immediately aware of this dark, brooding man. And when he feels uncomfortable fighting her, she lets him know the only way to get him past his prejudice is to prove him wrong. Before long, Xan has to admit that a woman can hold her own in a fight, and that she is a natural to lead this team against the demons that wish to devour them and the Warlords that wish to conquer the witch.

Syn is tired. They are running low on supplies, and too many people are questioning her authority. When a compelling man comes to camp, she's immediately aware of him, and disturbed by those feelings. Not that she'd let that get in the way of enjoying him, but life at the camp is risky at best, and the chances either one of them will survive for long is less likely than being chomped on by a demon. But Syn is a survivor, and a fighter, and she's not willing to go down easy. She knows that leaving camp is dangerous, but she has to do something, otherwise they will all die.

But the one thing that may help them - magic - is forbidden by her Commander. Kalen is afraid that letting the 3 powerful witches use their powers will attract the dangerous attention of the Warlords, and he's not willing to risk any of them. What he doesn't understand that a witch who doesn't use the magic is not fully living. It's up to Syn to convince him that unless they are allowed to help in this way, they're all dead anyway.

But Warlords and demons are not their only enemy. There are others, lurking in the shadows, just waiting for a vulnerable moment where they can come out and play. Or kill.....

My thoughts:

It's been over 2 years since I reviewed the first book in this series, Through the Veil, and I had forgotten how drawn in I was to this world. We get to see more of Lee and Kalen, and we also get to know more about Syn and the other witch, Elina. I liked Syn a lot. She's not quite as grumpy as Lee, but she's got a definite edge to her. I have to admit, when another woman challenges her, she doesn't just turn the other cheek, and I loved it. She kinda rubs her nose in it, but at the same time, when things get tough, Syn will fight side by side if it means protecting her team. Syn gets by on her natural leadership and ability to make the tough decisions, choices she doesn't always like, but knows are necessary in order to maintain control. At times, she can be a bit unforgiving and unwilling to listen, but she's not always given much of a choice. Sometimes there is just no other way, and she doesn't have the luxury of soothing hurt feelings and concerns. They are fighting a war, and Syn doesn't have a lot of options. She must do what is best for all of them.

Xan is mysterious and solemn, keeps much to himself except when it comes to Syn. Right from the start he's drawn to this strong, commanding woman, and respects the decisions she has to make. Though initially he's resistant to go up against her in a training exercise, he soon learns that the best way to fight is to be prepared for any instance, even if it does mean fighting someone smaller than himself, someone decidedly more feminine. But she doesn't pull any punches, and Xan respects her even more for it.

In their world, life is precious. It may seem at times impossible to imagine that two people can connect so quickly, but they don't have the certainty that they will even have a future. Xan is understandably still protective of his woman, not wanting her to use magic if it could harm her in any way, but he understands her need for it, like breathing, and he tries to be supportive, even though it makes him angry that she's taking such risks. But the rational side of him does understand. And he proudly fights side by side with her, which made me like him even more.

It's obvious anyone who shows up the way Xan does would have his secrets. We don't find out what those are right away, so there's always that cloud of uncertainty hanging over their relationship until we discover just what kind of man Xan is. And just what Syn will do once she finds out...

I loved revisiting Lee and Kalen again. We see how they are adjusting to marriage, how their happily ever after doesn't come sprinkled in fairydust. Their lives are hard, but they make the most of what they have. And I really hope we get to enjoy Elina's story next. She's mighty powerful in her own right, and aching for a man who walks the world mostly on his own.

The more I think we know about this world Shiloh has created, the more interesting little tidbits she tosses in to keep us wanting even more. Once again I was completely absorbed in her storytelling, and now want to go back and re-read both books back-to-back to experience the full affect. Just when I think I'm immune to her writing, she sucks me back in and I gladly go where the story takes me. I can't wait to go back :)

Rating: ****1/2 out of *****

The winner of Zoe Winters' book!

2010-09-06T18:52:00.002-05:00

I know, I know, late again! But I wasn't home. I was enjoying the gorgeous weather and took a trip to Chicago's Botanic Gardens today (posted pics on Facebook).

The winner of Zoe's signed book, selected by Zoe herself, is...

commenter number 22:

Van_Pham

Van_Pham, I should still have your addy, so I will pass that along to Zoe and you should get your book soon. Thank you again :)

A Blog Takeover... and Zoe Winter Giveaways!

2010-09-02T07:12:00.003-05:00

Hi, I'm Cole Riley, the alpha of the Cary Town werewolf pack, and a character created by Zoe Winters. Zoe is out all over the place hawking her book at the moment and asked for me to cover for her here at Stacy's blog.

I have a confession to make. I'm a liar. I know many of you humans no longer believe in soul mates, that one person in all the world who is the absolute right fit for you. The person destined to be yours. A lot of werewolves don't believe in it either. But I do. It's why I've been a bachelor for so long.

So what did I lie about and who did I lie to? I lied to myself, mostly. You see, this annoying vampire fledge racked up a $10,000 gambling debt with me. But I saw the way he was treating his human pet, overheard him talking about sharing her with the other vampires. If you know anything about vampires you know "sharing" starts with biting and could end in a very pornographic place.

So I broke up his party and took Jane. I told myself that I took her because Paul didn't have my money and I wanted to close off his earning potential. Then I told myself it was because she was in distress and I have this horrible habit of rescuing strays. But it wasn't that either. I could have found someplace safe for her. I didn't have to bring her back to the hive (our den).

The truth is... the moment I saw her huddled behind Paul in a coat way too big for her, something in my blood stirred and called out to something in hers. And something in hers responded to me. She's mine. I don't know how I'll tell her this, though. After what she's been through, the last thing she needs is to feel like she doesn't have any options. Especially given that my kind has an even worse reputation than the vamps. But she belongs to me, and with me. Some day I believe she'll be happy about that. I just don't know how we're going to get to that point.

Wow. Now I'm embarrassed. That was a little too much sharing. Why don't I talk about Zoe's contest? That's a better idea. Zoe is running a contest from her blog this week where you could win a brand new next generation 3G Amazon Kindle. It's almost as sexy as my Mustang.

She's also going to give away a signed copy of Blood Lust to a visitor here, so be sure to leave a comment by 3pm CST on Monday, September 6th for your chance to win.

Here's the information you might like to know about the book she's promoting this week:

It’s all about the blood...

Comprised of three novellas, Blood Lust gives readers a snapshot look at the world of the Preternaturals Series. (Future installments of the series will be novels.)

KEPT:

As a cat therian (shifter), Greta's blood is already sought after to enhance spells and potions, but due to a quirk of her birth, her blood is potent enough to kill for. When her tribe plans to sacrifice her, Greta must ally herself with Dayne, the dangerous local sorcerer, and the only person strong enough to protect her.

CLAIMED:

For a vampire, Anthony isn't a picky eater, but he's drawn to Charlee's blood more than any other. Like a fine wine saved for a special occasion, he's denied himself this pleasure. But one night, high from the potent magical blood of another, he claims his prize and loses control. Ashamed of almost killing the one woman who means anything to him, he wipes her memory of the event. When Charlee awakens with complete amnesia, Anthony is the only one who can clean up the mess he's made.

MATED:

Because of the vampiric blood that has run through her veins since birth, Jane has been a target for vampires who resent a human being "kindred." She's forced to disguise herself as a vampire groupie to appease them and safeguard her life. When she's abruptly given to Cole, the leader of the werewolf pack, to satisfy a gambling debt, she discovers the blood running through her veins has a far greater impact on her destiny than she ever imagined.

Print and ebook copies are available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. (other retailers coming soon.)

Buy links are available from Zoe's blog (The top stickied Amazon contest post.)

You can find her here:

Author Website

Author Blog

Twitter

Is the HEA in danger?

2010-09-01T07:22:00.002-05:00

Last night on a Twitter chat, I asked the author a question about the HEA - that much coveted Happily Ever After - and whether or not an HEA could end in future books of a series. In her case she said "yes". That nothing was safe in one of her books. Now granted, she writes paranormal, so there's a lot that can go on in a paranormal story that I can accept because that's almost an unwritten law in paranormal/urban fantasy. Yet for me, one thing that is very important to me is the HEA. By the end of the book or the series, that is one definite that must be met in some fashion. Otherwise, don't you dare label your book a romance. A romance has the payoff, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Now I understand that a lot of authors - as well as readers - want a more compelling, realistic story. They are hungry for books that push the envelope and challenge them. I get that. Real life is not all hearts and flowers, and sometimes your soulmate can end up being the scum of the earth. But I am one of those people that turned to romance for the escape of all of that. And I want it to stay that way.

If an author chooses to kill off a beloved character or end the forever kind of relationship they first created, ultimately that is their decision. I'm not going to say "think about that really hard first" because I'm sure they are fully aware of the ramifications of such an action. But what I would like to see is some type of indicator in the book or series letting me know this is not a traditional romance. Something that is going to say "be ready for anything". A disclaimer or warning that your heart might end up broken by the end. Because once you kill my happy, I'm gonna be mighty cranky about it, so you'd better warn me first.

What are your thoughts on the risks of the HEA?

Are you open to anything, or is the HEA sacred in your eyes?

Why or why not?

Reader blogs: what keeps you coming back?

2010-08-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

I've seen a few posts over the last few weeks from readers that talk about changing their blog, or defining what direction they are going with their blog, and it got me thinking about my own blog. This place continues slowly to evolve, and mostly I've managed to keep it my own. But at the same time, I don't want to set any parameters on how I run this place. One day I might have an author, and another a favorite hottie. The next a more serious topic. Or the awesome guest blogger interviews. And hopefully a review here and there. But I don't want a specific purpose for my blog, other than it be about things I care about.

I notice I tend to be really hard on myself because I don't read as much as other bloggers, and I have to stop from comparing myself to others. Why do I do this to myself? It shouldn't matter. I'm a different person, so my personal expectations should only pertain to me, right? And that is what I'm determined to do. Make this a cozy little place that I can live with, and not worry what the Jones are up to. Because at the end of the day, it's my place, no one else's.

When I think about it more indepth, I realize I do want to also have more serious topics. I have some ideas in mind, I just need to organize my thoughts and write them in a clear, understandable, somewhat intelligent way. Wish me luck *g*

And I'm curious about other bloggers and their visitors, so you know what that means: Last week I asked you what you look for in an author website/blog. This week I want to know:

What makes you visit reader blogs?

What are some of your favorite reader blogs?

What don't you like about reader blogs?

Back cover blurb: WHISPER FALLS by Toni Blake

2010-08-31T07:16:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Destiny, Ohio—where coming home means finding your true heart and maybe even your true love.

Tessa Sheridan came crawling back home to Destiny after her big city interior design career crumbled. Now not only must she struggle to make ends meet, she has to contend with a biker next door and the roar of Harleys shattering the serenity of her cabin in the woods. Worse still, her sexy bad boy neighbor makes her feel breathless and weak—and shy, petite Tessa knows what a major mistake it would be to get involved with someone so…dangerous.

They say that former teen rebel Lucky Romo has a dark, secret past—that he’s trouble with a capital “T.” Still, Tessa feels all tingly when she sees how well he fills out a pair of tight jeans. And when Lucky invites her into his world, she knows the intense heat sparking between them could lead her somewhere wild and wonderful…and, yes, dangerous!

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (December 28, 2010)

Woot!

Is it too hot in here?

2010-08-30T07:23:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's because it's Monday, or maybe because it's supposed to be in the 90's today, but I was thinking I felt in the mood for a little pick-me-up today. Whatever the reason, I felt drawn to this image. I needed something stimulating to get me going today.

This picture does just that. It's both incredibly sensual and sexy, ripe with tension and anticipation. And what makes it even hotter is that you use your own imagination to fantasize what happens next, whether he takes her up against the wall or perhaps gives her a slow, thorough massage first.

But what I might find sexy, you may not. Maybe you like to leave things to your imagination, or maybe you like explicit, raw, dirty goodness. Doesn't really matter. My point is, we all find different things sexy. Some prefer a subtle, barely there suggestion, while others crave the very public, very raunchy, smutty seduction. It's one of the things that makes us unique - and that is what excites us. None of it's wrong. We're not deviants who should feel guilty for what turns us on.

The reason I even bring this up is because on my beloved Twitter, there is a lot of talk - and viewing - that can certainly be considered improper. Not wrong - I don't think there's anything wrong with being improper from time to time, but lecherous, racy, lustful, suggestive, and yes, even vulgar. For the most part, I don't have a problem with it, but there are some images that I feel are there more for the shock value and don't do a thing for me. I choose to ignore them. But I'm sure there are others out there who are horrified with these images, and some of the conversations, and I have to wonder when is it too much?

As far as I know, Twitter is not promoted as a "family friendly" forum. It's pretty much anything goes. One of the reasons to love it, but also one of the reasons to hate it. Am I wagging a disapproving finger at those who post these pictures? No, not at all. But I do think that there should be clearer indicators of exactly what it is you're posting before it's viewed by the objecting and/or too young eyes. And yes I know, I've seen some things that have made me want to bleach my eyes, but that was my own damn fault. When people warn me not to look, well dammit, I wanna look!

So what I want to know is this:

How do you feel about explicit pictures or links to said pics

posted on Twitter?

Should they be clearly labeled?

And just how much is TOO much?

We haz winnahs!

2010-08-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

The winner of KT Grant's For The Love of Mollie is:

Leanne Dyck

The winners of THE BEAST WITHIN ARC are:

#6 Barbara

#19 Marq

Leanne please email me at TRELAINASTARBLAZER @ YAHOO DOT COM your email addy for the download of KT Grant's book. Barbara & Marq, please email me your snail mail addy for your copy of the anthology.

Amended to add: Oops! I had it in my head the contest ended 8/28, not 8/29. Oy. I sincerely apologize for that. Since I already announced the winners, I'm not going to take it back. Thing is, I tend to usually let the deadline slide, so this time I will just be the bad guy. Sorry :( I know that's pretty unfair of me. 99.9% of the time I honor my contests, so I'll just go forward with the disclaimer that I'm not perfect and being 2 people has been confusing. I will definitely try to do better. Don't hate me!

Odds and ends

2010-08-26T07:01:00.002-05:00

Okay! Well I had intended to have something else post today, but I am quite hungover today (which is extremely rare for me) so I didn't write up my blog. I thought I'd do a roundup of sorts instead:

Shiloh Walker wrote an excellent post earlier this week about social media and how many authors, especially newer ones, are doing it wrong. I wholeheartedly agree with her post, and if you haven't gotten a chance to read it, here it is. Believe me, she nailed it.

You still have a chance to win a copy of K.T. Grant's For The Love of Mollie. Just go here.

My favorite martini bar is closing on Saturday, and I just found out last night, hence the overindulging. Nobody makes a Bella rose martini quite like this place. So sad to see it close :(

Thank YOU for all the feedback about authors and websites and whatyouwhatyouwhat you want (sorry, that song is playing in my head, and it hurts). I haven't gotten a chance to read all the comments, but I fully intend to review them and pass them along. You guys are great :)

If you guys haven't tried Groupon, I highly recommend it. I got a $55 gift certificate for about $20 to my favorite martini bar, and we used it last night, so it was totally worth it. I didn't have to pay anything to join, and it works. There's also Living Social Deals and Buy With Me. I haven't tried them yet, but it's the same concept. Love it.

Well that's all for now. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Have a good one, and beware those sweet devil martinis....

Question: What do you look for in an author's website/blog?

2010-08-25T06:59:00.005-05:00

(posted with boss permission *g*)

In my new role as an author's assistant, I've found myself really taking my job perhaps too seriously. Because not only am a huge fan of my author and want her to do well, I can also see it from the reader POV, and so I want to give readers what they want...within reason of course.

It's a fun part-time job, and I'm having a blast learning new things.Since working with her, she and I have had conversations, and Erin would also like to have more of a presence online, so you may see her in some familiar places. Though she tries to spend as much time as she can writing, she also wants readers to know how much she appreciates them, so she's dipping her toes in, and I've hopefully given her some good idea of where she might want to "hang out". Some sites you can currently find Erin:

Her website: http://www.erinmccarthy.net/
Facebook (Erin McCarthy)
Twitter @authorErin
GoodReads (Erin McCarthy)
BookTour

I know this question gets asked a lot, but before, it never meant anything other than what my expectations are. So I want to hear what you want out the author/reader relationship.

What I really want to know, from you as readers, is what you look for in an author and their website:

What are your expectations of an author's site?

Do you like blogs?

How do you feel about social networking?

Should authors have more or less of any online presence?

Feel free to add anything else that comes to mind. I appreciate any and all feedback you can provide. This will give me a good idea of the pulse of what readers are looking for and I will pass it along to Erin. And please, be honest. That's why I'm asking - to get some insight into what readers like you want :)

2 ARCs of the anthology "The Beast Within" up for grabs!

2010-08-24T07:09:00.005-05:00

Meet three men without boundaries, hell-bent on satisfying their deepest desires-and those of the women who drive them wild.

The Howling by Erin McCarthy

When Liv Lugaru's boyfriend Sebastian disappears, she finds comfort in his brother's arms. But Sebastian is much closer than Liv realizes-and he'll stop at nothing to protect her from the feral danger that comes alive only when she sleeps...

Smoke On The Water by Bianca D-Arc

In the misty fog of a lakefront village, zombies are roaming wild-and zombie hunter John Petit must stop the carnage. John is also fighting a different kind of battle: a forbidden passion for his new partner, Donna. With her help, killing zombies is a walk in the park, but keeping his desire in check is making him sweat...

Redeeming The Wizard by Jennifer Lyon

Gage Remington was once a powerful wizard; now he's a recluse who keeps the world at bay. But when Mira Tate arrives at Gage's door, she stirs in him an attraction he can't deny. Soon, Gage will risk everything to keep Mira close-even the secret that may be his ruin...

Erin has 2 ARCs for her upcoming anthology, The Beast Within, up for grabs. Interested?

Well I'm glad to hear that (assuming you said yes) *g* All you have to do is answer this question:

Do you like anthologies? Why or why not?

Contest will end at noon on Sunday, August 29th. All eligible entries must include an answer to the question. [Also a little public service announcement: for those of you who may not be aware, ARCs are NOT FOR SALE. Readers should not sell them to make a profit from it.]

Good luck!

Upcoming release: The Beast Within

2010-08-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758247354
ISBN-13: 978-0758247353

"The Howling" BY Erin McCarthy - When Liv Lugaru's boyfriend Sebastian disappears, she finds comfort in his brother's arms. But Sebastian is much closer than Liv realizes...and he'll stop at nothing to protect her from the feral danger that comes alive only when she sleeps...

"Smoke On The Water" BY Bianca D'arc - In the misty fog of a lakefront village, zombies are roaming wild - and zombie hunter John Petit must stop the carnage. John is also fighting a different kind of battle: a forbidden passion for his new partner, Donna. With her help, killing zombies is a walk in the park, but keeping his desire in check is making him sweat...

"Redeeming The Wizard" BY Jennifer Lyon - Gage Remington was once a powerful wizard; now he's a recluse who keeps the world at bay. But when Mira Tate arrives at Gage's door, she stirs in him an attraction he can't deny. Soon, Gage will risk everything to keep Mira close - even the secret that may be his ruin...

Another awesome Chloe Neill signing

2010-08-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

Once again I would like to thank the booksigning gods for being fortunate to live in an area where I can attend these awesome signings. The cool and always interesting Chloe Neill was in Wisconsin this past weekend, and I definitely made it a point of going to at least one of them.

Isn't Chloe just the cutest thing?

Chloe brought the THB, but unfortunately he wasn't talking. Thought maybe we could bribe him for some dirt, but he held strong. Not that we really tried very hard. I'm sure it's overwhelming to be surrounded by a bunch of (mostly) women gushing over the superior skills of Ethan and the smokin' hotness of Catcher. Not that THB has anything to worry about *g*

And though she didn't dish much dirt about the Chicagoland Vampires, Chloe did give us interesting tidbits about how she writes and reassuring us again that she's contacted for 3 more books, for a total of 7! So thrilled to hear this.

Me & Chloe

(I'm always a blur LOL)

For those of you who don't know, Chloe also writes a YA paranormal series called "The Dark Elite", and Hexbound, book 2 is scheduled for a January 2011 release.

Thank you Chloe, for a fun booksigning, and I hope that one day we can get you to a signing in Chicago, where you belong!

Winner of the personalized copy of Twice Bitten!

2010-08-21T17:41:00.000-05:00

And time for another winner. The personalized copy will go to....Stella! (Ex-Libris)

Per your instructions, the book will be signed to Liza :) Please email me with your snail mail addy to trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com

CONGRATS!

Winner of Erin McCarthy's Fast Track books!

2010-08-21T17:14:00.002-05:00

*Blush* First off, thank you for all the congrats. I didn't read the comments until selecting the winner. You guys are so sweet. And Erin is the best.

Without further ado, the winner is #14....LORI! From California! Congrats Lori! I know you'll enjoy the books :) Please email me at trelainastarblazer AT yahoo DOT com

To all the people who entered, thank you. I got a kick out of the comments. As for me, I watch racing sometimes, but I adore hockey. I'm not into dating a celebrity, no matter how cute they are. I tend to agree about the skank society so why deal with that kinda pressure? Guys are dumb that way too LOL. And I am a total lead foot. See me coming? Get the hell out of the way *g*

1.14. Lori
2.41. Sheree
3.16. donnas
4.15. elaing8
5.37.Wendi Z.
6.42. bea
7.32.MamaKitty
8.25. Jodi
9.28. Tracy
10.43.Loretta Canton
11.30. Nicole
12.4. Kris
13.44. Jackie S.
14.13. tetewa
15.22. Estella
16.7. Penny Dune
17.21.jeanette8042
18.5. Tee
19.11. Blodeuedd
20.26. Liza
21.17. Armenia
22.29. orannia
23.35.CrystalGB
24.39. Maureen
25.38. Paranormal & Romantic
26.24. Jane
27.1. Leontine
28.2. Sarah
29.3. Bells
30.8. Cecile
31.36. Pamela SpazP
32.10. Pearl
33.31. CatsMeaow
34.27. throuthehaze
35.12. LSUReader
36.34.Simone Laurence
37.18. Beverly
38.33. jcp
39.6. azteclady
40.23. BeyondJenna
41.19. Pamela Keener
42.20. Scorpio M.
43.40. KH
44.9. Eva

Guest spotlight: Losa

2010-08-20T07:20:00.001-05:00

me, my cousin Mary, my sister Sina & my niece Maraea

It's Losa time! God, this girl is a total sweetheart (and look at all that gorgeous hair!), and I'm excited to have her as my guest today. I love her enthusiasm for books and her darling George *g* And it sounds like she is following her heart and doing what she loves to do. So awesome. Twitter has introduced me to some of the coolest people on the planet. Here is one now....

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

Hello Stacy! Thank you so much for having me hun! You are very sweet and are an absolute gem! It's great to meet, know & learn alot about others through your blog!

My name is Losa. I have a Samoan background. Born in New Zealand, I've lived most of my life in Australia & this is where I call home now. I love it here! I come from a family of 6. I work with my sister as a Cook/Kitchen Hand/Waitress at a Retirement Village for the elderly. I've always had a passion for working in the kitchen & working with the elderly. So to combine the two & to work with my sister is a dream job for me. My interests include reading, writing, eating, cooking, movies, going out to dinner, shopping, travelling, Twitter, but most of all, hanging out with my family & friends :-)

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

I dont have a blog as of yet. Im still working on one. But you can find me on Goodreads too. However I do love to blog hop & see what others are blogging, reading, writing, etc. Everyone is different & unique so I love to read up on them & what they have to say :-)

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

I am currently reading "Taste of passion" by Brenda Jackson. Its a hot love story about a woman, brokenhearted from a previous relationship who has moved back to her hometown, get her life back on track by creating her own business & start up a hot & passionate love affair with a sexy cowboy she somewhat had feelings for years ago, and to rediscover just what they've been missing out on. (They have alot of catching up to do! *wink*) So if you love hot sexy cowboys like me I highly recommend it! I have also just started reading "Something naughty something nice" by Kimberly Raye. And with a title like that it's definitely a hot & sexy read! *wink*

What is your most anticipated soon to be released book?

My anticipated soon to be released book is definitely "Lover Unleashed" by J. R. Ward. As a huge BDB fan I cant wait to get my hands on this one! Also "Invincible" by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I love the Dark Hunters & cant wait to read more about Nick & see what else what happens. Also I anticipate any new releases from Cheyenne McCray & Karen Kelly. They're my two other favourite authors whom I love with a passion. I highly recommend them!

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

I love a variety of music so I have an open ear for all kinds. Some of my favourites are 2pac, UB40, Dr Hook, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Linkin Park, Nickelback & New Edition. I also love 70's classics (like Boney M, Doobie Brothers), 80's pop (Five Star, New Kids On The Block), 90's Dance/RnB/Rap (Snap, Technotronics, TLC, Jodeci, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Nelly) My ears are always open to any kind of music!

What are your favourite places to visit online?

My favourite places to visit online are of course: Twitter! I luv all the Twitter peeps! [We love you too1] It's great to meet & chat with all of them! Also Goodreads. I love meeting/chatting with other readers & seeing what everyone is reading & also seeing their book reviews & book discussions.

What are some of your favourite things: beverage? food? t.v. show? last good movie you saw?

Beverage: Coffee/Iced Coffee/Coke - I definitely have an addiction to these! And Grey Goose to chill for a relaxing drink. Thanks to V for advertising that throughout the BDB, he made me curious to try it & I love it!

Food: I love eating & Im open to try all kinds of foods! I especially love my sisters cooking. Shes an amazing cook & can create a miracle out of food!

I also love pizza & chocolate. Definitely another addiction for me!

Being true to my Samoan roots, I love Samoan food like taro, green bananas & yams in coconut cream, coconut buns, corned beef, chop suey, etc. It all takes me back to the islands!

Tv show: I absolutely love "The Office!" Michael Scott & the gang always crack me up! Sometimes I pop this on when I need cheering up & need a good laugh! I also love watching "Tabitha's Salon Takeover" & "Pineapple Dance Studios". Very entertaining stuff!

Last good movie I saw: The last good movie I saw was Toy Story 3. Im a kid at heart & this movie was amazing! There were some emotional parts in the film where it tugged at my heart & I found myself in tears. It was a very happy & heartwarming movie. I highly recommend it!

Which hottie out there is to die for?

There are definitely alot of hotties out there. I've always had a thing for 2pac. I adore him. Also Reggie Bush. His abs & smile take my breath away..lol - But you can't say hotties without mentioning of course, my ultimate favourite bbf's: Asheron, Vishous, Zsadist, Zack & Mace. All hotties in my opinion!

Favourite restaurant?

I don't have a favourite restaurant as I love going out to different places & trying different foods with my sister, brother & niece. But of course, nothing beats a home cooked meal to enjoy with your family at home.

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

Well unfortunately I don't have a sweetie to share any romantic gestures with, however if I did, cooking me a nice, quiet romantic dinner would be heaven! But for me, my idea of a romantic gesture to my sweetie, I would love to bake some home baked goodies, visit him & surprise him like Little Red Riding Hood! Sweet surprises are always best! *wink*

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

About me, people would be surprised to learn that although I can be shy & quiet at times, if you get to know me I can be the biggest idiot ever..lol - I love to laugh & enjoy making people laugh & smile. I have an open mind & open heart to everyone & everything. I believe that everyone should be given a chance. We all have our own opinions. We're all unique & special in our own way. Thats what makes us want to get to know each other! Let's share the love people! *big beautiful hugs*

Thank you once again Stacy for having me! Its been an absolute blast & I've enjoyed every minute of it! *big hugs*

I don't know about you, but I know want to hop on a plane and Australia even more than ever. And right now I have such a taste for Samoan food....

Thank you Losa, for visiting today and sharing your interesting corner of the world. It was a treat having you here :) I'm glad I was able to "share" you with everyone that visits. Have a great weekend!

Win a personalized signed copy of Chloe Neill's "Twice Bitten"!

2010-08-19T07:26:00.002-05:00

Upcoming Chloe Neill booksignings:

Booksigning
Glendale, Wisconsin
2:00 p.m. - Bayshore Mall Barnes & Noble
August 21, 2010

Booksigning
Greenfield, Wisconsin
7:00 p.m. - Barnes & Noble
August 21, 2010

Booksigning
Racine, Wisconsin
1:00 p.m., Barnes & Noble
August 22, 2010

One of my favorite authors, Chloe Neill, is having multiple booksignings this weekend in Wisconsin. I'm lucky enough to be able to attend all 3 if I really wanted to (and believe me, I'm considering it!). So I thought I would have a contest for a pesonally signed copy of Twice Bitten, the 3rd book in Chloe's Chicagoland Vampires series.

In order to qualify, you have to 2 things:

You are a follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect (see left-hand side of blog)

You correctly respond to the contest question

Contest will end at 10am CST on Saturday, August 21st. Please be sure in your comment the name you would like Chloe to sign it (i.e. Julie, Karen, Kim, etc.). If possible, I would also ask that you check back here on Saturday between noon & 2pm CST, just to make sure you know you're getting the book, but due to time constraints, I completely understand so it's not a requirement.

Question: Merit has a lot of new abilities as a vampire. Which of her abilities would you wish for most and why?

Good luck!

Walk down memory lane: "Nothing's Forgotten. Nothing is ever forgotten..."

2010-08-18T07:13:00.001-05:00

I originally wrote this post several months ago, maybe even a year or so ago, but I never finished it. Now, as I'm struggling for posts due to time constraints, I found this draft, and decided to tweak it a bit. Here is my small tribute to a show I obsessed over when I was a teenager, and one I remember quite fondly today :)

My infatuation with Robin Hood and how it all started:

I'd read books and seen movies over the years of course, but it wasn't until I saw "Robin Hood and the Sorcerer", the double-length first episode of "Robin of Sherwood", a short-lived British series which first aired in the U.S. on Showtime, when I was around 12 or 13 years old, that I was completely enthralled anew by the legend, especially this version of it. Having already read several romance by this time, nothing could have been more appealing than this mystical, gritty version starring the swoon-worthy Michael Praed, who was only twenty-two at the time he played the part.

In this first episode, Robin of Loxley is trying to save Much, the Miller's son, from being caught poaching, and is instead caught by Guy of Gisburne and thrown into the dungeon, where he ends up meeting Will Scarlett (played by Ray Winstone, who incidentally was in "King Arthur" 20 years later), whose wife had been raped and killed by Guy's men. Robin and the other outlaws escape, and Robin is soon chosen by Herne the Hunter to be a protector of the English people, becoming the hero we know as Robin of the Hood.

When he first encounters Marian of Leaford, he is immediately drawn to her, yet his intensity at first seems to scare her off. But Marian turns out to be no shrinking violet; her delicate beauty hides an independent streak that soon has her running off with Robin to join him and his men in the forest. Capable of handling a sword and outshooting any man save Robin, Marian is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Her useful skill as a spy had her risking her life to bring information from the castle into the forest.

Of course by this time, they have fallen madly in love, and along with the other outlaws, risk their lives trying to fight for the poor while they do everything in their power to outwit the Sheriff and Guy. And the rest, as they say, is history...

I was at that perfect impressionable age to totally fall in love with Robin, and Michael Praed played the perfectly dreamy Robin quite perfectly. There was always a sadness to him, a longing inside for something that could never be: an idyllic world where good people had long, happy lives and that innocents would never be hurt, children would never die, and he could live in peace and comfort with his lady love. But part of the romance of the legend is the tragedy. I mean how interesting would his adventures be if he was never in any real danger? Robin Hood was the ultimate romantic hero, and rarely captured more perfectly than in the dark, intense, passionate portrayal by the beautiful Michael Praed.

And of course I would be extremely remiss if I did not mention the haunting music from the Celtic group Clannad, who released the soundtrack for the movie entitled "Legend". It's one of my all-time favorites, so bittersweet and poignant.

What is your favorite romantic legend?