Book Alert

Gifts of Love by Lisa Kleypas and Kay Hooper
We know about A Scandal in Spring. We know about A Man for All Seasons; Cam Rohan's story. We even know a little about Sugar Daddy, her first contemporary. But does anyone know about this one? Is it new? Is it a reissue? I couldn't see anything about it on her website but according to Fiction DB it's due out in November.






The Gladiator's Honor by Michelle Styles. Now while the model doesn't really do anything for me, Russel Crowe would have been better, it is wonderful to see a book in this time period coming out. Kudo's to Harlequin for giving us choices!








Wanted by Pam Crooks
And kudo's again to Harlequin. I love this cover. Plus, look Sybil, a Western. I give Harlequin high marks indeed for their continuing improvement in covers!!! I just wish another publisher who I shan't name at this time but everyone knows who I mean, would make the same kind of improvements with their covers.





And speaking of Lisa Kleypas, there is a pretty good review for A Scandal in Spring at Romance Reader at Heart. (I wish I knew how to directly link to it! AngieW knows how - I should have asked her before) Daisy is American. It looks like the hero is American. Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing now that Ms. Kleypas is no longer with the same publisher whose name I didn't mention before; now that she is with St. Martins, if she were to write a book or two set in early America?

til later

I'm having a real bad day today.
Ron is so much worse now. I knew it would happen - that going to the ball game would take a lot out of him. They can't seem to get the pain managed so he's in it a good deal of the time. He refuses to have someone come to stay with him so that I can get out of the house for a while; the movie on Sunday was a very rare exception. The boys came over to stay with him while I was gone but when I got home he told me that he really wished I was there. Brent is dropping by fairly often, but he just complains about his job and other things a lot so it's not really relaxing when he comes by. Ryan, on the other hand rarely drops by. He has always been closer to Ron so I think he's really struggling with things. Ron has an older brother but they've never been close. His brother has called a total of 3 times since last September, even though he only lives a few miles away. I'm really struggling with anger over that one. His mother is older, not that well herself and doesn't drive. So it's all landing on me.
I've always attracted guilt like a magnet and it's sticking to me like glue for the way I'm feeling sometimes. I've gotten short with him a few times and then feel so wretched after.
I'm getting so lonely for someone to talk to but I can't leave him at all any more. The only time I seem to get any respite is late at night. But then it seems that when I do go to bed, he's up with pain. Then he's up early in the mornings and then so am I and my day begins again. I knew way back that it would get bad, but I had no idea how bad it would be.
He catches me crying sometimes and tells me not too, that it upsets him to see me cry. But how can I not when I see him suffering? And I'm also crying for me too. For my loneliness, for what it will be like without him, because I'm tired.
I really, really don't want to blog about what I'm going through. I want it to be fun and this blog is my oasis, but every once in a while, I can't help it. I just get overwhelmed and today is one of those days.

Recent Reads - with more to come

The Marcelli Bride – Susan Mallery

This one is alright. This is the fourth book in a series about four sisters and a brother whose family makes wine. This one is the brother’s story. Joe was put up for adoption when he was born. Years later, his parents, who remained together, tracked him down, wanting him to take his place in the family. He is less than enthused. His home is the navy. Darcy Jensen is the younger, less popular daughter of the president. When there is a kidnapping attempt on her, she is whisked away to the Marcelli home with Joe as her protector. There he is forced to deal with his family and their attempts to get him to join the family/

What I liked: I thought both Joe and Darcy were fairly good characters.

What I didn’t like: I don’t like books where the hero/heroine of fictional famous real people. When I first heard the outline of this one, I thought “daughter of the president of the United States – give me a break”. That position is much too well known for me to buy it. If it was a senator or something less well known, it would have worked better. It just took too much suspension of belief. I found the whole Marcelli family a bit annoying also.

Conclusion: I enjoyed her other recent book Delicious so much better than this one but this was the fourth in a series so I thought I’d read it. There is one more but since it’s about the youngest daughter and a prince, I’ll pass on the next one in this series and look forward to when Chapters finally gets Irresistible in stock. This is why I have a four book in a series and that’s it rule. I think Ms. Mallery is a good writer and I’ve enjoyed most of her single title releases, but this particular one didn’t work as well as others.
Grade: 3 out of 5


The Comeback Kiss – Diane Lani Rich

This one is very good. From Amazon - Tessa Scuderi's life changed on one night 10 years ago when her best friend, Finn, took off with her beloved VW bug and her heart. It was also the night her mother died while fleeing a fire in her craft shop. Now Finn is back. While he was gone, Tessa has been raising her little sister, Izzy, and worrying that any false move will put her sister into the state's hands. So she's not ready to welcome back Finn and his connection to her troublemaking teenage days. Sparks fly though--literally and figuratively. On Finn's first day in town, he saves a burning pet shop and shares a passionate kiss with Tessa, and that's only the beginning.

What I liked: I really enjoyed the snappy dialogue between Finn and Tessa. I love the childhood sweetheart storyline. As well as enjoying both Finn and Tessa, I really enjoyed the character of Izzy, Tessa’s younger sister. Even they mystery is a hoot.

What I didn’t like: Well, ther's not much I didn't like. This one is very good. About the only thing I might have changed is the hero’s hair colour. It’s red. I don’t mind any other hair colour for the hero, blond, black, brwon, anything – except red. So I just replaced it with Dark Mahoganny 421 (which just happens to be mine at the moment) whenever I read red.

Conclusion: I was part way through this book when I realized that Finn was a secondary character in another book. At that point I had to decide whether to stop reading The Comeback Kiss and start reading Maybe Baby, the previous book, or to keep going with this one. I was enjoying it so much I didn’t want to stop, so I figured I’d keep going, then read the first one, then go back and read this one again. Yeah! That works. Question for anyone who’s read it. Would it be considered chick-lit? Because if it is, then I’ve been reading and enjoying one without knowing it.
Grade 4 out of 5

More book opinions on their way.

'til later

July's Challenge - Romantic Suspense

Title: Taken
Author: Barbara Freethy
Year published: 2006
Why did you get this book? It had an interesting cover, got good reviews and I’ve read her before
Do you like the cover? Heh heh – yea.
Did you enjoy the book? It was OK
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? I’ve read her before and I’ll probably read her again.
Are you keeping it or passing it on? This one is always a tough question to be honest. Since I’m a hoarder and a pack rat by nature, I keep many books I probably don’t need to. Having spent money on them, I hate to get rid of them knowing I’ll never get back what I paid. The better question for me on this one would be will you reread it. If that’s the question, then the answer is probably not.
Anything else? Amazon blurb: After a whirlwind courtship, San Francisco artist Kayla is about to fulfill her dream of marrying Mr. Right and starting a family—but on the wedding night, her dream man abandons her. Meanwhile, engineer Nick Granville returns home to San Francisco after a few months working in Africa to find his house lived in and his bank accounts plundered. Turns out these two strangers were duped by the same man: handsome, blond, smooth-talking Evan Chadwick. Unable to get the attention of the SFPD, the two marks take it upon themselves to track down Evan and get back what's theirs. As the clues accumulate, so do the smoldering glances between broad-shouldered Nick and curvy Kayla, but Freethy's sex scenes have a reportorial feel that may leave readers cold. Evan's cat and mouse game, however, should hook suspense fans and carry them into the next volume—as Evan says, "the game will be over when I say it's over," and this is just his first play
Couple of things. First on the book itself, it was pretty good. But the hero/heroine weren’t the brightest crayons in the box (love that phrase – I forget where I heard it, but I love it). They knew halfway through the book that someone was following them and then getting to where they were headed first. Yet time after time they plodded through clues and discovered something, only to find out that someone had gotten there first. Once or twice, alright, but by the third and fourth time the villain had got the jump on them I wanted to reach inside the book and knock their heads together.
Second thing. Romantic Suspense always poses a bit of a sticky wicket for me. I love the genre, but I’m an end reader. That means way before I get to the end of a book, I have to check it out to make sure it’s a HEA (d’uh – it’s romance. I know, I know but it’s a habit I can’t seem to break). But with RS – if I read too much of the end before I get there, it can really spoil the book for me. So it’s become a delicate balance not to start the end read to far in advance that it gives away too many spoilers.


Title: Thicker than Water
Author: Maggie Shayne
Year published: 2005
Why did you get this book? I don’t know. It’s one of those books that just somehow showed up in my TBR pile. I probably got it at a UBS when I couldn’t find anything but refused to leave without something
Do you like the cover? Yea, it’s good
Did you enjoy the book? Yes and no
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? I’ve read her before although not for a long time. Years ago I read her vampire books – back in the early 90’s before they became popular and she wrote a couple of other books, Fairytale was one. Yes, I think I’ll read more by her
Are you keeping it or passing it on? Well, I was going to pass this one on but then our dear precious darling cat who loves all things paper got hold of it and chewed the hell out of the cover.
Anything else? Amazon blurb: Straight-laced upstate New York news anchor Julie Jones has a deadly secret: 16 years earlier, as a teen runaway named Jewel, she fled the besieged burning compound of fanatic cult leader/drug dealer Mordecai Young, with his hidden fortune and her dying best friend's newborn child. Self-proclaimed "Reverend" Young and the rest of his cult, save two other "favorite" girls, perished in the attack by federal agents-or so Julie always thought. But when a blackmailer threatening to expose Julie is murdered and two former "favorite" girls turn up dead as well, it appears the messianic madman may be after the daughter Julie has raised as her own. Her only ally is sensationalist shock-jock radio reporter Sean MacKenzie, Julie's worst professional rival.
This is the storyline and it was a pretty good book – BUT – the author tread a thin line with Julie. She made some real dumb decisions and followed the same kind of path as my most hated heroine ever (Meg from The Defiant Hero) made. She has this guy, who is sharp and willing to help her, yet she continually lies to him and refuses to let him help. Yes, yes I know she is doing whatever it takes to save her daughter, but still – time and again she makes the worst choice possible. I found it very frustrating. It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and there is another one after this one and I think I might track it down.

Captain Jack Will Get You High Tonight

Ahhhhh - Saw this one tonight








Excellent movie and I'll see it again. Discussion at Suisan's for anyone who's seen it. I know CSquared a newbie blogger just did :)

And - I found a new reader blogger - Nath. And she likes Linda Howard!
Say, I wonder if either of them have read........................

'til later

Book Buying Bias

Think the grocery store is a great place to meet men?

Hunky interstellar fugitive, aisle 5.

With outrageously false accusations piling up against her famous political family and an ex-fiancé in hot water determined to take her down with him, the last thing Jana Jasper needs is more trouble--especially man trouble. But when she heads to the grocery store for an ice cream fix, not only does the muscled hunk in the frozen foods section ranting about spaceships and invasions look crazy, he looks... familiar.

Cavin of Far Star has never forgotten the girl he met during his weeks spent on that quaint little world, planet Earth, the girl who didn't believe he was real. And now he'll risk his future to save her. All she has to do is take him to her leader. Simple enough plan--although Jana isn't so easily convinced. Hell-bent on charming his way past her defenses, he's determined to stay one step ahead of the galaxy's most feared assassin--and may just capture his favorite Earthling's heart in the process.

*taken from Susan Grant's website*

I often wonder how many good books I'm missing because I have certain biases when it comes to the books I buy. You're Planet or Mine? is the perfect example. I don't go for the cutsey pun title books. To me they scream 'chick lit' which I really don't care to read. And why, I don't know since I've never read one. I also don't care for the cutsey cartoon covers. I seem them on the shelves and on other blogs and they just leave me kind of meh. So when I saw this book a while ago, I figured I'd just skip it. Cutsey title, cutsey cover - pass. But then I reread Once a Pirate and was again reminded how much I love Susan Grant's writing. I've read and loved every book she's written, from her time travel/pirate to her futuristics and both her entries in the 2176 series. So why wasn't I chomping at the bit for the release of this one? Book bias - that's why.
But then I visited her website after finishing up OaP and saw the blurb for this one. Visitor from another planet visits Earth and meets girl from Earth he can't forget. I read another book recently with the same kind of premise - Parallel Attraction by Dierdre Knight - and loved it. Although it was a serious book and Your Planet or Mine sounds more comedic, still they both look interesting. So now my interest is very piqued and I can add this one to my Eagerly Anticipating list.
I've seen readers say they don't really like a certain genre so they don't really read books in it - hell, I'm like that with chick-lit. But as far as other genres, I'm willing to try anything; even vampire although they aren't my cupa. But just like me and chick-lit, I wonder if other readers have really tried other genres or whether they have book bias just like I do.
So - my resolution to get over book bias is to keep a more open mind about genres I say I won't read. Up until now whenever I've let a book bias go, it's been a good thing. I used to read only historicals, then I slowly let in medievals, westerns, futuristics and romantic suspense, all with excellent results. I'm working first person books. Didn't think I'd ever read them, then I discovered the Stephanie Plum books. I was most annoyed when I heard that To Die For by Linda Howard was first person, but I loved that one too. So now - it's the chick-lit.

'til later

Still on that Pirate kick

Once a Pirate by Susan Grant

I don't normally write anything about books I'm rereading but dang I love this book!!! I was digging through a bag of books and came across this one. I first read it well over a year ago and still being in pirate mode, decided it was time for a reread. First off - ignore the cover. It's bad. It's real bad. If I had Bam's talent, I would do a biting snark job on it. But rather than be distracted by the really bad cover, enjoy the story inside.

Callie Callahan is a navy pilot. While on a routine mission she runs into a terrible storm and crashes into the ocean. Little does she know it but when she is rescued by a handsome captain, she has traveled back through time to the 1800's. Andrew Spencer isn't an oridinary ship's captain. Jailed for a crime he didn't commit, he stole a ship and has lived as a fugitive ever since. When he comes across Callie, he mistakes her for the fiance of his enemy, his cousin who framed him.
Callie takes a while to realize she's traveled to the past and Andrew takes even longer to realize she really is who she says she is. The writing in this books is very good and you can really feel the attraction and building love between Callie and Andrew. While yes, he's a pirate, he is still very much a good guy and with Callie coming from the future, she's a sharp, intelligent heroine. I love a good time travel romance and I love a good pirate romance. With this one I got both. This one got a very good review at AAR a few years ago - a B+. But I grade it even higher.

This is a 5 out of 5 for me.

'til later

Hmmm

My Wicked Pirate by Rona Sharon - due out in November

New Author - Check
Pirate Book - Check
Good Price - Check
Cover I Like - Check
Lots of pretty colours - Check
Good Lookin' Cover Model - Check

I think I'll be getting this one!

'til later

Let's Help our Cindy Out

Cindy needs our help. That’s because my girl Cindy just read Dreaming of You. Now this one was a bit different for her. Dreaming of You was her “rainy day” book. I’m sure some of us have them – you know that book that we know is good that we kind of hold on to until a time when we really need a good read. Well, I guess with moving and the *ahem* gentle pressure she felt, she had her rainy day. Well – now she needs to replace Dreaming of You with another book.

Our Cindy loooovvvveeeesss Anne Stuart. She’s also ready for a good paranormal. She is (very) impatiently waiting for Butch’s story in the J.R. Ward Brotherhood series. She loves a good dark tortured alpha hero. I don’t think she is keen on Time Travel books or Futuristics or Westerns – although she loved Ride the Fire. And she’s read all of Suzanne Brockmans books so she’s out.

*Cindy – if you have anything else to add – let me know*

Anyway, I went through my best of the best list for a replacement for Dreaming of You, but I don’t know if she’s read them or not. So I need your top 3 to 5 all time favourite books so I can give her a list so that she doesn’t mope and eat way to much chocolate.

Here are my top 5 (not including Dreaming of You which she has read) in no particular order:

Whispers of Heaven – Candice Proctor

Thunder and Roses – Mary Jo Putney

Conor’s Way – Laura Lee Guhrke

Lord of Scoundrels – Loretta Chase

Once and Always – Judith McNaught

Now I have a few more I can add, but I’ll start with those ones.

Now, according to the mental list I have, that only leaves one person left who has a copy that I’m not sure has read it yet. I’m not going to name names except she’s the mommy of the cutest little girl :-)

‘til later

Recent Reads - the OK's and the Goods

I’m so far behind on the books I’ve read lately, and I’ve read a lot, I’m going to just do some quick mini reviews.

The Irish Devil by Diane Whiteside
This one is OK.
Viola Ross has landed herself in trouble. She’s penniless and needs a way to earn some money. She approaches William Donavan, a local businessman and offers to be his mistress for 3 months. William has had the hots for Viola for a while now and after a token resistance, takes her up on her offer.
What I liked: It’s a western and I love Westerns. And I really like the cover.

What I didn’t like: I found it a bit unbelievable that Viola would “take” to the role so quickly. One thing that drove me nuts was when he kept calling her a ‘filly”. It might be just me but I wouldn’t be really taking it as a compliment to be constantly referred to as a horse. Also I didn’t really connect to either the hero or the heroine

Conclusion: This book is hotter than my normal read and it took a bit of getting used to. This falls into the OK category and since I think it might be Ms. Whiteside’s first book I’m more than willing to give her another try. I just happen to have The River Devil (thanks to Renee) so I’m looking forward to reading it and seeing how it reads
Grade 3 out of 5


Angel in my Bed by Melody Thomas
This one is OK
From Amazon: On one final mission for the Crown, David Donally is hunting for a missing treasure. His only clue is a dazzling, gem-encrusted earring, and it is leading him to the most desirable woman he has ever known...an enchanting thief he once seduced and betrayed in the name of duty...an exquisite lover he'd believed was dead...his wife!
Meg Faraday thought her former life was behind her -- until the night the treacherous husband she'd eluded suddenly appeared. By rights she should despise the handsome spy who had captured her heart, then shattered it. But the fire between them still burns, and what was once an irresistible passion has now become a dangerous game of betrayal...

What I liked: I really liked Meg. I thought she made a great heroine. I admired how, after she “died” she really changed her life around and made herself a better person. And Ms. Thomas didn’t make her too nicey, nice.

What I didn’t like: I did not like David. At all. Well, I liked his name. I can’t admire a hero who deliberately misleads the heroine (the same problem I had with the hero in Hide in Plain Sight). While he eventually comes around, still I don’t think he ever really “got” what he did to Meg. I thought he was deliberately cruel to her a number of times. And it's a dreadful cover.

Conclusion: I don’t think I liked this one as much as Where’s My Hero (sorry). I don’t know if it would have made a difference if I had read the previous two in the series like she said I should or not. I’ll try Ms Thomas again if I see her books in a UBS, but I don’t think I’ll seek her out.
Grade 3 out of 5



The Dark One by Ronda Thompson
This one is good
This is the first in the Wild Wulfs of London. Rosalind Rutherford seeks out the mysterious Armond Wulf in order to have him destroy her reputation so she won’t be forced into marriage with the repulsive gentleman her step brother has chosen for her. But Armond won’t go along with her plan.

What I liked: I thought Armond made a very good hero. Shunned by society for the mysterious deaths of his parents and suspected of murdering a young prostitute, he is an honourable man. I liked the werewolf spin on this one. The Wulfs are cursed but it doesn’t take effect until they fall in love. Unlike some other werewolf stories, Armond resists the animal in him. I’ve said before – and I know it’s weird – that while I don’t really like vampire romance, I like a good werewolf story. And this is a good one. And I like the cover.

What I didn’t like: Rosalind ventured into TSTL territory a few times starting with her ‘done to death’ plan to ruin herself. I’m more heroine-centric but a better than normal hero can offset that. That’s how I felt about this one. Armond made this book. Also the villains were a bit too over the top.

Conclusion: This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I already have the next book in the series and I think I’ll be reading it very soon. Also she has a pretty descent backlist and I’ve already ordered one of them. I think I’m going to like this author
Grade: 4 out of 5

More book reviews to follow

‘til later

Sound the Trumpets!!!

Another reader has read Dreaming of You. Dancechica is the newest reader (that I can tell). Now she didn't enjoy it quite as much as some of us have - but hey - she's read it now so she's in the club :-)

'til later

A Pirate's Life for me

Now that we're into the final countdown for that much anticipated movie - and I think we all know what that is - AAR has an excellent At The Back Fence segment this week. And before that Sybil was asking for pirate rec's. Of course a real pirate named Suisan showed up in her comment section.
For those who have never read a pirate romance - well they are one of my favourite genres :) so if your looking for a good discussion or some good rec's visit either Sybil or AAR.

'til later

Recent Reads - the DNF's

The Sea King by Jolie Mathis
I know a few readers were wondering what I thought of this one. Actually this one is a DNF with a star. I read about a chapter or two and then set this one aside to read later. From the brief bit I did read, it was an “I hate you ‘cause you done me wrong” book. There isn’t anything wrong with this kind and given a different time I like them myself and this one is still getting good reviews so I don’t want to not read it, but I’m just not feeling like reading one right now where the hero/heroine start of antagonistic with each other. And since it is getting good reviews, I didn’t want my mood to colour what might be a book I would enjoy in a different time.


Shadow of the Moon by Rebecca York
I’ve read her previous books in the werewolf series and quite enjoyed them. Therefore I was really looking forward to this next one. But somewhere between the last one and this one something happened to the author. I don’t know if she was kidnapped by aliens and replaced by an inferior clone or she was ‘encouraged’ by someone to change her style or what but this one is way different. First off the sex scenes are ratcheted up. Now that normally wouldn’t be so bad except the plot suffered because of it. Lance Marshall is a reporter/werewolf. He’s looking for a story and he’s looking for it in a hot sex club. He runs into Savannah Carpenter in the woods and manages to save her. She’s also looking into the same club to see if she can discover what happened to her comatose sister who just happened to be a member of this 'special' club.
Sounds good right? Not. First off Savannah is one TSTL heroine. She’s constantly making one dumb move after another. Next there is this real ick factor. She has found her sister’s journal which contains rather explicit details about her experiences in the club. Not only does our heroine read it (looking for clues) but she gets turned on by it. EEEWWWWW. Then after that we have her falling for the old “we have to have bondage sex in case anyone is watching when we infiltrate the club” line the hero feeds her. Now all of these are bad enough but the one that made me put it down was when our heroine saw the hero turn into werewolf mode. Was she horrified? No. Was she shocked out of her mind? No. In fact she was incredibly nonchalant about the whole thing. I know these aren’t real; there is no such thing as werewolves, but still there has to be a base of reality in them for me to buy the fantasy. There is no f’in’ way someone would be that blasé upon seeing a guy turn into a wolf.
Like I said, I enjoyed all the other ones previous to this one. I probably will read the next one because every author is allowed one or two stinkers.


Hide in Plain Sight by Michele Albert
I wasn’t sure if I should include this one or not as a DNF. I’m hoping someone who’s read it can convince me to keep going ‘cause I’ve read and loved all her other books under both her names so I hate like heck to give up on this one. But I’m having issues with this one. I’ve picked it up and put it down a number of times now. The problem I’m having is with the hero. Griff Laughton is a spy who works for an undercover organization. In order to catch the bad guy he figures the best way to do it is to use Fiona Kennedy as bait. I haven’t gotten very far into it, but I’m bothered by Griff’s cold-blooded idea to seduce, use, then discard Fiona. Right now I’m not liking him very much. So, if there’s anyone who has read and liked this one and can tell me Griff gets better and get what at this point anyway he richly deserves – I’m listening.


'til later

And another one gone, and another one gone. And another one bites the dust

Well - not really bites the dust. But another one has recently read Dreaming of You. Thanks to Angie W and her challenge I found out that Sandy of Sandy's Reading Journal has just read it. And she likes it!!!

'til later

Random musings on FIFA World Cup from a soccer watching novice

I love watching sports. I don't really play them, but I love watching them. I haven't really watched soccer (or football I think it's called too) that much though. Both my sons played a year of it when they were real young, before Ron switched them to baseball, but I don't think it's quite the same. Watching a huge clump of little kids run all over the field is cute as all get out, but I don't think position playing is done much at that age. And I have seen the movie Bend it Like Beckham a few times. That pretty much has been the extent of my soccer watching up until now. But with the games being played during the day here and therefore not interfering with baseball, and Ron not really wanting to watch The Y&R, we've been watching quite a bit of the world cup. Here are a few observations from a rookie watcher.

First off and most important - there are some really fine looking players!!!!. And best of all they aren't all weighed down by helmets and caps and other equipment that obstruct the view.
I know the soccer field is huge and to get the full effect the camera needs to be pulled back quite a bit, but still I miss seeing quite a bit of the close-up action. That's taking a bit of getting used too. And with so many of the soccer players being mighty fine - well *sigh* you just don't get to see that much of them really.
I love seeing the players come out holding hands with the children. That gets me every time in a real Hallmark kind of way.
It's taking a bit of getting used to only having one announcer. Every other sport I watch has a play by play guy and a colour commentator. I wish they had that in soccer too so we could get a bit more in touch with some of the players. Plus it doesn't really give the only announcer much of a break if he gets thirsty or something.
I think many of the players must take acting lessons too. It's kind of funny watching some of their rolling around in pain on the ground only to be right back in the thick of things a minute later or their over acts of innocence when they commit a foul. You did it! Millions of us saw you do it.
I really don't understand the red card, yellow card thing. Can any regular watchers explain how that works?
I admire the players for not actually touching the ball. If I played, I think I'd instinctively be using my hands.
It's really disappointing Canada doesn't have a team. Hopefully soccer will really take off here and maybe we might have a chance for the next world cup.
In the meantime I've been cheering for the US, Australia and England. That's not necessarily a good thing though since I think I'm the kiss of death for whatever team I cheer for. The only one left now of the ones I picked is England.
Speaking of England - half time (or whatever it's called) is over and the game's back on so off I go to watch.

'til later


*ETA*
Dang - I really am the kiss of death. Now I really feel bad for Karen S and all the rest of the English fans.

Those old Blogging Blues

I have them. Big time
I want to but I can't think of anything to write about. I've been reading quite a few books lately so hopefully I can blog about them but right now I think I have what Bev has. So in the meantime, I'll still be doing lots of visiting and like Bev waiting for inspiration.

'til later

It was a glorious day

Well, for the most part. The game was long (3 1/2 hours) and boring and the Jays lost - but other than that it was wonderful.
When Ryan our youngest heard last night that we might not make it, he called and gave Ron the "are you nuts!!! Of course your going, I'll be by at 9:00 to pick you up" speech. Part of me was terrified but part of me cheered.
We left at 9:30 - Ryan drove - and it was a smooth ride down. He dropped us off at Rogers Centre (Sky Dome) so we didn't have to walk far. The seats were excellent!! Right at first base so we got to see Carlos Delgado. I always liked him and was most saddened when he left. It wasn't too crowded in the section we sat in and we had the front row. Once the sun hit where we were sitting, we moved back a few rows to the shade and it stayed shady. Before we left, I made him put on sun screen. He really didn't want to, but I said no sun screen, no game.
Ron had a large slice of pizza and a hot dog at the game. He hasn't been eating much so that was so encouraging. PLUS - he had a couple of beers. Costly they were, but again it was most encouraging. Both our sons also went; the oldest Brent came with a friend and Ryan brought his not his girlfriend, girlfriend (long story - they were going together, broke up and now it seems that they are back together although he denies they are anything but friends. I hope they are back together though 'cause I really like her). It's the first time I've been there since it changed names and I must say - I really liked the changes they made. They still should have kept the old name though.
Finally the game ended and we had to wait for a while before Ron's team took the field. When I saw him go out to coach first at the Roger's Centre (Skydome) it was good, it was very, very good. He only lasted 3 innings before he had to call it quits but that was enough. He was thrilled! We left at 9:30 am and didn't get home until 7:30 pm; a very long day for him, but for today we were able to forget and that was most glorious!!!!

Folks we have us a winner!

Crazy Love by Tara Janzen

Man oh man I love the Crazy series by Tara Janzen, and Crazy Love is no exception. All those who have read and enjoyed these ones probably know that this one is Skeeter Bang and Dylan Hunt’s story. Skeeter is one kick ass character and in this one she is even more kick assier then ever. Normally I’m not that big a fan of this kind of heroine – Eve Dallas excluded – but there is something so totally appealing about Skeeter. For one thing, she has the best name going. Skeeter Bang. Baby Bang. Ya gotta love it!

In a previous book we learn that Dylan Hunt, the uber cool boss of the Steele Street Special Forces has it bad for Skeeter, but refuses to give into his feelings. When the book opens he still has it bad and he’s still refusing to do anything about it. It’s the age difference don’t you know. Naturally she is just as hot for Dylan. In a hilarious scene in the previous book, he thinks of buying a soda machine for Skeeter and her friends. In this one he is still making the same dumb kind of decisions, his internal dialogue is such a hoot that it had me grinning and chuckling a number of times. I love a book where the hero is so gone, so wrecked for the heroine, he’s dumb with it.

Skeeter has learned a lot since the end of the last book and is ready to be a full-fledged member of the team. In fact, unbeknownst to Dylan she’s already gone on a couple of missions and done a bang up job. But Dylan doesn’t want her being anything more than the computer geek and numero uno ace mechanic. He (very, very) reluctantly agrees she can come on the mission he’s just been assigned; as a driver. The mission appears easy but of course it’s not and Skeeter gets to prove her worth. Past enemies are after Dylan and we go along with the thrill-a-minute adventures. Travis James plays a role in this one and one of the funniest moments in the book is his “very terrifying” ride in a Honda Civic. I think this is her funniest book yet although there is still lot’s of nail biting, high octane excitement.

Once again this book is pure escapism. If one were to sit down and analyze it, I’m sure there would be plot holes, but that’s not what this series is about. It’s about fast cars, hot sex, thrills and adventure. I had no sooner finished Crazy Love, when I went back and started it all over again – a rare thing. I inhaled it in one day. Now I need to go back and savour it. I’ve loved all of the Crazy books so far, but I’m thinking I love this one best of all. I have this "four books in a series and that’s it" rule, but rules are made to be broken and these books break it. I can hardly wait for the next one! And I don't often say that.

In a recent Romancing the Blog column, Katie MacAlister asked the question ‘do other people turn to reading in times of stress and is there a particular genre that works best’. For me Ms. Janzens books do a wonderful job and once again I read this one at exactly the right time! This one is a keeper.
Sorry Sybil – but it’s a special one *grin*

Grade: 5 out of 5

Yet another opinion

AngieW asks a very good question in light of the latest outbreak.

So my question for authors is, do you feel as though you’re expected to sit on your hands these days? And readers, what is it exactly that you want from an author’s online presence? Do you expect they should sit on their hands, zip it and write the books. If you go to their blogs, what do you want to see? If you see them on a message board, what are you hoping their interactions will consist of?

Although I haven’t participated in the recent dust-up at Karen’s and other author/reader dust-ups, I have followed them. I’m answering the reader part of Angie’s question. As a reader, I very rarely visit author blogs. I can’t relate too many of them since I’m not a writer and with the growing number of reader blogs and a limited time to spend visiting them, I would rather spend my time visiting at other reader blogs. But when an author visits a reader’s blog, I think it would be in their best interest to visit as a reader rather than a writer. I mean after all, they would have to be reader first; before they became a writer. Of course there are times when a reader blogger will ask for opinions from authors. Then they can put on their author hat.
I expect authors who post on reader blogs to use some sense if they do decide to use their author persona. If they are upset at something they’ve read and they really can’t ignore it, then type out a reply first, read it over, go have a coffee and if it’s still an angry post then think about the consequences before they post it. Because whether it's fair or not, if it’s a real snippy answer, the author is going to piss some readers off. And trying to keep things in perspective is a real good idea. Long before there was Smart Bitches or Bam, there was Mrs. Giggles and I’ve seen some authors say it was almost a badge of honor to be snarked by her. Those authors I remember and when I see them handle it with class, I’m more than likely going to give them a try even if there books were snarked. On the flip side, there are some authors I have no interest in reading even if there books have gotten good reviews, because of their on-line antics. Just as authors may be defensive of other authors, readers are defensive of other readers. Now – having said that, I’ve also seen some downright nasty and uncalled for insults against some authors in the comments section of a couple of blogs. Totally totally classless.
It would be nice if we could all place nice and get along, but that's not going to happen with so many people with so many different opinions. But, the main thing is think first.

Anyway for what it’s worth, that’s my 2¢ worth.

‘til later

It's late at night and I having one of those times when I don't want to go to bed because then I'll start thinking about things. I've been off work for a week now. Ron doesn't have much time left; I can tell. He mostly sleeps and when he isn't sleeping, we just sit quietly together. He's taking massive amounts of pain medication and it makes him very tired.
The baseball game is coming up on Sunday but I don't think we will be able to make it. I can't explain how my heart breaks for Ron that he probably can't go. He loves baseball and he loves the Jays. After the game, the team he has helped coach will be playing in Rogers Centre. This would be a dream come true for him. He's been a baseball coach for over 20 years now; coached both our boys for years, and for him to coach third - well it would be indescribable to him. But it's a 2 hour drive there and then the Jays and the Mets play. Then it's his teams turn to play and then a 2 hour drive home. It's an effort for him to even get dressed now. If we do go, I know that this will take everything he has left out of him.
I told the boys on Fathers day how little time there is left. I found out a while ago but Ron doesn't want to know. But I felt I had to tell them so they could spend time with him.
When I think about things, the pain is indescribable so for the most part I don't think. But every so often, like tonight, it catches me unawares.
I have loved this man for 32 years now. I fell in love with him the night I met him and that has never wavered. We've had rough times; I think every marriage has, we even split up for a year, but we worked through things.
He is my love and my friend and my anchor and I don't know what I'm going to do without him.

Blogging and reading are what's keeping me sane these days - and keeping my mind busy. I'm having a hard time with emails though. I just don't seem to have the words a lot of the times for those. So any that I owe - be patient. I read them all and they really do help so very much - but my replying part is a little tricky. Some days even breathing is hard.

June's Challenge - Part 2

Title: Big Guns out of Uniform

Author: Sherilyn Kenyon, Liz Carlyle, Nicole Camden

Year published: 2004

Why did you get this book: My mind does not work like a steel trap anymore. It was either Jay or CW who really liked this one and I can’t remember who. Maybe it was both. I normally don't read anthologies, but this one was highly recommended so I thought I'd give it a try

Did you like the cover: not particularly

Did you enjoy the Book? It’s an anthology. Two of the stories I really enjoyed, the third one I found rather – well - stupid

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? I’ve read Kenyon and Carlyle before and I think this was Camden’s first book. Two of them I’ll continue to read – the third no.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? I think I’ll keep it.

Anything Else By now you’re probably wondering which ones I liked and which one I didn’t really care for. I thought Nicole Camden’s entry was grand! And this is why either CW or Jay recommended it. Last time I heard she hadn’t found a publisher and I’m thinking what is wrong with these publishers? This is a great story, a lot different from what I thought it would be when I read the storyline. I thought it would be kind of sad that the heroine couldn’t recognize faces and it would be a more poignant story. Instead the heroine was strong and the book was steamy. I didn’t even mind it being told in the first person.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Liz Carlyle’s entry. If she ever writes a full-length contemporary, I’ll be getting a copy.

And then we come to Sherilyn Kenyon’s story (this is the order I read them – back to front). I thought it was kind of – well – dorky and it didn’t impress me at all. Once yet again, I think she sacrificed the current story to set up characters for future books. I gave up both her personna’s a while ago, mainly for that reason and this one doesn’t make me want to go back.

'til later

I haven't done one of these for a while

You Are a Prophet Soul

You are a gentle soul, with good intentions toward everyone. Selfless and kind, you have great faith in people. Sometimes this faith can lead to disappoinment in the long run. No matter what, you deal with everything in a calm and balanced way. You are a good interpreter, very sensitive, intuitive, caring, and gentle. Concerned about the world, you are good at predicting people's feelings. A seeker of wisdom, you are a life long learner looking for purpose and meaning. You are a great thinker and communicator, but not necessarily a doer. Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

For fans of Kelly Armstrong

She's a local girl and thought this article might be interesting to those who love her work.
Looks like the movie deal is off the table though *heavy sigh*

'til later

More Recent Reads

Completely Irresistible by Sheridon Smythe.
I must admit to wanting try her previous books but the covers were just so darned bad. I don't know if this one is better or I was just in a "don't give a damn" what they think mode when I bought it, but I'm glad I did get it. Tara said this in one of her reviews “I always like when I discover a good book, not necessarily a great keeper, but a book I can enjoy in the moment.”
That's what this book is like for me. I wouldn't call it a keeper, but it was fun. This is a book chalk full of misunderstandings but since that’s the point, it’s quite fun. Wyatt Love becomes the caretaker for a trio of poodles when an old rich lady dies. Kasidy Evans thinks he’s her boy toy and even though she finds him very attractive and is drawn to him, she wants nothing to do with this gigolo. Wyatt’s twin brother Dillon becomes aware of this and decides to make Wyatt pay. Meanwhile she has her own secrets she’s trying to protect. As I said, this one is fun and had me chuckling in a number of places. I think I may just break down and get the previous ones because the secondary characters were a hoot too.
Grade 3 ½ out of 5


Over the Line by Cindy Gerard
I’ve read all the other books in this series and really enjoyed them, especially To the Brink so I was anticipating this one too. And joy of joys I wasn’t disappointed. Jason Wilson who made a brief appearance as a drunk in a previous book has decided to straighten out his life. He called his old Ranger captain and joined E.D.E.N. the detective agency his old comrade now runs. His first assignment is as a body guard to Sweet Baby Jane, a very popular rock singer who has acquired herself a stalker. Janey is surprised at the youthful appearance of her new bodyguard but attracted at the same time. I found the mystery in this one more in the forefront during the first half of this book than her previous ones, but then that was OK because it was a very good mystery! Normally I would be wanting more of the romance but since the suspense was so good that turned out to be not an issue at all for me. And the romance did kick in big time in the second part so this one is a very good, very complete romantic suspense!
Grade 4 ½ out of 5


Extreme Bachelor by Julie London
This one was DNF. I really liked it right up to a certain point and I may go back to it. Others who have read this one really liked it and I can see why, but at a certain point I just found myself rolling my eyes and putting it aside – for now. Years before Leah Klein was an up and coming actress. Life was perfect for her because she was also desperately in love with Michael Raney. But when he dumped her, life fell apart. Five years later she is reduced to tacky commercials. Then when cast in a movie, she runs into Michael again when he is the stunt coordinator. He never forgot Leah, loved her even back then, but thought with his job he just couldn’t give her the commitment she wanted and needed. Now after running into her again, he decides he wants her back but Leah, once burned and burned badly, wants nothing to do with him.
As I said, I found this one a mixed bag. Part of me loved it, but the whole soccer mom movie thing was just such a turn off. I can’t imagine anything worse than a movie about soccer moms who all turn on each other and get into physical battles. I finally stopped reading when the stunt team took all the actresses on a white water rafting trip as a reward and Leah fell in the water. Silly reason not to finish a book I was enjoying I know – but there you go. It happens.
Grade: DNF - for now


Parallel Attraction by Dierdre Knight
I got this one because it fit into my criteria; a new author and a futuristic. And Wowzers. This one is great!!!
The book opens when Jared Bennet a young exiled king from another world visits earth and runs into a young Kelsey Wells. Although they are both young, the attraction is immediate and intense. But then one of the elders from Jared’s world removes their memories of each other. The book picks up some years later. Jared is still hiding and planning on earth. One evening he takes his cruiser out and it is shot down. He runs into Kelsey who saves him. They don’t remember each other but there is something strong that draws them to each other.
What can I say – both Jared and Kelsey are wonderful character. Jared is a king who has given his all to his people. Now he wants a chance of happiness in his life. Kelsey is a great strong heroine who is completely in love with Jared despite his differences. This would be an unquestionable 5 except it takes a detour into a time warp continuum that I found a bit confusing. It was heartbreaking – it made me tear up and it’s a rare book that does that – but still I found myself going “yea but”. Still – I’m giving this one a very high grade. I loved their love story. Of note though; this is only the first of a series and as such it doesn’t really end. Rather it breaks until the next book comes out to continue the story. And I am already so there for the next installment. I love the futuristic genre and this is a very, very good addition to it.
Grade 4 ¾ out of 5

'til later

June's Challenge - Part 1

Title: Hope’s Captive

Author: Kate Lyon

Year published: 2005

Why did you get this book: It was one that Wendy really liked. I probably would have gotten it anyway as it meets my requirements
New or mid list author – check
Different Setting – check
But when Wendy liked it so much that sealed the deal

Did you like the cover: *wring hands * do I have to answer this one??? Oh please don’t make me! Oh all right – there is a small part of me that did kind of like it- but don’t tell anyone I said that because normally the answer would be a resounding HELL NO!

Did you enjoy the Book? Yes, yes I did very much. I loved the heroine Caroline Whitley. She was so tortured (literally) yet she didn’t let it get her down. We often see a tortured hero but not so much a tortured heroine so that was a change. I also loved the hero Zach McCallister. He saw past the outside and admired and loved the inner beauty of the heroine.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? Yes she was and I already checked to see if she has a back list. I see she has 2 of them but one doesn’t look orderable for some reason but yes I plan on getting her other one

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Oh - I’m keeping this one.

Anything Else: I was impressed that the author really did her homework. She used real life characters and did an excellent job of merging the truth with her work. Those looking for something new and different in a romance should check this one out. I will certainly be keeping it in mind when it comes to best road romance of the year!




Title: A Hunger Like No Other

Author: Kresley Cole

Year published: 2006

Why did you get this book? Since this month it’s reading a book that was recommended, I got this one because both Cindy and Alyssa liked it so much. Since Cindy read one I rec’d, turn about is fair play

Do you like the cover? Ah – no. I mean really – who has hair like that?

Did you enjoy the book? It was OK. I didn’t like it nearly as much as either Cindy or Alyssa. I found Emmaline annoying. Lachlain was just way too much at the beginning. Yes – I know – he had issues. He did settle down though and I liked him much better later

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? It was the first book I’ve read of hers although I’m pretty sure I have at least on more earlier one in my TBR pile so I’ll certainly give them a read if and when I find them. I’ll probably try the next one too.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? Since I have trouble letting go, I’ll keep if for now.

Anything else? Besides finding the heroine annoying, the problem I had with this one was there were just too many characters and not enough explanation as too who they were. It read like a series that had a number of previous books but as far as I know this is the first one. Also there were just too many otherworldly characters; vampires, furies, werewolves, witches, valkries, lions and tigers and bears oh my. I would prefer not quite as many different types of creatures.

aHa!!!!!

I was digging in a box in the basement this morning and I found a stash of books. Some treasures they were!

I shall be going on a rereading glom now.




First up - To Love a Dark Lord




Followed up with A Rose at Midnight




And finishing up with Shadowdance


Too bad though they are such horrible, yucky covers!!



'til later

I can't believe I did this

But I did because Where's my Hero is so persuasive.........


And I wanted to give Sybil a laugh.........


And it was buy 3 get 1 free at Chapters - and I had a $20 gift certificate from Mother's Day.......


So I bought........


Are you ready?







Angel in my Bed by Melody Thomas (doesn't she also play Nikki in Y&R)
AUUUGGGGHHHHH - hell did not freeze over but my eyes, my eyes!!!! Half naked Mullet Man and Sleazy looking girl with odd droopy tits.


I also got myself


The Sea King by Jolie Mathis
because it's getting great reviews and it's a Viking Romance NOT a Regency and a new author


and


Squeeze Play by Kate Angell
because Tara liked it and it's a baseball book

and last but not least

Stuck in Shagri-la by Kasey Michaels
Because it looks cute and I loved her last ones - even though they were historicals

'til later

A few more I've never heard of

This is getting addicitive! I went to Amazon again to check my recommendations and they had a bunch more I've never heard of!! I was having a grand time - they have A LOT of recommendations for me. But then we got into Nora Roberts, Lavyrle Spencer, Elizabeth Lowell etc. When I hit the already own button then I get even more of them. But still - it's jolly good fun! Does anyone else ever check what Amazon recommends for them?


This one isn't too bad - considering there are no people.


Now I think this one is HOT!





As you can see by my side bar - I have her latest 2 sitting in my TBR pile - but looks like she's written a number of books. Now the girly girl in me has always liked pinks and mauves - but still is a mauve horse really necessary?


I like the looks of this one!



Boy this cover is awfully familiar though. I think there are about four almost identical ones out there.

'til later

Some most excellent reviews

Mailyn of Imaginary Origin has reviews of some most excellent books posted. And yeppers - one for you know what (heh heh) .

And Cindy and Megan - guess who else?

'til later

Colour me confused - quick update

In the further adventures in ebook world - I didn't hear from Liquid Silver by e-mail - but much thanks to Tina Burns of Liquid Silver for her offer of help; I was most impressed! But - it seems the book just magically appeared. I have no idea how that happened but I was checking things out and there it was! I turned off the computer and turned it back on and it was still there. I don't know whether they sent it again or whether I saved it and didn't know it. I tell you, sometimes I'm afeered for me because yes indeed - I can be that clueless about some things.

'til later

Looking for opinions

I was checking out the list of recommendations I have at Amazon and they recommended a whole lot of books I've never heard of by authors I've never heard of. Some of them look pretty good so if any one has read any of these - what did you think? Would it be worth it?














These all appeal to me in one way or another, so I'm wondering if they are worth tracking down since I don't think any of them made it to the shelves here. Odd that I've never heard of any of these, yet at the same time almost scary how many of the ones Amazon recommended I already had.

'til later

Well - call me stupid

And smack me on the head.

In my continuing adventures in ebook land I made a grevious mistake.

I didn't get around to saving my ebooks to my computer until today. (even though Nicole told me too - thus the call me stupid title). I went to the confirmation emails and saved The Fifth Favor, couldn't find one for Banner's Bonus and the link for Bone Deep expired. I sent an email off to Liquid Silver, explaining rather sheepishly my lack of knowledge (sense) in not saving it sooner. Hopefully they will send it to me again. I included all the order info.
Somewhat luckily for me, I read Bone Deep. Hopefully I can get it back because this is one I will want to read again (and again, and again).

Bam did such a wonderful review job on this book that I couldn't hope to do better except to say she is right on!! I loved this one! I also read Keishon's review and while I can see her points, I was able to ignore what is probably true and just enjoy this tender, warm-hearted book.
Grade: 4 1/2 out of 5

And this morning I happened to find a review for Banner's Bonus. You'll have to scroll down since I can't figure out how to link directly to the books. I reviewed the original story a while back, now I'm really looking forward to the new version.

'til later

My Continuing Adventures in Ebook Land

Well, I had myself a bit of a scare last night. I turned the computer off in the morning before I left for work and turned it on when I got home. I went and opened Microsoft Reader and two of my new books didn’t seem to be there!!!! ACCKK!! I couldn't find either The Fifth Favor nor Bone Deep. Now you have to know me to know how quickly I panic when I think I’ve lost something. My sisters know. They laugh. I don’t know how many times I’ve panicked over lost keys only to discover they were in my purse all along. I compensate for this by simply not looking for things. That’s why I haven’t looked for my prescription sunglasses for a month now; because if I can’t find them, then I'll figure they are lost and then I’ll panic. I know – doesn’t make sense but it works for me. Anyway, I tried not to panic when the two books weren’t there. Instead I calmly went to the confirmation emails I received from the publishers and they were both there for downloading in the emails so I “opened” both of them in Microsoft Reader. I am frighteningly clueless about stuff like this, but I have a feeling that once I turn the computer off, I’ll loose them again. Somehow I’ll have to figure out where/how to save them.
I had briefly started The Fifth Favor the night before and of course when they got ‘lost’, I lost my place. See, for those who are new to this, you can open Microsoft Reader where you last read. I still need to figure out how to bookmark the spot in ereaders. No one has mentioned that and I can see it being an issue if I’m about half way done a book. I started Bone Deep this morning before work and have to say – I did NOT want to stop reading. I didn’t turn the computer off either. I didn’t want to risk losing the book or my place in the book!

‘til later