The first half of the reading year

Well, we are almost midway through June and that means midway through the first part of the reading year. Katie and I thought that rather than just list our favourite books published in 2008, we would have a discussion.

So with that thought in mind, here's what we had to say, along with our favourite books so far.

Without further ado - our thoughts so far.

KatieBabs: so should we talk about our favourite reads of 08?

KristieJ: LOL I was just going to ask you the same thing

KatieBabs: See, great minds!

KristieJ: So Kate - they year is half over - what have been some of your best reads so far, keeping in mind we are going to post this discussion

KatieBabs: of course!

KatieBabs: Many of my favourites have been paranormal and fantasy, much like last year, the majority of my list is mainly paranormal with a few historical thrown in and one contemporary romance, which we all know what that is.

KristieJ: I never really asked you - do you grade books?

KatieBabs: I am a big fan of the A-F grading system.

KristieJ: I'm a 1 - 5 girl myself

KatieBabs: so easy to give those grads checks and minuses

KristieJ: same with the number system

KatieBabs: All my top books I give B+ or higher in my mind

KristieJ: And me between a 4 and 5. So - what have been your highest graded books so far? And why? What stands out about them for you?

KatieBabs: Well, one on my list is a bit below a normal "B+" grade that may surprise some:

The Host- A+

Blue Eyed Devil- A+

One Foot in the Grave A

Three books I have on my list haven't been published yet but are one of the best I have read this year

How about you?

KristieJ: well - I keep an excel spreadsheet - and loving the filter system on it, I'm down a bit in my reading - I blame blogging for that, but I've read 32 books so far this year - 16 of them published in 2008. I think I give out more higher graded marks then you do *g*. The books that got 5's:

The Spymaster's Lady

Unlawful Contact - Pamela Clare

Blue Eyed Devil - Lisa Kleypas - twice - I read that one twice

KatieBabs: Blue Eyed Devil is definitely a re-read

KristieJ: It is - and a re-re-read. And one more that's not out in stores yet - but I blogged about it - Countdown by Michele Maddox

KatieBabs: and The Spymaster's Lady is a worthy book

KristieJ: The Spymaster's Lady too. I'm kind of surprise that there are a number of readers who didn't really like it. The book you sent me - Love Letters to a Stranger got 4.75

KatieBabs: I was just blown away by Bourne's skill as a storyteller. She writes incredibly strong heroines and her writing is so intelligent and lyrical in some ways

KristieJ: She did come in with all guns blazing didn't she? A lot of new authors build in talent - but Joanna's was there right from the start of page 1

KatieBabs: Her next book, My Lord and Spymaster is another great book by her. Her heroine Jess is almost like Annique in many ways. It’s a good sophomore effort, also on my list but not released yet. I think you will enjoy it. Two great characters, with tension and wonderful bantering back and forth

KristieJ: I have it on pre-order from Chapters!! I can hardly wait until it comes in.

So - what did you find so special about Blue Eyed Devil that it got an A+ from you (and a 5 from me)

KatieBabs: Well, Blue Eyed Devil was such a big read for me more on a personal level.

I am ready to say The Host is my number one read of 2008, but Blue Eyed Devil hit so many personal and internal emotions

KristieJ: She did such a wonderful job with making Hardy and Haven come alive didn't she? We really felt drawn into Haven's world I thought. And so we could really experience the journey

KatieBabs: I saw myself in Haven because at one point I was where she was and that shook me to my core by the time I finished reading. If I ever see Lisa, I must give her a hug for writing such an incredible book.

KristieJ: I think so many of us are 'people pleasers' like Haven - that in so many ways we can identify with her. I know I did too

KatieBabs: Was there any new authors introduced this year that are on your list or just the usual suspects?

KristieJ: Well - for me three author really stood out - Joanne Bourne who we already discussed, Jean Johnson and for me Toni Blake – they were all new or new to me authors and I was especially pleased with the new to me authors since at times I didn't think there were any previous published authors I would find

KatieBabs: The only new authors I have on my list so far are Joanne Bourne and Ann Aguirre. Everyone else is well known

KristieJ: Have you discovered any new-to-you authors this year so far?

KatieBabs: Ilona Andrews is one. I just finished reading Magic Bites, also Cherie Feather

KristieJ: I don't think we can have a discussion of 2008 books without mentioning Cheryl Brooks and Slave

KatieBabs: How could we forget Cat and Jack? LOL

KristieJ: Even though neither of us gave her the highest of marks on her debut, I think we both agree she's an author worth keeping an eye on.

KatieBabs: Definitely. She will keep people talking.

Two other authors I just thought of is Colleen Gleason and Josh Lanyon.

Did you read any ebook authors that caught your eye?

KristieJ: no - I don't read ebooks . How many have you read so far this year? I mean total books - not just ebooks?

KatieBabs: Well, there are some that have made the jump from ebook to print like Sarah McCarty, Shiloh Walker, Lisa Marie Rice. These are all ones to look forward to. I need a minute to calculate... If I include print and all ebooks, probably close to 80.

KristieJ: Lisa Marie Rice I certainly agree with you on. I love Sarah McCarty's on-line presence - I think she's a great person - but her books don't work for me sadly

KatieBabs: Well Sarah has a certain way with her books, alpha cowboy men who like the butt-butt, if you know what I mean.*wink* She is one I am definitely looking forward to this year.

KristieJ: yep - I know what you mean - that's why they don't work for me

KatieBabs: But there is one author who does not work for me at all! Jacquelyn Frank! I just can't get into her Nightwalkers series, so boring, goes on and on and nothing really happens!

KristieJ: I haven't tried her books - haven't really been tempted too

KatieBabs: you are not missing anything. I like her concept, about a paranormal series dealing with all legends from vampires to werewolves and demons but her writing is just not for me. She has very long paragraphs that go on and on and on...

KristieJ: How about Nalini Singh? I think we've both read all her books including her latest one

KatieBabs: Mine To Possess is in my top 10. She delivers every time and I am very excited for Hostage to Pleasure, her September release.

KristieJ: I gave it a 4 which is a very good grad

KatieBabs: Also C.L. Wilson has another book coming in September for her Fading Lands series. Well, we all know her two books where my favourites for 2007. King of Sword and Sky comes out this September

KristieJ: yes - but she hasn't had one in 2008 so far. And you are the only one of the two of us to talk about JR Ward since I haven't read past Rhage’s story yet

KatieBabs: That would be me and Lover Enshrined is in my top 10, for the moment. Lover Enshrined is quite the topic of conversation in the blog world at the moment. And who had the first blog review... hmmmm?

KristieJ: Any other books of 2008 that you want to spotlight - that are out now?

KatieBabs: Gena Showalter has a great new series with her Lords of the Underworld. and I cannot forget to mention Kresley Cole's Immortal series and last but not least Meljean Brook

KristieJ: I have all those you just mentioned - just not read yet

KatieBabs: just some more to add to the good old TBR list. 2008 so far has been amazing overall for books!

KristieJ: It has for me too! - starting with The Spymaster's Lady

KatieBabs: She sets the standard!

KristieJ: Some of my favourites this year are Unlawful Contact by Pamela Clare, Hot by Julie Harper, To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt - so she had 2 this year and finally a tried and true - Strangers in Death by JD Robb

KatieBabs: Er, To Taste Temptation is my bottom feeder along with Damien by Frank

KristieJ: heh heh - I know - we disagree on that one

KatieBabs: Yup, my first unhappy read by Hoyt. Is there one book you haven't read from 2008 yet that you want to?

KristieJ: that's been published or that I'm waiting for?

KatieBabs: that has been published

KristieJ: LOL - yep quite a few. I think the top ones are Demon Night by Meljean Brook and The Seducer and the Scorpion by Bonnie Vanak. Fortunately for me I have both of them already – its just a matter of reading them. And you?

KatieBabs: It just came out, but Scandalous ways by Loretta Chase

KristieJ: Um - I have that one too. See what I mean? Too many books - not enough time!

KatieBabs: I know!

KristieJ: So list your top 2008 books so far

KatieBabs: even the one that haven't been published yet but I have read?

KristieJ: no - I think we should stick with published - that way people won't want to throw rotten apples at us yet

KatieBabs: *ducks*

KristieJ: 'cause I kind of want to throw a rotten apple at you for having read Linnea Sinclair’s latest – even if you’re my partner - heh heh heh - in a nice way of course. Cause I will be reading it - no doubt about that - when it comes out

KatieBabs: Linnea Sinclair's next release? Whatever do you mean? *whistles* maybe you will get it earlier. *wink wink* My top books for 2008 are:

Blue Eyed Devil- Lisa Kleypas
The Host- Stephenie Meyer
One Foot in the Grave- Jeaniene Frost
Grimspace- Ann Aguirre
The Spymaster's Lady- Joanna Bourne
Demon Night- Meljean Brook
Mine To Possess- Nalini Singh
Lover Enshrined- JR Ward
Dark Needs on Night's Edge- Kresley Cole
The Darkest Kiss- Gena Showalter

KatieBabs: Tah Dah!

KristieJ: Very good! These are mine:

Joanna Bourne, The Spymaster's Lady 5

Lisa Kleypas, Blue Eyed Devil 5

Pamela Clare, Unlawful Contact 5

Toni Blake, Letters To A Secret Lover 4.75

Julia Harper, Hot 4

Nalini Singh, Mine To Possess 4

Robb, JD Strangers In Death 4

Gena Showalter, Savor Me Slowly 4

Elizabeth Hoyt, To Taste Temptation 4

KatieBabs: You don't list from 1 to 10?

KristieJ: I put my fives together, then my one 4.75, then 4.5, then 4's. That's as close as I can do it

KatieBabs: ah ha, I forgot one!! Arg! Duke of Shadows. I need to fix my list

KristieJ: I have that one too - on the TBR pile

KatieBabs: before this gets posted, I must rethink my list. See, I have problems already. lol

KristieJ: heh heh. Well, I'll copy it, fix it up and email it to you so you can add stuff

KatieBabs rethought list:

Blue Eyed Devil- Lisa Kleypas

The Host- Stephenie Meyers

One Foot in the Grave- Jeaniene Frost

Grimspace- Anne Aguirre

The Spymaster's Lady- Joanna Bourne
Duke of Shadows- Meredith Duran

Demon Night- Meljean Brook
Mine To Possess- Nalini Singh

Lover Enshrined- JR Ward

Dark Needs on Night's Edge- Kresley Cole

My Lord and Spymaster *Exclusive Review*

One of the best authors to come out of 2008 and the publishing world, especially the historical romance genre is Joanna Bourne. Joanna’s first novel, The Spymaster’s Lady was one of the best historicals I have read in almost five years. Her writing is lush and so very intelligently written. When Ana from The Book Smugglers told me she was a huge fan of Joanna, I realized we have so much in common. She was also very lucky to get an advanced copy of Joanna’s July release, My Lord and Spymaster. And since she was posting her review, she asked if I was going to post my own since I too was able to get a copy. So, today we are both linking our reviews and we welcome you to read both our thoughts and comment on them.

The heroine of My Lord and Spymaster is Jess Whitby. Jess may seem like a respectable lady with a fortune and a successful business, but Jess has an unfortunate past as being a former thief who lived in the underbelly of Katherine Lane in London. Her father, who I really thought of as a total jackass, left Jess to fend for herself because he was never around. Without a mother to care for her, Jess had to survive anyway she knew how, so the streets became her home and thus her career as a thief, all before the age of ten. Jess has come back to her old haunts looking for the man responsible for framing her father for crimes against the crown. Because Jess is so independent and a bit plucky, she will go deep into the dark streets, where danger is thick, searching for a way to find the villain who has the power to send her father to the gallows. This is where she meets Sea Captain Sebastian Kennett.

Sebastian and an associate, Adrian, (Adrian was a big secondary character in The Spymaster’s Lady) are walking back from a celebration of sorts when a young woman comes rushing towards Sebastian and begs for his help. He knows something is off because he feels her trying to pick his pockets. Before he can get to the bottom of Miss Sticky Fingers, they are attacked. Sebastian and Adrian are able to hold their attackers off, but Sebastian’s lovely pickpocket is bashed in the head and falls unconscious. Sebastian takes her back to his ship and waits till she comes to. From that moment on Sebastian feels Jess is his. In between the fighting and the time it takes for him to bring her to his ship and wait for her to awaken, Sebastian wants to claim this unknown lady as his own. These few pages where we see Sebastian’s thoughts and sudden feelings for Jess are so telling. It sets in motion the dance or rather the foreplay these two will engage in before they become lovers.

Jess does not trust Sebastian at all. She believes he is someone called the Cinq, and the one responsible for imprisoning her father. Jess may be very attracted to Sebastian, but she really does think he is the dastardly Cinq.

**Side note- for the life of me I couldn’t tell you what “Cinq” means. Why do these villains in such spy stories have such strange names? What if his name was Bill or Harry? I personally like the name of Fred. But then again have you ever heard of a villain with the name of Fred?**

You have to feel for Sebastian because he makes it his mission to protect and help Jess in any way. Jess is an ungrateful wench and makes sure to give Sebastian the run around. He just doesn’t know how to handle her. She is one slippery woman who can escape from his guards who are suppose to keep tabs on her. Jess is quite skillful and she climbs various rooftops and drops into rooms without being noticed. Jess reminded me a bit of Anne Wilder from the Connie Brockway classic, All Through the Night. And I would love to know if Joanna was paying homage to Connie because at certain points, Jess was very much like Anne. Sebastian is not at all like Jack Seward, but he is there to help Jess out of her scrapes. There is one such scrape where Jess decides to go back into the "belly of the beast" and see the man who turned her into a thief and may just kill her because she left him, even though she was just a child. Sebastian is the only one who can rescue her. Surprisingly in this scene, you would think Sebastian would lay claim to Jess himself, much like he told himself he would when he first met her. Rather, Sebastian makes Jess realize she belongs to no one, not her father and not even himself.

I found My Lord and Spymaster to be a tensioned filled novel, especially between Jess and Sebastian. These two do not fall into bed right away and then spend the rest of the story running around London. The loving comes much later. Sebastian can’t stand dear old dad because of what Jess had to go through as a young girl. Jess can hardly trust Sebastian, which became a bit tedious because Sebastian has done everything in his power to make Jess want to put her trust in him. I felt that Jess had such issues because of her past and it should fit, but sometimes too much denial and angst between the two main characters can be a bit too much.

Again Joanna has written another wonderful heroine in that of Jess, who really makes this story shine. Sebastian was a pleasing in his own way, but I was so involved with Jess that Sebastian is more of a sidekick to Jess if anything else. I was even surprised by who Fred…er…the Cinq was. For a sophomore effort, I think those who enjoyed The Spymaster’s Lady will feel the same about My Lord and Spymaster.

Joanna simply breathes life into a genre that needs more stories like her own.

4 out of 5 stars

Katiebabs (KB)

JR Ward "crack" Interview and Spoilers!

Christine was so kind enough to send me word that JR Ward is over at Romance Novel TV chatting today about Lover Enshrined.

And guess what?? WE FIND OUT WHO'S REHV'S MATE IS!!!!

And the first line of his book, Lover Avenged, which comes out next year.

Want some "crack" spoilers? Click on the link and get your fix.

Katiebabs (KB)

OMG - I LOVE YouTube!!!

Thanks to YouTube I have been in deep procastination mode taking a tour back through my younger days.
I never listen to oldies' music stations - I prefer to go no further back than the 80's, but I found some songs I loved when I was much younger. I'm not sure how many out there will remember these ones - but oh man - did they bring back memories. And believe it or not, I could still sing (and just did) many of them word for word

Here are just a few

This was always my favourite Herman's Hermits song. It wasn't as widely popular as some of the other ones - but I loved it



(and keep in mind this was back in the days when gay meant happy)

Here's another one I loved when I was a kid. I didn't found out until much later that Ron's nickname was Hazel - cause of his long (at the time) hair


And oh wow! Did I love this one when I was young and innocent



This is the one I'm most proud of being able to sing word for word without forgetting one single word


I could go on and on - but to spare you my own personal journey down memory lane, I'll just leave a couple more. I don't how long some have been visiting, but a while back I did a post on my crushes of yesteryear. One of the BIG ones I had was on a band in the 60's - Paul Revere and the Raiders. I had posters of this group all over my room - and Mark Lindsay in particular
*sigh* ah memories


(yes - we did used to dance like that. I wasn't quite as good as the go go dancers though.

And the quality isn't as good - but this was my favourite song by them - Hungry - as in I was hungry for Mark Lindsay in my young innocent teenage girl heart.
Katie saw these last night and would you believe she laughed at them? She LAUGHED at my Mark Lindsay! Humph.
(so did I)




And finally - some will know what I'm referring to - this is NOT the pirate and crew I was referring too.

Walking To The Beat Of My Own Drum

When I was growing up as a child, I had a very rough time. I was considered to be an outcast and was made fun of horribly. I am not denying I was bit of a strange child, more eccentric if anything else. I owe that to my over active imagination. One of the worst times in my life was from the age of eight to thirteen. During this time I had two girls in my class whose mission was to make my life as unpleasant as they could. I wore glasses, had flaming red hair and was the tallest in my class, even towering over the boys. I was always picked last during gym, had no one to sit with at lunch and I was never invited to any birthday parties. There was this one girl, who I guess you could say, was the class bully. Even though other students were also picked on, she always would surround me with the other girls, and sometimes some boys, and call me names or throw rocks or sticks at me. There was also this one girl who was more indifferent towards me. She was the smartest one in our class and always picked on me because of the things that would come out of my mouth or the lesser grades I would receive.

By the time I was twelve, I came home crying almost everyday. As I walked home from school, tears would fall down my cheeks as I wondered what was so bad about me that made everyone dislike me so? I soon became very somber and quiet. I was the type who always smiled and wanted to be friends with everyone. I soon became lost, my identity missing as I tried to conform in a world where I would belong. I no longer walked to the beat of my own drum.

One day, my mother saw me in my room, sobbing hysterically on my bed after another bad day from hell at school. As any mother would do, she tried to show me how special I was. She put me in front of a mirror and asked,

“What do you see?”
I said, “Me.”

She went on to say that she saw a bright, happy and voracious child who has so much to live for. These people who put me down and say horrible things are jealous. I have something they want but can’t have and because of that, they lash out.

I really took those words to heart. We may have faults but honestly, what was so horrible about me as a person that others could not stand? The one bully who used force to hurt was this chubby, short girl who was barely passing her classes. The other one who was so perfect, or so it seemed, never had many friends around and hardly ever smiled. From that day forth I decided that whatever another person may think of me or say towards me doesn’t really matter, all that matters is what I think about myself.

Jealousy. Jealousy is a very scary thing. It can make the strongest become weak and the weakest go past a point that some never return from. In this blogsphere we are all apart of, words mean so much. It can mean praise by a simple statement in a post or it can do the total opposite where one can lash out at someone. Since most of us may never have the chance to meet face to face and know the real person behind the computer, we only have the words we type to express who we are.

This blogsphere I inhabit is full of bright and witty people. Without having my daily dose of reviews, commentary or even a simple picture being posted, I feel empty. People blog for so many reasons, and especially in the literary circles we surround ourselves in, many use their on-line blogs for notice. Some may think of their blog as a way towards monetary value or the possibility of being the first to have that advanced review or author interview we only can wish for. Some may try for the most traffic in a given day, week or month and they live and breathe that success. Some just go with what they know and what brings them joy.

It is such a small world and as you all well know, we see the same names over and over on many different sites and blogs. In one day, myself, along with two other bloggers seemed to be following each other from blog to blog, which was quite a coincidence. But I also have come to the conclusion that some tend to become jealous. Yes, that dirty word yet again that can ruin the most wonderful of associations and friendships. I have even been there myself, envious that one read a book before me, or perhaps has a better relationship with an author or blogger than I do. Rather than post those feelings, I hold back and post words of congratulations and awe for a job well done.

What it all comes down to is respect and understanding that words are such a powerful tool. When words are used to hurt and bring forth pain, we all loose something, not just the one writing them or the one it is meant for. It seems so mean, petty and hurtful. Really, what is the point? It makes others turn away, rejected because a few choice people are trying to ruin something so special that we all want to be a part of.

Of course things die down and life goes on, some other situations arise that will be that talk of the web and we all will continue to comment. Some will keep quite and just watch, waiting for the right moment to become known and begin their own path to making their words come alive, either by starting their own blog or taking that next step which involves a word count, agent, editor and finally a publisher.

The point where I am at is still very unknown, whatever happens and may come my way, I will take on. My words are my own and no one can tell me otherwise. To this day I still very much so, walk to the beat of my own drum.

**A final thought to my story. A few years ago I found out that one of those girl bullies was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and there was a possibility that she may never have children. With no other thought in my mind, I found her address and sent her a card, explaining who I was and wishing her well. Less than five days later, she responded back. She sent me a card and wrote how she was out west working in the art therapy field with children who were abused. She went on to say she remembered who I was and always thought I was the nicest person. She signed her name and under it she wrote two words:

“I’m sorry.”

Both she and I knew what she meant. They were the most powerful set of words that still stick to me to this day. About two years after that, I found out her cancer was in remission, she got married and eventually had a little girl.**

Katiebabs (KB)

Recent Reads

The Song by Jean Johnson

Why this one: Well, I’ve loved and enjoyed each and every single one I’ve read so far so it really was a no-brainer I’d continue with the series.

Steam Level: Pretty hot – not as much as the first three – but would still burn fingers

Author Web Site Blurb: Eight brothers, born in four sets of twins, two years apart to the day—they fulfill the Curse of Eight Prophecy. To avoid tempting their destiny, the brothers are exiled to Nightfall Island , where women are forbidden. This presents a challenge for the brother whose magic has been destroyed…

Evanor, fourth-born of the Sons of Destiny, lost his voice—and with it, his powers—in the violent battle that freed his family from their greatest enemy. Thankfully, with the safe return of his twin, Evanor now knows precisely who can bring his songs back to life.

She is the enchanting widow Mariel, a Healer brought to Nightfall to help the brothers in their hour of need. For Mariel and her young son, that means leaving their beloved homeland for the unfamiliar island of Nightfall and its still-forbidden shores…and with it, risking the passion she stirs in her intriguing patient’s heart.

But a new danger looms when the Council of Katan learn there might be women on the Isle…

My thoughts: Hmmm. For me so far, this is the weakest book in the series so far. While certainly readable, it just didn’t grab me the way the first three did. I think part of the reason was Evanor and Mariel were already half in love when the story began, so there wasn’t the initial spark between them. In addition, they were both pretty Beta characters. Mariel is a healer and Evanor the gentlest of the eight brothers I think, thus another reason for the lack of sparkage. In fact, they became lovers before I really was aware of it. Don’t know how I missed it. Because there wasn’t much conflict between the two of them, most of the conflict came externally when the Council of Katan found out something fishy was going on with the exiled brothers. This part was interesting and again, I enjoyed the way each of the brothers had their own roles to play when they were confronted. The author also has a great way of blending in so many characters with each of them having an integral part of the story.

Something else that bothered me though, was the huge amount of time devoted to creating their own version of cell phones. It felt like filler and to be honest, filler that kind of went above my head.

Still, since I’m reading the whole series, I’m glad I read this one. It moves the story along and we get to see more of the most intriguing brother so far, Rydan. But alas, the grade isn’t quite as high for The Song. But I have The Cat ready to read and just because this one didn’t work quite so well as the others, I’m still looking forward to the next installment very much.

Grade: 3.5 out of 5

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Love Letters from a Stranger – Toni Blake

Why this one: Well, Katie liked it and sent it on to me. With a whole boat load of books thought I’m not sure why exactly I picked this out of the pile.

Steam Level: Better blow on it first, cause this one is hawt!

Author website blurb: The last thing she needs right now is a man

Lindsey Brooks had it all—an awesome job doling out advice to the lovelorn, a fabulous high-rise apartment, and a to-die-for fiancé. But then she got dumped—wearing nothing but a Kiss the Cook apron—and desperate to escape, she retreats to a tiny Montana town to reclaim a family treasure. She never dreamed anyone would try to stop her – or that he’d be sexy as sin.

Too bad she finds such a hot one …

Rob Colter isn’t into relationships—but Lindsey sees Rob as the perfect guy to help her “get back on the horse.” The sex horse, that is. Unfortunately, he comes complete with a mysterious past, which gets even more mysterious when she finds his passionate letters to another woman – whose name happens to be tattooed on his chest.

And too bad he has so many secrets …

Now Rob’s dangerous past is about to catch up with them both. And if that’s not horrible enough, Lindsey is falling for him – hard. For a girl who usually has all the answers, Lindsey is up to her neck in trouble.

My Thoughts: First off I have to say a Great Big Huge thanks to Katie for sending me this one. I. L.O.V.E.D. I.T.

The author says it’s a cross between Men in Trees meets Sex and The City and that is an apt description. I loved, loved, loved Rob. I’ve said before that I love a blue collar kind of hero. I’d take one of them over a white collar type any day. And Rob is a great blue collar kind of guy. He builds things and also runs the local canoe renting for tourists business. Works with his hands he does. I like that in a hero. He’s also a big grouchy teddy bear type and I love that kind too. And there’s another side to him that goes right to my ‘what I love in a romance novel” side to him – but I don’t want to give that away since it’s not revealed until later on in the story. As Katie can attest – he’s the kind of hero you just want to hug and hug and not let go of.

Lindsey, on the other hand is a girly, girl type – the kind that’s heavy into shoes and that kind of thing. Often times this kind of heroine gets on my nerves since it’s the opposite of me. But sometimes, if the author writes her right – it can work. Blair Mallory is one of those who really ‘works’ for me. And as does Lindsay. While I can’t relate to a lot of what makes her tick, still, she is a very likeable heroine and I warmed up to her quite early in the book. I got quite a kick out of her thing for shoes and her initial horror at wearing Keds! And then later on, she was so thrilled at getting a new pair of hiking boots – and then getting them muddy in the rain. And she really was quite a bit deeper then she first came across as at first.

This is a wonderful story of two opposite people falling in love and appreciating their differences.

I have a couple other of her books not read yet that I’m going to find and then get all the rest of her back list I can find! I’m ecstatic that I’ve found yet another new-to-me author I can rave about.

Thanks again Katie!!

Grade: 4.75 out of 5

Review: The Host By Stephenie Meyer

“Sometimes, fact missed with fiction so thoroughly that, though no lies were told, it was hard to remember what was strictly true” –page 18 from The Host

The word “classic” is one I don’t use too often when I discuss books. Only a select few can be given that term. In my case, I have one such book that I compare all others to. If any book I read can come close to my number one cherished book of all time, than that book will be given the “classic” label. My favorite book of all time is The Stand by Stephen King and The Host by Stephenie Meyer came so close, after fifteen years, to knocking The Stand off its pedestal and becoming its replacement.

Stephenie Meyer is on her way to becoming one of the most influential authors of this decade and quite possibly this century. You think her Young Adult vampire series is amazing? With The Host, she has written a near masterpiece about the worth of an individual, the importance of a person’s soul and a spiritual element that most can only find within ourselves. I would not be surprised if this book is eventually taught in schools and is considered as one of the most influential novels of the 21st century.

The Host is a spin on aliens taking over the Earth, much like the sci-fi movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. These beings travel from planet to planet, in order to bring peace and well-being to the creatures that live there. The aliens do this by inserting their souls, through the necks of the host body and essentially eliminate the original being’s soul. From that point on, this new alien soul lives the life of the former soul, but filled with tranquility and happiness. These invaders have been successful on multiple planets and now they have set their sights on Earth. Humans are known as being very destructive. They enjoy killing and starting wars. These invaders will take over the humans and make Earth a balanced planet full of peace and joy. Murder and killing will be a distant memory.

It has been five years since the invasion and most of humanity has been overtaken. On this day, a new soul is one of many to be inserted into a host. The host was a young girl, who rather than be taken alive, killed herself by jumping down an elevator shaft. But the aliens have a higher form of medicine and are able to save the girl’s body. The soul they have placed inside is called Wanderer. Wanderer is a special type of soul because she has lived on more than six other planets. Wanderer has been a Flower, Bear, Sea Weed and even a Dragon. Yes, there are many other life forms in this huge universe and Wanderer is lucky enough to see and be many things. When Wanderer awakens, she (you will come to find out why Wanderer is female) is very much out of sorts. She knows she would experience the memories and feelings of her host body, but something is so very wrong. In the past, when a new alien soul takes over a host, the host’s original soul lies dormant or is erased. But this is not the case with Wanderer. Her former host’s soul, which was once Melanie Stryder, talks to her in her mind and won’t go away. Wanderer may control her new host, but Melanie is an annoying voice in her head and won’t leave Wanderer alone.

Wanderer is a very kind and essentially, a peaceful being. But with Melanie, Wanderer can’t stand her. Wanderer just wants to live a simple life as a human till she can move onto her next life cycle. But Melanie wants out and because Wanderer feels the same things as Melanie does and experiences Melanie’s memories, she and Melanie decide to go on a journey. Melanie wants Wanderer to find her people, meaning her younger brother Jamie and Jared, the young man who has helped Melanie and Jamie survive from the aliens. Melanie is in deep love with Jared and yearns for him. Since Wanderer is being pulled towards, much like Melanie into finding her family, Wanderer will go and search for these humans even though it is very dangerous and they could end up killing her.

Wanderer will travel from Chicago, Illinois to the arid deserts of Arizona where her Uncle Jeb may be hiding out along where Jamie and Jared. Wanderer treks through the desert and comes close to death until she is found, by Jeb. Wanderer’s life is soon on the line. Jeb doesn’t kill her right away and brings her into his “house” where he lives in some intricate, man made caves, where other humans also live. That is where Wanderer finds Jared, Jamie and other humans, who want her blood. That scene alone will rip your heart out by the shear emotion that is felt by Wanderer, Melanie and especially Jared. She is the enemy and must be killed because they believe she may have brought the seekers (the alien police who round up the humans) to their hiding place. Jeb won’t put Wanderer out of her misery but leaves that decision in the hands of Jared.

From that moment on, Wanderer is caged much like an animal is or some could say a possible terrorist. This group wants her gone and Jared is the one who holds her life in his hands. But there is one who doesn’t want to see Wanderer killed and that is Jamie. Jamie believes Melanie is still inside her body, and will not allow any body to harm his sister, even if it is only her body that remains.

As things progress between Wanderer, or as Jamie comes to name her, Wanda, she and some of the humans have a tentative truce. Jeb does his best to assimilate her into their clan, but always with and eye and a gun pointed at her. There are Kyle and Ian, brothers who have very different distinct feels for Wanda. Kyle wouldn’t mind bashing her head in with a rock, while Ian becomes her protector. There is Doc, their healer, and Sharon, Melanie’s cousin and her mother Maggie who give Wanda the evil eye whenever they can. This group initially thinks of Wanda as an “it” but as time goes on, “it” because a “she” to them. By Wanda talking about her past lives, and working alongside them, she becomes more human to them. And that is where Wanda’s beliefs and ideals change. She is becoming more human everyday and even though Melanie is so very much alive in her head, speaking to her; Wanda has become her own person. Whereas she has feelings for Jared because Melanie does, she has new feelings for Ian who also returns them.

But the outside world is still overtaken by Wanda’s people and the seekers are looking for her and the humans still in hiding. She must make a decision whether to stay within the body she was given or let Melanie come back. Wanda’s decision doesn’t only include herself, but that of Jamie, Ian and even that of Jared.

At over 600 pages, The Host raises so many ethical and moral questions about the importance of a life and human nature. One such statement tuck out at me that fits the tone of the book perfectly:

“Who among us would not volunteer if asked to do something for the greater good? But is that really the case here? Is the greater good served by this? The question is not her willingness, but what it is right to ask any soul to bear.”

These questions are asked of Wanda and her sacrifice for the greater good. But is the greater good served by eradicating a race of beings just because another set of beings believes it is their right?

This is one of the many situations that arise that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning page after page as you try to find out what will happen to Wanda and her new found friends. Some will remain enemies, while others cross that line into love. Love is so very much alive when it comes to Wanda. Jamie comes to love Wanda as much as he loves his own sister Melanie. Jared, even though he wants Melanie back, finds Wanda to be a close confidant. As for Ian, he is a man after all and his way of treating Wanda as a woman he cares for is so very foreign to her. He wants Wanda to stay and won’t allow her to leave because she has become important to him just, as Melanie has become important to Jared.

There is a great deal of violence, and the topic of murder and killing is always on the minds of the characters. Stephenie Meyer has written an adult book, make no mistake about that, and is one that will haunt you long after you finish reading. But there is hope and again the thing about love and acceptance holds true, much that yin and yang concept. With death and violence there is a balance of hope and peace.

Stephenie Meyer has tapped into the human psyche with The Host. She brings to light so many things. Wanderer is the storyteller and through her eyes we see the truth and a yearning to belong and at peace within ourselves and those around us.

If I could give a book a perfect 10, an A+, 5 out of 5 stars, The Host is the book to deserve it.

Katiebabs (KB)

If We Made The Movies

Sub Titled

If I were the Writer, Director, Producer, Make-up Artist, Set Designer, Music Person etc.

Sub Sub Titled

I can't believe I just did this

Some readers may be totally shocked at this post by a 50-something, widowed blogger, I know I sure am, but I thought either I’ll get no response because everyone is so shocked, or a whole bunch. It will be interesting to see which.

There is a bunch of us reader bloggers who have been emailing each other over the past couple of days. As we are all readers who like some our romance on the wild and spicy side, before too long, the subject of P0rn M0vies came up – I think by me – yep I do have a wild side.

I’ve watched them before – not on a regular basis – but certainly on occasion late at night when I can sleep in the next day. While they can be a turn on – more often than not, I find them frustrating.

Maybe it’s because there is no ‘romance’ in them. Call me old fashioned but unless there are deep feelings between the couple, it’s just clinical and well – boring. There was one I watched one time that had an actual story to it. The ‘heroine’ – and I’m not really sure I should use that term – but I can’t think of another one – was a writer. She wrote bawdy historical romance and the movie would flash to what she was writing. The story was about a happily married couple – very happily married if you get my drift. The husband however went off to war – or something like that – it was a while ago that I saw it. The wife thought he was dead but it turned out he wasn’t. It was quite the reunion let me tell you.

But if I were the writers, I’d give a storyline something like that to the movie, something romantic, not just mindless, no point boffing.

If I made the movie, I would FORCE the actresses to remove 90% of the gunk they wear on their faces. I know this sounds grandmotherly of me, though I don’t have any grandchildren, or at least I’d make it so they don’t look so Very Slutty and Terribly, Terribly Skanky. The thick eyeliner simply has to go! I’d like to see them more natural looking.

What is it with the wearing of the shoes? They all seem to keep these spiky high heels on the whole time, during the entire scenes. What would be wrong with they guy taking them off ? It would have to be in a sexy kind of way though.

If I made the movie, I’d have the camera pulled back further and take longer shots. I don’t know about anyone else, but the Very Close close-ups are just way eewwwhhh. Also, I have more face shots instead of just lower body shots. I’d like to see their expressions, their bliss.

I would also have NO STARING at the camera. None at all. That is just stupid and pointless really.

This may sound awful, but if I made the movies, I would only have attractive people star in them. I saw one once that had a really old skinny guy. I had to wash the eyeballs out with bleach after that let me tell you. Of course I turned it off as soon as I clued in what was going to happen – but still *shudder*. And of course they would have to be able to ACT. In my director role, acting would be my number one priority.

And as Lighting Director, I would have the lighting much dimmer. The ones I’ve seen are way to bright. Lower would be ever so much better. I think I’d use a filter too. Not that I know anything about lighting or filtering, but I think it would be better.

As Sound Director, I would have Much Better music than is often used. And I would turn down the music volume so we could hear the gasps of delight much better.

Again in Director mode, I would have a lot more kissing. Kissing is good. And because I’m also the Writer, there would be a real connection between the two.

And if there were more than two people involved, I would have more M/M/F. Seems there is a lot of F/F/M – but let’s face it – these ones would be for women.

I would have a beginning, not just start right into things if you get my drift, a middle and an end. There would be a Point to the movie, a tale to tell as it were.

I don’t know if I’ll have the nerve to actually hit Publish Post on this particular post. I emailed Kate about what I was thinking of doing a post on and asked if she wanted to contribute. She thought it a very fun idea. So this is my half. I will leave it in draft and see is she hits that Publish Post. If she does – should prove very interesting I think.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Katie(babs) thoughts:

Since I was the one who actually started the massive email train, I guess I should add my $.02 cents to this risque topic. And why not? It fits in with my recent post about my friend who thinks romances are only read so the reader can get their rocks off.

The first time I saw those naughty movies was when I was nineteen and joined a sorority. At my college, we didn't have individual sorority or fraternity houses, but instead, we lived on individual floors in our dorms. One side of the floor was my sorority and the other side of the floor was a fraternity. And that is were I received my education in p0rn.

Up to this point, my sexual education outside of school and listening to friends talk about their boyfriends were in the romances I read. The sex scenes in those books were filled with fireworks and the first time in the sack blew both the hero and heroine's minds. I didn't even really know about certain other sexual acts that now seems like second nature in the year 2008 and really thought the missionary position was the only way to go. Back door loving? Using a mouth in other ways besides kissing a mouth? Shocking!

Then one night a few boys came over and started movie night And my sexual education grew to leaps and bounds! I saw all the classics from Deep Throat, to Debbie Does Dallas and some movies where I wanted to bleach my eyes out after watching. Beware the amateur porn where a hot tub is used! Some scenes I watched did make me tingly, but overall I was bored by the whole process. I wanted romance damn it and in these movies it was just the act that mattered. Perhaps it was the constant looping and bad audio that turned me off also.

But, there is one such movie that is so well known, more as soft porn, that will make anyone sigh because the plot, characters and the sex are too good for words. I am talking about the 1986 cult classic, Nine 1/2 Weeks. This is the ultimate erotic masterpiece. Nine 1/2 Weeks is an erotic romance novel come to life and made me hotter than any other hardcore p0rn I had watched. This movie had something to it that hardcore p0rn movies are missing.

Just like the romance books I devour, I want a story that I can sink my teeth into and great chemistry between the hero and heroine. I am not going to lie, but I also want a sex scene that I could possible "get my jollies off" and even more so. It all comes down to the story and an equal balance. I am sorry to say p0rn does not have that equal balance. I think this industry is still geared towards men and they believe women are just along for the ride, so to speak, whenever their partner wants to watch some to get in the mood. If only they made more movies geared toward a female audience, much like the romance novels we read.

My final thoughts on p0rn? Meh, give me a good old romance novel any day. *G*

(and it was me - KristieJ that hit Publish Post - yep, I did it)

My Crush from 1995

The year was 1995 and I was a Sophomore in college. I was addicted to the band Bush and the man who was their lead singer- Gavin Rossdale. 13 years later, with a wife (Gwen Stefani), a son, and a baby on the way, he still is one sexy beast of a man! This is his video for the first single off his new album "Wanderlust", out tomorrow.

"Love Remains The Same"



So, what singer makes you all tingly inside?
Katiebabs (KB)

A Question Raised...

My friend Heather raised a very interesting, yet shocking question to me last week. She knows about my love for romance novels and actually asked me, as I read romance novels, do I get my jollies off? (meaning, do I masturbate while reading the sex scenes) She assumes the only reason women read romance is to "get their jollies off". Heather also thought there were many passages about "heaving bosums" and "the expanding one eyed purple warrior of love".

After I explained to her that I have never tried to pleasure myself while reading even the most scandalous of books with scorching hot loving going on, she seemed interested in reading some of the books I have enjoyed. She didn't want books which too many cliche sex scenes and preferred paranormals, mainly with vampires. (She is a big fan of the now cancelled Moonlight that aired on CBS)

My mission was to go through my book collection and find the best of the best, where she will put aside all preconceived notions and perhaps join the ranks of becoming a romance crack baby like myself.

These are the books I gave her:

How'd I do? Would you have picked some other literature to bring her over to our side?

As for the question about "getting your jollies off", that is better left unsaid. *G*

Katiebabs (KB)

It's all that Cindy's fault

Yep - Cindy just had to go and mention that Chapters had all books on for 20% off this weekend. I wasn't even dressed yet when I read that - but didn't take me long to get dressed. And I just have to live less than 3 minutes away from Chapters!

So this self-proclaimed book addict is now the proud owner of yet more books.

First off - Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson. Now I don't like all her books - but the ones I do like, I really like. I'm hoping that's the case with this one










Next we have Moonstruck by Susan Grant. I own all her books so far and while I'm a little bit behind on her last two - I have to keep the streak going - don't I?











Then we have The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn. I know, I know I said I would never buy another book with the word Duke in the title. But I used to love Julia Quinn and now that she is finished the way-to-long Bridgerton series, I wanted to try her again and this one is getting good reviews








And next, Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams, because I like trying new authors and the price was right, I picked this one up











And then Dark Obsession by Allison Chase made it's way into my hands mostly because of the same reasons as above and it sounds like a Gothic and it's been a while since I've read one of them.










I had to get The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter since I bought the first one in the new series,











Again the price was too hard to resist so I picked up Lord Scandal by Kalen Hughes. And someone somewhere read it and blogged about it.











I got The Healer by Sharon Sala because I've really enjoyed her books in the past. And she did refuse to wear the horse/unicorn costume. One has to admire her for that.










Now what I didn't mention earlier was that yesterday I bought one book. So I have to include it since it's still the weekend.
An Impetuous Abduction by Patricia Rowell is now in The Pile.









Now what makes this whole thing really insane and clearly I can't even find the justification for today's madness except I'm a total addict is I got some books from Katie this past week, including:


Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

Night Keepers by Jessica Andersen

So - there you have it. A glimpse into the week of a book addict~

**********ETA**********

I did not notice this when I bought the books - 20% off was all I heard, but when I was just cataloging them just now I noticed something I hadn't seen before.

REJOICE FELLOW CANADIANS!!!!!!! REJOICE!!!!!!!!!

PRICES ARE COMING DOWN.