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

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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.

The Girls Are Back!

Yep - we did indeed go see Sex and the City - the movie! Now like millions of others, sister Lisa and I were fans of the show. We would get together at her place Saturday night while Saturday night after Saturday night Ron would watch the Leafs. He was glad of this since he said I didn't cheer for them enough so I brought bad luck, and I was glad of this because I didn't cheer for them enough so I brought them bad luck *snort*. No - what it really was that instead of watching a really sad hockey team blow game after game, sister Lisa and I would watch good movies. And then after the movie, we would stay tuned and watch Sex and the City. As we were standing in line tonight, alas, Lisa showed her age (it was her birthday this past week) and asked if I ever watched the show. After giving her a rather odd look, I said 'yeah - at your place. Remember?'
I cheered in the final episode when Big showed up in Paris and finally declared his love even though I always liked Aiden better. But Big was who Carrie wanted all along and it was Big she got in the end.
So it was with great anticipation that I've been waiting for the movie. Because it was sister Lisa's birthday she got to pick the movie tonight and I was kind of worried that she would pick the Indiana Jones movie that so many have been meh about.
But luckily she picked Sex and the City.
I'm not going to say much because I expect many will be seeing this one and I don't want to spoil it for anyone by answering the question - Do Big and Carrie tie the knot?
Instead I'll just say that Carrie is still Carrie, Miranda is still Miranda, Charlotte is still Charlotte and Samantha ? - well she finally becomes Samantha again.

My verdict on this one? I wish we still had the television show, but if we only have the movie - the movie gets.......











A nice big Thumbs Up!

PS
And yes, they wear Great Clothes and Shoes that I envy (even though I'd never wear them).

And Smith is Just As Hot!

Oh - and one more thing I can't believe I forgot to mention. Almost full frontal male nudity in one scene - and nope - not giving details.

Etc. Sometimes it's too damn easy to spend that dough!

Sometimes it's almost too easy! I headed out early today to Walmart. You see it was (sister) Lisa's Birthday earlier this week and being a fantastic procrastinator, I had not gotten her gift yet.




Oh and by the way - the movie she chose - Sex and the City. Yes!


Anyway, so I needed to get her her gift. As well, I still needed a few odds and ends for the kitchen. Yes - the table and chairs came in earlier this week. Pictures to come Very Soon.


Naturally I got carried away.

Then I need to get a new lawnmower. You see Ryan borrowed it and it didn't seem to work for him. It is an old one and past it's time. I got the lightest one I could find because I DO NOT like cutting the grass. This picture of the smiling woman is NOT me!

While I was there, I decided to get a couple of hanging flower baskets. Ron was the gardener in the family since a gardener I am not, and these are the first ones I've bought in quite some time!


So between the Walmart and Canadian Tire purchases, I was already down quite a bit. But Then - I needed gas.

I think this says is all!!

*EXCLUSIVE COVER* BREAKING DAWN!!

**EXCLUSIVE COVER**

BREAKING DAWN BY STEPHENIE MEYER

Such a lovely cover! Whatever could it mean??
My inner 4 year old is screaming- "ME WANT NOW!!" To be released on August 2nd.

Any thoughts?
Katiebabs (KB)

Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

I have enjoyed almost every single one of Toni Blake’s books, starting with The Red Diary. (Unfortunately I haven’t had the chance to try her early Category reads) Her books are more than just romance, almost borderline erotica, and there are some moments where I would find myself laughing. Her heroines are intelligent, strong and just have that something special about them. And her heroes are a bit on the alpha side who end up falling hard for the heroine, even though they don’t want to. I love those reads where the hero is almost kicking and screaming, trying to deny the way he feels about this woman that comes along and shocks him silly. Such is the case with Toni’s June release, Letters to a Secret Lover. I had so much fun reading this sexy and witty read that I urge you to do the same.


Poor Lindsey Brooks' ass of a fiancee has dumped her after what should have been a wonderful seduction on Lindsey’s part. She was busy making dinner wearing only wearing high heel stilettos and an apron at the time and thought this would help rekindle the romance and love she shares with her soon to be husband. Unfortunately he didn’t see it that way and since someone was taking pictures through their condo window at the time, she failed in more ways than she ever thought possible. Lindsey needs to reevaluate her life decides to go lick her wounds in Moose Falls, Montana where her Aunt Millie resided. Lindsey lost touch with her beloved Millie, who before she died, wanted to will Lindsey her old canoe livery (Where one can rent canoes to take out on the lake). But with Lindsey busy being engaged and writing an on-line blog and a syndicated advice column called "Love Letters", she lost contact with Millie. Now she has come to Moose Falls to see if she can buy the livery back and hopefully figure out what went wrong with her love life.

The owner of the livery, Rob Coulter, is a hermit. Some of the townspeople even say he is one scary dude. Since Lindsey drove all this way to the middle of nowhere, she is not leaving until she talks to mister scary. When Lindsey finally meets Rob, things don't go that well at all. Rob is a rude and mean SOB. But Rob is also one sexy mean SOB, and Lindsey wouldn't mind getting back on the old sex horse with mister moody. Rob also wears his flannel shirts very, very well. *G*


Rob just wants to be left alone and no one will tell him otherwise even this flaky but cute city girl. Eventually he gives in and decides to allow Lindsey, or Abby as he now calls her because of her advice column, to walk in Maggie's shoes. As things progress between the two, Rob begins to enjoy having Lindsey around more and more.

It seems that Rob has quite the underwear fetish when it comes to Lindsey. After getting a look at Lindsey's leopard print bra, he has no choice but to kiss her. Who would have thought he would find leopard print so sexy? After that, Rob can’t help but get back on the sex horse with Lindsey. But Rob is so secretive about his past and there is this little thing that irks Lindsey. Rob has a tattoo over his heart with the name, "Gina". Who is Gina and why won't he tell Lindsey about her?


These two have one scorching love affair and the love scenes are really well written and just plain fun. The mystery that surrounds Rob will keep you guessing and when you find out what Rob has gone through, you want to wrap him in your arms, much like Lindsey has done.

Letters To a Secret Lover was such a pleasant surprise that made me laugh out loud, and coo over the major loving between Rob and Lindsey, who can't keep their hands off of each other. Toni Blake has written a near perfect novel that left me with a smile on my face.

Since summer is upon us and it is probably going to be a hot one, why not try to get through the heat with steamy book like Letters to a Secret Lover?

4 out of 5 stars. Definitely not a “MEH” read

Katiebabs (KB)

Summer Movie Suckage Begins!

The official move season has begun, at least for me, this past Memorial Day weekend. I was over the moon that the new Indiana Jones move was coming out! I have had a hard crush on Harrison Ford ever since he played Han Solo (yummy) in the Star Wars trilogy and as Indiana Jones (double yummy). I am a child of the 80’s and if you grew up during this decade, you know what I am talking about with Mr. Ford.

But after reading some reviews about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, especially from my good blogger buddies, who include Ana from Book Smugglers and Stacy from Stacy’s Place on Earth, I was torn. I thought, well I am the ultimate Indy fan and they just don’t understand my need for that sexy, whip-holding, hat wearing… um yeah… so I decided to go see the movie Monday night.

We all know my new favorite phrase is, "WTF?". Well, my second favorite phrase is- "Blows big monkey chunks". Indiana Jones and the… gosh, I really hate the title...

BLEW BIG MONKEY CHUNKS!!

The plot in simple terms: Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. The year is 1957 and Dr. Jones is being framed. He along with a spunky young man must travel to some dangerous places where no one comes out alive. The Crystal Skull may be something not human and it is up to Indy and his new sidekick, Mutt (spunky young man), to find the answers.

What is up with Harrison Ford? I know the guy is older and near retirement age, but this is not the Indy I has grown to love! Harrison acted like he was sleepwalking through the role. Can we say zombie? There was no trademark Indy wit or one-liners I was so use to hearing. He looked so bored and I came to the conclusion in the first five minutes that this would be a major bomb. And you would think with such Oscar winning power with Cate Blanchett as a villain, she would be so evil and diabolical that she would put all other past Indy villains to shame? Not here!! It was like Speilberg asked Cate to forget everything she has ever learned about acting that has made her into the thespian she is and throw all that out the window for his movie. She was annoying and such a cartoon character that I was hoping she would fall into quicksand.

There are some other well known actors that pop up that act are just as bad as the rest, One such character is a surprise from Indy’s past who is somewhat of a welcome relief to this snore fest. As for Shia LeBeouf, he is a cute kid and has potential. I feel Speilberg is grooming him much like Leonardo DiCaprio is from Scorsese. Shia did bring some life into certain scenes, but overall not even his cutesy antics could save this train wreck of a movie.

I also expected E.T. to come out of the Amazon jungle looking to phone home. Yup, Indy and his crew along with the evil Russians (it is the 1950’s after all) are on the search for aliens.

In a nut shell that is my review. Sorry, it is a bit scathing but I am mourning the loss of a great character and a trilogy that took over a whole decade and set the standard for a blockbuster. This is a slap in the face to the fans, like myself.

2 Big Blows Monkey Chunks thumbs down. Wait for DVD, better yet cable.

My next movie adventure is going to be Sex and the City. I shudder to think how that will play out on screen.

Katiebabs (KB)

Blast from the Past

I heard this on the radio and again remembered how much I loved it.

Another Lover Enshrined Book Review!

Fellow Island DIKer and wonderful blogger, Christine has just posted her review of Lover Enshrined on her blog: The Happily Ever After

I wonder what she thinks? Does she agree with me? Is she still a Ward crackbaby? Why not go read her review? You know you want to! *G*

Katiebabs (KB)

Recent Read

The Master by Jean Jonson

Steam Level: Well – the hero has to perform Tantric sex – need I say more?

Why this one: Well – I had so much fun in the TBR challenge with The Sword and The Wolf, I had to continue with the series!

Amazon Blurb: Kidnapped and put on the auction block, Dominor is sold to Lady Serina, arithmancer extraordinaire. Initially outraged, he is soon curious as she explains that she needs him not as a slave but as an assistant. An inadvertent spell cast hundreds of years ago is the root of the battle between the sexes and the war that is ravaging her world. She has found a way to reverse the spell, but she needs a strong male mage to help. Dom has yet to back down from a challenge, and he finds the lady to be as pleasantly challenging as the task itself. Johnson turns up the heat in her third outing in the Sons of Destiny series (The Sword, The Wolf, 2007) as Dom and Serina not only engage in their own battle of wills but also relish practicing the tantric skills needed to cast their spell. Johnson's quirky, modern-touch sense of humor is a keynote in her historical fantasy, and the series grows more intriguing as each brother fulfills his part of the prophecy.

My Thoughts: I can’t say enough about how much I’m enjoying this series! Dominor kind of fits his name in that he is quite arrogant – in a charming way. It’s interesting to see how this total and completely sure of himself hero suffers the indignity of being captured and sold as a slave. I can’t imagine anyone less humble. Yet he accepts with his own estimable aplumb and decides to see what happens. Of course the thought of Tantric sex is not something he sneezes his nose at as they need lots of practice before hand to make sure they get it right.

Although he was arrogant as all get out, he was also a fascinating character. I think he might be my favourite hero in the series so far. And Serina is an equally great match for him.

Ms. Johnson’s heroines are interesting. The first couple were the typical virgin heroines – ok, well they weren’t typical, but you get what I’m saying. But Serina had ‘known’ a few men before she met Dominor and she has a healthy enjoyment of sex. She's a genius in her particular area of magic but in her personal life she is a scatterbrain. Being a scatterbrain myself in many ways, I really liked her. And I loved the way Dominor took charge of her and took care of her. He reminded me a bit of JD Robb's Roarke in that way. He freely admitted and without any issue about it at all, that Serina was smarter than him and he admired her for it. Can I say I really liked that part of him.

A great deal of the story took place in the land she was living in, so we didn’t get as much time with the extended family in this one. And I really enjoy all the brothers with their varying personalities. But towards the end of the book the family were together again.

There was an especially tender moment between Dominor and his twin brother Evanor, who lost his magic, his voice in the previous book.

As Katie said in the previous post, it’s wonderful discovering new authors and it’s been wonderful discovering Jean Johnson!

And for the shallow me – although they are all very similar, this is my favourite cover.

Grade: 4.5 out of 5

Two Lovely Recommendations!

I finally read two new authors that people cannot stop raving out. Even though I try to read the most up to date reads, sometimes other ones pass me by. But in this case I am happy to say that Colleen Gleason and Josh Lanyon can count me in as their new fan. These two authors may write total opposite books, but all in all their storytelling skills are top notch. It takes a lot for author to keep me interested and to come back for more. Both of these authors have done so and I urge you to add them to the top of our TBR pile.

One of my favorite bloggers, Lisabea, cannot stop raving about Josh Lanyon who writes GLBT fiction. He writes for MLR Press and Loose ID, two great on-line publishers that publish some of the most excellent GLBT books out there. I finally decided to read one of Josh’s books to see what I have been missing.

The Dark Horse is an excellent mystery/romance about Hollywood actor, Sean Fairchild and LAPD Detective Dan Moran, who is also a bodyguard to the Hollywood elite. The Dark Horse begins where Sean is trying to get his life back on track after being stalked by a fan. His stalker is dead and Dan, his former bodyguard, is now his lover. We see things from Sean’s POV and his voice and internal dialogue was very enjoyable. Sean is simply adorable and the relationship he has with the older and rugged Dan is very sweet and very sexy. I have read too many gay romances in the past where everything is physical and not enough emotional build up. I like sex in my books like anyone else, but Josh has done something very different. Even though we see how much these two men care of each other, their physical intimacies have not taken over the story to the point where the plot is pushed aside. Sean has issues about these certain intimacies that Dan would like to introduce Sean to. But Dan takes Sean’s feelings into consideration and doesn’t push. Even though Sean questions things between himself and Dan, Dan is there to answer any questions Sean may have. And even when Sean thinks his stalker is still alive, Dan is there to protect Sean and help him get through his fears.

If you haven’t had the chance with GLBT fiction, Josh Lanyon’s The Dark Horse is the perfect place to start.

4 out of 5 stars

I finally started reading Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampire Chronicles with the very first book in the series, The Rest Falls Away. I am totally hooked now about 19th century vampire slayer, Victoria Gardella. Talk about girl power! Victoria is a great heroine who goes through so much and walks through the fire to come out on top. Victoria’s calling is to be a Venator, which is a vampire slayer who must sacrifice her life to eradicate the world of these evil undead beings. Victoria has been waiting for this moment to be welcomed as the newest slayer. But poor Victoria has her mother to put up with who wants her only daughter to have her coming out in London to find a husband. Victoria’s mother has no clue about Victoria’s calling and must hide her nightly patrols. Victoria is a 19th century Buffy in other words. But Victoria is not alone and has her great aunt Eustacia as her mentor and to teach her the ways of being a Venator.

Victoria has a lot on her plate. At her debut, she meets the Marquess of Rockley and you could say the sparks fly between these two. Rockley believes Victoria is his destiny and wants her to be his wife. Talk about one lucky girl because she also has some other men interested in her as well, such as the seductive and mysterious Sebastian Vioget who walks on both sides of the fence and Max, another Ventor, who thinks Victoria is too naïve and not skilled enough to take on the bad guys.

There is also an evil vampire skank villainess and a shocking surprise at the end that I didn’t see coming and had me shaking my first (of doom) at Colleen for doing what she did. But there is a reason even though I was very upset * sob * but in a good way.

If you need your vampire fix and a true kick ass heroine who can carry a stake and still waltz with the best of them, introduce yourself to Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampire Chronicles and The Rest Falls Away.

4 out of 5 stars.

Katiebabs (KB)

A day late and a dollar short

But it's my day - yesterday - at Reader's Gab at Access Romance.

If you read it, you can see I struggled so I fell back on an old Seinfeld kind of blog. I wrote about not writing.

Now I really have to run - I'm going to be late for work at this rate!!

How My Weekend Started...

My weekend was an interesting one, or rather the start of it. I have off today, Monday, because in the US it is a national holiday. Today is Memorial Day and always the start of the summer season for some. And you can believe I slept almost 10 hours when I woke up this morning *G*.

But my weekend was a bit wacky and a little WTF? **I love the phrase WTF and I think I will use it all the time now**

Saturday was an interesting one. I was insulted when I went food shopping for some munchies I would bring to a BBQ I was invited to. As I was in the bakery section looking for some cupcakes and what not one of the bakery people came up to me and asked:

"Are you pregnant?"

WTF??!!??!???!?!??!

You can just imagine my shock and horror. As I walked away trying not to go postal or break down in tears, I paid for my purchases and went home. That question kept repeating over and over in my mind. I haven't gained any weight and as I looked down at my stomach, I saw no new protruding fat rolling over my pants. Plus, I just had finished a 2 hour work out session.

I wanted sympathy and went to my mother and told her what happened. She gasped and said the woman was off her bird. (by the way I never understood what "Off their bird" means)
And she continues to say:

"There is no way you can be pregnant because you still have nips (meaning my boobs). And if you were pregnant you would be able to fit into a B cup again."

Sigh...

Any interesting weekend stories that compares to mine?

Katiebabs (KB)

The Host Winners!

We have the winners in The Host book giveaway!
The lucky winners are:

Ashkins
Tracy

I just need your mailing address sent to Katiebabsg@gmail.com so I can send you this great book! I started reading it myself and you will seriously be blown away.

Katiebabs (KB)

The Art of Desire Review

Did you know that Cherie Feather is also Harlequin author, Sheri White Feather? I had no idea until I did a little research since I would be reading The Art of Desire. I must admit I have never read Sheri’s past books and I believe her June release under her Cherie Feather name will be a departure for her since this is an erotic read. I also think the cover is very sexy yet subtle, which is very nice. No half headed abs of steel men here!

If you like your stories hot and titillating with great romance and an equal amount of tension and drama, The Art of Desire is the book for you. Cherie has written quite an interesting book that interlaces both past and present. Some authors have done this in the past with less than successful results. But Cherie gives equal amount of time for each story. One is during 1895 and the other during the present day. But regardless of the time period, these two sets of couples can sure act on their desires for one another. The historical romance is more traditional with some nice passionate love scenes. The present day one is oh, so naughty. Between the two there is some creative language and terms used that may make you blush.

Our present day heroine, Mandy, is the prim and proper museum director of the Santa Fe Women’s Art Museum. But Mandy hides a secret. She likes rough, dirty sex and the only man for the job is her dirty boy, Jared Cabrillo. Jared is what we would call a player or in other romance terms, “The Duke of Slut”. This sex fiend is the great-great nephew of Atacar, an Indian outlaw who had an affair with a nineteenth-century artist, Catherine Burke. Catherine came from England and landed in Texas where she met Atacar, he popped her cherry and more so, and in return she painted his portrait. Unfortunately no one knows how their affair ended or what happened to the two. There are rumors that Catherine had a diary and Mandy wants it. But Jared is there to keep her mind fuzzy from all the hot and sweaty sex they engage in. Jared has the diary but doesn’t want Mandy to know.

Jared enjoys women, remember he is- The Duke of Slut, but there is something about Mandy, who makes him feel all tingly inside. They begin to have a bond because Mandy allows him free reign over her body and again the key word is “dirty”. Not dirty in the sense that they roll around in the mud, but where Mandy is more open to try new things in the bedroom.

As Jared and Mandy get their love fest on, in turn we see how Catherine and Atacar started theirs, which is more sweet but just as sexy. Their love is more tragic where as Jared and Mandy have a chance for happiness that rivals their older counterparts, but Jared has some issues like most men do in this sort of tale. Jared likes to suffer.

What I really enjoyed about The Art of Desire is that the overall tone is very erotic, but it doesn’t venture in such taboo ways that some erotica will try. Cherie Feather sure knows how to write some sexy love scenes and her storytelling skills really did impress me. Hopefully this will not be the only erotic romance she writes because she has grabbed my attention and I would definitely check out her next book.

Overall 3.5 stars out of 5

Katiebabs (KB)

My Anniversary of Accomplishments: A Personal Story

I am celebrating an anniversary this month, actually two milestones I am very proud of. 10 years ago this month I graduated college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. The other milestone also began around this same time, where I lost 30 pounds before my graduation. You probably wonder why my weight loss is such an accomplishment for me and why I still remember my start on this road.

I have always been overweight. The Katiebabs’s people are big ones. My father’s people have big hips, which are perfect for childbearing. My mother’s people are very broad. My genes show the best of these two worlds. By the time I was a senior in college and I was close to one hundred pounds over weight. I was pushing 240 on my 5’10 frame. I was known as the cute fat girl. Also at this time I didn’t give a rat’s ass because my four years in college were the best I ever had. I was accepted by both men and women and had great relationships with my teachers and other students alike. I was even Vice- President of my sorority, Alpha Rho Omega. Being away at college allows you so much freedom and for me that was with food. Again, I was always a “big” girl but at school, my appetite for food went crazy. I was close to wearing a size 26 pants and my hips were 52 inches by the age of 21.

The day when I came back for my final semester of college was a real eye opener for me. I was sitting in one of the dorm lounges, when one of my fellow sisters was looking at pictures with one of her guy friends. The guy gasped and asked out loud, “Who’s the big dude?” I glanced over at the picture. There was me, a big blob in a black sweat suit wearing a hat. I don’t know what was worse, being thought of as a man or being fat. I slowly stood up and went into my room and sat there stunned. I didn’t go in hysterics but made a promise to myself to live a life with more well being for myself, whether to live a healthier lifestyle or one of fulfillment. The very next day I went to the gym and for months till my graduation I exercised with incredible results. I pushed myself also in other ways. I worked my brain along with body by reading and writing more than I ever have. I looked forward to what my future would bring.

Ten years later I am in a brighter place all because of one simple picture and the recognition that I can accomplish something most people said I couldn’t.

*People told me I couldn’t keep the weight off. In over ten years I have lost 80 pounds and kept it off. My boobs may be entering a –A cup territory, but I definitely no longer have 52 inch hips.

*I was told I wouldn’t be working in television in a city like NYC doing what I enjoy. I now work at NBC Networks in NYC.

*I was told my book reviews were less than satisfactory and no one would find them pleasing. In the past year I have written over hundreds of reviews and I know for a fact that people read them and admire my skills. And I thank you all for that.

The reason for this personal post is that some of you are at a point in your life where you want to accomplish something great like publishing that WIP or perhaps sitting down and try your hand at writing your very first review. It all comes down to you. Don't second guess yourself. Your success is what you make it. Forget the need for money, fame or prestige. Your success is based on the goals you set for yourself and taking the initiative to accomplish something. Just by thinking about doing it and actually starting on it in itself should be applauded.

I am the perfect example where so many have told me “I couldn’t”. They may say I can’t but I simply say to them, “I can.”

You can too. Now pass me some chocolate *wink wink*

Katiebabs (KB)