Admitting is the first step...

What can I say but HOT!!!!!

2010-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Seriously, the dancing is kind of dorky, the vamp hunter is cute in a boy next door, soon to be balding, not yet over my acne phase kind of way, but the vamp....grrrrrrrrrowl! He can take a bite out of me any day! And being a nurse I couldn't help but notice the incision scar on his chest. Open heart surgery possibly?

And the Winner is...

2010-06-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

That's right, ECLIPSE!!! Just got home from the midnight showing and I have to say in my opinion it is the best one yet. Much better make up (uhm...except KS had a horrible, lifeless wig but Jasper had much better hair), better graphics, (although they could have been a bit better, still looked a bit herky jerky at times), the acting is much better from all the cast members and wooooo the storyline. While still focusing on the triangle paid the battle it's proper due. Oh, and the script was much better this time around, a lot of the key elements of the book were kept in there, maybe shifted around timeline wise but they still put in the necessary points. Really, I can say that this was a great movie and not just for fanpires like myself. Best line of the whole damn film came during the tent scene. Bella is freezing and Jacob looks at Edward and says "Let's face it, I'm hotter than you!". Classic and in the film version oh so true!!

Woe is me...

2010-06-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

So I've been computer-less for a few months now. My computer decided that it really liked this virus and then my wonderful husband "fixed" it by defraging and compressing and moving and basically ensuring that every single place the virus could go was thoroughly infected. In the end the only way to do anything was to completely reset my harddrive to 0 and wipe it clean. So...i was able to save some files, not all but some, I did have all but the last week of ebooks on my external harddrive and those i could redownload from the publisher so there was not a repeat of the great crash of 2008. Unfortunately all my word docs have decided that they are going to impersonate some odd format that microsoft office doesn't recognize. Not only that but i've had to reload office 4 times and it's still wonky. I'm sure a registry key is fucked up somewhere but i've yet to figure out which one. I tired using the Man's laptop but ugh i hate that thing. The kids computer has been set up to be used solely for gaming and doing anything on their is like taking a bath in a firepit. i finally gave up and just started using my iphone to surf. So, i'm behind on my reviews for FAR, behind on my updating on here, and in general behind on things for work. ICK. On the other hand the kids' computer works great on Facebook games so my farm is beautiful lol

Rumbly in my Tumbly

2010-05-05T01:44:00.000-07:00

Can someone please explain to me how i always manage to get whatever sickness my kids bring home? I'm a fucking nurse for Pete's Sake! I'm germaphobic and yet I still get it! Not only do i get it but instead of getting the 24 hour deal they get i somehow manage to hang onto the bug for 5 days now. 5 DAYS!!! I'm so dehydrated my normal Alaskan pipeline veins are virtually invisible (although I must say I never noticed but i have rather pretty hands when the garden hose sized veins aren't evident). The only plus I can see in this is that i've lost 8 pounds. Maybe i'll be able to keep some of that off when I finally feel like eating again.

My Library

2010-03-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

So this is what my library looked like about 8 months ago. I'll have to take some updated pictures when I finish with my current thin and update project. Things are a bit of a mess with my husband shelving books where ever he pleases. I can't help it if i make stacks of things! I have to keep the review books separate until after they are read! LOL Not to mention the bags of books from my last buying spree that are still languishing in the closet waiting for their home on a shelf!

M/M Challenge 2010 - update

2010-03-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Anesthezea from i heart paperbacks is hosting another m/m romance challenge. I participated last year, had a great time discussing things with the lovelies over at The Manhole on The Phade. I had a pretty decent reading total for the year in 2009 and hope to at least match it this year. It's the only way I'm ever going to get to the bottom of Mt. TBR. (hey! shut the fuck up! I know I will never hit the bottom as long as I buy faster than I read. Damn publishers making the blurbs sound so tasty and delicious. *grumble, grumble*) It is really going to be a struggle this year because of the work situation. I have already fallen 10 books behind what I had read for January in 2009. Anywho...I'm siging up and my goal is - Read 20+ M/M Romances. I'm actually going to shoot for 100 M/M Romances. Keeping my fingers crossed. Here are the details of the challenge. Head over to her blog for to join in!

Here are her guidelines for the challenge.

TIMELINE: January 1st to December 31st 2010
RULES: Read five(5) or more m/m romances in 2010

There are 5 reading levels to choose from:
- Read 5 M/M Romances
- Read 10 M/M Romances
- Read 15 M/M Romances
- Read 20 M/M Romances
- Read 20+ M/M Romances

DETAILS:

This challenge is for those who enjoy reading gay romances (also known as m/m or male/male romances) or those who are interested in starting. If you aren’t familiar with this genre, it consists of novels and stories where the main focus is the romantic relationship between the male protagonists.

• You must be 18 years old or older to join.

• You don’t have to select your books ahead of time. Even if you do, you can change your books as you go. Your books can crossover with other challenges.

• You don’t need a blog to participate. You can comment on this post if you’d like to share a book list or reading pool.

• Please create a post on your blog where you’ll be keeping track of your challenge reads and link back to this post so others can join in on the fun. If you use a “Current Challenges” page, or something similar, you can link back from that page instead of creating an individual post.

• You can use the large banner I’m using at the top of this post or you can use the smaller buttons I’ve provided below. Just copy the code provided. There’s no need to save the smaller buttons to your own server. (I have another large banner you can use here, if you’d like.)

• You can join at anytime between now and the latter part of 2010. Just give yourself enough time to read your chosen amount of books.

• Books chosen can be any length, sub-genre, or format. eBooks, paperbacks, young adult books, audio books, and re-reads are all okay.

• Once the challenge starts, I’ll create a page for everyone to post their reviews. Reviews are encouraged, but are entirely optional.

PRIZES:

Everyone who signs up for the challenge between now and January 31st will be eligible to win $15 in eBook Bucks from All Romance Ebooks!

Heres my LIST:

Amour Magique - Willa Okati
Bite Me - Willa Okati
The Dragon’s Tongue - Willa Okati
Good Luck Piece - Willa Okati
Good Luck Piece - Willa Okati
Tezcatl’s Game - Willa Okati
Single White Fang - Willa Okati
Under Hill and Over Bar - Willa Okati
Tunnel of Love - Willa Okati
The Salt of the Earth - Willa Okati
Nothing Like Experience - Willa Okati
Believe it or Not - Willa Okati
The Incubus Call - Willa Okati
Once Upon a Liam - Willa Okati
Dar and Greg - Bobby Michaels (re-read)
Drew and Vince - Bobby Michaels (re-read)
David and Connor - Bobby Michaels
The Brothers Bishop - Bart Yates
Reining in the Past - Carol Lynne
Bareback - Carol Lynne
Through the Montana Mist - Carol Lynne
Hit and Run - Cassidy Ryan
A Case of Mistaken Virginity - Connie Bailey
An Improper Holiday - K.A. Mitchell
Sleeping With the Past - Cassidy Ryan
Force of Law - Jez Morrow
Hard for the Money - Syd McKinley, Carol Lynne, Kiernan Kelly
Hell Hath no Fury - Carol Lynne
Sculpting Clay - Linda Reilly
Good to Know - D.W. Marchwell
JackMagic - Jillian Snyder
When the Bluebird Calls - Leiland Dale
Soothe the Burn - T.A. Chase
Dead Men Get No Tail - Misty Malone
Open Sesame - Mia Watts
A Wolf in Men's Clothing - Dakota Rebel
Rip Cord - Jeanne St. James
Ghost of his Past - Liam Drake
Gay Since Today - Kim Dare
Mate Hunt - Amber Kell
Mate Hunt - Amber Kell
Take it Easy - AKM Miles
Too Keen - AKM Miles
Seb's Surrender - Carol Lynne
Twisted Rose -Amber Kell
Vampire King's Husband- Amber Kell
Kissing Orion - Amber Kell
Lost and Found -Amber Kell
Bound and Determined - Amber Kell
Heart and Soul - Amber Kell
Picture me Perfect - Stormy Glenn
Dream Mate - Stormy Glenn
Nights in Pink Satin - Sharon Maria Bidwell
Blue Willows - Gregory Norris
Pure Folly - Madelynne Ellis
Stealing My Heart - Various
The Mark of an Alpha - Kim Dare
Promises - Marie Sexton
Rescued - Bailey Bradford
A Game of Chances - T.C. Blue
Angel Moon - Shayla Kersten
A Promise Given - Stormy Glenn
Baby it's Cold Outside - Nicole Kimberling
Parallel Process - Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain
Precious Jade - Fyn Alexander
Putting Out Fires - Sienna Black
A Gentleman’s Bargain - Hunter Raines
Resolution - Carol Lynne
Ice Water in Hell - Carol Lynne
Putting Out Fires - Sienna Black
Feral Heat - Jamie Hill & Jude Mason
Bear Combustion - Jamie Hill & Jude Mason
I Love Rock n Roll - Carol Lynne
Wild Hunt - Willa Okati
An Uncommon Whore - Belinda McBride
A Good Knight - Sharon Marie Bidwell
Second Chance - Selena Kitt
Unspoken Desires - Stormy Glenn
Cowboy Dreams - Stormy Glenn
Freaks in Love - T.A. Chase
Dark Side of the Veil - Stormy Glenn
Hot Damn!- H.C. Brown
Without Sin - J. Tomas
Embraced by the Sun - Mya
The Alpha's Desire - Mya
Thief of his Heart - Mya
No Souvenirs - K.A. Mitchell
Tatterdemalion - Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Hide Out - Kate
The Major and the Minor - Pepper Espinoza
Duncan's World - T.A. Chase
Fighting Dragons - T.A. Chase
Bi Now, Gay Later - Kim Dare
Seeing You - Dakota Flint
A Prophecy of Destiny - Leiland Dale
Blueprint for Love - J.P. Bowie
Bound by Nature - Cooper Davis
A to Z - Marie Sexton
Nothing Personal - Scott & Scott
Wishing for a Home - T.A. Chase
Gaymes - Anthology
Circles of Life - Rayne Auster
Lift Me Up - Rayne Auster
Moonlight's Silver - Rayne Auster
Firehouse Heat - Carol Lynne
Urban Shaman - Lyn Gala
Unmasked - Anthology
Rogue Wolf - Violet Hilton
Sylvan - Jan Irving
Revenant - Connie Bailey
Simple Men - Eric Arvin
Winner Takes All - Jennifer Urban and Elizabeth Silver
Icing on the Cake - Shayla Kersten
Turned - Christina Loren
The Guardian - Mary Calmes
Catch Me if You Can - L.B. Gregg
Give and Take - Anne Brooke
Skin Deep - S.W. Vaughn
Forever Bound - Chloe Stowe
PJ's Pool Boy - Ryan Field
Survival Instinct - Roxy Harte
Out of Balance - Stephani Hecht
Pool Boy Seduction - Amanda Young
The Manny - Sara Bell
Knight or Daye - Jude Mason
Stiff Trick - Jude Mason
Sins of the Father - D.W. Marchwell
Tuxedo Tryst - Nikki Soarde
Freaks and Saints - D.J. Manly
Love, Grant - AKM Miles
Because it's True - Willa Okati
The Shunned - Jay Hughes
Stroke of Luck - Jenna Byrnes
Take my Picture - Giselle Ellis

The Sony Ereader PRS- 505 vs the PRS 600

2010-02-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

After much thought and debate I took the plunge a few months ago and bought the PRS 600 Touch Edition. I decided to use it for a bit and then make the final decision on whether to keep it of stay with my beloved PRS 505. I went back and forth for the first few weeks, there are features on both that I dislike and features that I like, as with anything. Neither is perfect. I have finally decided that I am sticking with the PRS 600. (So that means you can definitely have my PRS 505 April lol) The things that I miss from my PRS 500 in comparison to the 600 are probably more a matter of personal taste than real problems.

THE CONS
First off, the bookmark feature on the 600 sucks ass. On the 500 you just clicked a button and tada! bookmark. With the 600 you have to click the option button, select the create/edit notes button on the screen and then touch the little bookmark symbol, then exit out of that screen. PAIN IN MY ASS! When i'm ready to stop reading for whatever reason I want something simple. not a process that takes 45 seconds (yes I timed it) Obviously you don't have to use the bookmark feature on either reader as it automatically will open back up on that page, unless of course, you are clumsy, absent minded, or a multi tasker like myself. I tend to switch back and forth between books. I have books that I have for review, books for pleasure, and textbooks. I need the damn bookmark feature.

Secondly, I liked the old booklight cover that was available for the 595. the light was similar to the bookwedge. It was attached to the sturdy cover and fliped over onto the screen. The 606 cover is just as sturdy but the light raises up and can be adjusted to shine over the screen. Not usually a problem but therein lies the another issue with the 600.

THirdly, THE GLARE. The screen glare is a bitch on the PRS 600. Not unmanageable but, when used with the book light or when outside in the sun. You have to tilt it to find the right angle. Now i'm a creature of habit and I like to read while doing...well everything. That includes while cooking, a feat that was simple with the 505 because I could lay it on the counter and read it. With the 600 laying flat doesn't work in my kitchen, the lights hit is just right making it impossible to read. So I bought a cookbook holder LOL.

Forthly, and most importantly for me, is the battery life. I read constantly. If i'm not at work or being with my family I'm reading. I don't like to have to charge things. The 505 battery life lasted for days and days and days. I took it on vacation to Florida. Read for most of the 10 hours down, read for several hours everyday, read the trip back and still had one bar of life left. The 600 lost all battery life on me in 3 days with heavy use like that. (yes I could plug it in while I sleep but the majority of the time I'm reading myself to sleep and the cord gets in the way).

THE PROS
The design is much sleeker on the 600. It has rounded corners, it has a smoother back and it is a bit thicker which improves how it feels in your hand.

I love the touch feature. I like turning the pages with just a swipe. I like being able to change the direction of the swipe so that it doesn't matter which hand i'm using as well. Which is great when lying in bed so i can be comfortable on either side.

Second. The notes and highlitght feature. I can mark up the books for when I write my reviews. For example: I was reading one for review just this morning and it was annoying the piss out of me. The child of the female lead changed names in 4 different spots. Seriously, I was completely confused, I kept thinking who the hell is this person? Where did they come from? It normally wouldn't have taken me that long but the book is written in a disjointed manner anyway and this just added to the hot mess.

Third. Font size. Oh how I love this little gem. The PRS 505 had this feature but the added advantage with the 600 is that it goes up to XXL. A much needed size when certain publishers (ahem ... TORQUERE PRESS) have books that refuse to convert to the appropriate format. Oh you can read them...with a magnifying glass. They start out fine when you bump them up to your preferred size ( I like Large because i'm blind lol) but you turn the page and WHAM teeny tiny. They now have a Sony pdf format available which seems to have fixed the problem but I have a zillion older pdf format books that are languishing in my TBR mountain.

Fourth, I love the search option. You can type in a book you want to search or you can sort by date, author, tag etc. You could sort like that on the 505 but i really like being able to just type the name or keyword in to get right to the book.

So my final decison is to stick with the 600 for now. At least until the next best thing arrives. LOL That iPad looks cool as fuck and after the bugs get worked out i'm going to take a closer look. I do so love my iPhone and something I could read on that has a big screen? AWESOME!

2010 Ebook Challenge- update

2010-01-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

I can't help it! Just this last one! Click the pic if you would like to play along! I am going with Obsessed. I'm going to up the count to 200 though. I've already read 20 Ebooks this year. LOL

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 E-Books.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 E-Books.

-- Addicted – Read 12 E-Books.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 E-Books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

My Books

The Brotherhood: Amour Magique - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 2: Bite Me - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 3: The Dragon’s Tongue - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 4: Good Luck Piece - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 5: The Out of Towner - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 6: Tezcatl’s Game - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 7: Single White Fang - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 8: Under Hill and Over Bar - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 9: Tunnel of Love - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 10: The Salt of the Earth - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 11: Nothing Like Experience - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 12: Believe it or Not - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 13: The Incubus Call - Willa Okati
The Brotherhood 13.5: Once Upon a Liam - Willa Okati
Jock Dorm 1: Dar and Greg - Bobby Michaels (re-read)
Jock Dorm 2: Drew and Vince - Bobby Michaels (re-read)
Jock Dorm 3: David and Connor - Bobby Michaels
Wings - Aprilynne Pike
The Brothers Bishop - Bart Yates
Reining in the Past - Carol Lynne
Bareback - Carol Lynne
Through the Montana Mist - Carol Lynne
Hit and Run - Cassidy Ryan
A Case of Mistaken Virginity - Connie Bailey
An Improper Holiday - K.A. Mitchell
Sleeping With the Past - Cassidy Ryan
Force of Law - Jez Morrow
Hard for the Money - Syd McKinley, Carol Lynne, Kiernan Kelly
Hell Hath no Fury - Carol Lynne
Sculpting Clay - Linda Reilly
Good to Know - D.W. Marchwell
JackMagic - Jillian Snyder
When the Bluebird Calls - Leiland Dale
Soothe the Burn - T.A. Chase
Dead Men Get No Tail - Misty Malone
Open Sesame - Mia Watts
A Wolf in Men's Clothing - Dakota Rebel
Rip Cord - Jeanne St. James
Ghost of his Past - Liam Drake
Gay Since Today - Kim Dare
Mate Hunt - Amber Kell
Mate Hunt - Amber Kell
Take it Easy - AKM Miles
Too Keen - AKM Miles
Seb's Surrender - Carol Lynne
Twisted Rose -Amber Kell
Vampire King's Husband- Amber Kell
Kissing Orion - Amber Kell
Lost and Found -Amber Kell
Bound and Determined - Amber Kell
Heart and Soul - Amber Kell
Jaguar Moon - Linda Palmer
Picture me Perfect - Stormy Glenn
Dream Mate - Stormy Glenn
Nights in Pink Satin - Sharon Maria Bidwell
Blue Willows - Gregory Norris
Pure Folly - Madelynne Ellis
Stealing My Heart - Various
Promises - Marie Sexton
Rescued - Bailey Bradford
A Game of Chances - T.C. Blue
Angel Moon - Shayla Kersten
A Promise Given - Stormy Glenn
Baby it's Cold Outside - Nicole Kimberling
Parallel Process - Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain
Precious Jade - Fyn Alexander
Putting Out Fires - Sienna Black
A Gentleman’s Bargain - Hunter Raines
Resolution - Carol Lynne
Ice Water in Hell - Carol Lynne
Putting Out Fires - Sienna Black
Feral Heat - Jamie Hill & Jude Mason
Bear Combustion - Jamie Hill & Jude Mason
I Love Rock n Roll - Carol Lynne
Wild Hunt - Willa Okati
An Uncommon Whore - Belinda McBride
A Good Knight - Sharon Marie Bidwell
Second Chance - Selena Kitt
Unspoken Desires - Stormy Glenn
Cowboy Dreams - Stormy Glenn
Freaks in Love - T.A. Chase
Dark Side of the Veil - Stormy Glenn
Hot Damn!- H.C. Brown
Without Sin - J. Tomas
Vamps - Nancy A. Collins
Night Life - Nancy A. Collins
After Dark - Nancy A. Collins
Embraced by the Sun - Mya
The Alpha's Desire - Mya
Thief of his Heart - Mya
No Souvenirs - K.A. Mitchell
Tatterdemalion - Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Hide Out - Kate
The Major and the Minor - Pepper Espinoza
Duncan's World - T.A. Chase
Fighting Dragons - T.A. Chase
Bi Now, Gay Later - Kim Dare
Seeing You - Dakota Flint
A Prophecy of Destiny - Leiland Dale
Blueprint for Love - J.P. Bowie
Bound by Nature - Cooper Davis
A to Z - Marie Sexton
Nothing Personal - Scott & Scott
Wishing for a Home - T.A. Chase
Gaymes - Anthology
Circles of Life & Death - Rayne Auster
Lift Me Up - Rayne Auster
Moonlight's Silver - Rayne Auster
Retribution - M. Flagg
Firehouse Heat - Carol Lynne
Urban Shaman - Lyn Gala
Unmasked - Anthology
Rogue Wolf - Violet Hilton
Sylvan - Jan Irving
Revenant - Connie Bailey
Simple Men - Eric Arvin
Winner Takes All - Jennifer Urban and Elizabeth Silver
Icing on the Cake - Shayla Kersten
Turned - Christina Loren
The Guardian - Mary Calmes
Catch Me if You Can - L.B. Gregg
Give and Take - Anne Brooke
Skin Deep - S.W. Vaughn
Forever Bound - Chloe Stowe
PJ's Pool Boy - Ryan Field
Survival Instinct - Roxy Harte
Out of Balance - Stephani Hecht
Pool Boy Seduction - Amanda Young
The Manny - Sara Bell
Knight or Daye - Jude Mason
Stiff Trick - Jude Mason
Sins of the Father - D.W. Marchwell
Tuxedo Tryst - Nikki Soarde
Freaks and Saints - D.J. Manly
Love, Grant - AKM Miles
Because it's True - Willa Okati
The Shunned - Jay Hughes
Stroke of Luck - Jenna Brynes
Touched by an Alien - Gini Koch
Take my Picture - Giselle Ellis

The Vampire Files Challenge

2010-01-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

IMELINE: January 1st to December 31st 2010
RULES: Read (or re-read) the twelve(12) books in P.N. Elrod’s Vampire Files series in 2010.

DETAILS:

• As of today, there are 12 books in the series. If there happens to be a new book in series published within 2010, you won’t need to read it to complete the challenge. If you’ve already started this series, you can still participate in the challenge. You can either start all over again as a refresher or just start where you left off.

• Anyone can join at anytime between now and the latter part of next year. You don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog, you can post your comments or reviews in the comment section of the wrap-up post.
• Audio books, hardbacks, paperbacks, tattered second-hands, and library books are okay.
• If you decide to participate in the challenge, post a link to this post on your blog so that other people can find their way here to sign up.

THE BOOKS (in chronological order):
- Bloodlist
- Lifeblood
- Bloodcircle
- Art In The Blood
- Fire in the Blood
- Blood on the Water
- Chill in the Blood
- Dark Sleep
- Lady Crymsyn
- Cold Streets
- Song in the Dark
- Dark Road Rising

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• You don’t have to read any of the following to complete the challenge.
• Some of the short stories are from Out of Print paperback anthologies. You may be able to find them online in places like Half.com or Paperbackswap if you’d like to read them anyway. They would be perfect if you like to participate in the “Short Story Sunday” meme.

Short Stories:

- “You’ll Catch Your Death” – from Vampire Detectives (OOP)
- “A Night at the (Horse) Opera” – from Celebrity Vampires (OOP)
- “A Night at the (Horse) Opera” reprinted in Fields of Blood (OOP)
- “The Quick Way Down” – from Mod Magic (OOP)
- “The Breath of Bast” – from Kittens, Cats, and Crime
- “Slaughter” – from The Repentant
- “Grave-Robbed” – from Many Bloody Returns
- “Her Mother’s Daughter” from My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon
- “Hecate’s Golden Eye” – from Strange Brew

Related Books:

- The Devil You Know – a limited edition sequel to Bloodcircle only available here

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2010-01-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

January 1st to December 31st 2010

OME! I can't believe i'm doing this to myself! Another challenge! All details are over on J. Kaye's Book Blog if you want to join! I'm going for the Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels. I really can't believe i'm doing this to myself lol.

My Reads
1. Wings - Aprilynne Pike
2. The Printer's Devil - Paul Bajoria
3. The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
4. The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan
5. The Titans Curse - Rick Riordan
6. Jaugar Moon - Linda Palmer
7. Vamps - Nancy A. Collins
8. Night Life - Nancy A. Collins
9. After Dark - Nancy Collins
10 Without Sin - J. Tomas

Work is the suck!

2009-12-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog i had really good intentions. I really did, but then the inevitable happened. We lost 3 people at work and now I work ALL THE FUCKING TIME! I'm so not kidding with that one either. I've been working 12-14 hour shifts 4-5 days a week. May not seem that bad except they are third shift so i spend what time i'm not working sleeping. My reading has declined to the point that i'm reading maybe one book a week if i'm lucky. My reviewing has dropped down to almost nil and i'm not sure my children don't think i'm the crazy lady who visits every now and then. I can not wait until March when the new nurses will be ready to be on their own and we will be back up to staff! Of course two of our nurses are talking about leaving for other jobs now so who the hell knows how much longer it will really last. *sigh* At least I have a job, that's what i keep telling myself. LOL

Review Vamped by Lucienne Diver

2009-08-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

So....hmmm... I'm a bit conflicted about this book. First of all I'm a 38 year old mother of three and I found this book hilarious, especially the smart assed mouth of the main, dare I say it, heroine, Gina Covello. Secondly, I have exactly nothing in common with any character in the book. Not Gina, Bobby, nor the myriad of other teens roaming it's pages. But, the book was well written, the plot was solid, and the characters were monstrous. Not because they were vampires. No, they were monstrous because they were that most dreaded thing of all....teenagers. Now as much as i liked this story and it's characters the teen thing did grate on my nerves every now and then. I wanted to smack them and tell them to get over themselves, the world does not revolve around you! Oh, I'm sorry I forget myself, when you are a teen ager it most certainly does revolve around you! I had a quibble with how quickly Gina fell for Bobby but then I remembered the fickle nature of the teen heart and got over myself. Most of the time I can forget the YA nature of a book and just enjoy the story but this is definitely a YA book albeit a fun one. So if you are looking for a fun, breezy way to pass a couple of hours. You like vampires, teens, and drama. Vamped is one you will enjoy. I certainly did and I look forward to Revamped coming next year. If you want to check out more about the book and the author pop on over to Lucienne Diver's website Here.

Review Chicagoland Vampires 1: Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

2009-08-09T21:44:00.001-07:00

Looking for something fun to read? Try Some Girls Bite! Merit is a kick ass heroine, or she will be when she finally develops completely as a vampire. I like that she's a bit whiny about being changed, she has every right to be upset about it. It added a realistic slant to the story. Merit and Mallory are awesome as best friends who love each other unconditionally. Ethan is that tall, dark, handsome, and scary vampire that you want to seduce you. Morgan is that sexy vampire that you want to..fang you! There is a mystery, some intrigue, and a well written plot that had me upset that I had to put the book down to take the kids school clothes shopping.

Merit is such a complicated character. She knows that Ethan will do anything for his house. He's arrogant, manipulative, and cold at times but she still finds her self feeling attraction for him. Morgan gives off that dangerous sexy vibe as well but with him it's different. Whether it comes from the blood tie between Ethan and Merit or the fact that Merit wants to deny any feelings for this man who changed her I still don't know. But I can't wait to read the next book to see if more is shed on the subject. There were many loose ends dangling in the breeze with this book. Not just with the ending but with minor plot elements as well, I hope that we discover the answers with the next book due out in October. I wish I hadn't let this book languish in my tbr pile but when you have one as large as me it happens sometime. Thank you Ms. Neill for a refreshing vampire/urban fantasy tale! Visit the authors website here to learn more about Some Girls Bite and it's upcoming sequel. She also has the beginning of a new series coming out in January 2010.

The M/M Challenge Final List

2009-07-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, my final list for the challenge I was shooting for 60 and more than met my goal! ROFL This was fun and I hope we do it again!

APRIL
1. In for a Penny by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
2. A Strong Hand by Catt Ford 4/5
3. Hot Cargo by Ariel Tachna and Nikki Bennett 3/5
4. Dance Wars 3: Bad Moon Rising by Sophia Titheniel 4/5
5. Mitch by Dakota Rebel 5/5
6. A Promise Kept by Stormy Glenn 4/5
7. Poker Night 1: Texas Hold 'Em by Carol Lynne 5/5
8. Adder by Ally Blue 4/5
9. Most Likely to Succeed by Shawn Lane 4/5
10. Secret Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
11. Sweet Treats by Stormy Glenn 4/5
12. Forbidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
13. Allergies by T.A. Chase 5/5 (Can't Wait for the Next in this Series)
14. Yummy Love 1: Coconut Cream Pie by Kate Hill 4/5
15. Yummy Love 2: Blueberry Muffins by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
16. Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
17. Hidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
18. Give It Time by BA Tortuga 4/5
19. Here and Now by Anah Crow 4/5
20. Renovations 4: Full House by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox 4/5
21. Affair in Paradise by Matthew Haldeman-Time 3.5/5
22. Between Us by AKM Miles 3/5
23. Hearts Afire: April by Emery Sanborne and Jamie Craig 5/5 LINK
24. Coyote Non Grata by Lena Austin 4/5
25. By Degrees by J.B. McDonald 5/5
26. The Whole Deal by Lorne Rodman 4/5
27. Tomcat Jones by Willa Okati 4.5/5 (would love to know what the deal is with Sur Lune)

MAY

28. Helldog Squadron 2: Angle of Attack by AR Moler 4/5
29. Private Dicks by Katie Allen 4/5
30. The Colors of Love and Autumn Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
31. Phoberia by H.B. Kurtzwilde (new to me author) 4/5 LINK
32. You First by Kim Dare 4.5/5
33. Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling 3.5/5
34. David's Dilemma by Lynn Lorenz 4.5/5 (new to me author)
35. Slippery When Wet by Stone Richards 3/5 LINK
36. A Strange Place in Time 3: The Merry Executioner Returns by Alyx J. Shaw 5/5 LINK
37.The Valde: Water by Astrid Amara 4/5
38. Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells by E.M. Lynley 5/5
39. Mr. Wonderful by Stormy Glenn 4/5
40. Highway Patrol by Wayne Mansfield 3/5
41. Northern Love by Nica Berry 3.5/5
42. The Doctor's Patience by Stormy Glenn 4/5
43. Three of a Kind by Stormy Glenn 4/5
44. The Katzman's Mate by Stormy Glenn 4.5/5
45. Dreaming of You by Ethan Day 3.5/5
46. Happy Ending by L.B. Gregg 4/5
47. The Colors of Love and Autumn by Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
48. Like Coffee and Doughnuts by Elle Parker 4.5/5
49. My Lupine Lover by Stormy Glenn 4/5 LINK
50. Three of a Kind by Sean Michael 4.5/5
51. True Colors by Clare London 5/5
52. Around the World by Jade Falconer 4/5
53. Forever Yours by Lexie Davis 4/5 LINK
54. Ethan's Choice by Jamie Hill & Jude Mason 5/5 LINK
55. Surf & Turf by Scott & Scott 3.5/5
56. Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville 5/5
57. Awakening by DJ Manly 4.5/5
58. Physical Therapy by Z.A. Maxfield 5/5 LINK
59. Kink for Love by Mallory Path 3/5
60. Play it Again Sam by Jamie Hill 3.5/5

JUNE

61. Cattle Valley 12: Eye of the Beholder by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
62. Here Be Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
63. Bottom's Up: A Kinky Orgasm 4.5/5
64. Dreaming of Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
65. Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires by Stormy Glenn 5/5 LINK
66. One and One 1: The One That Got Away by TC Blue 4/5
67. One and One 2: The One That Was Lost by TC Blue 5/5 LINK
68. Marry Me or Die by D.J. Manly 4/5
69. Security by Mike Shade 4.5/5
70. Holed Up by Hank Edwards 4.5/5
71. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 1 5/5 LINK
72. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 2 5/5 LINK
73. Embracing The Leopard: Animal Attraction by Michelle Houston4/5 LINK
74. Car Wash by Shawn Lane 5/5 LINK
75. Miami Moon: Vampire’s Lair by A.J. Ryan 5/5 LINK
76. Gay Like You by Kim Dare4/5 LINK
77. Frost Fair by Erastes 5/5
78. Heart of by Truth by Eon De Beaumont 4/5
79. Extinction by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
80. Grey's Awakening by Cameron Dane 5/5
81. Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell 5/5 LINK
82. Dragon's Kiss Ally Blue 4/5 LINK
83. Somebody Killed His Editor Josh Lanyon 5/5 LINK
84. A Sure Fire Cure by Kate Steele 4.5/5
85. Riding Out the Bull by Catt Ford 4/5
86. Extreme Bull by Catt Ford 4.5/5
87. Simon Says by Ashley Ladd 4/5

JULY

88. Trapped by D. J. Manly 4/5 LINK
89. Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating by Stormy Glenn 4/5 LINK
90. Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson 5/5 LINK
91. Cage Match by Bonnie Dee 4.5/5
92. Finn by Angel Martinez 4/5
93. Time After Time by J.P. Bowie (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
94. Reunion by Carol Lynne 5/5 LINK
95. Cattle Valley Days by Carol Lynne (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
96. ePistols At Dawn by Z. A. Maxfield 5/5 LINK
97. A Red-Tainted Silence by Carolyn Gray 5/5
98. Poker Nights: Slow Play by Carol Lynne 4/5
99. Ghosts of Alcatraz by Carol Lynne 5/5
100. Death or Life by T.A. Chase 5/5
101. Chicken Ranch: Hunger by Amanda Young 4/5
102. Calling Dr. Love by G.A. Hauser 4/5
103. The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer 4/5
104. Blue Fire by Z.A. Maxfield 5/5
105. Dreaming in Color by Cameron Dane (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
106. He's Bewitched by Ryan Field 4/5
107. Nowhere Diner: Finding Love by T.A. Chase 4.5/5
108. A Heat Seeking Missile by E.M. Lynley
109. Until the End of Time by Shawn Lane 4.5/5
110. To Bend by Pepper Espinoza 4/5

AUGUST

111. Just Taste of me by Stormy Glenn (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
112. Deceived by Lexie Davis (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
113. Hunter's Light by Jenna Byrnes & Jude Mason (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
114. Ghost Star Night by Nicole Kimberling (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
115. Attracting Anthony by Amber Kell 4/5
116. Baiting Ben by Amber Kell 4/5
117. Courting Calvin by Amber Kell 4/5
118. Denying Dare by Amber Kell 4/5
119. Enticing Elliot by Amber Kell 4/5
120. Finding Farro by Amber Kell 4/5
121. Maritime Men by Janey Chapel 4/5
122. Taste Test by Jade Buchanan 4.5/5
123. The Story Keeper by Jade Buchanan 4.5/5
124. Heaven by Jet Mykles 5/5
125. Pretty Red Ribbon by Jet Mykles 5/5
126. Purgatory by Jet Mykles 5/5
127. Sexy Spring Surprise by Jet Mykles 5/5
128. Hell by Jet Mykles 5/5
129. Feisty Little Firecracker by Jet Mykles 5/5
130. Faith by Jet Mykles 5/5
131. Sly Spectral Trick by Jet Mykles 5/5
132. Genesis by Jet Mykles 5/5
133. Revelations by Jet Mykles 5/5
134. Pocket Pair by Carol Lynne ((pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
135. The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell(pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
136. The Lost Books 1&2 by Evangeline Anderson(pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
137. Pretty Man by Ryan Field 3.5/5
138. Sursein Judgement by Jet Mykles 4.5/5
139. He's Bewitched by Ryan Field 3.5/5
140. High Country by Michael Barnette 4/5
141. Call Me Sir by Stormy Glenn 4.5/5
142. Blue Skye by Viki Lynn 4/5
143. Child’s Prey 1: Orange Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
144. Child’s Prey 2: Winter’s Song by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
145. Child’s Prey 3: Under a Silver Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
146. Child’s Prey 4: Secret Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
147. Child’s Prey 5: Their Lover by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5

Review of Ghosts of Alcatraz by Carol Lynne

2009-07-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying that I really like this cover. Sure only one of the men actually fits the description of a character, at least in body type but still it is FINE!!!! Now on to the review. I am happy to say that this has to be my favorite Carol Lynne book ever. Which is saying something since she write characters that I love. But Ghosts of Alcatraz is a bit of a departure for her. At least in my opinion. Sure the wonderful characters that you couldn't help but love and root for were present. But this story had a completely different feel to it than previous works. I would have guaranteed that you could put a piece of Ms. Lynne's work in my hands and I would have been able to identify her writing style. Not so with this work. The pacing was the same in how quickly the two main characters fall in love but the similarities ended there. Not that this was a bad thing. On the contrary, this had the feel of a seasoned writer who had all their i's dotted and their t's crossed. In fact to show how much i loved this story i'll tell you something. I picked up and started several books before this one only to throw them down in disgust. It's not often that I get that way but for the past few days i've not been in the mood to read. I know shocking as it may sound it does occasionally happen to me as well. I try not to read books for review when i'm in this kind of mood because they will inevitably get a bad review. I pick out flaws that I normally let slide, if i'm in a better mood all I require is to be entertained and not feel like i'm slogging my way through a word soup or plot prison. But, by the second chapter I was deeply engrossed in Ghosts of Alcatraz, so much so that I almost burned dinner (yes, I read while cooking and folding laundry and walking for the most part, that' s how i broke my last ereader, ran into one too many walls and hitting my son's head was the last straw for it LOL). I read until I hit the last page and then cried "NO!". I wasn't ready for it to end...what about Fisher! What happens next? Where are they going from here? Is this going to be a series? Please, Ms. Lynne this has to be a series. You can't tease us, your faithful readers with little tidbits and then leave us hanging!!! So I suggest you go get your hands massaged and then sit down at the computer until you have the next book for us, otherwise you might have a lynching on your hands at your upcoming get together! But Ghosts of Alcatraz here.

Review A Red-Tainted Silence by Carolyn Gray

2009-07-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

IF YOU'VE BEEN WAITING TO READ THIS BOOK, STOP! PICK IT UP IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

So I've looked at this book several times since it was published. Looked but never bought, I thought it sounded good but for some reason resisted. Then the lovelies over on The Manhole forum at The Phade started talking about it, I read a few comments and reviews and thought I'd give it a whirl. I bought it and loaded it onto my trusty Sony ereader and there it sat, and sat, and sat. What a mistake that was! I was looking for something to read one day while waiting in the drive thru line and saw this one and thought I'd give it a whirl. I began to read, got honked at, pulled into the parking lot at work and started reading again, got scared to death when one of the girls knocked on the window to tell me to hurry up or be late. Thought about what I had read while at work. Got home, stayed up too late reading, then got up and finished the book.
A Red-Tainted Silence is a masterpiece of conflicting psyches. This book has so much going for it that I find myself at a loss as to what to really say. Brandon and Nicholas are both such strong, complex characters that they are almost overwhelming. The plot is filled with moments that had me crying and gritting my teeth, praying that things would come to fruition with an ending that I could bear. I've read a few comments that say that Nicholas was their favorite character but for me it was Brandon. Why? Nicholas was a wonderful character, charismatic as he was written to be. But Brandon was so tortured, so loyal, so determined to see this bright and shining man he loved happy that he sacrifices all of himself just to see this happen. Sure he had problems, that was the point. His view of the world was skewed, this was readily apparent from the first moment that he sees Nicholas. The amount he suffered and obsessed over a Nicholas that he hadn't even met was the beginning of what would shape their relationship. Ms. Gray used the plot device of Brandon trying to show Nicholas how he felt about him through a memoir of sorts and this really allowed the reader inside his mind. So much so that it was a bit of a jolt when Nicholas took over in the second half to of the story. We still get bits and pieces from Brandon but colored through Nicholas' reading of the journal, his viewpoint of some of the event added a contrast and showed how different the two men saw things. This story is filled with angst, lots of angst, and several violent acts of a sexual nature. So don't pick this book up if you are expecting a light, fluffy read. But if you are looking for a story with wonderful characters that you will be thinking about for days, a plot line that will keep your heart pounding and tears in your eyes and joy in your heart then you have to read A Red-Tainted Silence. You won't regret it. Buy your copy here !

Review Cage Match by Bonnie Dee

2009-06-30T04:13:00.000-07:00

Cage Match is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a plague has wiped out quite a bit of the population. The world has been rebuilt and is supposedly a better place, all run by corporations that took over after the fall of government. Everything is shiny and clean except for a walled in area of what used to be Boston. This area is called Brick Town and it is a high crime area filled with the less fortunate. If you don't like post-apocalyptic tales never fear, that's the only area where that post-apocalyptic bit comes in, it then becomes a journey of two men on a journey of self discovery.

I found Cage Match to be well written and intriguing. Andreas Fortias is the silver spoon baby, the prince of Fortias, a company that holds a large share of the market in this world. He, like his contemporaries fills his days and nights with trivial and meaningless pursuits. Cage fighting is one of these pursuits. A blood soaked, adrenaline fulled atmosphere where these idling rich boys can bet on the outcome of others pain and suffering. Jabez is a former Brick Towner who has been apprehended for robbery. He has chosen to serve his time in the cage. Cage fighting allows criminals a large reduction in sentence time but they will have to survive the indenture before freedom will be possible, a task which more often than not proves impossible. Both characters were interesting in their differences. One spoiled, pampered, and handed everything. The other struggling for survival from birth. That the two could ever find common ground is doubtful but together they bring out hidden depths that neither knew they possessed. I've read other offerings from Ms. Dee in the past but nothing that captured my heart like this one. If you love hot m/m action, testosterone filled action, and people discovering their true selves then this one is for you!

The M/M Romance Challenge Update

2009-06-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

So I have exceeded my original goal of 60 by August. I knew I should have set it higher! LOL but anyway here it is so far.

APRIL
1. In for a Penny by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
2. A Strong Hand by Catt Ford 4/5
3. Hot Cargo by Ariel Tachna and Nikki Bennett 3/5
4. Dance Wars 3: Bad Moon Rising by Sophia Titheniel 4/5
5. Mitch by Dakota Rebel 5/5
6. A Promise Kept by Stormy Glenn 4/5
7. Poker Night 1: Texas Hold 'Em by Carol Lynne 5/5
8. Adder by Ally Blue 4/5
9. Most Likely to Succeed by Shawn Lane 4/5
10. Secret Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
11. Sweet Treats by Stormy Glenn 4/5
12. Forbidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
13. Allergies by T.A. Chase 5/5 (Can't Wait for the Next in this Series)
14. Yummy Love 1: Coconut Cream Pie by Kate Hill 4/5
15. Yummy Love 2: Blueberry Muffins by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
16. Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
17. Hidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
18. Give It Time by BA Tortuga 4/5
19. Here and Now by Anah Crow 4/5
20. Renovations 4: Full House by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox 4/5
21. Affair in Paradise by Matthew Haldeman-Time 3.5/5
22. Between Us by AKM Miles 3/5
23. Hearts Afire: April by Emery Sanborne and Jamie Craig 5/5 LINK
24. Coyote Non Grata by Lena Austin 4/5
25. By Degrees by J.B. McDonald 5/5
26. The Whole Deal by Lorne Rodman 4/5
27. Tomcat Jones by Willa Okati 4.5/5 (would love to know what the deal is with Sur Lune)

MAY

28. Helldog Squadron 2: Angle of Attack by AR Moler 4/5
29. Private Dicks by Katie Allen 4/5
30. The Colors of Love and Autumn Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
31. Phoberia by H.B. Kurtzwilde (new to me author) 4/5 LINK
32. You First by Kim Dare 4.5/5
33. Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling 3.5/5
34. David's Dilemma by Lynn Lorenz 4.5/5 (new to me author)
35. Slippery When Wet by Stone Richards ( pending review publication on Fallen Angel Reviews)
36. A Strange Place in Time 3: The Merry Executioner Returns by Alyx J. Shaw (pending review publication on Fallen Angel Reviews)
37.The Valde: Water by Astrid Amara 4/5
38. Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells by E.M. Lynley 5/5
39. Mr. Wonderful by Stormy Glenn 4/5
40. Highway Patrol by Wayne Mansfield 3/5
41. Northern Love by Nica Berry 3.5/5
42. The Doctor's Patience by Stormy Glenn 4/5
43. Three of a Kind by Stormy Glenn 4/5
44. The Katzman's Mate by Stormy Glenn 4.5/5
45. Dreaming of You by Ethan Day 3.5/5
46. Happy Ending by L.B. Gregg 4/5
47. The Colors of Love and Autumn by Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
48. Like Coffee and Doughnuts by Elle Parker 4.5/5
49. My Lupine Lover by Stormy Glenn 4/5 LINK
50. Three of a Kind by Sean Michael 4.5/5
51. True Colors by Clare London 5/5
52. Around the World by Jade Falconer 4/5
53. Forever Yours by Lexie Davis 4/5 LINK
54. Ethan's Choice by Jamie Hill & Jude Mason 5/5 LINK
55. Surf & Turf by Scott & Scott 3.5/5
56. Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville 5/5
57. Awakening by DJ Manly 4.5/5
58. Physical Therapy by Z.A. Maxfield (score pending review publication on Fallen Angel Reviews)
59. Kink for Love by Mallory Path 3/5
60. Play it Again Sam by Jamie Hill 3.5/5

JUNE

61. Cattle Valley 12: Eye of the Beholder by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
62. Here Be Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
63. Bottom's Up: A Kinky Orgasm 4.5/5
64. Dreaming of Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
65. Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires by Stormy Glenn 5/5 LINK
66. One and One 1: The One That Got Away by TC Blue 4/5
67. One and One 2: The One That Was Lost by TC Blue 5/5 LINK
68. Marry Me or Die by D.J. Manly 4/5
69. Security by Mike Shade 4.5/5
70. Holed Up by Hank Edwards 4.5/5
71. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 1 5/5 LINK
72. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 2 5/5 LINK
73. Embracing The Leopard: Animal Attraction by Michelle Houston4/5 LINK
74. Car Wash by Shawn Lane 5/5 LINK
75. Miami Moon: Vampire’s Lair by A.J. Ryan(pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
76. Gay Like You by Kim Dare4/5 LINK
77. Frost Fair by Erastes 5/5 (new to me author, surprised me since i'm not a historical fan)
78. Heart of by Truth by Eon De Beaumont 4/5
79. Extinction by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
80. Grey's Awakening by Cameron Dane 5/5
81. Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
82. Dragon's Kiss Ally Blue (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
83. Somebody Killed His Editor Josh Lanyon (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
84. A Sure Fire Cure by Kate Steele
85. Riding Out the Bull by Catt Ford 4/5
86. Extreme Bull by Catt Ford 4.5/5
87. Simon Says by Ashley Ladd 4/5

JULY

88. Trapped by D. J. Manly (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
89. Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating by Stormy Glenn (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
90. Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
91. Cage Match by Bonnie Dee 4.5/5
92. Finn by Angel Martinez 4/5
93. Time After Time by J.P. Bowie (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
94. Reunion by Carol Lynne (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
95. Cattle Valley Days by Carol Lynne (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
96. ePistols At Dawn by Z. A. Maxfield (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
97. A Red-Tainted Silence by Carolyn Gray 5/5
98. Poker Nights: Slow Play by Carol Lynne 4/5
99. Ghosts of Alcatraz by Carol Lynne 5/5
100. Death or Life by T.A. Chase 5/5
101. Chicken Ranch: Hunger by Amanda Young 4/5
102. Calling Dr. Love by G.A. Hauser 4/5
103. The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer 4/5
104. Blue Fire by Z.A. Maxfield 5/5
105. Dreaming in Color by Cameron Dane
106. He's Bewitched by Ryan Field 4/5
107. Nowhere Diner: Finding Love by T.A. Chase 4.5/5
108. A Heat Seeking Missile by E.M. Lynley

Review Eye of the Beholder by Carol Lynne

2009-06-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Eye of the Beholder is the eleventh book in Carol Lynne's fantastic Cattle Valley series. I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea why I love her books so much. I'm thinking that it has to be because the characters are so alive that the actual inconsistencies in plot lines and detail don't really matter so much. Some day when I have a day of nothing to do I'm going to sit down and make Ms. Lynne a board with all the character details and plot threads, because I want her to keep writing and taking time to do it herself would take away from that. But all that aside I really don't care! I LOVE CAROL LYNNE and I will certainly forgive these minor technical difficulties because in the grand scheme of things they really don't matter! It's just an obsessed reader who has OCD being driven crazy by some minor glitch.

Now, on to the review. I liked Eye of the Beholder I was very happy to return to my favorite town and my favorite people. Cattle Valley would be like the coolest place to live. Can you imagine? Really? The people are nice, the men are hot, and the women too. (Yes, I love the series so much that I even read the side series by another author). I liked Rance and Bo, no they aren't my favorite characters in the series, (that acclaim will always fall on the worthy shoulders of the cross over Good Time Boys characters of Ryan, Rio, and Nate) but they were good characters. The chemistry between them was electrifying and the angst was well written and managed to skirt the edge of being on just this side of too much. Of course the plot was delicious and the sensual scenes were well written. Thank you Ms. Lynne for letting this reader visit Cattle Valley once again and I'm hoping that it will be a trip that will happen again and again. You can pick up your own copy here. Eye of the Beholder at Total-e-Bound

Review True Colors by Clare London

2009-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

To be perfectly honest I wasn't sure how I would feel about this one. Clare London is a known author to me but not one that I've read much of. I'm not sure why that is, the few books I've read by her have been well written with solid plots and intriguing characters. It's just one of those things I suppose that can't be explained. Anyway...I picked this one up at Dreamspinner Press the other day, http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/currenttitles/truecolors/truecolorsbuynow.htm , because I liked the blurb. It sounded interesting and for the most part it was really sound. I liked the characters of Zeke and Miles and their respective best friends, Carter and Red. Not that they started out as likable. Not at all. Zeke was an irresolute, shiftless drunk and Miles was a remote, cold, and stone faced businessman. It wasn't until you got into the deeper meat of the story that you realized what was going on to make the two this way. Carter and Red helped to show the humanity and good qualities that were hidden behind their facades. The sensual scenes were smoldering and at times I thought they were going to scorch my eyes right out of my head. Very well written with such emotive description that the depth of all that the two could not vocalize was apparent. I liked that both men were masculine men with Zeke having that bit of artistic flair and temperament to spice up the sometimes stiff Miles. They were perfect complements to each other and that made the story a truly good one. The only complaint I had was that there was a bit of drag midway through but it quickly resolved. I'm off to buy more by this author and see what all I've been missing.

Review Like Coffee and Doughnuts by Elle Parker

2009-05-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I've read anything by author Elle Parker and I'm glad I gave her a try. I really enjoyed Like Coffee and Doughnuts. Dino Maritini, like his name implies, is an old school Italian-American private investigator. He likes old music, ballroom dancing, and his classic muscle car-Matilda. His best friend is Seth Donnelly, mechanic extraordinaire, brawler, and horndog. He will jump anything willing, man or woman. When the two do a routine repo job it turns into anything but routine. Now there are some seriously bad men after them and things go from bad to worse quickly.

The combination of old fashioned Dino and happy go lucky Seth worked for me. The two were opposites but complimented each other to a tee. When the attraction between them heats up you can't help but feel cautious. I so didn't want Dino to get hurt. He 's one of those guys who keeps his emotions and feelings under tight wraps. Seth comes across as a playboy, albeit an honest one, everyone knows going into it that he is only in it for the fun. So I was rather leery when Seth started doing some serious flirting with Dino versus his heretofore playful banter. I didn't want him to use Dino and destroy a friendship that worked. On the other hand it was quite obvious to me, even if it wasn't to Dino himself, that he had feelings beyond friendship for Seth. I enjoyed the case that they were working on and the banter between the two. There was very little actual sensual scenes but what little bit there was showcased the growing bonds between the two.
This was a very good effort from a newcomer to the field and I look forward to seeing more from Elle Parker in the future. I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Review Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters

2009-05-20T14:42:00.001-07:00

Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters is the second book in the Generation Dead series. First off let me say that I love the covers on these books. Very eye catching and once you read the stories you get how fitting and multifaceted they are. It's not often that a cover fits the book but this time they do an excellent job of it. I'll admit that the cover is what drew me to the first book, Generation Dead, but it was the story that hooked me into buying it. I loved the first book. I loved the characters, I loved the idea of the zombie teens, oh excuse me the differently biotic teens. I eagerly awaited the arrival of this story.

I liked this story. I didn't think it was quite as good as the first though. The pacing was a little bit slower and that brought it down a few points for me. I loved seeing things from Adam's POV, it gave an even deeper insight into the life of the differently biotic, or DB kids, and the frustrations that they face in trying to "come back" to an acceptable level. Phobe's confusion about what Adam and Tommy each meant to her was a bit hard to take until I forced myself to remember that she is a teenager. The other characters were around and some insight into the troubles that they face as a new minority was interesting to read about. It seems the more we change the more we stay the same. In the Generation Dead world all the hate and prejudice is now focused on the DB kids and it makes a person think. It shows how much we hate what we dont' understand and the first action is to lash out. Mr. Waters has done an excellent job of teaching with this series and the stories are written in such a way that the lessons learned are effortless. The questions that arise as a result really can mess with a persons head. As parents you profess to love your child more than anything in this world and parents who lose their children to death often say that they would do anything to have them back. But what happens when they do come back? How do you deal with what essentially is a dead person who looks like your child? Where do these people fit into the social structure? Should they have rights? Are they even people anymore? I can't wait for the third book in this series to see if Mr. Waters answers these questions and how he wraps up the cliff hanger ending of Kiss of Life.
There is even a website where you can follow Tommy's blog, just like in the book. Just go to http://www.mysocalledundeath.com

Review Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

2009-05-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my, oh my! Where do I start with this one. First I suppose I should warn that there will be spoilers in this reviews. There is no way around it if I want to wail and bemoan everything that upsets me in this book. Now on to the actual review.

Well....I didn't hate it. That's a good thing I suppose. I didn't like it either. I was very disappointed in Dead and Gone as a matter of fact. I'm not sure what happened to Ms. Harris with this one but something did. First, where was the editor or copy editor on this one? Where was the author herself? Does she not remember what her previous characters were named and what they were doing? Hell, it's been a long time since the previous book and 100's of books between and I still remember. Family connections forgotten, names changed, characters just being thrust willy nilly into the mix so that they can be mentioned. Really? Was it necessary for Sookie to feel the desire to go see Tara, a visit that in no way advanced the plot. Oh wait-was there a plot? hmmm....no not really. It was one big mish mash of Sookie running circles in her mind and the obligatory murder mystery in the midst. Lets not forget poor Sookie being damaged to the point that she almost loses her mind. She even says that she doesn't know how she will come back from the damage done to her psychological well being. Yet, in less than 10 pages she has completely come back from that edge of insanity. WTF? Has Ms. Harris decided that she doesn't like Sookie any longer? Is she trying to make readers not like her as well? Because I have to say that I certainly didn't like Sookie in this book. I found her to be cold, callous, and very un-Sookielike. Sure, I understand that after the horrors she has seen she might become a little harder. That's to be expected. No one can endure such sights and remain the sweet innocent. But this was abrupt departure from even the Sookie of the last book. And what is up with the maligning of Eric? Is Bill supposed to be suddenly coming back into the picture? Sookie is unsure of her feelings? Why? She loved Eric when he was the Eric with no memory. It isn't too far of a stretch to imagine that she would still love him even with the blood bond. No, she probably isn't completely over Bill. She never will be, he was her first- everything, it's to be expected that she will always harbor feelings for him. But, she has moved on, had several boyfriends in between. Now on to Quinn. Gee, thanks for popping him in for a totally unnecessary visit and ensuring that all doubts about that relationship being over are settled. I also didn't like how there was almost no story except for the circling, repeating thoughts of woulda, coulda, shoulda coming from Sookie. I felt horrible that something so horrendous happened to Sookie. Not because it was so bad but because I was ready for something, anything to happen by that point that I felt bad for being excited that at least now something was happening.

Okay, now on to what I liked. I liked that Jason was finally coming to realize that Sookie was important to him and that he was growing up a bit. I liked hearing a bit about Eric's back story (even though he was telling her about it in the middle of his bar and in a succinct manner that left no doubt that it was just to appease the fans a bit). I liked that Calvin was finally getting a little love even if I didn't like the woman. Hmmm...what else. I liked visiting with the characters again, being in Merlotte's and Bon Temps. Will I read the next one? Yes, I will. I may not preorder it, i may wait for it to be marked down, but I will buy it and I will read it. I'm not eagerly looking forward to it like I was this one but I'm not ready to give up on the series yet. Everyone deserves a day of phoning it in and that's what this one feels like. I'm chalking it up to having a full plate dealing with all the things stemming from the HBO series. Which totally rocks, bad acting accents aside.

The M/M Romance Challenge

2009-04-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well here it is, my final list for the challenge I was shooting for 60 and more than met my goal! ROFL This was fun and I hope we do it again!

APRIL
1. In for a Penny by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
2. A Strong Hand by Catt Ford 4/5
3. Hot Cargo by Ariel Tachna and Nikki Bennett 3/5
4. Dance Wars 3: Bad Moon Rising by Sophia Titheniel 4/5
5. Mitch by Dakota Rebel 5/5
6. A Promise Kept by Stormy Glenn 4/5
7. Poker Night 1: Texas Hold 'Em by Carol Lynne 5/5
8. Adder by Ally Blue 4/5
9. Most Likely to Succeed by Shawn Lane 4/5
10. Secret Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
11. Sweet Treats by Stormy Glenn 4/5
12. Forbidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
13. Allergies by T.A. Chase 5/5 (Can't Wait for the Next in this Series)
14. Yummy Love 1: Coconut Cream Pie by Kate Hill 4/5
15. Yummy Love 2: Blueberry Muffins by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
16. Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp by Kate Hill 4/5 LINK
17. Hidden Desires by Stormy Glenn 4/5
18. Give It Time by BA Tortuga 4/5
19. Here and Now by Anah Crow 4/5
20. Renovations 4: Full House by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox 4/5
21. Affair in Paradise by Matthew Haldeman-Time 3.5/5
22. Between Us by AKM Miles 3/5
23. Hearts Afire: April by Emery Sanborne and Jamie Craig 5/5 LINK
24. Coyote Non Grata by Lena Austin 4/5
25. By Degrees by J.B. McDonald 5/5
26. The Whole Deal by Lorne Rodman 4/5
27. Tomcat Jones by Willa Okati 4.5/5 (would love to know what the deal is with Sur Lune)

MAY

28. Helldog Squadron 2: Angle of Attack by AR Moler 4/5
29. Private Dicks by Katie Allen 4/5
30. The Colors of Love and Autumn Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
31. Phoberia by H.B. Kurtzwilde (new to me author) 4/5 LINK
32. You First by Kim Dare 4.5/5
33. Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling 3.5/5
34. David's Dilemma by Lynn Lorenz 4.5/5 (new to me author)
35. Slippery When Wet by Stone Richards 3/5 LINK
36. A Strange Place in Time 3: The Merry Executioner Returns by Alyx J. Shaw 5/5 LINK
37.The Valde: Water by Astrid Amara 4/5
38. Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells by E.M. Lynley 5/5
39. Mr. Wonderful by Stormy Glenn 4/5
40. Highway Patrol by Wayne Mansfield 3/5
41. Northern Love by Nica Berry 3.5/5
42. The Doctor's Patience by Stormy Glenn 4/5
43. Three of a Kind by Stormy Glenn 4/5
44. The Katzman's Mate by Stormy Glenn 4.5/5
45. Dreaming of You by Ethan Day 3.5/5
46. Happy Ending by L.B. Gregg 4/5
47. The Colors of Love and Autumn by Lee Pulaski 5/5 LINK
48. Like Coffee and Doughnuts by Elle Parker 4.5/5
49. My Lupine Lover by Stormy Glenn 4/5 LINK
50. Three of a Kind by Sean Michael 4.5/5
51. True Colors by Clare London 5/5
52. Around the World by Jade Falconer 4/5
53. Forever Yours by Lexie Davis 4/5 LINK
54. Ethan's Choice by Jamie Hill & Jude Mason 5/5 LINK
55. Surf & Turf by Scott & Scott 3.5/5
56. Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville 5/5
57. Awakening by DJ Manly 4.5/5
58. Physical Therapy by Z.A. Maxfield 5/5 LINK
59. Kink for Love by Mallory Path 3/5
60. Play it Again Sam by Jamie Hill 3.5/5

JUNE

61. Cattle Valley 12: Eye of the Beholder by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
62. Here Be Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
63. Bottom's Up: A Kinky Orgasm 4.5/5
64. Dreaming of Dragons by T.A. Chase 5/5
65. Tri-Omega Mates 4: Stolen Desires by Stormy Glenn 5/5 LINK
66. One and One 1: The One That Got Away by TC Blue 4/5
67. One and One 2: The One That Was Lost by TC Blue 5/5 LINK
68. Marry Me or Die by D.J. Manly 4/5
69. Security by Mike Shade 4.5/5
70. Holed Up by Hank Edwards 4.5/5
71. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 1 5/5 LINK
72. The Collected Novellas of Josh Lanyon Vol 2 5/5 LINK
73. Embracing The Leopard: Animal Attraction by Michelle Houston4/5 LINK
74. Car Wash by Shawn Lane 5/5 LINK
75. Miami Moon: Vampire’s Lair by A.J. Ryan 5/5 LINK
76. Gay Like You by Kim Dare4/5 LINK
77. Frost Fair by Erastes 5/5
78. Heart of by Truth by Eon De Beaumont 4/5
79. Extinction by Carol Lynne 4.5/5
80. Grey's Awakening by Cameron Dane 5/5
81. Chasing Smoke by K.A. Mitchell 5/5 LINK
82. Dragon's Kiss Ally Blue 4/5 LINK
83. Somebody Killed His Editor Josh Lanyon 5/5 LINK
84. A Sure Fire Cure by Kate Steele 4.5/5
85. Riding Out the Bull by Catt Ford 4/5
86. Extreme Bull by Catt Ford 4.5/5
87. Simon Says by Ashley Ladd 4/5

JULY

88. Trapped by D. J. Manly 4/5 LINK
89. Wolf Creek Pack 1: Full Moon Mating by Stormy Glenn 4/5 LINK
90. Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson 5/5 LINK
91. Cage Match by Bonnie Dee 4.5/5
92. Finn by Angel Martinez 4/5
93. Time After Time by J.P. Bowie (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
94. Reunion by Carol Lynne 5/5 LINK
95. Cattle Valley Days by Carol Lynne (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
96. ePistols At Dawn by Z. A. Maxfield 5/5 LINK
97. A Red-Tainted Silence by Carolyn Gray 5/5
98. Poker Nights: Slow Play by Carol Lynne 4/5
99. Ghosts of Alcatraz by Carol Lynne 5/5
100. Death or Life by T.A. Chase 5/5
101. Chicken Ranch: Hunger by Amanda Young 4/5
102. Calling Dr. Love by G.A. Hauser 4/5
103. The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer 4/5
104. Blue Fire by Z.A. Maxfield 5/5
105. Dreaming in Color by Cameron Dane (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
106. He's Bewitched by Ryan Field 4/5
107. Nowhere Diner: Finding Love by T.A. Chase 4.5/5
108. A Heat Seeking Missile by E.M. Lynley
109. Until the End of Time by Shawn Lane 4.5/5
110. To Bend by Pepper Espinoza 4/5

AUGUST

111. Just Taste of me by Stormy Glenn (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
112. Deceived by Lexie Davis (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
113. Hunter's Light by Jenna Byrnes & Jude Mason (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
114. Ghost Star Night by Nicole Kimberling (pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
115. Attracting Anthony by Amber Kell 4/5
116. Baiting Ben by Amber Kell 4/5
117. Courting Calvin by Amber Kell 4/5
118. Denying Dare by Amber Kell 4/5
119. Enticing Elliot by Amber Kell 4/5
120. Finding Farro by Amber Kell 4/5
121. Maritime Men by Janey Chapel 4/5
122. Taste Test by Jade Buchanan 4.5/5
123. The Story Keeper by Jade Buchanan 4.5/5

124. Heaven by Jet Mykles 5/5
125. Pretty Red Ribbon by Jet Mykles 5/5
126. Purgatory by Jet Mykles 5/5
127. Sexy Spring Surprise by Jet Mykles 5/5
128. Hell by Jet Mykles 5/5
129. Feisty Little Firecracker by Jet Mykles 5/5
130. Faith by Jet Mykles 5/5
131. Sly Spectral Trick by Jet Mykles 5/5
132. Genesis by Jet Mykles 5/5
133. Revelations by Jet Mykles 5/5
134. Pocket Pair by Carol Lynne ((pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
135. The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell(pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
136. The Lost Books 1&2 by Evangeline Anderson(pending review pub. at Fallen Angel Reviews)
137. Pretty Man by Ryan Field 3.5/5
138. Sursein Judgement by Jet Mykles 4.5/5
139. He's Bewitched by Ryan Field 3.5/5
140. High Country by Michael Barnette 4/5
141. Call Me Sir by Stormy Glenn 4.5/5
142. Blue Skye by Viki Lynn 4/5
143. Child’s Prey 1: Orange Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
144. Child’s Prey 2: Winter’s Song by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
145. Child’s Prey 3: Under a Silver Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
146. Child’s Prey 4: Secret Moon by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5
147. Child’s Prey 5: Their Lover by Barbara Sheridan and Anne Cain 4.5/5