TOO WICKED TO TAME

Would a Reluctant Beauty Ever Wed…

Headstrong Lady Portia Derring has an impeccable pedigree…and not a penny to her name. Which is why she is alone on the rain-swept Yorkshire moor, waiting for a wealthy earl she has never met but whom her family insists she wed. When she’s nearly trampled by the dashing blackguard’s stallion, Portia is more determined than ever to refuse Heath Moreton’s suit. Handsome devil he may be, but she could never marry a rogue who’s so clearly out of control!

A Wild, Incorrigible Beast?

An avowed bachelor, scion of the notorious “Mad” Moreton clan, Heath won’t be shackled in matrimony. Why then does this lovely, rain-drenched chit excite him so? Desire consumes him, but the eminently beddable lady resists his well-practiced seductions. Now only one route remains: Heath must ignore his bad blood, vanquish his inner beast…and prove to Portia that she's the only woman capable of taming his heart.

Ok...before I get to the plot, I know I've seen this cover somewhere before, but where? It's driving me crazy. If you know the previous whereabouts of this cover, please let me know. Reward is a great big thank you (seriously, this is driving me nuts!). As for the book above, I own Jordan's first book with Avon ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT. Haven't read it yet and of course, despite this, I'm all ready to buy her second book. I'm seriously deranged and in need of a financial advisor (who will probably tell me to stop buying books, unless I want to work the rest of my days).

I laughed out loud when I first read the plot of this book. I don't know why but I pictured Fabio in one of his cheesy romance covers hitting himself in the chest and roaring. The girl sounds fiesty, like most of the heroines overpopulating the British Empire. I'll read the book, but I can't help think it a tad bit...err.....unoriginal? Something about the "mad" earl ticks me off. Why must all earls or dukes have a crazy relative in the midst of them? And why does the madness always make said earls and dukes so determined to shun the love of the women of their dreams. Don't get it.

On a side note, I was saddened to learn today that a real life romance couple, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe, is DUNZO! Another couple bites the dust. So sad!

The Five Truths

Tagged by Holly

1. I regret the moment I decided to go to law school, despite the fact that I met several amazing people because of it. I regret not having dropped out and I hate the fact that I am a lawyer and not a professor or teacher which is what I am most suited for. I regret the fact that I regret it and that I sometimes feel so powerless to change things, to change myself and my profession. Despite the fact that I sometimes lie and tell my friends that I don't regret it because "if it hadn't been for law school, I wouldn't have met you," I do regret it very much. I can't help it. My life would have been a great deal different had I not gone. I still don't know what possessed me to do it. I never really liked law school and I never had much respect for my professors either. Jerks!

2. I suffered from an eating disorder in college, something I don't think I've ever completely gotten over. I'm very critical of myself, my body and hate weighing myself at the doctor's, which is a problem because everytime I go to Kaiser Permanente (SUCKS!) for anything, they insist on weighing me. Last time I refused and they looked at me like I was crazy! I just don't want to weigh myself because I know that if the numbers aren't low enough, I might exercise more or start a detox diet or something. Can't have that...have come too far to go back.

3. I want to move to Italy so badly it hurts. I don't know what's stopping me. Fear, I suppose. How ironic that I was the one who wanted to move back to the US (my family moved to Italy in 1986 and stayed there 'til 1991; I bitched and moaned the whole time). To tell you the truth, I think anywhere in Europe would be great. I'm so tired of being stressed and the US is #1 when it comes to that. I'm tired and sick of it.

4. I made a list a few years ago on what qualities my future husband should have. I add to this list every now and then. I know it's silly but I'm not settling for mediocrity. Did enough of that in my early 20s. NO MORE!!!

5. I think I would die if I were to lose my sense of smell. Most of my memories are scent-driven. The smell of honeysuckle makes me happy; I think of my childhood and Disneyland, picnics with my family. The smell of firewood burning makes me think of Italy and summer barbeques. To me, it's almost more important than eye sight!!!

Mrs...Clooney?

Interesting...seems I look like Lisa Snowden quite a bit, according to this site I stole from Holly. Does this mean I have a chance with George Clooney? For those of you not up to date with celebrity gossip (which I know EVERYTHING about...just test me, I know it all!!!), Snowden has been the on/off again girlfriend of George Clooney for years. Right now they're off, but it's only a matter of time...the man can't seem to get enough of her. Gosh...makes one hope, doesn't it. Geoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorge!

Vattene Amore

I have a lot to post and will do so tonight, but until then I'll leave you with one of my favorite Italian songs. It's more than 15 years old, but it's a classic. Such beautiful voices and lyrics. You may not understand a thing they're saying but enjoy it anyway. The singers are Mietta and Amedeo Minghi.

Help!

I just spent 2 hours fiddling around blogger and trying to create (i.e. download from another site) a template for a new blog of mine. WHERE'S MY HERO? will still exist and I'll try to keep it more romance-focused. My other blog (name still in the works) will be more of a venting tool for me, so watch out. The ladies of Sanctuary's Finest inspired me to do this. I love reading their individual blogs, love hearing about their friends, lives, boys, etc. Plus, I have a lot to whine about...well, only because it helps me vent...I don't really have that bad a life, to be honest.

Back to my point, I spent two hours fiddling with blogger and have accomplished nothing. I missed LAGUNA BEACH 3. Argh! Good thing I taped it! Yes, I'm not only a romance series whore, but I'm also addicted to reality tv (and NO, I'm not ashamed of being fascinated by the snotty teenagers who live in Laguna Beach...should I be?).

I need help....err.....Mailyn?

London's Perfect Scoundrel

The ton gossips call him "Saint" -- but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs -- but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy -- especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction ... The idea of joining in her "project" is unthinkable, but this enchantress refuses to give up! So what else is there for a self-respecting rake to do but seduce the lady? Yet soon it is he who is being seduced by Evie's tender heart and fiery blushes. Could the temptation of long, passionate nights in her arms bring about the impossible? Could the disreputable Saint at long last be reformed?

I read this book more than a year ago and the thought of its hero still manages to set my heart ablaze! Michael "Saint" St. Aubyn is one of the hottest heroes around and...sorry, Kristie...he just happens to beat Derek Craven by a couple of points (hard to believe, I know...especially since I rant and rave about Mr. Craven and even have a picture of him for all to see).

Something about Saint always manages to make my heart sing...maybe it was the way he treats Evie...maybe the fact that in some ways he reminds me of Rhett Butler, one of literature and the silver screen's greatest rakes. LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL, as a book, is not perfect. There are instances in which I wish Evie fought more for her man, but you'll want to read this book just the same for the sole reason of getting to know the rakish Michael. I will leave it at that. I loved him and love him still. St. Aubyn holds a special place in my heart for he was the first hero to make me wish and pray I were his heroine.

My review of this book is leaving a lot out...it's not really even a review. I just wanted to get you all to read this book and discover one of most delicious heroes around.

The book is part of a 3 part series, Lessons in Love (yeah, it's cheesy...so?). They're all good, but LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL is by far the best IMO. Another series precedes this one and I really would recommend reading it first because many of the LESSONS characters are present...the series is WITH THIS RING. I would read in this order:

1. REFORMING A RAKE

2. MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT

3. A MATTER OF SCANDAL

4. THE RAKE

5. LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL

6. ENGLAND'S PERFECT HERO

Enjoy!

You Snooze, You Lose

I'm back from LA. Wedding was awesome...I had so much fun. Glad I didn't miss it...because I almost did.

Last week I reserved an airport shuttle. The driver got to my apartment at 3:45AM. I had a 6:08 flight out of Oakland Airport. I dozed off during the drive there and woke up to signs welcoming me to San Francisco International. The driver brought me to the wrong airport. I started foaming at the mouth and went apesh-t! I yelled at the driver, asked him why the fa we were at SFO instead of Oakland. The driver then proceeded to yell back at me and ask me if I remembered the price of the service given me by the reservation agent. I told him I didn't (I was too pissed and honestly I don't even know if I got it). He said that proved the miscommunication was my fault. I still don't get his reasoning. I specifically said I needed to go to Oakland when reserving the flight. He got me another shuttle. I got to Oakland at 5:45, missed my flight and had to wait 3 more hours for another one. Fog was heavy in LA and the flight I got on was delayed by almost an hour. I got into LA at almost 1PM!!!

I'm ok now. I didn't go to work today because I was so tired! I'm ready to read books now...ready to get back to blogging about romance novels and ready to start up another blog dedicated to more personal matters. I'll keep you all posted!

Book Signing with Hern and Long

In March 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting two of my favorite authors: Candice Hern and Julie Anne Long. I thought I'd post a picture. When I first found out Candice Hern and Julie Anne Long actually lived in San Francisco, I was overcome with joy. Every author seems to be from Texas or somewhere in the Midwest. I never realized they lived here, in my neck of the woods. The picture was taken during a booksigning. I was somewhat nervous when I first stepped into the book store. I was the first one there because I'm slightly psychotic when it comes to time and I like being the first one anywhere...yeah, I know...I have a problem but I hate it when people are tardy. So rude! And really, isn't being on time close to being tardy? Exactly.

The ladies were extremely nice and friendly. I don't know what I expected; I didn't expect them to start throwing books at me or anything, but...I don't know. They were very welcoming and I encourage anyone to meet up with them, if you ever get a chance. Read their books, too. I love them. Maybe I'm biased, but I do.

Queen of the Electric Slide

I'm leaving for LA tomorrow morning at 6:08. I am not looking forward to it AT ALL. One of my college friends' is getting married and, as happy as I am for her, I'm just not looking forward to getting all dolled up and ready for a wedding. Is that bad? Should I repent? Should I grin and bear it, suck it up, get over it? I will. I have no choice, but I hate weddings. I hate hate hate them with a passion. I don't know if it's the fact that I've never had one of my own or what. Personally, I've never liked them...not even when I was younger, innocent and full of hopes and dreams for a hunky Johnny Depp to come storming into my life.

Oh...did I mention that at the wedding I'm sitting next to some woman whom I've known on and off for more than 10 years and who has never actually uttered a word to me. I thought she was mute for the longest time. She's not...she just doesn't speak very much....to me.

Oh...and contrary to what everyone has been saying (those at work trying to comfort me), I will not meet the man of my dreams there. At this point, I just want to have a couple of drinks and dance the really bad dance I'm so good at (I think I'm a terrible dancer...except the electric slide. I'm really good at the cheesy dances. I rock the electric slide!).

The fact that I will not be getting any sleep tonight probably has something to do with my lack of enthusiasm. The shuttle's picking me up at 3:45AM; my flight's at 6. I get there at 7:30. Wedding's at 5, ends at 10. I leave early Sunday morning. My co-workers have been warned. Monday will not be pretty!

Upcoming Books and More

Coming December 26, 2006

Shy, intelligent widow Anastasia Whittig is really a Lady Spy in name only. Though she invents important items and decodes evidence, she’s hardly ventured into the field and keeps herself wrapped in a shroud of mourning for her late husband. She’s perfectly content to continue her sheltered life, but when one of her best friend’s is shot, she’s forced into service at the side of Lucas Tyler.

Lucas is a daring, talented spy, driven to solve the case of attacks on his fellow agents. He doesn’t want any help, and certainly not from Ana. But as the two edge ever closer to the disturbing truth, they cannot keep from developing a grudging respect for each other. And they cannot ignore the undeniable desire that threatens to change both their worlds.

I'm enjoying Petersen's books a great deal; she's an excellent author. I'm getting this book...hopefully I'll get a gift card for Christmas. I'm broke!

The first of a new, four-book series set in Victorian England.
Coming March 2007

The story of two people who are definitely not destined to be soul mates. Harry and Emma have nothing in common. They feel no spark. They don't even like each other. They certainly don't want to complicate their lives by anything as inconvenient as falling in love. Even Cupid has given up on them. And then, one shattering, lightning-bolt, make-your-toes-curl kiss changes everything they thought they knew about love and about each other.

Her last book was ok. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I have a feeling I'll end up getting this book. I'm a sucker for love/hate relationships. Hopefully, the characters won't jump in the sack within the first two chapters.

Judith Ivory is still missing in action; her website has been updated though...by her fans (yeah, I was halfway up in the air when I realized Ivory had nothing to do with it). Check it out.

It's Alive...It's Alive

Yes, Mailyn...there is a Santa Claus! I finally have both a computer in my own apartment AND internet access. I've always believed in miracles but now that I finally got my ass out to Circuit City and actually got a computer I REALLY BELIEVE! I felt like friggin' Dr. Frankenstein as I was installing the internet and got everything working.

Grey's Anatomy is playing in the background. I have a feeling Meredith Grey will again win for TSTL heroine of the week. What a moron!!!

Duel of Hearts

Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye-until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London. Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late. But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake-only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake....

Need a good laugh AND a wonderful romance? Get thee to a bookstore and buy Diane Farr's DUEL OF HEARTS. I bought it a couple of months ago, after running across an AAR review. The book is hilarious. The dialogue between both the lead and secondary characters will have you laughing out loud. The story is fresh and light...no drama or depressing dilemmas in this story. It's fast paced and there is never a dull moment. Read the AAR review for more info. I agree with it entirely. I have to say that I initially was tempted to put the book down. The heroine is very spoiled and she throws a few tantrums in the first two chapters that makes you just want to wring her neck. I'm glad I continued reading...the heroine got better, much better and she met her match in the hero...not a rake, rogue or scum jerk. He's really not like any hero I've ever encountered. Intrigued? I highly recommend the book.

Book is sold in ebook format also, for those ebook lovers!

TSTL Heroine of the Week

OBSESSION

I'm surprised the word OBSESSION isn't being used incessantly in romance novels...the word WICKED is everywhere. Whatever....

It's difficult figuring out what books to buy. There's always that small chance the book you've been yearning for is a total dud, a flop, a stinker, a piece of shit!

I'm currently obsessively almost stalkerishly (is that a word?) searching websites for upcoming releases. I'm going nuts and can't stop. Must.buy.more.books.now!!! I have hundreds of books I've never read, books I could probably fill a library with (the Main Library, not my own personal one), yet I insist upon buying more, quickly depleting what little funds I have. There has to be a name for this condition I suffer from...this cannot be normal.

I already have my upcoming months planned. The following are books I long to buy, even though I know little about them...yeah, I know I'm asking for duds, but whatever...it's fun to hope and believe that maybe...just maybe I'll find THE ONE...that one book that will make my stomach do flips, give me butterflies and put a permanent smile on my face for at least a day.

Here you go:

November
Lorraine Heath - A DUKE OF HER OWN
Jennifer Ashley - THE MAD, BAD DUKE
Renee Bernard - A LADY'S PLEASURE

December
Mary Balogh - THE GILDED WEB

2007
Gaelen Foley - HER SECRET FANTASY, HER SECRET PLEASURE, HER ONLY DESIRE (trilogy)
Loretta Chase - NOT QUITE A LADY
Adele Ashworth - THE DUKE'S INDISCRETION
Lisa Kleypas - SUGAR DADDY
Julianne MacLean - SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL

Lisa Valdez - PATIENCE

Laura Lee Guhrke - AND THEN HE KISSED HER

Barbara Pierce - SINFUL BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Elizabeth Thornton - THE PLEASURE TRAP

Sara Bennett - MISTRESS OF SCANDAL

Candice Hern - LADY BE BAD

Julie Anne Long - THE SECRET TO SEDUCTION

Julia Quinn - THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS MIRANDA CHEEVER

Mary Balogh - WEB OF LOVE

Mary Balogh - SIMPLY MAGIC

Mary Balogh - SIMPLY PERFECT
Melody Thomas - WILD & WICKED IN SCOTLAND

This is the list for now...I'm forgetting a lot, I know, but right now this is all my mind can handle.

Do you know of any other books I should add to my list???

Errrr...huh?

On the trail of fortune... Adventurous Josephine Hale is determined to live up to her scandalous heritage. With half of a crumbling treasure map that belonged to her grandfather, the legendary pirate, in her possession, the bold and beautiful lady is half-way to a fortune. Unfortunately, the remainder of the map belongs to Stephen Doubleday, Earl of Westman, her family's sworn enemy—and Josie will do anything to get her hands on it...even if it means seducing the handsome rogue.

And a passion beyond dreams...Utterly destitute, Stephen never dreamed a fairy tale about pirate's treasure would turn out to be true—bringing him a possible fortune and a passionate lover. But will joining in this wild, impetuous beauty's perilous undertaking be the biggest mistake of his life? Or will it lead Stephen and Josie to a treasure far more precious than pirate gold—a fiery and forever love?

I'm sorry but she lost me. Shana Galen totally lost me. What the hell? I needed to read the premise about 4 times in order to figure out what the heck was going on. It's too messy, contrived and I don't know...boring? Or maybe I'm just bored with the redundant VIRGIN TURNED SLUT storyline...food for thought.

I really enjoyed Galen's earlier novel WHEN DASHING MET DANGER...loved it, as a matter of fact, but PRIDE AND PETTICOATS left me wanting and her last novel was a big dud, according to AAR (it got an F review). Hey, for all I know, GOOD GROOM HUNTING could be better than LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, but at this point I'll wait for the reviews of fellow bloggers and independent review sites. Deep down I hope it's good...only because I really enjoyed DASHING and I've been a tad too sentimental lately.

Book is out January 30, 2007.

BTW - might as well, since I've been bitchy enough here...I hate the cover!!! Cheesy!

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever

No more Bridgertons: Julia Quinn's upcoming Summer 2007 release will feature a young lady by the name of Miranda Cheever, in lover with her best friend's brother Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner. The novel is set in Late Regency England. Mucho interested!!!

Oh...and she's releasing more 2nd Epilogues in Spring 2007 (can you tell I'm not remotely interested???).

I wish we knew more about Miranda but it's still too early. I want more books already!

Upcoming Kleypas Contemp News

Briefly checked out the avon board and had to post this immediately. A reader posted the following reviews of Lisa Kleypas's first contemporary, SUGAR DADDY, being released March 2007 (can't wait that long...argh!)...read up:

Review #1 - Publishers Weekly
Mass market bestseller Kleypas makes her hardcover debut with this entertaining chronicle of Liberty Jones's rise from the trailer park to life in a Texas mansion. The daughter of a Hispanic father (who dies during Liberty's childhood) and a white mother, Liberty pines for the hunky bad boy Hardy Cates while mom Diana has another daughter, Carrington, and scores the occasional windfall to keep the family afloat. After Diana is killed in a traffic accident, Liberty raises Carrington, gets a beauty school scholarship and lands a gig at an exclusive Houston salon. There she meets investment mogul Churchill Travis, who takes a paternal shine to her. A horse-riding accident puts Churchill in a wheelchair, and he hires Liberty to be his personal assistant, with the catch that both sisters have to live with him. Churchill's oldest son, Gage, immediately distrusts Liberty, and their vicious bickering, as romance readers know, can lead to only one thing. Things get messy once Hardy, now rich, reappears and a Travis family secret is revealed. Though Liberty's plight and redemption are straight out of the soaps and the prose has its trite moments, Kleypas's many readers will root for Liberty, a fiery and likable underdog. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Review #2 - Kirkus Reviews
Growing up as an outsider in Welcome, Texas, Liberty Jones struggles to find love and acceptance. Bookish, shy and mindful of her mixed heritage (a Mexican father and a blonde, blue-eyed mother), Liberty is a social pariah. Though she's a beauty, her trailer-park home and low socioeconomic standing do nothing to further her stock among the other kids in town. She falls hard for trailer-park hottie Hardy Cates, a tough cowboy with rugged good looks and a wild streak. He sticks around long enough to steal the teenaged Liberty's heart before leaving Welcome to pursue his fortune. Loss becomes a constant in her life; tragic accidents claim both of her parents before she's 18. Forced to abandon her dreams of college, she learns a trade to support herself and her five-year-old sister, Carrington. With a beautician's certificate in hand, Liberty heads to Houston, where she lands an apprenticeship at a swank salon and vows to work her way into the middle class, one highlight appointment at a time. Her rise from poverty speeds up when obscenely wealthy businessman Churchill Travis takes a fancy to her. He offers her a job as his personal assistant and opens his home to the sisters. Churchill's family gives them the cold shoulder, but then (wouldn't you know it?) the son who resisted Liberty the most becomes smitten with the stunning interloper. Just when Liberty seems to be on the primrose path, Hardy saunters back into the picture and stirs up trouble. The author unabashedly and unsubtly capitalizes on Texas stereotypes: Big-haired, long-nailed women lust for the trappings of wealth; headstrong oilmen have fiery tempers and rapacious sexual appetites. But she also knows when to let the plot runwild and when to pull on the reins. Sinfully pleasurable melodrama. First printing of 225,000. Agent: Mel Berger/William Morris Agency

I'm very excited about this book and can't wait for it. I'm glad to know it's not a stinker because a) I love Lisa Kleypas and b) it's her first effort away from AVON and I want her to succeed! I wonder which hero I will love the most.....love triangle...sounds like both men are worth having. I have a feeling it'll be Hardy (oily beau hunk hero #1)...or maybe Gage (rich heir hero #2). Sounds a lot like her historicals which is good, with Hardy playing the rugged stable boy turned successful businessman, Gage the rich and arrogant duke and Liberty the bluestocking whom they both fall in love with. Who will win? Is it called SUGAR DADDY for a reason? Will the heroine just tell both men to f-off and get together with Gage's rich old dad??? I need to know!!!

FINALLY

I finally got a new computer. So glad!!! It's about time. Internet will be installed next week...so only a few more days and I will join my friends in blogland on a daily basis. 'bout time!!!

Solo Importas Tu

This is the theme song for my favorite telenovela, LA DAMA DE ROSA, which I watched religiously when I lived in Italy. The singer wrote the song for his wife, who is seated on the stage, happy and in love. Gosh, I'm so jealous!!! Lucky woman!

A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT

Mailyn once posted a review on Anne Stuart's A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT. I immediately had to order the book on amazon! The hero is dark, sexy and brooding. He's not one of those "I'M A MEAN OLE RAKE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A HEART OF GOLD AND WOULD NEVER THINK OF KILLING, KIDNAPPING OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MIGHT REALLY MAKE ME A BAD GUY" kind of dark hero. He's truly is, as Samuel L. Jackson would describe him, one badass mother fucker! I fell in love instantly!

The plot finds Ghislaine "Gilly" de Lorgny working as a chef in a noblewoman's home; she is obsessed with revenge and lives to kill Nicholas Blackthorne whom she blames for the death of her family and the loss of her innocence. Through a series of circumstances (he's the cousin of the woman Gilly works for), they meet and the book is one fantastic journey from there. The characters are not perfect and the issues they deal with are truly traumatic and mind-blowing. There's a lot of hate, regret, remorse and pain that the two need to come to terms with before finding their happily ever after and admit their love for each other.

I loved this book and adored the richly depicted characters. Anne Stuart has a knack for creating characters you want to both murder and hug at the same time. I can't get enough of her historicals and consider myself fortunate to have read this one!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite lines from the book. The hero has just finished kissing the heroine:

He released her slowly, breaking the kiss first, trailing his mouth across her cheek until he knew she could stand without falling. Until he knew he could stand without falling. And then he stepped back.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I love it...love it! Can you feel the emotion? Can you feel him falling in love with her? My stomach still has butterflies from this romance. Read it! Do whatever you can! It's well worth whatever they charge for it. Unfortunately, it's no longer in print. I got mine on amazon! Trust me and trust Mailyn's review (which I agree with 100%), you will not be disappointed!!!

What a wonderful story!!!

Blogging Question

I need help! How do I post something from youtube?

Miscellaneous

I've never read anything by Renee Bernard, but Sybil's gotten me all excited about her upcoming releases. I can't wait for her first book out 10/31/06.

Anyone buy THE VAMPIRE WHO LOVED ME by Teresa Medeiros yet? Can someone explain what the deal is with Avon's fonts lately...and the spacing? What the fa? The font itself is close to 18 and each page isn't completely filled. Avon literally gives you about 2 small paragraphs per page. I feel like I'm reading a kids' book, POLLYANNA for 12 year olds or something. I don't understand it. I guess if they were to print it as a 200 page book instead of a 370 (more or less) pager, they would also have to charge $4.99 - $5.99 for it, instead of the $7.99 they ripped out of my pocket. I realize I didn't have to buy the book. I didn't even notice 'til I got home (and really it wouldn't have made a difference because I've been itching to read the book for months) and I was a little ticked! Anyone else find this extremely irritating? The font keeps on getting bigger. It was huge in Heath's PROMISE ME FOREVER but really Avon's pushing it with the #18 font of THE VAMPIRE.

Speaking of Lorraine Heath, the author has donated a copy of the very rare (I've never read it, hear it's amazing and I can't find it anywhere) ALWAYS TO REMEMBER to help fellow author Julie Kenner raise funds for LOVE WITH BOUNDARIES, an organization that assists in aiding orphaned children in China. The book is being auctioned off on ebay. As of now, the price is up to $17 but there are 6 days left and you know that means it'll probably end up being sold for close to $100 (if not more).

PATIENCE, MY SWEETS

In 2005, I read a book that very nearly knocked my socks off. It was sexy, smart and had my undivided attention the entire time. The book, PASSION by Lisa Valdez, received a lot of praise, but also a lot of criticism for its explicit sex scenes and its NC-17 language. I loved it (yeah, I'm a bad bad girl). The love story was believable and didn't completely revolve around sex. Of course, when I heard that this would only be the beginning of a great series (I'm a series whore...yes, I admit it), I jumped up and down and shouted HALLELUJAH!!! The second book, PATIENCE, was set to be released August 2006. Today is October 6, 2006 and the book has not yet been published. WHAT THE FUCK?!?

The author failed to meet the publishing deadline and her book was therefore postponed!!! It was initially believed that the book would be postponed to October (clearly not!) or November. Well, ladies...the book's not called PATIENCE for nothing. Seems as if we'll have to dig deep within for a bit of it.. PATIENCE by Lisa Valdez will be released May 2007. I can only say that it better be good! The book is being released almost two years after the first. I mean this is just ridiculous.

The author e-mailed a fellow fan the following explanation:

"I'm sorry for the long wait.....but I really needed to make this book into all that it was meant to be. I hope you'll hang in there."

Whatever!!!! Do we really have a choice? Does this mean she delayed it even more or did the publishing house simply not have any room in their schedule for PATIENCE? The book is highly anticipated...at least by moi. Gimme a break though! TWO FUCKING YEARS! I thought waiting 8 months for a series book was bad! I'm really disappointed I'll have to wait for this book. It better rival LORD OF SCOUNDRELS and A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT (more on that later) for excellence. I will run to Barnes & Noble when it's released. I'm only hoping that I won't have to wait another two years for PRIMROSE, Book 3.

UPDATE: I e-mailed Lisa Valdez and received a response. It looks like the reason for the delay is very simple: Lisa Valdez wanted the book to be the best it could be. I've got to say I admire her for not just turning anything in (like plenty of authors I know)/ I will be patient and I'm very excited to read this book now more than ever. I have a feeling it'll be better than PASSION (if that's possible!!!)

Here a Book, There a Book, Everywhere a Book Book...

No, ladies...your eyes are not deceiving you. Above is a picture of a warehouse full of books, books and more books and this weekend I WAS THERE!!! Every year the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library hold a massive four day book sale. On and off for those four days, I was there rummaging through piles of books, dropping everything in my cart and buying, buying, buying and not coming even close to breaking the bank. Prices varied from $1 to $10, with everything being dropped to $1 on Sunday. I think I bought close to 50 books for less than $80. The books are in excellent condition; some are out of print hardcovers you'd probably find at a UBS for $50.

I managed to find Mary Balogh's SIMPLY LOVE on sale for only $1. This is the same book that went on sale as a hardcover a few months ago that I refused to buy because of the price ($23). I was going to hold off for the paperback, on sale in March 2007. Well...looks like it does pays to wait. Now I know I cheated Ms. Balogh on some good hard earned profit by buying the book for a buck, but honestly....how do I say this without sounding like a bitch...I don't give a crap!!! All I can think about is that I bought it for a dollar...a dollar!!! I saved $22!!! That alone deserves a brownie...and I'm craving one right about now.

I have enough books for a couple of years, but I'm now contemplating buying more. I'm missing my romances and am now slowly coming out of my slump. I'm headed to buy THE VAMPIRE WHO LOVED ME later today. The book received an incredible review on AAR. It's a series book; I enjoyed the first one AFTER MIDNIGHT and can't wait to read this.

Am I crazy? My parents think I need to calm down when it comes to book buying. They believe I overdo it. Maybe I did this weekend, but who can blame me?!? Check out the picture above again. I felt like a kid in a candy store. It definitely energized me. I needed it. I can now finish reading Anne Stuart's A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT. Review to follow.