I Don't Know Which Disturbs Me More...

This...
I was a fan of the 80s too, but do we need to bring back both sparkly headbands AND tiered ruffle dresses? The only 80s elements missing are neon rubber bracelets and a dropped waist.

...or this.
Which looks like it came from the Buck Rogers collection.

I just...am not ready to wear shoulder pads in everything y'all.

And then there's this:

Which I can't even talk about.

Hidden Fire Cover

One of my favorite reads of last year was Trial by Fire by Jo Davis. Hot firemen and a plus sized heroine??? I'm ALL in!

Anyway, Jo's next book, Under Fire is due out on May 5th, and it features a Virgin Hero! Woohoo!

The third in the series, Hidden Fire, now has a cover. It's a lot of man-titty. But I loves me those firefighters! I'm not even sure which firefighter this one's about. Anyone know?

For Love of a Plus Sized Heroine

"Lithe"

"Slender"

"Slight"

These are all words I've read to describe the physical stature of a romance heroine. You know the ones: they are teeny beings with long, flowing curls, a 19 inch waist and a hoydenish nature. They are the kinds that intimidate the hero with their delicate natures. He must always keep foremost in his mind that when he touches her, he must modulate his touch so as not to bruise her tender skin. Sometimes, he wonders why it is that he *ever* preferred a rounder woman with large breasts when her tiny little package fulfills every need he ever had.

And often, I love these heroines. They can be fun and fascinating and entertaining as hell. But the truth is that, these tiny hoydens don't reflect me at all.

Which is why I love to read plus sized heroines. It strikes me as why Josie Essex from Eloisa James' Pleasure for Pleasure worked so well for me. She was different from all the waif-ish girls of her time. She trussed herself up in a corset until Mayne made her see how sexy he found her curves. It's why I own and still re-read on a regular basis Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Bride, the heroine is a fully plus sized woman (she's a size 18), and Vane can't keep his hands off of her. Or Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, Min never loses the weight, and Cal is entranced by her. He notices all kinds of tiny details about her, probably because she is a self confident woman.

And the truth is, in a totally non-imperical study (I asked five or six guy friends that I have), men like the curves. Mostly because things that they like come along with curves (ie: breasts). And for all that we as women are totally concerned with body image, guys are less so. I always love when I'm out with one of my guy friends and I point out a woman who I think is lovely, and they say, "Naw, she's too skinny."

My point is that it's not so far-fetched that a plus sized heroine finds love. So why are they so rare in romance? Or, if they start out plus-sized, why do those stories have to be "ugly-duckling" stories where they diet and get a make over and then win the guy?

What do you think? Are you a fan of plus-sized heroines? Who are your favorites?

Getting a Toothache

As I said yesterday, I've been reading Robyn Carr's Temptation Ridge. I equate the Virgin River series with a warm, fuzzy blanket. Virgin River (book 1) , in particular is a comfort read for me. I love watching Jack and Mel fall in love. I found the book to be extraordinarily touching and sweet.

I also enjoyed the subsequent books, although I definitely have to be in a particular mood to read them. The reason is that Carr's writing tends to be overly sweet. The men in particular are fantasy men who always say and do the right thing. They adore *everything* about women, love pregnancy, cuddle and coddle their women in all things. Frankly, it can be a bit exhausting. There are times when I just want one of the couples in Virgin River to have a BIG ASS fight and have one of them throw the other out of the house. And for it not to be a case of miscommunication, but an actual, you know, fuck up.

Don't get me wrong, the books touch on a variety of important and serious issues, including spousal abuse, breast cancer, teen pregnancy, miscarriage, etc. But, I dunno, I'm starting to feel like they're mildly "Disney-fied". That the resolutions come almost too easily. I find myself feeling almost a tad dissatisfied, and thinking, "I wish she'd done MORE with this storyline."

I will end up picking the last of this series because I'm dying for an HEA for Rick, one of the characters in the book. But I might need to take a bit of a break from reading the book, since I'm kind of getting a toothache from the sweetness.

I definitely want a Happily Ever After in my romance novels, but I wonder, is there a time when enough is enough, and the sweet overpowers the story?

Reality vs. Fantasy?

So, I'm reading Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr right now. I understand that Robyn Carr isn't to everyone's taste, but I freaking LOVE her. Mostly because the men she writes are just so fantastic. I mean that in both ways: fantastic in that they are delicious and fun to read; and fantastic in the way that they are completely a fantasy.

Case in point: In Temptation Ridge, my favorite couple in the series are having a conversation where she is bemoaning the fact that she's gained about 20 pounds since they got married. Instead of doing what I would consider to be the "normal" guy thing (i.e.: extricate yourself from the conversation as quickly as possible without causing anger and/or tears), he says to her,

Look in the mirror. Sometimes when I see you like this, uncovered, I can't breathe. Every small change just makes you better, more delicious to me. You can't think I'd have anything but complete admiration for the body that gave me my children. You give me so much pleasure, sometimes I think I might be losing my mind. Baby, you're perfect.

Yeah, I teared up when I read it, but also snorted out loud because, let's be honest, what guy is going to be able to find it in him to just call words like that to a situation like that?!

So that leads me to my question, do you prefer the heroes of books to be more "real" or "fantasy"?

I think that I want the fantasy. In real life I'd never put up with some of the incredible alphas that I love to read about. I'd be all, "Hey bossy-boots, get over yourself!" But I *love* an alpha hero in my romance novels.

What about you? Real? Or Fantasy?

**Pretty man-child photo courtesy of my personal HAWT menz pimp, JenB.

OK - One more time

What do you guys think? I feel like an HTML rockstar. I like this one a little better. It's a little less vivid and yet, it's Kati-ish.

Shiny

I'm trying a new template...

what do you think?

Oscar Fashion Round Up

I can't decide how I feel about the dress. I definitely hate the bangs.


I adore Viola Davis. She's 45 and looks about 35.
She has an amazing stylist who has dressed her perfectly throughout awards season.


I like how princessy SJP's dress is, but how the heck has her nipple not popped out of this dress? And when did Matthew Broderick become so OLD for God's sake??


I think Queen Latifah is wonderful on the Red Carpet.
You can tell she feels beautiful and she looks lovely. The color makes her skin luminescent.


I'm decidedly undecided about Kate Winslet's dress. I think it's trying to be too many things. But it's fitted beautifully, her jewelry is exquisite and her hair looks incredible.


*SIGH* Why oh why is Beyonce always SO overdone? That dress is just too much.
And yet it's more of the same of what she always seems to wear. I think she's trying too hard.


Jessica Biel wins my worst dressed award. The dress is unfortunate on SO many levels. There's the weird pooched out bow thing (you have to see it from the side to fully understand the horror), there's the fact that it's easily an inch and a half too long. I won't even go into her hair -- which looks like she hasn't washed it in a week.
It's just bad. Very, very bad.


Best dressed goes to Taraji P. Henson, who ROCKED the RED CARPET! Her hair is perfect, her jewels enhance the dress, and do not detract from it. Her make-up is perfectly done, her hair is adorable and the dress showcases a bangin' bod.
Well done, Taraji!

Bringing the Bitchy

It's one of my ALL TIME favorite times of the year!
Oscar Red Carpet Time.
Tonight we'll have a bunch of the girls over and we'll hop up on our fashion high horses and have our say about what our favorite actresses (and actors) have on.

I'll bring the wrap up tomorrow.

Are you watching the Oscars? Which movie do you think will win?

Like No Other Lover - A Review (-ish)

I've been hearing about Like No Other Lover by Julie Ann Long for quite some time. Stacy read it and adored it, as did PJ at RNTV, but it was Ana at The Book Smugglers whose review swayed me. Why? Well, Ana and I have vastly different opinions on old school historical romance, but the woman knows good writing, and her review, which had some wonderful scenes from the book, intrigued me.

What interested me about this book is that the plot is one that's been done to death in historical romance -- the penniless girl who must marry. But in this case, the penniless girl is Cynthia Brightley - a diamond of the first water from last season, who is even now rushing to catch a husband while trying desperately to stay ahead of a scandal that she was part of in London. Which is why she's accepted Violet Redmond's invitation to the Redmond House Party. First, she needs to get the heck out of London, second, there will be several eligible bachelors at the party, all of whom are heirs to great fortunes. As I said, Cynthia is a fortune hunter. Not in a malicious way, but in the way of a girl who grew up penniless, and is a great beauty. She knows she should marry an heir, and be kept in a certain lifestyle. And despite the fact that her situation is quite desperate, she's going for an heir.

When Miles Redmond first sees Cynthia, it is during her first season. She is the belle of the ball and is on the prowl for a peer of the realm husband. Nothing less will do. Miles is absolutely captivated by Cynthia's beauty, even though he's a second son, he resolves to meet her immediately. As he's walking over to her, he overhears her companion suggest him to Cynthia, and hears Cynthia immediately dismiss him as a possibility. She'd *never* settle for a second son. Miles is crushed, but smart enough to immediately turn away and never approach her again.

It is now a year later, and Miles' older brother, Lyon, has gone missing. Miles is now the heir to the significant Redmond fortune. Miles is also a scientist and adventurer of some reknown. He has written a book that is quite popular, and is trying to secure funding for a second trip to Lacao, the site of his first expedition. Cynthia arrives at the Redmond House Party with her slightly worn party dresses and five pounds in her reticule. She is resolved that she will capture Miles' attention and make him fall in love with her. To her dismay, Miles is wise to her plan. He offers her a trade, he will tell her everything he knows about the other eligible gentlemen present at the house party, and she will give him a kiss. Miles is smart, he realizes she's fortune hunting, but is still very attracted to her. He, of course, cannot have her, but by God he'll at least kiss her once. Cynthia agrees very reluctantly to his proposition.

I was quite reluctant to read this book. Mostly because I am predisposed not to like Avon books (except Anna Campbell, who I think is brilliant). The cover really didn't interest me, and as I said, the premise has bee done to death. But the writing is terrific. Ms. Long has a wonderful sense of dialogue, and it just jumps off the page. Her writing strongly evokes Julia Quinn on a good day. I simply loved Cynthia, who didn't make any bones about why she was there, but who proved herself to be a good friend and a remarkably sweet natured heroine. The tension between the two characters is built mostly on the fact that Miles is wonderfully droll and smart, and he is endlessly amused by Cynthia's efforts to attrace her would-be suitors.

One scene that had me rolling was after Miles confesses a particular predilection that one of her suitors has. When she timidly references the predilection to said suitor, his reaction and the scene is priceless. There are multiple truly hilarious scenes throughout the book. I also quite enjoyed Miles, who is not a chest beating alpha male. He is not even devastatingly handsome, although Cynthia finds him to be. He is smart, and funny, and loyal, and possessed of a wicked sense of humor. My one complaint would be as Ana's was, I wish that Miles had not been quite so experienced with the ladies. It would have added an extra something had he been a bit more nerdy in the sack. But, whatever, he was a ton of fun to read, and I enjoyed the couple's interactions very much.

Final grade: B

This One's for the Non-Romance Readers

Here's a blog for folks who read my blog and don't read (or aren't really interested in) romance.

1- Did anyone else watch Dollhouse on Friday? I'll watch absolutely anything that Joss Whedon produces, and will in almost all cases think it's brilliant (although I didn't adore Firefly like I did Buffy and Angel). I think Dollhouse has a fascinating premise. And I love the idea of people who can assume complete personalities. I'm just not sure that Eliza Dushku has the acting chops for it. She kind of has that one mode: kickass female. I certainly didn't buy her as a hostage negotiator. That being said, I'm willing to go along for the ride for a good long while, since it's Joss, and everything he does is for a reason. Plus, the show has Tamoh Penikett, who let's face it is delicious (although he looked a tad skinny for my tastes in the show and anything that gets Amy Acker back on TV is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. Did you watch? What do you think??

2- Yesterday was Paris Hilton's 28th birthday. I can't believe I didn't get invited to her party.

3- I'm really looking forward to the Oscars this weekend. Not only is the delicious Hugh Jackman hosting, but I've seen most of the movies, so I have a vested interest in watching. Plus, they're leaking nothing about the show, so even the Red Carpet should be entertaining, since we don't know who will be walking it.

4- I'm headed with three friends to the Melting Pot this weekend for dinner. It's Restaurant Week, and I just can't resist the idea of fondue for less than $40. It should be really fun, and delicious.

5- I realize that some fashion related items are going to come back from days of yore, but why, for the love of all things fashionable, do THESE (the shoulder pads) have to come back?? Why can't it be 80s hair that comes back?? I rocked the 80s hair! Also, look at Reggie Bush's face, he can't even believe what she's got on.

6- This past week Ladyhawke was showing on Cinemax and I DVR'd it. I've now watched it about 15 times, despite the fact that I actually own this movie. Why am I so mesmerized by Rutger Hauer??

7- I started out this TV season DVRing pretty much any tiny thing that interested me. So far, I've given up on three shows: 24 (too complicated), Damages (see 24) and House (it's in reruns, I'll see it eventually). I'm having commitment issues. I'm also willing to cop to the idea that I might have written this just so I could post a picture of Hugh Laurie, who let's face it, is a wonderfully good looking man.

8- They issued a new Kindle last week. I'm mesmerized by the Kindle's technology. Imagine, I could have 1500 books all in one place without taking up any space. I've been having deep and lusty thoughts about the Kindle, but the $359 price tag gives me pause.

9- I'm getting ready to be 38 in exactly one month. It's kind of amazing to me that so far my life has turned out totally different than I thought it would. That's not a complaint, per se. But I'm kind of shocked that I am where I am. And I really can't believe that I'm almost 40. How the heck did that happen? Also, if I'm about to be 38, that means my brother Chris is about to be 50. Amazing!
10- I've made absolutely ZERO headway on my diet. And eating at the Melting Pot this weekend is not going to help things. SIGH. I've really got to get going on losing some weight. I'm disgusted with myself that I haven't been able to stick to my resolve to diet. I've got to get serious.

There you go, friends! 10 things that have nothing to do with reading romance. I knew it had it in me. :wink:

Immortal Warrior - A Review (-ish)

Tracy was kind enough to loan me her copy of Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix. She read it and quite enjoyed it, as did PJ at RNTV. The premise sounded interesting to me, a group of warriors cursed by a sorceress to live half their lives as men, half as the irtalisman animals. In the case of our hero, Ivar Graycloak, an eagle. So, by day, he is an eagle, and at sunset he becomes a man. When we meet Ivar, he is in a meeting with William the Conqueror who is inquiring as to what gift Ivar would like in reparation for his service to the crown. Usually Ivar takes money, but instead, this time, he asks for lands. He is gifted with Alnwick, and the heiress of that estate, who he must take to wife. Ivar has lived centuries with no lands and no woman, so he agrees readily to the statutes of the gift.

When Ivar arrives at Alnwick, he meets the lady Alaida, who is a smart mouthed, but well trained lady, who has been maintaining Alnwick and its lands in the absence of her grandfather (who was arrested and stripped of his lands for treason). Needless to say, she is less than pleased with Alnwick's new lord and she is furious to hear that she's to be given as a bride to him. So displeased, in fact that she resolves to steal away to a convent rather than submit. Of course, Ivar (known as Ivo, for reasons I wasn't clear about) catches her and insists she give her word to agree to marry him, for the good of her people. Alaida agrees reluctantly to wed him. They have one very hot night together, but to Alaida's dismay, Ivo leaves her before dawn, and informs her that he'll be doing the same every single day of their lives. Of course, Alaida is mortified by her husband's hasty departure from her bed.

Ivo travels with two companions, also cursed by the sorceress, one, Brand was actually the leader of the men who were cursed, and he carries the guilt of the curse with him. He transforms each night to a bear, and has no awareness of what happens during the time he is a bear. As an aside, Ivo remembers bits and pieces of the time that he passes as an eagle. Brand and Ivo also travel with Ari, whose form is a raven. Ari, though, is opposite from Ivo and Brand in that he his a man by day, and a raven by night. This allows them to safely maintain their illusions, since Ari is with Alaida during the day, and can handle any issues that arise, and vice versa with Ivo. Ari is also cursed with visions where he can foresee the future.

It is after Ivo and Alaida's first night as man and wife that Ari has a vision that tells him that should Alaida conceive, the baby will be cursed as Ivo is. Ivo must immediately forego the marriage bed. Obviously very unhappy news for Ivo.

The set up for this book is just the sort that I love. Paranormal, medieval, and a strong and snappy heroine with a mostly patient hero who is more amused by her antics than anything. But for some reason, I found it very easy to put this book down. I think part of the reason for this is that the book is setting up the world, as it's clear that there are going to be many in this series written. So there was quite a bit of info dumping. Also, even though I understood his motives, I was really frustrated by how long Ivo went on with the lies that he had to tell to Alaida to continue his charade. I felt sorry for her, because she really didn't understand, and he expected pretty much total acceptance from her. Which I understand is probably more historically correct, but it made me have a really hard time warming up to him. The story itself is well written and has a really imaginative premise. But overall, I just didn't love it. I'm not sure I'd read another, especially since it seems book 2 is about a character I've never heard of, which means I'm less attached than usual. I do undestand why other readers enjoyed the book, but it just didn't keep my attention enough for me to want to read the next in the series.

Final grade: C

Backstreet Girls

I saw this at Renee's Book Addiction and thought it looked fun.

The rules say to find your 5th photo file folder,then the 5th photo in that file folder. Post that picture on your blog.

I give you:

Backstreet Girls
My best friend, Amy and our friend Christine at Wolftrap waiting for the Backstreet Boys concert to begin.


Photo taken August 18, 2008.

Confessions of a Shopaholic - A Mini-Review

I was in Richmond this weekend with my friend Shannon. She really wanted to see Confessions of a Shopaholic, which opened this weekend, so we went. The movie is basically about a woman who grew up with a penny-pinching mother and ends up going the complete opposite direction. The heroine is a journalist who runs up thousands of dollars in bills while buying pretty much everything in sight. She'd like to get a job at a posh fashion magazine, but ends up getting one at Successful Savings instead. There she writes articles that relate understanding financial issues with fashion. There are a lot of shoes and coats metaphors. Oh, and she falls for the editor of the magazine. Of course, she's being chased by a debt collector so it's ironic that she would be handing out financial advice.

OK. So that's the set up. I'll say this, Isla Fisher is freaking adorable. She looks incredibly like Amy Adams, but she's got a vivacity and sweetness that translates beautifully on camera. They did dress her in some ridiculous clothing. Not so much the clothes but the accessories. I ended up being mesmerized the by the giant anchor that she was wearing around her neck, or a weird bustier or whatever. But she is completely adorable.

And Hugh Dancy, the male lead, still has a baby face, but he's cute and British and makes for a serviceable leading man. Plus, he's a sixth cousin or something, so I'll see pretty much anything he's in (as evidenced by sitting through the wretched Jane Austen Book Club movie).

But overall, I thought the movie was pretty weak. First, the irony of a movie about a woman with impulse control issues who runs up thousands of dollars in credit card debt is not lost on me in this economy. Plus, I had a hard time warming up to the Isla Fisher character mostly because I didn't buy that a grown woman wouldn't kind of rein it in and get a handle on herself after she rang up that much debt. But hey, I do understand, goodness knows I ran up massive credit card bills when I was 23. Anyway, I just didn't really connect with the characters, an found the movie to be only moderately entertaining.

Final grade: C-

Groovin'

Hey Everyone - I'm having one of those ridiculously NUTSO weeks at work, so please forgive my lack of posts this week.

So, as a quick hit blog, here's what I'm groovin' on this week:

Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix. Ok, I'm not going to lie, I was reading this a few weeks ago, and I put it aside when I picked up Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs, so now I'm back to it. It's really an interesting story and one that I'm quite enjoying. I about 1/3 of the way through, so, my liking could change, but so far, it's pretty good. Good enough that I'd imagine I'll pick up the next in the series, Immortal Outlaw.

Rock & Roll by Eric Hutchinson. Click on the hyperlink and you can hear the song. It's a fun, catchy song that might be just a bit of an ear worm. But it's that kind of song that you end up tapping the steering wheel while you're driving. And he's just adorable, in that cute, geeky guy kind of way.

Dr. Owen Hunt, otherwise known as McArmy. Y'all know I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy fangrrl. Even after the travesty that was Denny Duquette coming back from the dead. And you guys know that there's little I love more than a broody, twisty, dark F'd up hero. Owen Hunt fits the bill perfectly. And frankly, Kevin McKidd isn't tough to look at in the least. The scene between he and Christina last night where he says to her: "The only I time I don't feel like a ghost is when you look at me." And for the record, Dr. Hunt is NOT a ghost, like say, Denny was/is. Well. Yeah. I find myself loving him utterly.

How 'bout you? What are you groovin' on this week??

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

The longer I read romance, the more authors I try. But also, the more authors I find to be not to my taste. Christine Feehan is a perfect example. When I first picked up Dark Prince, I remember blowing through it in about 4 hours. I loved the idea of soulmates, of this incredible alpha male who "could do no other" than ensure the heroine's happiness. The sexin' was hot and the heroines seemed so fiesty to me. And then I read another..."still wonderful." And then another..."huh, the stories seem more or less the same". And then another..."why is he so freaking bossy?!" And then another..."Wait, why is she putting up with him being so freaking bossy?!" And then...we broke up. I just, couldn't do it anymore. Now, I'm sure Ms. Feehan never even knew we were going steady. But for me, it was a tough thing. I'd found this author whose writing I enjoyed, but the more I read, the more I felt the books were exactly the same. You know? And I was kind of bummed, no one else was really writing vamps at the time.

Until JR Ward came along. I re-read Dark Lover three times in a row. I was beside myself with excitement. The book was dark, moody and she had this incredible writing cadence that just rocked my world. Again the love scenes were hot and the characters engaging. Plus, the romance was just so delightfully written. As the series went along, I became a bit more disenchanted. First it was with the Butch/V storyline, then it was with the idea that the books were morphing into a U/F series. Which was difficult for me to take mostly because I think that Ward has such a deft hand with romance. And the romance aspect of the books were being pushed to the background. And now she's transitioned to hardcover, which means our romance will have to end, at least until her next one comes out in paperback. I might be even more upset about the Ward break-up than the Feehan one. I think the world she has created is so wonderful. But I hate the way she's doing so much in her books. It's a frustration to me. And if I'm frustrated when I dole out $8 for a paperback, I'd be going bananas at the idea that I spent $16-20 on a hard cover. So, I'll borrow a copy of the book from someone and then buy it when it comes out in paperback.

And the break-ups don't happen just in paranormal. I broke up with Stephanie Laurens after reading about six or seven of the Bar Cynster novels. I got to the point where I really perceived the formula, which clearly works for a ton of readers, but when it got to the point where the books were about one of the Cynster's third cousins twice removed, I was done.

Now it's your turn. Which authors have you stopped reading or buying? And why? Have you ever gone back to an author who you'd broken up with and found that you were newly "in love" with their writing style? If so, whom?

Scandal - A Review(-ish)

I picked up Scandal by Carolyn Jewel at the recommendation of Katiebabs (who seems to be my go to girl for recommendations these days). Kate read the book a couple of months ago and was totally blown out of the water. She have the book 5+ stars in her review for RNTV and did a synopsis for the book on her blog as well. And again, I have to say, Kate was (as usual) totally right.

Gwilym, Earl of Banallt is on his way home. He's recently returned from Paris and has decided to stop at his estate to check on the state of affairs. In reality, he's also desperately hoping to see Sophie Evans, the widow of a man who he used to carouse with in his younger days. Banallt and Sophie have a history. On the night they met, Banallt and Sophie's husband, Tommy, arrive in the middle of the night, drunk and with a loose woman in tow. None of this surprises Sophie, as she knows that Tommy is a philanderer who married her over the anvil only for her 70,000 pound inheritance when she was 17. Sophie, thinking that they were having a mad and passionate love affair had no idea that Tommy was only after her money and had never had any intention of loving Sophie or of being faithful. Anyway, Sophie and Banallt meet under quite inauspicious circumstances. And he demonstrates all of the traits of a dissipated, drunken rake. For his part, he is captivated by Sophie's intelligence and sharp tongue (who wouldn't be when her husband brings home a friend and a doxy?!). He cannot stop thinking about her tiny physique and her wonderful, compassionate personality. And all he wants to do is possess her and know all of the secrets of her heart. Which of course, she is absolutely not having.

A few years later, Tommy is dead, Sophie is a widow living with her brother who has political aspirations and Banallt is back and has decided he must marry. And no woman will do for him but Sophie. Sophie, who has resolved never to marry again, and certainly to never lay her heart at the foot of a man, is having none of it. Banallt understands where she's coming from, and he resolves to change her opinion of him and make her understand that the physical attraction that they feel for each other can be more than that, it can be love.

I'm not sure there are enough superlatives to use with regard to the prose Ms. Jewel used when writing this book. I marvelled the entire time I was reading this book at the intent that seemed to be employed in the book. This is a quiet book that deliberately utilizes the character interactions and action to build the chemistry between the leads. Every interaction they have seethes with emotion, making the reader ache with the pain Sophie is experiencing and the frustration and understanding that Banallt has at her reaction. I've heard other readers complain that Sophie holds out almost too long, but one of the very last interactions between them in the book made me completely understand her guilt and her despair over her building feelings for Banallt. As I said, Jewel writes with an intent and deliberation that I marveled at, even as I was being swept along with the characters. The book is emotional and gripping and features the kind of tension that I absolutely adore, where every brush of fingers, every minute interaction builds upon each other so that when the couple finally comes together the result is deeply emotional and very, very hot.

I unreservedly recommend Scandal by Carolyn Jewel. It is a magnificent book that will immediately go on my keeper shelf and get pulled down on a regular basis for re-reading. Bravo, Ms. Jewel! I simply can't wait to read your next historical.

Final grade: A+

Will Power...

...thy name is NOT Kati. SIGH. What is going on with me lately??

Ways I have no will power:

1- I'm supposed to be doing the Weight Watchers thing (I've gained about 10 pounds back from my goal weight, ugh!). And yet, tomorrow I'll be using my niece's 16th Birthday as an excuse to go to the Melting Pot (mmmmm....fondue). I'll be using DC Restaurant week as an excuse to go back to the Melting Pot in two weeks. I suck.

2- Remember how I was bitching about the fact that Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs was out in hard cover and how I was going to have to wait to buy it? Yeah, me too (it was less than a week ago). And yet, today I went to Borders and bought it. And I bought Crash Into Me by Jill Sorensen since I keep hearing such good things.

Nice. Seriously, I used to have will power.

Now? None.

In good news though, I can't recommend Scandal by Carolyn Jewel enough. Really, it is a superb book. I adored it, and blew through it in a day.

Random Thoughts & Bringing The Bitchy

Hey everyone! Wow, so I haven't done this one in a while. Here's what I'm thinking about this week.

The Super Bowl - We had a great party. Lots of guests, great food and a terrific game. It was a total success, as it usually is when H. and I throw a party. After five years of living together, we've really got it down to a science. Up next? Our Red Carpet party. We're resurrecting our "Bring the Bitchy to the Red Carpet" party, where we invite our girlfriends over and we watch the Oscar's red carpet and criticize what the actresses have on. We'll also watch at least the opening of the show, because let's be honest, we're probably more excited by Hugh Jackman hosting than anything else.

Reading - I've been much slower than usual about reading lately. I've just started Scandal by Carolyn Jewel, which Katiebabs adored. The first chapter is a lu-lu, and I'm hoping that it revives my love of historicals. Especially since I've been more or less off of them for almost a year now, but I keep buying them.

Upcoming Books - I'm really looking forward to LB Gregg's newest book, Gobsmacked, which looks like a whole lotta yummy! I'm beside myself waiting for two books, As Shadows Fade by Colleen Gleason, which is the last in her Gardella Vampire Chronicles and Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas.

Open Hearts - Is it just me, or does Jane Seymour's new "Open Hearts" jewelry look an awful lot like a man's dangling package?

Michael Phelps - Look, yes, he did something illegal and used incredibly poor judgement. But the kid is 23! And honestly, who among us didn't act like dumbasses when we were 23?? I completely understand any companies who pull out of their endorsement deals with him. In fact, I'd imagine that it would be good for him if he did. But I just can't all whooped up about a 23 year old kid taking a hit off of a bong. Now, if he continues to act like a dumbass, well that'll be a different story. The sad truth for him is that he needs to use way better judgement when he's out partying. The simple fact of the matter is, he's a celebrity and in the age of cell phone cameras, there's nothing he does that isn't going to be documented.

From the My Eyes, My Eyes category:

First this:Jennifer Connelly. Holy god, woman, eat a freaking sandwich. Plus, doesn't this dress look like a leaf that's been chewed on by a caterpillar? Or perhaps Peter Pan's formal wear? And why dear god, why with the shoulder pads??

Second this:

OMG. So, this is what high fashion is?? Her top looks like pantaloons from the 1500s. And her bottoms look like old fashioned swim trunks. I'll just kill myself if I end up walking around in pantaloon tops in the future.

Thoughts? Reactions? Opinions? Hit me.

Kiss of a Demon King - A Review (-ish)

**Fair Warning** - Spoilers Ahoy!

OK, well this probably isn't so much a review as a...I don't know what. I've been a fan of Kresley Cole for ages. I love her writing and her kick ass smart heroines and her dreamy, delicious and heroic heroes. But for whatever reason, I'm struggling with this book. It's gotten glowing reviews from all over the internets. Katiebabs loved it, as did AAR and Dear Author and I think the Smart Bitches.

I'm struggling with the heroine, Sabine. Sabine is the Queen of Illusions. She's got an awful family life. Her sister Lanthe lost her powers when they were kids, after the Verkeners killed her parents and Sabine has spent her life protecting and aiding Lanthe in her search to regain what she's lost. Sabine and Lanthe live in the court of their brother the EEEEEEEEEVIL Omort. The sorcerer who has stolen the rightful throne and home of Rydstrom, the King of Rage Demons. Omort keeps Sabine and Lanthe near him with a poison that they are completely dependent upon. Mostly because he has deeply inappropriate lusty feelings for Sabine. Sabine knows this, just as she knows that she is part of a prophecy which she will fulfill by becoming Rydstrom's mate and bearing his heir. The Lore (otherworldly creatures) are on the cusp of the Ascension and their world is in turmoil, with factions fighting each other to gain power. They all await the Vessel who will bear a wholly good or wholly evil fighter. As we learned in the last book, the Vessel is Rydstrom's brother Cade's mate Holly. Anyway, Sabine has been bidden by Omort to capture Rydstrom and fulfill the prophecy. So she does.

I'll say this about Rydstrom, he's HOT! I mean really, really hot. He's honorable, and honest and good and fierce and all the things that I love in a hero. And he is utterly manipulated by Sabine. She captures him and then basically tortures him sexually. She brings him to the brink over and over again only to leave him wanting because he (unsurprisingly) refuses to speak the words to make her his mate completely. Also unsurprisingly, Rydstrom is *furious* with Sabine and vows to never ever give her what she's asking for.

OK, so on to my issues. We're told early on that Sabine has read pretty much every single text ever written on Rydstrom in an effort to get to know him as completely as possible. And yet, she decides not to learn his language because it's "coarse". Well, that's ridiculous. On top of that, Sabine is manipulative, and yes, I get that she's doing what she has to to survive, but I didn't feel that the author ever really made the case for what Sabine does. I found her to be overindulged and petulant. And then, when no surprise, Rydstrom turns the tables on her and takes her with him when he escapes, she whines and bitches and acts like a total brat. Of course, by then he's totally pissed and in full vengeance mode. And frankly, justified in feeling that way, as far as I was concerned. Yes, Rydstrom manipulates Sabine too, making her think that she's his "wife" for real, when in fact he basically vowed to make her pay for what she's done to him. And of course, he did it in his language so she couldn't understand him (again, SO stupid of someone who prides themselves on being prepared to NOT know her potential mate's language). And on and on it goes. Both of them trying to get the other to fold, neither giving in, and over and over DEMANDING that the other trust them. It was exhausting. Seriously.

Now, I really, really liked Rydstrom. In my opinion, he acted with honor, warning Sabine over and over what would happen if she continued on. Afterall, SHE started the situation by capturing him and then basically torturing him over and over again. But for me, Sabine's motivations weren't enough. I didn't understand why she behaved the way she did. And by the time the light finally goes on for her, the damage was done in my mind. I found her to be a bitch, and not one who I rooted for.

I'm so disappointed to say that this is easily my least favorite of the Immortals After Dark series. Don't get me wrong, Cole is an autobuy for me, and she will remain so. But I really couldn't get behind the way Sabine acted and just want to forget that this book ever happened. Sabine wasn't worthy of the man (demon) she got. And it pisses me off.

Final Grade: C- (seriously, it kills me to do this!)

Instant Attraction - A Review(-ish)

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis is the third book in the Dear Author/Smart Bitches "Buy a Contemporary, Save the World" campaign. I'm pleased to report I liked this book SO much more than the last installment.

Katie Kramer is determined to live her life "balls to the wall" after being the only survivor of a horrifying bridge accident in LA. To that end, she's quit her staid accounting job in LA and taken off in her new used car for the Sierras. She stopped in Wishful, CA for a cup of coffee and serendipitously saw a sign advertising for a temporary office manager for Wilder Adventures. Katie figures it's a sign and takes the job. One night she is awakened, not by her usual nightmare, but by a tough looking, gorgeous man standing in her cabin inquiring what the hell she's doing in his bed.

Cameron Wilder is finally home. Cameron is a gold medal winning snowboarder whose attention wandered one day during a race and managed to blow out his knee. He then contracted a staph infection and nearly died. Once he recovered from the multiple surgeries it took to fix his knee, he took off from home. And now, a year later, he's back. And in his cabin sleeps an adorable, really talkative blond, who he certainly didn't invite to be there.

OK, so that's the set up. What I love about this story is that it's straight romance. And the story focuses wonderfully on these two damaged and struggling people who circle around and around each other. Both know they are completely attracted to each other, but they don't just jump in the sack. Cam can tell that Katie is the "married with two babies" type, even though she insists that she's not, that's she'll be moving on from Wishful and Wilder Adventures as soon as her temp job is over. Katie is trying her darndest to heal the survivor's guilt she's carrying around, and to make a drastic lifestyle change that will help her live her life to its very fullest. Katie is sweet natured and kind, as is Cameron. I really pulled for this couple. Their interactions were genuine and the reasons they have for not jumping into things are good ones, not manufactured. And when Cameron acts like an ass, which does happen, he's genuinely sorry for it. He mans up and apologizes. He really understands how Katie is changing his life. He's not always thrilled about it, but he gets it. And he realizes that he's healing and changing for the better. This couple worked their way into my affections almost from the start. I just really loved them both.

This is the first Jill Shalvis book that I've read, and I really enjoyed it. I'm already looking forward to both of Cam's brothers, TJ and Stone's stories. Shalvis has demonstrated a wonderful, sensitive hand with romance, and it's one I can't wait to read more of.

Final grade: A