Get Your Drool Jar Ready - A Very Special Birthday Tribute!

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Ms. Pattepoilue, turning 24 today! As you can tell on her blog (if you've read it, good, if not, head over there now! pattepoilue.blogspot.com on another note, follow her on twitter @pattepoilue) she's definitely had some issues with growing older. But with age comes wisdom and all that fun stuff that I'm sure doesn't help one bit. Being a year and a handful of days older than this lovely birthday girl, I have to say, I really wish that vampires were real, or at the very least: public.

Why you ask? Eternal youth and PLENTY of opportunity for fun with drool worthy men. Or at least I'd like to tell myself that.

Anyway, back to the point. Being 24 is not decrepit. No one is going to scream at you and say, "You're pussy's worn out, you nasty bitch!" (Yes, I have heard that before from a neighbor fighting with his girlfriend.)NO! Of course not. Of course all women hope that guys are more tactful than that.

Just because she's still in school and living at home with her parents is nothing to scoff at. I think it's a good thing that her parents are willing to keep her while she finishes school - believe me every penny counts when you're a student. And take it from me, I worked full time and lived with my hubb'n for 90% of my Undergraduate FULL-TIME career. It wasn't easy to do all that, believe me.

So, enough of WHY being 24 is still a good thing. Lets get to the goods. Ever since I started asking my #1 Fan/BFF/fill-in-the-blank-here what she wanted for her birthday, she said a "naked man". Well, my dear, I'm hoping to top that. Short of purchasing you an actual naked man, I think this is MUCH better. We've now graduated to Drool-Worthy men. Not nekked, unfortunately, because it's bad enough I've said pussy and bitch in the same post so far.

So, feast your eyes (and I mean FEAST) on these lovely men. Stare at your heart's content.

Wishing you a very happy Birthday this year, Pattepoilue. Enjoy!

I give you Mr. Gerard Butler

Most notably for his role in 300, he's definitely been around. The Ugly Truth and P.S. I Love You really helps put this drool-worthy man on our list.

Leather!!

I can think of a few things that would make that wall very useful...

Alex O'Loughlin

Take a bite out of crime.... nom nom nom..

Are your knees weak yet? No? Try this on for size: Stephen Moyer

Alexander Skarsgard...

Keanu Reeves

Johnny Depp...

Eric Bana

How's that drool jar coming along?

Robert Downey, Jr.

Are you still standing?

I could go on and on. And on. And on. But that will take a very VERY long time. I hope you've enjoyed the small sampling of the goodies out there that you can fill your drool jar up with in the matter of moments.

I really hope you have a great day! Happy Birthday Pattepoilue!

Good News Everyone!

Alright, I've got my outline done for the first book of The Earthen Witch Series. I've actually had it done for a few weeks, but life kept getting in the way from actually getting it fully written out.

I was finally able to get a good large chunk of time writing yesterday, about 5-6 hours total, I wasn't counting. I have to tell you, I have a long way to go. The best part is that I'm having a blast!

I managed, in my decent sized time slot, to get about 7,000 words completed! Many writers shoot for 1,000 a day! I was very pleasantly suprised at how useful my outline has become.

I know Connor and Aisling from the inside out, and I know who they meet and know along their journey and I couldn't be happier that I know what's going on before I get there. Sure, I may find something I want to add that wasn't already in my outline, but I definitely found that having that outline out and at my disposal, I would have completely forgotten some significant parts!

So in essentially 2 days of outlining (about 500 words or so) I managed to mash out 4 chapters and 7,000 words. To give you a bit of an idea, I outlined for roughly a month, some more detailed than others. I'm not a math genious--hence being a writer--but I'm guessing this book is going to be a very nice length! I would say, probably 100,000 or perhaps more, depending on how much detail I actually provide.

Here's my goals with this draft, my ultimate plot-to-destroy-the-world-Pinky plan! I'm going to work my hardest to get as much time as I can during the week, even if it's only for an hour, every bit of time counts. During the weekends, if I actually don't get lazy and decide to watch a movie (which I'm promising myself I'm not gonna do!), I'm planning on *crosses fingers* another 5-6 hours on BOTH Saturdays and Sundays. So based on my non-analytical brain workin' math, if I did about 7,000 words in that 6 hours, I did just over 1,000 words per hour.

So let's do the math here. Working 1 hour every night Monday through Friday = 5,000 words, and another 7,000 words on each weekend day which would equal 14,000 words. Week days till Christmas: 13 (I'm counting Christmas Eve as a weekend day); Weekend days till Christmas: 5.

Crapz! I'm only at 55,000 words! That would MAYBE get me halfway through. So much for trying to get everything done by Christmas. Never fear! I will work my hardest and get done ASAP. If I'm not done by Christmas, I will be done soon after that because I'm on vacation until January 4th! WOOT!

I'll keep you guys posted on my progress! Wish me luck! Are you excited yet?

This is actually very disturbing when you think about it.

In light of the New Moon phase, I give you this!

Wow. Is this possible ;)

This is funny on so many levels.

Important Notice to Comment Leavers :)

**Update**
Notice to those leaving comments NOT in English: I've figured out how to translate, and I'm going to be frank with you. Stop spamming my blog. If I find you're spamming, I'm deleting. Simple as that.

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your gracious comments. It really helps show that my blog isn't collecting cobwebs throughout the webverse out there.

Now, on to business. Those of you leaving comments that aren't using the English alphabet, I'd love to respond to your messages, but I've no idea how to translate your comments to be able to do so! If you would like a response from me, please translate and repost! Otherwise I'll just leave them be.

So those of you out there who may be reading my blog but not commenting, please feel free. We won't bite. Much. :) I look forward to hearing from you.

Don't I know it!

Pattepoilue can attest to this statement on both ends!!

Some Funny Holiday Cheer

Company Memos

I received this as a forwarded message, so I don't know it's origination, but I thought it was WAY too funny to not share it with you! Read on for a hilarious holiday laugh!


Company Memo

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: November 16, 2009

RE: Gala Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols... Feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 PM . Exchanges of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees!

Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Patty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Company Memo

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: November 17, 2009

RE: Gala Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Hanukkah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on, we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians and to those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree and no Christmas carols will be sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Patty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Company Memo

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: November 18, 2009

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table, you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Somebody?

And sorry, but forget about the gift exchange, no gifts are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and the executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

REMEMBER: NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Company Memo

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

To: All Employees

DATE: November 19, 2009

RE: Generic Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet, and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each group will have their own table.

Yes, there will be flower arrangement for the Gay men's table.

To the person asking permission to cross dress, the Grill House asks that no cross-dressing be allowed, apparently because of concerns about confusion in the restrooms. Sorry.

We will have booster seats for short people.

Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet.

I am sorry to report that we cannot control the amount of salt used in the food . The Grill House suggests that people with high blood pressure taste a bite first.

There will be fresh "low sugar" fruits as dessert for diabetics, but the restaurant cannot supply "no sugar" desserts. Sorry!

Did I miss anything?!?!?

Patty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Company Memo

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F*%^ing Employees

DATE: November 20, 2009

RE: The F*%^ing Holiday Party

I've had it with you vegetarian pricks!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f*%^ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!

The rest of you f*%^ing wierdos can kiss my *ss. I hope you all have a rotten holiday!

Drive drunk and die,

The B*tch from H*ll!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Company Memo

FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: November 23, 2009

RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her.

In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

Happy Holidays!

Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly

I liked this one too, go figure right? This story has a little bit of Christmas spirit in it! Read on for more!

Madeline Turner, or Maddy as her friends call her, is set out on a mission by her sister Tabitha to stop their stepmother from "winning" a gigolo from a Christmas for Kids Charity auction event.

The problem is that Jake Wallace is not the gigolo, as his profile says, he's a paramedic, but no one knows that. He sees a beauty behind the curtains. So when the bidding war begins he prays to the heavens and the universe for the beauty who's name he's yet to find out to bid on him and win. When some elder rich debutantes begin a bidding war over him, she shouts out 25 thousands dollars, winning the bet.

As she tries to get out of the building before he finds her, she practically runs in to him noticing her uncontrollable attraction to him. He is relentless, but he knows how to talk to women and make them feel desired, since he's a professional.

He doesn't understand her stand-offishness, but tries nonetheless. Eventually he gets her attention and she succumbs to his whims. So when she pushes him away after the realization that she slept with a gigolo she kicks him out. Her sister convinces her, since she cannot deny she has feelings for him, to buy him exclusively for a month. He agrees to the proposition, afraid if he said no she's turn him away without being able to tell her the truth about being a paramedic.

But what will happen if he tells her?

Ahh, the joy of quickie reads like this. I enjoy them muchly!

Kiss Me Deadly (Book 1 of the Bewitching the Dark Series) by Michele Hauf

This is an amazing story about mortal enemies: vampires and witches. Ravin Crosse is a witch, and for centuries witches have had an immense protection spell against vampires. Their blood. Just a drop will reduce a vampire to dust, rather quickly. Ravin is a hunter, her life's mission to rid the world of as many vampires as she can before she dies. She's so serious about her profession that she loans out her soul to the devil Himself so she can have the Sight. The sight enables Ravin to see vampires for who they are, thus allowing her to steer clear of mortals.

One unfortunate night Nikolaus Drake, leader of his own tribe, was having a meeting with his fellow vampires in an alley. Ravin attacked, using an arsenal of blood-tipped bullets, bringing many of his friends down immediately. He tries to help a mortal that was with them, struck by a bullet. As he dodges behind a dumpster a bullet hits the wall behind him and he's hit with blood. He turns to his mortal friend, apologises, and feeds, hoping against hope that he could survive. His heart stops and yet he keeps drinking. Will he survive?

He does. And while he's on the slow road to recovery for months, his anger brews against the witch, and he vows to get her and make her pay. He's different now, he came back from the dead, again, and he's now a very special kind of vampire, a phoenix. He has survived a witch's blood, meaning the rules no longer apply when it comes to being invited in her home, and her protection spells and wards are also nothing to a phoenix.

As Nikolaus prepares to attack, Ravin is making a love spell, as one of her 3 reqirements of Himself to regain her soul. In their initial struggle, the love spell spills over Ravin, entering her blood stream. Since he's now a phoenix he can drink her blood, and he did, immediately realizing he made such a fatal mistake by hurting the one he loves.

As time passes they become very involved with one another, but then what happens when the spells breaks?

I really hope you read this story, it was really, really, hmm hmm good, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series as well.

Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden

I. Really. Liked. This. Book. It was a fantastic mix of suspense, mystery, romance, and some good old ADULT fun. That's right kiddies, you need to wait a few years for this one.

This tale follows Colin Gyth, police detective, working a very interesting murder case which he fears the perpetrator may be a shifter. The killer has a strange MO, the surveillance cameras showed a man, yet the body looked as if it were severely mutilated by a wolf, a very large wolf. Colin is also a shifer, but nothing like this crazed killer. He's also very guarded about the animal that lives within him as well. Only his leutenant on the force knows that he is of the Other, but he doesn't know for sure just what Colin is.

Dr. Emily Drake, a.k.a. Monster Doctor, is the go to lady for all those Other out there who are in need of some therapy and guidance. She's very guarded as she's not technically an Other she can most definitely sense them, and she can tell what kind of Other they are. She can't tell what kind of shifter may be standing in front of her like with Colin, but she knows if they're a shifter. Follow? Good.

Colin is sent by his leutenant to get Dr. Drake. They both suspected a shifter was the guy and they needed Dr. Drake to come look at the scene to give them more information. Colin has a significant reaction to seeing Emily for the first time and while Emily is very cautious of him because of the warnings she's had about shifters, she does feel the attraction too.

She signs on as official profiler for a serial killer they know is a shifter, but they can't seem to find out who. As Emily and Colin get more in to each other the killer starts to taunt them. Colin is faced with finding the killer and protecting the woman both he and the animal within him want to desperately protect.

Loved it! I suggest you read it! Awesomeness!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

This story is a lot shorter than I remember it being when I was a kid. Although the story is still good, I wish Mr. Irving would have made this story longer. Though he followed the tale of Ichobad Crane’s “life” that ended the story with an encounter with the headless horseman that seriously eluded to the dirtbag by the name of Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt being responsible and not the mythical headless horseman.

Though it was good and I highly recommend everyone read this story, it is quite short, easy to read because it’s very conversational too.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This book was alright. It has its fantasy attributes but Alice was just so dense! She had no respect for the creatures around her, always talking about her cat or some animal that was a major predator to the creatures in this Wonderland.

Alice never seemed to learn her lesson either, or change in some significant way. Usually in a story the main character goes through some sort of transition, which makes the whole thing worth reading/watching/hearing/what have you. Alice didn’t change, she was the same person through the whole thing and just when the creatures descended on her to presumably carry out the “off with her head” order, her sister wakes her up from a dream.

Maybe this is better served as a story for kids to read.

The Christmas Lamp by Lori Copeland

Ok I wasn't a huge fan of this. BUT it's not to say that this was a bad book! It was good for what it was. This novella follows the story of Roni and Jake. Nativity, Missouri is failing and Jake is brought in to help save the town. What he wasn't expecting was falling for Roni.

Nativity is big on Xmas and they didn't like the fact that Jake came in to take it away from them, as they were spending too much money on it. This also had a lot of religious themes to it as well, which I prefer when that stuff is left out. But I digress.

It's a nice heartwarming tale of love during the Christmas season. It reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book. I suggest if you're looking for some light reading that you check this book out.

Understood (Book 1 of the Unbroken Series) by Maya Banks

Jake and Ellie. These two are quite a pair. Former football star, Jake, is in love with Ellie, has been for a long time. Ellie just doesn't know it yet. He's given her time to get over her ex, after that disturbing period in her life he was giving her the space she needed. But one night she gets drunk and gets brave, going to a bar to try to find someone to take her home. Jake sees her and does a double take. He can't handle the idea of her being with anyone but him. It's been long enough.

I really like this story. Ellie has to get beyond her brutal history with her ex-husband to finally be with Jake, the man she loves. She's just afraid of what that mean's and what it'll do to her.

Read it!! It was amazing. It even has a nice Christmas thing to it, definitely fits the season! Oh and, uh, this is an ADULT book, so no kiddies allowed!!

Shadowland (Book 3 of the Immortals Series) by Alyson Noel

Damen and Ever are back again in the aftermath of Roman's wake. But unfortunately Roman is not done. Damen is cursed and if he comes into physical contact with Ever, be it brush of the hand or lips, he would plunge into the Shadowland, a place where all immortals go when their souls have nowhere else to go. In their desperate search to find a cure, Roman starts playing games again. But the entrance of Jude into Ever's life sends everything spiraling out of control. She's drawn to Jude like she's never been drawn to anyone but Damen. Before long she's going to be forced to make the most painful decision of her life.

I really like this series. At times Ever can definitely seem a bit naiive and she tends to act a bit rashly. She knows Roman is bad, yet she is so desperate that she's willing to trust him. But nonetheless, I still like it and I highly suggest it to everyone out there looking for a bit of a change from the usual vampire lore.

The Wild's Call (Prequel to the Aspect of the Crow Trilogy) by Jeri Smith-Ready

This short story follows Elysia and Darien after the fall of civilization. As the world falls into a new Dark Age, it Elysia and Darien are being plagued by animal spirits. Fox for Elysia, Bear for Darien. After a series of unfortunate events they set out to the wilderness the spirits have called them to. Their destiny with each other and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

I really liked this and I'm looking forward to reading the Aspect of the Crow trilogy as soon as I actually have some time to do so! I highly recommend you read it. Another really cool perk that means you should do this NOW? It's completely free on Amazon as an ebook. Read it on your Kindle, your iPhone, or your computer.

Go to http://www.jerismithready.com/ for more information about Smith-Ready and her other books that are available. You can also catch her twittering about as @jsmithready!

Once Bitten, Twice Shy (Book 1 of the Jaz Parks Series) by Jennifer Rardin

It's been a bit since I first read this book. Honestly, I think I have to say that this is by far one of my all-time favorite series out there. I give this entire series 5 stars and enthusiastically suggest that you read them too!

Jaz Parks works for the CIA, she's an assassin, recently assigned to work as an assistant for Vayl, vampire, who's worked as an assassin for the CIA for quite a long time. They make a great team, especially since Jaz is what's called a "sensitive", she can detect certain things, and when certain powers are engaged she is also somewhat immune to them.

This book is action packed. A crooked senator is in cahoots with Mohammed Khad Abn-Assad, renowed terrorist who's made what's called the Red Plague. It will infect a vampire and then spread to humans, basically annihalating both species. Vayl and Jaz have to work together to stop this plague before it's released, while they battle immense attractions for one another.

Jaz totes my favorite weapon, Grief. A Walter PPK that's modified into a kickin' crossbow by her friend, and CIA consultant genious Miles Bergman, which definitely helps the death rate to vamps on her bad side rise!

Jaz is witty and extremely hilarious. I guarantee you'll be laughing at many parts of all the books in this series and people will think you're crazy! That's just some of the fun stuff!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, mixed with James Bond, and some other cool genres really make this series shine!

Slacker Extraordinaire

Quick update for you lovely followers out there! I promise I'm not slacking. I've been uberbusy and I've been reading several books. I need to catch up and I'm hoping that I'll get to those VERY soon. I'm also planning (once the business goes away a bit) to review books I've previously read before starting this blog. Much like I did with the Edge series by Rhyannon Byrd.

So, please, bear with me. I promise I'm not ditching you. I'm not really slacking either. Extraordinaire, maybe, but that's for another day to discuss!

How bout a topic to talk about. In your opinion, what's the best book/series to buy for Christmas?

Till next time! Auf Wiedersehen!

Guest Blog!

Ladies and gentleman, I present to you a lovely October treat!

Ms. Shannon Reinbold-Gee. She's got her first published book coming out in June 2010 by St. Marten's Griffin called 13 to Life. I am really looking forward to the release of this new YA series! Shannon has agreed to do a guest blog outlining the lore and history of the werewolf and give insight to the lore of her own story.

So, feast your eyes on these bits of goodies. You'll be wishing for June to come along so you can sink your teeth into this new morsel of wolfey goodness! Take it away, Shannon!

The Beast Within: The Werewolf in History and Legend

October is one of my favorite months (and only partly because it's the month of my birthday). In the Upper Catskills the leaves have just peaked in color and are dropping--falling victim to biting winds and murderous frosts. Here it's easy to imagine werewolves as reality. Of course, my love of myths, legends and history doesn't hurt my ability to imagine such things either. Maybe that's why in my debut YA paranormal series, 13 TO LIFE, werewolves are so important.

To me, werewolves are one of the ultimate symbols for transformation, evolution and the struggle we all face with those beastly bits within—the parts of our personalities more interested in snapping at each other and being “top dog” than showing compassion.

This very human struggle during the confusing and frightening medieval and renaissance periods allowed stories of werewolves (and yes, vampires and vicious witches, too) to take hold. During this historical period religions were defined and the lines between them became far more than lines in Jerusalem’s sand—they were reasons for horrific wars in the name of God. People’s roles in society were being carefully cemented through concepts like feudalism. Things were chaotic, violent and death was the one true equalizer. Fear-based superstition reigned.

In the medieval and renaissance periods most cases of what they called lycanthropy were attributed to demonic possession. Anyone who acted oddly (“oddly” being in any way against what was defined as the local and often repressed “norm”), was surly or exhibited mysterious wounds was potentially a werewolf and meant to die.

Most of us would not have lasted long. As a farmer, I can’t account for most of my cuts and bruises—they’re hazards of my lifestyle. Am I surly some days? Please refer to the comment on cuts and bruises. ;-) And let’s not start on if I personally act “oddly”—I’m an author of werewolves, an award-winning cellphone novelist and I live in a town where most everyone has one of two last names (neither of which are mine). So here, I am the definition of “odd.”

Traditionally there were only a few ways someone could become a werewolf. Some Eastern Europeans believed in a spell that included use of a copper knife to help the wielder transform. Western Europeans tended to believe there was a salve or lotion that (while saying appropriate words) could be smeared across your body to start the change. Some believed werewolves had two skins (or a special set of clothes) that allowed the transformation. The full moon thing we’ve been trained to via Hollywood? It wasn’t really even a consideration in the original stories.

Regardless of how nice the werewolf appeared as a person, they were nearly always merciless as a beast. According to most traditions, the ability to transform came from making a pact with the Devil. There are exceptions to every rule though, and there’s a well-documented court case of a man who proclaimed he and other werewolves were the “hounds of God.” They were the good guys--nipping at demons’ heels and driving them back to Hell every year before they could ravage humanity’s potential earthly harvest.

My werewolves in the upcoming 13 TO LIFE series (launching June 2010 with St. Martin’s Griffin) are tied genetically to Eastern Europe and some really funky stuff I found while researching. I mix legends, lore, Hollywood and history to tell their story. My werewolves are as human as you and I (and just as flawed). They are at once as monstrous and as humane as their humanity allows.

Whereas people historically relegated werewolves to a level of horrendous beast, I’m asking readers to think again: to re-examine what makes someone a man and what makes them a monster.

Thank you, Shannon, for that bit of history and giving us an inside to your new series! If anyone is interested in learning more from Shannon, she can be found dawdling around Twitter as @Shannon_Delany. Find her on her website: http://13toLife.us. You can also check out her blog here: http://13toLife.us/blog. Look for Shannon here again in a few months as she gets closer to her debut and I'll be sure to get some exclusives just for my readers!

Shiver (Book 1 of the Wolves of Mercy Falls Series) by Maggie Stiefvater

This book was really amazing. I read it in a matter of a day and a half, and that involved 16 hours worth of working and another 6 or so of sleep. Not much time to take to read, but it is oh-so-worth-it!

This book follows Grace and Sam. Grace is a girl who was once attacked by wolves when she was a child. One wolf in particular had these intense yellow eyes. This one wolfe stepped up and made the rest of the pack back off, thus saving her life. Every winter there-after she stayed outside in her backyard watching him, as he'd never approach her. One winter, he finally allows her to approach. Once she runs her fingers through his fur, it's all over.

A local boy was killed by the wolves when he was outside shooting them with his BB gun. So the men of the town set out on a hunting trip to rid the woods of the wolves. One gets shot, and ends up at Grace's back porch, human. It's Sam, bleeding and shivering from the cold. Grace acts quickly to help him, rushing him to the hospital. Once he wakes up, he tells her about who/what he is. She already knew, because those eyes are the same.

Now a jealous wolf is out for Grace's blood, and Sam is fighting against the winter to stay human for one last time.

Night Life (Book 1 of the Nocturne City Series) by Caitlin Kittredge

This book was really good. I highly enjoyed it. This book was dark, though not nearly as dark as Street Magic was. Definitely worth a look-see. I'd love to read the rest of this series.

Luna Wilder is a detective for the Nocturne City Police department. She is also a werewolf. Not just any werewolf, but an Insoli, which means she doesn't belong to a pack. That's not good whenever you happen to meet a pack member, it mean's as an Insoli, you're fair game. Luna is sent on a case that sends her into Ghosttown, which is not policed for a reason. It's full of blood witches, that's the bad ones. It's also full of werewolves. She goes, because it's her job, and she confronts a delicious pack leader named Dmitri Sandovsky, a lucrative suspect in a recent murder. Luckily he didn't attack her, and neither did the rest of his pack.

Dmitri is after the victim's killer, because she was his mate. Vengeance is essential in pack lore, so Dmitri was out for blood. When Luna gets suspended from her job after suspicion leads her to the Assistant District Attorney's son, Dmitri and Luna team up to find the killer before more girls are killed.

Read it. You deserve it!

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (Book 1 of the Jane Jameson Series) by Molly Harper

This was a genuine thrill ride from start to finish. I laughed a lot while reading this book, and it was very worth the read. I can't wait to read more in this series!

Jane Jameson, librarian, gets fired and instead of severance pay she gets a $25 gift certificate to Shenanigans the nearby grill/bar. While she's there wallowing in the reality that is unemployment she meets Gabriel, Mr. Tall Dark and Hansome. On her way home from Shenanigans Jane's car breaks down and she decides to walk the rest of the way home. The local drunk-hunting-enthusiast drives by, mistaking Jane for a deer and shoots her. Just before she dies, Gabriel comes to her aid and offers her the choice of living or dying. She chooses life. Three days later she wakes up and finds out her world really did change, but she didn't realize that she made the decision.

Soon, just as things start to heat up between Jane and Gabriel, someone is murdering other vampires and harassing Jane. But the vampires in the council believe Jane is the culprit of the murders. Jane needs to find this person before she gets killed by the council's justice or by the murderer. She doesn't know which one would be worse.

Glass Houses (Book 1 of the Morganville Vampires Series) by Rachel Caine

I really enjoyed this young adult novel. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

This book follows the story of Claire Danvers, a sixteen-year-old college freshman at the local college in Morganville, Texas. At the opening, she discovers that all her clothes were stolen from the laundry room. She finds that Monica and her friends were the culprits. When they confront her, Claire is left with a twisted ankle, bruises, and a nice black eye from a combination of a punch, slap, and a push down the stairs. All because Claire corrected Monica when she made a comment about WWII being caused by the Chinese. Big mistake. Claire sets out to find a new place to stay so she can avoid the dangers of Monica and company.

She finds a lovely house, aptly named Glass House and meets one of it's tenants, Eve. Eve is naturally concerned with the beating Claire no doubt endured. Eve brings her inside, where she introduces her to Shane, another tenant of the house. They feed her and let her sleep off the evening when she would then have to meet the head of the house, Michael.

Because Claire is so young, Michael tells her she cannot stay, she must find someplace else to live. When he discovers the identity of the person responsible for her bruised and sore body, he agrees to let her stay for awhile, enough so that she will have time to find someplace safe that is not the dorms.

Things start to get worse. Claire finds out from the Glass House tenants that vampires run the town of Morganville and they explain to her about the rules and the protections that many people have from vampires across the town. Claire didn't know if she could believe them, and then she met Brandon, a live vampire, who has his eyes set on her.

Eve, Shane, and Michael try to keep Claire safe as much as they can, but things start to escalate until they reach a point where they have to do something or all of them will be dead.

Bitten (Book 1 of the Women of the Otherworld Series) by Kelley Armstrong

I give this book an enthusiastic 5 out 5 stars. 10 thumbs up! Kelley Armstrong knows how to write people. She drags you in from the get go and she keeps you reeled all the way to the end, leaving you yearning for more.

This book follows the story of Elena Michaels, werewolf. The world of the werewolves is much different than that of the myth and lore than roams the earth. Totally no more than 40 total werewolves known in the world, Elena is the ONLY female to ever survive a bite from a werewolf. Elena lives a normal human life with her live-in human boyfriend in Toronto, when Jeremy, her pack leader from New York calls her with need of help. After unsuccessful attempts at returning his call, she heads out to New York to find out what is happening. She finds out that a Mutt (werewolf not affiliated with the Pack) is wreaking havoc in the area. She is filled with bittersweet feelings about being home, being able to be her true self, werewolf included. She has her reservation about Clayton, though.

Clayton, mystery man, dedicated to his job of protecting the Pack and the Pack Leader, Jeremy, and his undying love for Elena. She has a history with Clayton, one that reveals a shocking discovery of betrayal from their past, that she must work to overcome.

When the danger of one Mutt becomes many working together as a collective against the Pack, Elena must work with the others to find the men causing such death and destruction in their territory. But when things start hitting close to home she is forced to face her true feelings for Clay and who she really is inside.

Street Magic (Book One of the Black London Series) by Caitlin Kittredge

This book was a hoot 'n holler all around. I loved it. Although it was definitely dark and not really perky or "fun" like the sparring session between Merit and Ethan, but it was very good.

I have to admit, I really liked Jack's character. He has his problems, but he was definitely worth the fight. The book follows Pete Caldecott, a detective working for the wonderful Scotland Yard. When children start coming up missing, Pete meets an anonymous tipper to clue her in on the whereabouts of the child. She is shocked when she sees that Jack is the informant. Back from the dead, it seems, Jack had been killed many years ago and Pete was there to see it all. He is undoubtedly a drug addict and he is full of hostility, and Pete doesn't understand why.

Pete takes the information that Jack provides and finds the child, blind and seemily stripped of their life. When another child goes missing, Pete goes on a mission to find Jack and to get his help in saving the child. In order to save the children who are becoming prey to some very dark force in London, Jack and Pete must look beyond their differences to save the children and stay alive.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

This book was pretty good. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. The reason: it was slightly depressing. Stop right there, don't think "I'm not going to read it" it is well worth it. The trajedy happens in the beginning.

Mia is the daughter of some really awesome parents, and elder sister to a pretty cool boy. Something happens, a major car accident. It leaves her parents instantly dead. She's in a coma, walking around as a ghost or astral projection of some kind. Her brother's well-being is not immediately known.

Mia has to decide whether or not she wants to stay or if she wants to let go and meet her parents, wherever they may be.

I really liked the way Forman went back and forth between the present and the past, giving us more in-depth look at Mia's life.

What does she choose? You need to read it and find out. I liked this book and recommend you read it.

Storm Front (Book 1 of the Dresden Files Series) by Jim Butcher

This book was a hoot 'n holler book from start to finish. Sure it was tense at times, given there's a mad, crazy, loony wizard out there who's burning and bursting hearts from people's bodies. But I loved it, every step of the way.

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is a dry-witted bundle of fun when it comes to his sarcasm. I laughed from chapter 1 all the way through the end. If you are interested in audio versions, this one might just be for you. James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the narrator, and from what I've heard, he does a fantastic job with it.

So Harry is a wizard. He's even in the yellow pages as a serious investigator. Monica Sells contacts him about locating a missing husband. At the same time Detective Murphy with the police department shows him some gruesome murders that involved burning and then exploding hearts from two peoples' bodies. From here, Harry knows a wizard is responsible for the murders. When Gentleman Jonny Marcone steps in and asks Harry to "look the other way", things get interesting. Now he's got this wacko wizard trying to get him, and he's running out of time before his heart will erupt from his own chest.

But let's get back to the goods. I. Loved. This. Book. Hands down. I suggest you read it. There's lots of cool things in it and it will definitely leave you wanting to read more!

On another note The Dresden Files series was aired for 1 season on the SiFi channel. I haven't seen it, but it's on my list of things to see!

Some Girls Bite (Book 1 of the Chicagoland Vampires Series) by Chloe Neill

I completely loved this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars! As many books go, this wasn't the heart-stopping suspense-driven stuff that starts from the get-go. She starts out subtle. I loved that. We get to learn about Merit, just re-born as a vamp, the only option to save her life when she was attacked outside of University of Chicago.

Being the person she was prior to her death, Merit stood up to the man who saved her, who also happens to be the man called Master of his own house, called Cadogan. Ethan is his name. He is the epitome of sexy and not far into the book we get a huge dose of the chemistry that flows between Merit and Ethan. By this point I was trying not to drool all over the pages as I frantically, desperately wanted more of Merit and Ethan. Needless to say there is a rogue vampire on the loose. The very same that attacked Merit, thus ending her mortal life. So she must work to stay alive, and find out who is behind it all before more people die.

I can't wait for her next book to be released. It's called Friday Night Bites, and it's due to hit shelves October 6th! I highly recommend adding this to your reading list. I'm going to be adding it my shelves as soon as the money tree blooms in my favor.

The Summoning (Book 1 of the Darkest Powers Series) by Kelley Armstrong

This was an outstanding book. I can't stress enough how much I really loved this book.

Following the case of Chloe Saunders, haunted with a strange childhood that included the tragic death of her mother, she finds that she is very different from other girls her age. She suddenly begins to see ghosts, and she is chased by one in her school before taken away to the hospital for psychic evaluations. She is then sent to the Lyle House to recouperate with other kids her age. She finds out that she has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

Strange events begin to occur inside the walls of Lyle house, Derek and Simon begin to tell her that all is not what it seems. Chloe finds out that some other kids in the house harbor supernatural abilities. And she comes to the realization that she isn't Schizophrenic, she can actually see and communicate with ghosts. She's a Necromancer, with a very strong capability of raising the dead.

My only problem with this book was that it ended in a cliffhanger. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 to find out more of what happens. I highly recommend this book!

Nightwalker (Book 1 of the Dark Days Series) by Jocelynn Drake

I give this book an enthusiastic 5 out of 5 stars. I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This book follows a very unique vampire named Mira. She has the ability to create fire, which is unheard of with her kind. She is charged with keeping the peace and maintaining secrecy in her area of the United States. Then Danaus shows up, he's tall, dark, and mysterious and very sexy. He's not a vampire, but he's a hunter. He's been killing off vampires in her area for weeks now, and she's ready to confront him.

Her world entirely unravels as she discovers through Danaus that the vampires' mortal enemies, the Naturi, have returned from their exile. No one believed that they could have returned. Now that Mira and Danaus have a much worse enemy to contend with, they are forced to trust each other and work together to stop them.

As Mira's past comes back to haunt her, she discovers some very unwelcome truth about the nightwalker she trusted with her life.

So, as I said. It is definitely worth reading. With all these books I find so fascinating and wonderful, I'm going to need to convert a whole room into a library before long.

The Hunger Games (Book 1 of the Hunger Games Series) by Suzanne Collins

I'm going to give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I'd give it 5 out of 5, but there's a few things with which I have some issues.

Set many generations into the future, the world is a much different place. The United States have fallen and a new nation has risen in its place, Panem. With 13 districts outside the capitol, the people yearned for the days of their freedom. They tried to fight Panem, and as a permanent warning, they destroyed District 13 with what is believed to be nuclear bombs. The remaining 12 districts are mandated to watch the yearly Hunger Games which takes 1 boy and 1 girl from each of the 12 districts, places them in a big playing field, and they fight to the death until one is left alive.

There are some complicated rules, but essentially each person, ages 12-18 is entered, and every year the ballots compound. In order to help keep families afloat, many teens actually add more ballots to their plate through other efforts to remain alive or to sustain their families.

The story follows Katniss, a 16 year old girl, taking care of her mother and little sister, Prim (12 years old). Katniss is shocked when her sister's name is drawn, and she quickly volunteers her position to go to the games. The boy to accompany her is Peeta, the boy that risked himself to provide food for her before she realized she could sustain her family.

The two head off to the games with an unlikely edge over the others, making the rich in the capitol feel sympathy for them. Two in love, forced to fight each other.

To maintain not giving away any spoilers, I have to say I loved it up until the very end of this book. It is going to be a trilogy and I am sincerely hoping that my dear Katniss redeems herself. She royally made me angry at the end.

This is a young adult book with some violence and gore involved, but it's not too bad. Collins provides enough detail to the let the imagination take over. Though there are a few heart-wrenching parts, it is not a depressing story and it didn't really have a bad ending, there are two more books on the way! I highly recommend that you give this book a shot. Book 2, Catching Fire comes out on September 1!

ReVamped (Book 2 of the Void City Series) by J.F. Lewis

This is the second novel in Lewis's Void City series. It did not disappoint. I give this one another enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Continuing the story of Eric and Tabitha as they try to make their way through life and all the mystery and madness that fills to the brim. Rachel, Tabitha's little sister, who was supposed to be dead, is alive and well, and has stolen Eric from her. Eric, having been blown to bits after four months is returned to his normal forgetful self, with some perks. His mustang is now a part of him. He lovingly names it Fang the 'Stang, as it is an undead car.

I truly love this car. It can drive itself, it can feed, and it's totally aware of what's going on. He's impervious to the sun, he can tint his windows to protect the vampires, if any, are inside.

This book is a struggle for Eric to fight the underlying cause of his problems from Staked. He just can't seem to figure out who is working for him, or against.

This book was full of laughs and I would recommend this book to anyone. I can't wait to hear more from this series!

Staked (Book 1 of the Void City Series) by J.F. Lewis

Alright I thought about putting this off for a few days, but I just can't. I absolutely adored this book. It's the first of Lewis's Void City series. I give this book two thumbs up, way up!

It follows the story of Eric, a vampire suffering amnesia, who usually can't remember what happened only moments before. The book begins with Eric, just realizing he blacked out and killed a vampire he recognizes but can't place. He's attacked by a werewolf, but manages to survive. The sun comes up and a van comes to rescue him and take him home to his strip club, the Demon Heart, and neighboring vintage theater, the Pollux.

Eric's girlfriend, human, named Tabitha helps him feel better and, because Eric's such a softie, he finally agrees to turn Tabitha into a vampire. One thing after another happens as the local werewolves come after Eric for retribution, while Tabitha comes to terms with her new undead life.

This is a thrill ride you just can't resist. And, much like I experienced when readin' the Jaz Parks series by Jennifer Rardin, I laughed most of the way through it. I highly recommend reading this piece of überfun.

Visit Lewis's site for more information@ www.authoratlarge.com

Pleasantly Suprised!

After some debacle after another, I was finally able to stop at the library last night to pick up Staked (the First of the Void City Series) by J. F. Lewis. Here is a synopsis from Lewis's website (http://www.authoratlarge.com/). You can also find him lurking around Twitter under the handle of @jf_lewis.

"Murder is a fact of life for the vampire Eric, owner of the DemonHeart strip club in Void City, but when he kills a werewolf in self-defense, things get wildly out of hand. Though the local Alpha and his pack of born-again lycanthropes are out for holy retribution, they're the least of Eric's worries when he finds himself caught between his girlfriend Tabitha, who has always wanted to be a vampire, and her sexy little sister Rachel, a tantric witch with a hidden agenda.

Why can't unlife be easy? All Eric wants to do is run his club, drink a little blood and be left alone.

In his quest to discover who is trying to end him and why, he must survive car crashes, embalming, sunlight, tantric magic, and werewolves on ice as well as his own nasty temper, forgetfulness, and mistakes. More diamond in the sewer than diamond in the rough, Eric is willing to take on the world in Staked, a book where love just might conquer all, even if it is twisted, evil, and undead."

As you might be able to guess, I'm really looking forward to reading this little piece of heaven!


While trying to find the book and the Book Depository, I stumbled on 3 others with my name written all over them. I hadn't received an email telling me they were ready to go, but I was very pleased nonetheless.

The other books I picked up:

ReVamped (the Second of the Void City Series) by J. F. Lewis. Assuming as though I'll enjoy Staked, which I have no reason to think I wouldn't considering what I've already read from the juicy book. Synopsis? Yes!!

"Eric has lost his strip club, his Mustang, and even Marilyn, the love of his (mortal) life. Even his body was obliterated. In short, they almost got him. But when you're a vampire, "almost" is a very important word. With a little magical help from his friends, Eric is restored to corporeal form, but his treasured Mustang gets caught up in the sorcery as well and ends up with an unlife of its own. Now, along with "Fang the Stang," he's out to save Marilyn from one of Void-City's most powerful soul-stealing demons. But salvation comes at a high price, forcing Eric to venture into his own worst nightmare, Vampire High Society, to uncover the truth about the origin of his powers.

At the same time, Eric's ex-girlfriend Tabitha, has begun to wonder exactly what it was that she admired about those High Society vampires in the first place. Her quest to find her own place in this deceptively vicious circle may lead her right back to Eric's side, if her little sister Rachel doesn't kill her first.

Eric will need all the help he can get, because it looks like someone is out for his soul, too. Blood will flow, fangs will be bared, and the claws will come out, because revenge is never pretty... and Eric has plenty to pass around."

Nightwalkers (The First of the Dark Days Series) by Jocelynn Drake. This is another highly anticipated read on my list, and I can't wait to get to it! Drake's website (http://www.jocelynndrake.com/) has plenty of juicy goodness for your reading pleasure. You can find her dawdling on Twitter as @JocelynnDrake. Here's a synopsis from her site:

"For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker -- an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed...and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt or be hunted.

But in a dimension just beyond the worlds boundaries, a banished race stirs dangerously, hungry for power, for domination, for vengeance. Already a protective seal has been breached: already blood flows like a river through the world's great cities.

And only the collaboration of two sworn enemies can save humankind...and its ferel brethern."

Ah, yes, sweet music to my ears! Moving along!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This book is the first of a trilogy and I thought it might be worthwhile to read. Here's a synopsis from her website (http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/index.htm):

"Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place."

Needless to say it's going to be a fun-filled few weeks in store for me. I have about a dozen more books that I'm waiting for at the library, so that list is just going to keep on growing.

Stay tuned..

Edge of Desire by Rhyannon Byrd

This is the third book in the Primal Instinct Series. It follows the journey of Riley Buchanan, sent to recover a weapon buried in the woods behind an Inn that happens to be run by the woman who got away from him when he was younger.

While they struggle to uncover the weapon, the feelings that Riley feels for Hope and the awakening of his Merrick inside of him. He struggles against the love that he feels never left them so many years ago. But he tells himself he cannot bring her into his mess as his ancient enemy, the Casus, comes for him. He will take what she offers to finally awaken his Merrick and leave. But he is becoming increasingly aware of the lie he tells himself.