Forum Overload!

I've just finished poking around some of the forums I've joined. Posted a few replies on LKH, but have only joined the Ilona Andrews (home of the fabulous Kate Daniels series) forum in the last 24 hours so I'll need a bit of time to settle in.

Not alot of traffic on IA, but a mass of choices on LKH. I've been trying to find little teasers for the next books in their series, but so far only IA has been forthcoming {and such a tease too!}. I read a prologue for the new Kate Daniels book, Magic Bleeds, that's due out in May 2010... I shouldn't have done that... how am I going to survive without a new Curran hit every now and then??? especially since reading the oh-so fabulously addictive prologue? I WANT MORE!!!

Thankfully, since I'm new to her site (well, not totally new - just more regular now :p) and have been diligently searching through the old blog entries to find anything about Kate 4. It took awhile, but I now have read all the new stuff. FYI I've also just totally stuffed myself because instead of calming my Kate-Curran desire, I've just made myself an addict. I'll get Curran withdrawal symptoms soon! Oh well. R U a Kate or an Anita fan? I've included 2 icons for you to choose from (above). Feel free to use them, but please give me credit for them and not steal them.

New Kate Daniels/Curran Snippets

I just finished reading some snippets on Ilona Andrews blog for the next Kate Daniels book, Magic Bleeds, that's due out next May. They were fantastic. Not long (unfortunately) but just enough to wet the tastebuds for more Curran-Kate. How can she be sooo mean, teasing us with tiny little tidbits? Now I just want to be able to dive into the book and find out what Curran did!

There is also a Curran POV scene from his first meeting with Kate at Unicorn Lane that was good too. Although he isn't instantly smitten like most shifters are when they meet their mates (most authors have them instantly in love, or in lust), but he is intrigued by her. That's as good a start as any to a relationship, isn't it.

Here's hoping that Ilona Andrews will add some more snippets (either of the new book, or from Curran's POV) and keep us in catnip for the next few months until the first chapter is posted on the website.

If you want to get your hands on the posting, just head to www.ilona-andrews.com/ where you can find the snippets on her blog. But for more spoilers, head on over to her forum.

Supernatural Fix

Well, I've been waiting for the season finale of Supernatural and it looks like it will be everything I could hope for... Sam v Dean (finally!). I suppose this is just a natural extention of my love for paranormal/urban fantasy stories, but being able to see things on TV that you can usually only picture in your mind while reading a book is a great boon.

So while I wait for the final episode of Season Four, I'll be also reading some of my new acquisitions. I've just gotten the new Chintz n China series by Yasmine Galenorn (haven't read it yet but will let you know what I think of it), and the new Nalini Singh. I did manage to get my hands on the new Lilith Saintcrow book, Strange Angels (written under Lili St. Crow) and I loved it. My review is posted on Amazon.com if you want to take a side trip :P

The other new book I've read is a Julie Kenner title called The Good Ghouls Guide to Getting Evan. It's about a very smart girl, Beth Fraiser, who gets turned into a vamp simply because the jock vampires want her to figure out the formula to making them immune to the sun's rays. Her mother doesn't notice when she doesn't come home that night, and her best friend freaks, but is cool about it... she is also the secret blogger who has the whole school jumping. Sounds like a so-so premise for a book, but it works well. Especially when Charlie (the guy who's runner up valedictorian behind Beth) turns out to be a Vampire Hunter's grandson. It's a good funny read, perfect for the bus or train. The second title Good Ghouls Do is out today!

YA books are sometimes overlooked by adults. They view them as childrens books, but actually they can be very much in the adult vein - just in a more innocent setting. If you like your books without sex and violence on every second page, but enjoy paranormal books, then maybe a YA series is just the ticket for you?

I've also made a slight departure from the world of Vampires, Werewolves and Witches. I was so bored at my local library, I haven't been able to find anything new to read there for ages. It seems that I have most of the books they get before they get them (oops!) and I tried to find a small mystery that I'd spotted on Amazon.com. It was a Death on Demand title by Carolyn Hart. Strange I know, but I picked up book 15 I think, and I really enjoyed it. I don't know if I'll read each and every title, but I will try and find the first one and see if its as good. If it starts out well, then I may just have to borrow them. I think you need to venture into some other genre every now and then, even if it's only to let you go back to you favourite books with fresh eyes. I know that if I don't take a break from it every now and then, I can't seem to find anything good to read. It all seems boring and repetative. But after a break, the same boring books actually become fabulous and I wonder how I could ever think that they were staid.

Too Many Books!

Back again after a break. I was in a mad state when I had to finish my assignments for my course. I nearly cried when I saw how much I had to do. So everything else that wasn't essential got put on the backburner. That included reading... OMG!

I've now started some more units, but these aren't as intense as the first ones, so I do have a little bit more leisure time. There are so many good books coming out over the next few weeks. I've already got my name down for book 3 in the Jill Kismet series, Redemption Alley, and book 4 should be available at the end of September (Flesh Circus). I should receive my copy of Hidden Currents soon, plus the latest Nalini Singh book in the Psy-Changeling series. I've also got Lora Leigh's latest book, Bengal's Heart in my cart ready to go at Amazon. Unfortunately, there are so many titles to choose from, and I'm a bit strapped with paying for my education that I have to whittle my selections down the the must haves, and not the 'but I want it's'.

I have finished reading the latest Stephanie Plum books, and enjoyed them both. You have to be in the right mood for Stephanie. I still love Lula, and I hope that Janet Evanovich will put more Ranger/Morelli angst in there. Just who will SP end up with? I loved the latest book in Christine Feehan's "Leopard-People" series, and although Burning Wild took many, many, many years to come out, it was well worth the wait. I loved the fact that it wasn't just Emma & Jake, but that old favourites like Connor and Drake were in there too. I hope that Drake is the next Leopard to find a mate. Hopefully the surgery goes well and he can shift in the future.

Amazingly, after all the hype, I was quite disappointed with this last Anita Blake story, "Skin Trade". I was looking forward to it, and had pre-ordered from Amazon. It arrived all nice and shiny, and I got a hot drink, a few chocolate nibblies and dove into it. But again, like Blood Noir, I was disappointed that there was no Jean-Claude or Micah. Anita spent 99.9% of the story in another state, and there was hardly any interaction with those left behind. I hope she gets this travelling Anita kick out of her system soon. I loved Edward, and his being there was one of the only saving graces. SPOILER ..... I hated that the defeat of the MoAD was over so soon, and that another archrival was dealt with in the manner that he was. He was the MoAD's enemy, yet Anita seemed to vanquish him with less difficulty that it should have taken. I've faithfully followed the series for over 10 years now, and I've skimmed over the blatantly sexual scenes that I don't feel further the storyline, but this book seemed to hit new lows in that arena. When I think back to the prudish Anita that we were first introduced to and see where she's going today... her mother would be rolling over in her grave if she could see her now.... (maybe she is? who knows). I'll give next years novel a go, but after 17 books, I may have to think hard about forking out my money for them and just borrow them from my local library.

Now that winter is upon me, I can indulge in one of my favourite yearly rituals... the annual snuggle-in-the-doona-all-day-and-read weekend. One the coldest winter days, I like to cater to my little whims in this way. It makes for great reading. This time round I chose some of my favourites to keep my (and my cat) company. I started last night with Krentz's Arcane Society books, Running Hot and Sizzle and Burn, and will start White Lies this afternoon. Followed by some of the Anita Blake books, and with a little Lora Leigh, Nalini Singh and Yasmine Galenorn thrown in. Lastly, I'll add my Lily Bard books, and other miscellaneous mysteries that I have.

Keep your eyes out for the new Chicagoland Vampire series, it's really good, and also the Ilona Andrews Kate Daniel's series (short story in the anthology "Must Love Hellhounds"). Too many books to mention here today, but I'll try and get through some more and let you know what's coming out soon.

PS - for those of you in Australia who read this, don't try getting the books on Fishpond.com.au. I have noticed that the prices for items have jumped by $5 dollars, and on some items like Angela Knight's Time Hunter series, the price rose by $10! for a small massmarket paperback!

Better off going through QBD (still $12.95), or amazon.com

Wetter than a Shag!

It's my favourite kind of weather, but even I can get sick of rain. In the last 36 hours, we have had more than 400mm of rain! Our road town flooded, and the highway was cut off even if we had of been able to make it through. I have never seen rain like that in my life! The rain was coming down so hard that at times I couldn't even see the houses over the back. Can't wait for the next time though :) Fingers crossed for us here in the south-east, although the sun is shining after the rain, the Bureau of Meteorology has forcast another storm that could dump a further 300mm on us. I think I need an ark!

Thankfully, the constant heavy downfall gave me a chance to indulge in some intensive reading. I managed to get through quite a few books. I had received 'Dead and Gone' and 'Last Vampire Standing' only the day before from Amazon, so I was set. Apart from them, I also got through some of my Stephanie Plum books. I like to re-read a series before the next book comes out. I'm up to Seven Up today. Will probably be moving on to Hard Eight tonight, although I'll probably squeeze Plum Spooky in before #8.

Our local library has gotten a few of the new titles in, but I seem to prempt the librarian that orders as I have most of the books that are on the 'What's New' section in the paranormal romance newsletter. I really should cut back on the bookshops, but like I tell my mum... I don't drink or smoke, so I need a hobby.

Sneaky book

Nothing fabulous has been happening lately. I've been stuck studying, trying to finish off all of my assignments before they are due (3 weeks and counting) and sneak in some fun stuff in between. My eyes are just about crossed, and feel like they have sand in them... but I have a feeling that this is only the start of it.
While out yesterday at the shopping centre I came across a seriously cheap blu-ray copy of Twilight... now I only need a compatible player.... oops
Been doing a little hunting for a site with cheap books. Happened across fishpond (haven't been there for a long time) and was pleasantly surprised at the prices. That and they have free P&H for orders over $50 - no problems:) Have to get my hands on the sneaky Lily Bard Mystery book that I didn't even know existed until the other day. It seems that Shakespeare's Christmas is the 3rd book in the series! See, you learn something new every day.

CAT REGISTRATION!

Okay, in the latest money making scheme, the Local Council's in South-East Queensland are now introducing a cat registration system as of July 1st, 2009. I was shocked when I opened the Sunday Mail (12/04/09) and read that not only will our cats have to be registered, but they will cost the same amounts as a dog... but what do us cat owners get for our money? We won't have any of the services [cough, cough] that the council provides for dog owners. I doubt we'll get cat exercise areas. Will they subsidise the cost of building cat enclosures? What happens if you already keep your cats inside, and have provided them with an outside enclosure? There is nothing that the Council's have put forward that seems to justify the price they're asking.

It's not like cats should be registered in case of an attack... how many people have been mauled by the pet moggy while illegally entering a property? What will it cost those of us who are already responsible cat owners who have more than 1 cat? Will they try to regulate how many we can have in our own homes? When is enough enough. What will the government want to regulate next... how many goldfish you can have in a bowl? Shame on you.

Sooo Many Books, So Little Time!

I just received the new Rosemary's Romance catalogue yesterday and I've already got my next pile of reading material circled. Now if I only had a couple of hundred dollars to spare to buy it all!

The latest Kate Daniel's book is out "Magic Strikes". I love this series, and hope that Kate and Curran get a little closer this time round. The next book "Magic Mourns" isn't out till next year, but that title tells me that someones gonna carc it!

Christine Feehan has been busy with 3 books out in the next couple of months. Burning Wild is out next month, then the final book in the Drake Sister's series is out in July. "Hidden Currents" is Elle & Jackson's story, although I've been waiting for this since their connection was mentioned in the 2nd book! Another 'dark' book is then out in September (I think).

I've been into the Riley Jenson books again, as yesterday I became the proud owner of the latest book "Deadly Desire". I enjoyed it, but since Riley finally comes in contact with her significant other, and it's so disappointing for her I can't wait to see what Keri Arthur has in store for Riley.

My wishlist at Amazon is just growing out of all proportions. I've got over 200 books in my wishlist, and that's after I've culled some... but one thing that won't get culled is the new Lora Leigh Breed's book that I'll be able to get my hands on in August. "Bengal's Heart" is Cabal St. Laurents story. He's the yummy twin of Tanner Reynolds. I've been waiting for his story since reading "Tanner's Scheme" last year. The only Lora Leigh book that could top this one is Jonas Wyatt's story, which I've found out will be after Cabal's. Can't wait to see who Jonas ends up with...

Dreams Made Flesh

Well, I've finally been able to take a break from all the madness surrounding me these last few months. Since losing my job last year, I found myself just drifting. Now I've pulled up my socks a just last month I dove back into my studies (... what have I done.... ) Instead of being able to go about my daily reading, for pleasure and for interest, I must now delve into the study materials once again. I must have lost my mind to go back to studying, but I do so want my qualification, so it's nose to the grindstone for the next 12-18 months - at least.

Since I've been studying, my reading for pleasure has slipped... but not to the point where I no longer pick up a book and gaze at it longingly at the cover and put it back. I'd have to have both arms in plaster to do that!

I have taken a little scenic detour in my usual reading style. I was wandering through Big W, growling to myself about the prices of stationary supplies but that's another story, and found my way to the book department - big shock there... not! Anyhow, they hadn't restocked the shelves with my usual fare, so I just browsed through the remaining shelves when my mother joined me. I was then prowling around, trying to find something for her to read - or possibly for an Easter pressie - when I saw this beautiful red cover. Intrigued, I snatched it off the shelf and paused. It was a fantasy book. Now I don't as a rule do fantasy books. Anne McCafferty and Terry Brooks have never really been my thing and I wouldn't touch Robert Jordan under pain of death. But this little (thick) red book just called to me... Anyhow, the long and the short of it was that once I read the back I couldn't resist. I took 'Dreams Made Flesh' home with me and by that afternoon had finished it! Anne Bishop's anthology made me want to just rush out and buy the Black Jewels trilogy. I'll have to wait until Friday, but she is the first author in the fantasy genre that has made me fall into her world and fall in love with her characters. Lucivar is wonderful, and a fitting mate to the tender Marian. Daemon is darkly enticing and the most perfect mate for the formidable Jaenelle Angelline. Saetan SaDiablo is both fatherly and frightening in his roles as both the High Lord and Papa. The characters are engaging and you feel drawn to them, as well as more than a little dislike for some. Bishop's Kindred are so lovely, you just want to take one home... but be sure you have enough space for one though :) The world that Jaenelle and her family inhabit is surreal and down to earth all at the same time. If I never find another fantasy author to read, I will be forever thankful that I found Anne Bishop.

If anyone had of asked me whether or not I would have added a fantasy book to my collection it would have been a resounding "ARE YOU NUTS!", but after spending an afternoon in Lucivar's world, I can't wait to book my next trip.

Up in the Air!?

Well, after more than a week of trying to sucessfully log on, I've finally gotten back into the blog. I don't know if it's the dial-up (when are we going to get broadband, huh?) or if it's just that I seem to try to access my blog during peak times...

Anyhow, I've been busy lately. That whole job hunting thing. That doesn't mean that I haven't been able to read anything. My lovely librarian put me down to receive "Mercury's Law" when it first hit their shelves. I have to return it next week - don't want too! - and I've really enjoyed it. This happens to be my favourite of the Breeds series. It has betrayal, seduction, misunderstandings and suspense. Two thumbs up!

I've also managed to get alot of the e-books online... OMG! I've had soooo much fun with this. All my favourite authors there for the downloading! I've got the complete MJD, Christine Feehan, Lora Leigh, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jacquelyn Franks, Christine Warren, and many more. While it isn't as good as being able to physically hold a book and feel the pages, it's not too damn bad either. Try it, I can guarantee you that its a hell of a lot cheaper as well!

Having said that, I ended up with an e-book copy of Swallowing Darkness (I couldn't wait the extra month for it to hit Aussie shores) and loved it. I get the feeling that this is the last in the Merry Gentry series, which is a shame because although this series revolves are sex... alot of sex... it was a wonderful story. I'll miss Merry and her men! You find out who killed Essus (I knew it!) and why, plus all the little back plots seem to be filled in nicely. It does get a tad busy in places. LKH seems to try to be tying up all her little subplots in the one story, where you probably could have made this a two book ending and really fleshed it out more. But that's my feelings on this, you may love it as is!?

Anyhow, must get back to the job hunting... yah! [says sarcastically] and find myself a new job.

Cheerio

Nearly Christmas!

Well, October has flown by, and I've realised how little time I have left to get everything ready for Christmas! I suppose it doesn't help that the supermarkets and shopping centres have already had their christmas goodies on display for the last 5 weeks. Thinking back to my childhood, Christmas decorations went up in December. It was magical and I used to look forward to Santa coming. Now shops start pushing merchandise in September and we're surrounded for nearly 3 months by vendors pushing this toy line, or these stocking stuffers. I feel like I've lost the Christmas spirit!

Were are all the old chrissy tv shows that used to abound during the festive season? The old Rankin Bass specials like Jack Frost? All of us still stuck watching free to air are left with stuff all to watch, let alone entertain kids with, while anything of interest goes onto pay tv. Where has the Christmas spirit gone? Obviously into someone's wallet...

Now as I get older, and contemplate having a family of my own, I wonder what the coming years will bring... will it eventually become so commercial and PC that kids will no longer be able to celebrate christmas at school without it becoming a pale, censored parody of past classes celebrations? I think that the world has become too commercial and greedy, let alone PC, for me. When kids are banned from learning about Christmas because it might offend other beliefs it's gone too far. School should be the place to learn about other cultures and religions. Teach them there is nothing to fear while they are still open to the idea and haven't been taught to hate.

Okay, I went a little off topic there. Seems like the grinch is sitting on my shoulders whispering stinky nothings in my ear!

After afternoon tea with Mr. Darcy

Wow, that was a fun afternoon! Although when I first turned up at the venue I thought that no one else had come in costume... {argh!} but thankfully 2 women a few cars up got out and voila! they were wearing Regency fashions!!

The afternoon tea & 'lecture' was held in the Abbey Museum, and had 2 display cases full of antique fans dating from the late 1700's through to the late 19th century and they were truly stunning. I would have loved to take the little 1820's fan home with me.

I ran across 2 ladies, Donna & Kerry (the same 2 who I first came across in costume) and they were part of the Australian Costumer's Guild. Their gowns were simply gorgeous! I only wish I was that petite! (they don't make patterns for more than a D cup so I had to get creative!) and I found that there were more than a few Georgian/Regency afficianadoes that had travelled up from the northern suburbs of Brisbane.

Now a nice cup of tea, a scone and more than 1½ hrs later, I finally had to call it quits and head home.

If you would like to know more about the Australian Costumer's Guild, check out the website at http://www.australiancostumersguild.com/

I'll add a picture of my costume (with me in it) next time as the wind just whipped my hair all out of shape... (I looked like I'd been dragged backwards through the hedgerow!)

Going Regency Today!

Well, today is the day of the 'Afternoon with Mr. Darcy' lecture at the Abbey Museum! I've been hanging out for this for a while now. The only hitch was that they would like everyone to come in costume... Thankfully I had everything BUT the dress. So it was a mad dash to my wonderful neighbour who also happened to be a wonderful seamstress. So between her and my mother, and over 4 days of 10hrs plus each day sewing and fitting, the dress and stay were done! {remind me that if I ever want to go through that again I'm an idiot!}

So this afternoon I get to don my best afternoon dress and meet with other Regency ladies and gentlemen. Should be great. I'll have to take some pics and post them later.

Ok, onto the books - and as you can imagine, my reading has been listing slightly into the Regency. So it was back to the fantastic Stephanie Laurens and her 2 delicious series, the Bar Cynster (about 14 books so far) and the intriguing Bastion Club (all 6 of them, with 2 to come). If you're looking for a bit of mystery and murder in your Regency romances, then do read her. As a homegrown author (a Melbournite) she is a breathe of fresh air into the genre.

Anyhow I must dash. Have to prepare for my afternoon with Mr. Darcy!

Ticked Off!

Well, it's time for me once again to fight with my internet connection to try and add something on this blog. When I first started, I was adding entries from work. But now that I'm no longer working, I'm relying on my crappy dial-up connection [sniffle, sniffle]
I can't believe that I live within an hour of a capital city, but can't get broadband or anyother kind of connection! What, doesn't the QLD Government think that people in a small town like mine actually use the net? In this day and age its just criminal that I can't access something fast and reliable. One of the reasons is that our phone lines haven't been upgraded, but I know for a fact that some of the surrounding small communities have access to broadband... but they also have council members living in them [grrrr!]
Anyhow, I've been reading one or two new titles, and have finally finished the last book in the Dante Valentine series by Lilith Saintcrow. To Hell & Back picks up about 6 months after book 4, but for some reason I found this last and very important instalment lacking. Call me crazy, but I was expecting more closure than we had. Saintcrow leaves a few threads hanging as if there was another book on the way... but honey, this was the last book! Now I have the first book in the latest series, Jill Kismet, called Night Shift. It was really good. Loved Saul Dustcircle, and am wondering how much longer he'll be hanging around - before his mum comes to town to check out her boys new mate! Should be fun...
I've just finished the latest book in the Monere series (Sunny) and loved the fact that a new guy is on the scene. Since she lost Gryphon and Amber moved away I was wondering what would happen. All the other guys love her, but they aren't a match for her personality wise. Then came Dante! Whew, they are fantastic together because here is a man that Mona Lisa can't push or order around. Dante does what he wants, when he wants it... and he's got enough power to actually order other Monere around! They have their personal issues, that whole being killed in a past life thing, but they sizzle when they are together. Look out Lord Halycon, Dante's in town! Try it, you'll love it.

More Books!

Well, I've just had the mailman in a tissy for the last couple of weeks. My orders from amazon.com keep arriving... one here, two there, 4 yesterday!... woohoo!

I've been busy in the last few weeks. Not only with all the reading I've been meaning to catch up on while I was working, but then I got a headcold (not fun) and then alot of our relatives descended on us (also not fun). Things have just been chaotic lately.

The newest batch of books that arrived were fabulous! I've managed to find quite a few bargains online. Dark Celebration hardcover for $4.60! and more recently Devil May Cry hardcover for $6.49! Now in Australia they would cost me $45 plus each if I bought them new. Sometimes I wish I could live in America just to get the free postage from amazon.com!

Some of the books in my now large 'just read' pile include

Devil May Cry (H/C) - Kenyon

Eryn: Lifemates Connection - Keri Arthur

Night Shift - Lilith Saintcrow

A Lick of Frost (H/C) - LKH

Turbulent Sea - Christine Feehan

Cry Wolf - Patricia Briggs

Bound by Shadow - Anna Windsor <- surprising read

Night Child (1. OSI Novel) - Jess Bettis <-ok, but serious CSI meets Supernatural

Dragon Wytch - Yasmine Galenorn <- Smoky rules!

Heart of Stone (1. Negotiators) - C.E. Murphy

Mona Lisa Blossoming - Sunny

Running Wild - Sarah McCarty

Menage a Magic - Lora Leigh

and I've still got more on the way!

Soul Deep - Lora Leigh

Lucinda, Darkly - Sunny

Mona Lisa Craving - Sunny

To Hell & Back - Lilith Saintcrow <- last in the Dante Valentine series!

House of Cards - C.E. Murphy

Real Vampires Live Large

Real Vampires Have Curves

Prince of Wolves - Susan Krinard

Prince of Shadows - Susan Krinard

If anyone has read any of these, can you let me know how they were? or if you could recommend another author... I'm running out of reading material... HELP!