Finally back!

Hi there...

It seems that lately I have just done nothing but work and read. Work seems to be taking over most of my time. Just when I finish work for the week, then BAM! it's back again... why does time seem to go so fast? I can remember as a child the christmas school holidays (6 weeks in Australia) seemed to go so slooow. Now time just seems to wiz by making me wonder if I'll ever get to do anything!

I've read 2 more Lynn Kurland books in the MacLeod/McKinnon/de Piaget series. A Garden in the Rain and Much Ado about Moonlight. Both great reads, but I find I like the first book of hers I read the best. Although I do have the fantasy series on order at QBD. Hopefully they will come in soon.

Since I've been reading alot of paranormal books, I thought that I'd try to make something along the same lines in photoshop cs. I love photoshop. I use it at work and enjoy looking at other peoples art made on CS. But, now that I have Vista, my photoshop CS (the first one) won't even load on the computer! Stupid Vista OS....

It seems that Adobe and Vista haven't made any patches either for those of us poor mugs with CS original and now since I can't load it, and therefore can't upgrade, I have to fork out nearly $1200 just for Photoshop or $3200+ if I want the CS3 suite! That just cheeses me off no end.

So a note to all you shoppers out there who are in the market for a new system and love your CS... DON'T GET VISTA!

Ok, finished with that rant, now for something more calming.... I finished 2 of my new crochet projects this week! (Yea for me!) and am now looking for something new. I loved the look of a shawl I found while browsing the net. It's called a Rona Lace Shawl and it's available on Knitpicks.com.... and wouldn't you know it, it's unavailable to those outside the US! I just can't win at the moment can I? (The image above is from laceshawlkal.blogspot.com)

Oh well, I love it alot and I'll find a relative in the US to get if for me if I have to.

So, nothing new on the book front. I'm still waiting for my amazon.com order to find me. Bookworld and QBD have been strangely boring and stoggy for the past few weeks, so I'll have to see about ordering online from Bookworld.

Happy dreaming till next time.

Sorry, pardon me, excuse me

I don't know how many times I can say it, but sorry!

It's been about 4 weeks since my last post... I thought that I'd better avoid using the computer at work, and at home we live in an area that is a broadband black hole! We're only within an hour of Brisbane, but still can't get decent broadband coverage!

I've been getting alot of good books lately, and I even took the step and ordered off amazon.com - yes, you heard it right. So now I'll be getting Blood Noir before alot of other Aussie's (and a hell of a lot cheaper as well).

Some of the new books I've picked up recently are:

• Kate MacInerney - Howling at the Moon (#1 in Tales of an Urban Werewolf series)

• Adrian Phoenix - A Rush of Wings

• Lynn Viehl - all the Darkyn books so far...

• Carole Nelson Douglas - Dancing with Werewolves (#1 in the Delilah Street series)

• Deborah Cooke - Kiss of Fire (#1 in new Dragonfire series)

and a few others.

I'm looking forward to the new Silver Dragons series by Katie MacAlister. They are so charming and witty. Her books are perfect for the train or bus... or even for a lunch break read! Playing with Fire is out on May 6th, and is one of the books that will be winging it's way to me from amazon.com. Her second book in the series already has a release date! For more info go to www.katiemacalister.com

Another good series with a new title is the delightful Shanna Swendson's MSI. The 4th book "Don't Hex with Texas" was out on the 28th April (not that we'll see it yet) and deals with Katie's choice to give up the delicious and dreamy Owen, after being told by Merlin... yes, that Merlin, that it would be best if she left without telling him! Sounds like another winner to me!

Rachel Vincent has another title out in the Faythe Saunder's series, "Rogue" follows the wonderful "Stray" where we are introduced to fiesty Faythe, a werecat, who is being dragged out of college to her family's farm. In the first book, they delt with the stray's that were hunting the few tabbys (female werecats) and this book follows on their search for the remaining stray that escaped them, and his boss who hired them to kidnap the tabby's to begin with.

Rachel's style is similar to Christine Feehan, so if you love the Carpathians, or the Drake Sisters, then you will enjoy this.

Ok, that's it for the moment. I'll try to post again soon.... [bloody dial-up!]

Rainy Day Blues

Hi all you readers out there. Today is just the perfect day to curl up in bed with a good book. Before I hit the keyboard, I was finishing off the Lynn Kurland paranormal romance (timetravel) book "When I Fall in Love". I've mentioned it in my blog before, but I found it such a sweet book that I had to just go back and read it again. And after reading it again... and again, I still find it to be one of the sweetest books.
What I do need to find though, are some of Kurland's other books in the series. I have the first one about Rhys de Piaget and Gwennolyn, and this last one with Nicholas and Jennifer McKinnon, but I would love to get my hands on Victoria and Connor's story, as well as a few others.
Now onto other things. Our local library has been wonderful in providing us paranormal readers with a lovely librarian who absolutely adores the supernatural/paranormal genre. Unfortunately, with our local council having to merge with 2 other councils (thanks alot Peter Beattie... he forced QLD from 150 something councils down to less than 80... then resigned! Mongrel) we are now no longer sure if our beloved 'Out There' bookclub will be able to continue. Fingers crossed for Jo. If anyone could persuade a council to continue this bookclub it's Jo!
I get so mad when I think about this. Now it feels as if our shires - most of which are 100 years old - are just going to be forgotten about! Now it's no longer a case of futhering the history of an individual shire, buy now forging a history of 3. It isn't a good way to go. Our 'super counil' has now gone from a shire population of about 140,000 ish, to more than 350,000! How the hell are we here, in my small little town, going to get any notice when we live on the very edge of the shire? I have the funny feeling that we here are going to end up being ignored and left behind - until the next elections perhaps? Oh well, we'll have to see what happens won't we?
Anyhow, I'll add a few more lines about something else otherwise I'll probably blow my stack (thinking about Beattie's Blunder is more than infuriating) and just let everyone out there know that I finally have managed to grow some Hyacinths! Yes, me! It isn't the right climate for them here on the coast, but I managed to get 5 of them to grow and 2 are even flowering even as I sit here and type... (they're right beside me on the window sill). They are gorgeous. The only thing better than having them here would be to have them growing in a Hyacinth Glass. Now I haven't been able to find a Hyacinth Glass, and ordering one online seems to be a no-go as most of them would have to be brought in from overseas, and knowing my luck, I'd end up with them cracking or breaking! So I'll enjoy my little wonders, and plan ahead for next season - now that I know that they'll grow!
Happy reading.

Wired for Sound... Finally!

Hey there gals & pals,
I'm finally up and running with my NEW desktop & accessories. Although putting it together didn't come without sacrifice... I bruised my finger pretty badly while bringing one of the numerous - and heavy - boxes inside. Stupid I know, but what can I say, I can't do anything without a little drama :)
Anyhow, at the moment I'm getting all my stuff set up. Next step will be to start putting some of the reviews up. I've been bad lately, as you know, and have bought a whole passel of books. Not that I have anywhere to put them all, but I will start with my latest and work backwards.
Big hugs to Jo, thanks for the latest newsletter from the Out There bookclub (contact me for details if you're interested).
Well, I'll leave you here. I hope you're all feelin as happy as I am (now that I have a great big harddrive to work with!).
Happy reading.

I spent too much!

Ok, I know that I have a book habit! Everywhere I go, a book goes with me... I can't help it. So when I went into Brisbane to pick up my special order of the Anita Blake graphic novel, I couldn't help visiting Rosemary's Romance Bookshop in Adelaide St.

You can just image how it went. I came, I saw, I caved! There were just sooo many good books there and I won't have the opportunity to visit for a long time so I gave into the little voice urging me to buy and buy big!

15 books and $250 later I left feeling bad with myself for caving, but oh so ecstatic that I finally have alot of my most wanted list in my hot little hand... that's not wrong is it?! Some of the titles they had that I couldn't resist were

• Dawn's Awakening

• Tanner's Scheme

• Darkling

• Lily Bard series books 1-4 (all autographed)

• Mine to Possess (autographed)

• Divine by Mistake (autographed)

• Night Season

• Halfway to the Grave (autographed)

• Howling at the Moon

• Whisper of Evil and

• 1 more I can't remember the name of? [how terrible is that!]

and even then I left more than a dozen books behind that were just crying out for me to take them home!

Now I have to get my new computer bundle this weekend so I can kiss goodbye to another $1000+, but I'll finally be able to blog in peace and quiet. Fingers crossed that I can talk them into a great discount this weekend.

Cheers

Is the 'In Death' series sinking?

The short answer is maybe? I got my hands on the newest offering from JD Robb yesterday and spent the next few hours devouring it. I was expecting more insight into Eve and her tortured past... the nightmares, the occasional fight with Roarke, and her ever increasing heartache at being a homicide cop.

But what did I find? A cop who wasn't too emotionally involved with this case, who was more interested in nailing the villain to the wall than in actually solving the case. It was one of the least dramatic/suspenseful stories in the saga of Lt. Eve Dallas.

To be fair, it is a good read. There are some truly funny moments, especially with Eve & Peabody....

"Marriage is mostly a sucker bet"

"Spoken by the woman with Dream Husband"

"You just said Dream Husband might tak a turn down the road and decide he wants to do threesomes or ___ "

"Me! Me!" Peabody shot up a hand. "Pick me!"

In all I would recommend it to all the In Death fans. Just be aware that if you are looking for a heartwrenching Eve story... forget it!

Silicon Heaven to Strangers in Death

OK... that's it! My computer has finally beeped its last ungrateful beep and gone to silicon heaven. I'm now left scrambling to get a nice, new, fast model, but in the meantime I'll be using both my work computer and visiting my local library.

I've read quite a few new authors lately. My favourite ones have been Jennifer Rardin and her heroine Jaz Parker, the cute 50ft gold dragon in Allyson James' Dragon Heat and I've also picked up Kat Richardson's Greywalker and Poltergeist (now in the to read pile).

Work has left me with little time to read and report back, but now that theChristmas, New Years, Australia Day rush are over there is now only Valentines Day to worry about - until Easter and then Mother's Day... it's a neverending viscious cycle.

I've put my orders into Bookworld. I should be expecting a delivery soon, and I will finally be able to get my hands on Iron Kissed, Swimming without a Net and about 6 other books. Yippee!

My local library has been a disappointment lately. Every decent book has been out over the Christmas period, and they allow 30 items to be borrowed for a period of 5 or 6 weeks. So it'll be a few more weeks until the good stuff goes back into circulation.

The latest JD Robb book has hit the stands. 'Strangers in Death' is number 26 in the series. I don't know how much longer Nora Roberts can keep the series going, but I'd love her to end it with Eve telling Roarke that she's pregant... with twins! and hopefully she'd finally have the last word. Aah well, I can dream can't I....

Back in Time

Hi there everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year! I've had a mini-holiday so have been able to read to my hearts content (it also didn't hurt that the weather has been so bad that they thought a cyclone would form not too far from here). So instead of reading my paranormal books, I found myself going back in time... to the Regency darling.

I'm back on the Cynsters and Bastion Club series (Stephanie Laurens... wonderful series, and quite addictive) and for those who haven't read them yet, the Bastion Club series starts about 2 years before the Cynsters, and some of the Cynsters show up in them!

There are a few books left in each of the series, but I can't wait for Dalziel's story (read the Bastion Club books... he's quite a mystery) and Stephanie Laurens has said that we will get his story shortly.

I'm waiting for the newest books in the series to come out in mass market size - I avoid buying trade if I can help it - and in the meantime, I think I'm going to have to get a new bookshelf built to hold all my books. I'll try and tidy up a bit and take a pic just so you can see how cramped I'm getting.

Anyhow, better dash (I'm at work at the moment). I may only update this site in the next 2 or 3 weeks (I've got the crochet bug, so reading is falling along the wayside).

Cheers

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas!

It's only a 1 more sleep away as the kids would say. I can't wait to go into the lounge room tomorrow and open my presents with my family. It's one of those magical times of the year (and we don't have too many more of them left). Unfortunately it seems as that as the years go by, Christmas becomes more and more commercial. Kids whinging about what they got - and why would you buy them a computer, and an ipod and whatever else they want? Seems to me that the fun is being sucked out it! Parents competing with their family members as to who got/gave the best and most expensive pressies, where you went... sort of like keeping up with the Joneses but with a festive twist.

Anyhow, I've just finished work (until I am called back on Thursday) and I plan to enjoy my first holiday in 2½ years! I've just finished reading a really sweet paranormal romance called "When I Fall in Love" by Lynn Kurland. It wasn't until I had finished it that I realised that it is about the 12th or so book in the series, but it is a delightful read all the same. You don't have to have read all the previous books (although that does help with some of the characters relationships, but you can muddle through without it) and there is no sex! I know, astonishing isn't it...

This book is follows Jennifer and her wish that she could meet a nice man. Enter three family ghosts and a time portal and Jennifer is whisked off to Medieval England circa 1229 where she is rescued by the wonderfully chivalrous man, Nicholas de Piaget.

Nicholas is being hounded by his grandmother to pick a bride (and she is kindly supplying the candidates!) and while he has escaped from his predicament at the moment, he knows he must find a bride. Nicholas is handsome, courteous and wealthy, the adopted son of a powerful lord, but there is a catch - for ladies might take the him to bed, but not one would kneel before a priest beside him. Now Nicholas is being tempted by this vibrant and sweet woman from the future - and Jennifer is falling for a man from the past.

This is one of the nicest books that I have read in awhile. It is very sentimental, and although the heroine is not a physical powerhouse, her obvious love for her chivalrous knight, and his reciprication of those feelings make for a very lovely book indeed.

Happy Holidays

Once Bitten...

Hello out there, I've just spent the last few hours working, but now that I have a break in my schedule, I thought that I'd add a review.

I only came across Jennifer Rardin's book 'Once Bitten, Twice Shy' last night while I was late night shopping at the local shopping centre. It looked like my kind of book. Well I don't know how much of my favourable impression was due to sleep deprivation - or the Tim Tam induced coma - but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

from Little Brown Book Group...

"Vayl is the CIA's top assassin. A master of black ops, he has never failed. He's also a 291-year-old vampire. Assigned to protect Vayl, if such a formidable creature can be said to require protection, is Jasmine Parks - 'Jaz' to her friends.
But Jaz has got problems - and not just the run-of-the-mill ones you'd expect from someone whose job consists of putting her life on the line for an undead assassin. She hasn’t had sex in god knows how long, so Vayl's almost overpowering vampire charisma is making it increasingly difficult for her to keep their relationship . . . professional. Her personal life is a long line of missed birthdays and Christmases, and lies and excuses to her family. And then there's that other thing: the blackouts.
See, there's times that Jaz can't account for and things that happen in those times that Vayl - not to mention the CIA - may not appreciate. And if they find out, Jasmine knows it won't just be her contract that's terminated . . ."

This promises to be the start of a good series. Think a cross between Feehan and LKH. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good vampire book with a twist.

Cheers

PS - check out the christmassy sites elfyourself.com & scroogeyourself.com for some giggles.

New Books

Hi there,

I've been reading up a storm recently. It seems that not a day goes by when I don't have my nose buried in some book or other. My newest additions to my bookshelves include Susan Sizemore's Primal Heat & Primal Desires. I've read Primal Heat and while it was a good read, an interesting story, it wasn't the most engrossing book. I haven't figured out yet whether it needs something else, or whether something needs to be taken out... hmmm.

I will be finishing the newest Sunny story, "Lucinda Darkly" this week (it's overdue and I have to finish it pronto). I absolutely adore her Monere series, and hope that Lucinda will be a window into Halycon's world - although I'd love the Demon Prince to get his own story in the future (hint, hint).

My local bookstore is currently holding my latest orders for ransom. Evil people... they know I can't get by without one new book a week. I'm awaiting my gorgeous Vishous' story in Lover Unbound, and also Karen Moning's Bloodfever. They are even keeping my Swimming without a Net! Just wait til payday...

Anyhow, I haven't really read a new book to review. One of these days I'll actually go through all my older series, and sit down and finally get my mind in gear and write some reviews.

Keep on reading,

Cheers

I Have It

Okay, it's time to rejoice. I now have a copy of LKH's A Lick of Frost in my hot little hands.
I devoured it over a period of 3 hours - yes that's quick, but I just couldn't put it down.

A bookshop assistant told me that alot of the previous books hints and sugguestions would make sense in this book, and boy did they.

Merry Gentry is still coming to terms with her guards presence in her life, and her hearts decision between Frost and Doyle. We finally see the Princess confront Taranis and also have a few words with Andais. No Cel though for all those people wanting a confrontation between Merry and the crazy Prince. Hopefully he and Andais will feature more in the next book.

I enjoyed Merry's growing powers and the way she seems to be uniting faery. (Don't quote me on it, but I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up being the Queen of Everything!) There are a few shocks along the way. Taranis' actions were a huge shock - and NO I'm not telling you what happens - and what happens when Jonty and the Red Caps comes to visit is quite unexpected.

I'd recommend A Lick of Frost to everyone who enjoys a good Paranormal/Supernatural tale. It may get a little graphic (sex scenes) but then, you expect that from LKH. The story just seems to be getting better as it goes on. I for one hope that it doesn't follow Anita Blake's demise into just a pornographic novel, where the storyline fits around the sex.

I'd give it 4½ out of 5.

This week I'm reading Lover Unbound, Dark Celebration, On The Prowl, Touch of Darkness, Bloodfever and Darkfever, Magic Bites. Stay tuned for more reviews.

In Memorium

Today I lost one of my oldest friends.

Rainbow was a Scaly-Breasted Lorikeet who has been with me nearly 26 years. As far back as I can remember, he has been there.

He was a cheeky little rascal. We had raised him from a featherless chick who was knocked out of his nest during some redevelopment work, and my uncle brought him to us. No one else ever thought that he'd survive, let alone thrive. He spent the first couple of months being carried around by my mother in her shirt (folded up and pinned with a safety pin).

After being hand raised, he didn't think that he was a bird, he thought he was a person and jabbered on and on, often talking too fast for anyone to understand him - or screeching over the top of you just so that he could get in the last word!

We had Rainbow for nearly 26 years, and he outlived 3 mates, our 3 dogs, 1 cat and numerous chooks.

It's hard to believe that he's gone. I thought that he'd be with me forever.

Bye, Bye Baby.

It's Finally Here

Hi there,

I can't wait until I finally get my hands on the newest LKH book, A Lick of Frost, later this week. I've only heard good things about this from the girls at QBD and they assure me that some of the events in the last book make sense in this one.

Things have been rather hectic for me these last couple of weeks. Work is getting more demanding thanks to the Christmas season, but that just means more overtime!
So that being said, I haven't had the chance to browse the bookshops lately, and in desperation have resorted to digging through some of my boxed up books. WOW... did I find some treasures or what! I came across my old copy of The Silver Wolf by Alice Borchardt. I'd forgotten how much I loved that series, and especially that book. Now I'm going to delve deeper into the boxes and see what other gems I can discover. (I know, I really do need to get another huge bookshelf, but I have no room for it!)

Anyhow, I'd better go. I'm at work (again) and the courier will be here shortly with some more work.

Cheers

PS... Heres a picture of one of the books that I've put on my wishlist (Mum, hint, hint for my b'day next year!)

Crappy week or what?

Hi there,

It's only Wednesday and already I'm ready for the weekend. You see I have this neighbour, he's a senior, but a crusty old guy who keeps to himself. The only problem is that he has his paytv, or stereo, up so loud that the bass just thunders right through your head. Now annoying as that is, it wouldn't be so bad if it was during the day. But no! I have to have a neighbour that can have that going till 3 or 4am!!! Now I'm on the other side of the house - if it's loud for me, then my poor mother doesn't sleep at all.

Some kind soul called the police on him the other night (god bless them), but by the time they arrived - 2.30am - he'd already turned it off. So what did they do you ask (heh, heh...) they saw that his lights were on and they jumped over the padlocked front gate and banged on the door. Since that night, he's had it on louder than ever BUT it hasn't gone on passed midnight yet. Fingers crossed for us.

I've managed to read a few extra books so far this week (thanks to the insomniac neighbour) and I mostly enjoyed 'Deep in the Heart' by Sharon Sala. Not a paranormal I know, but a sentimental read. Every now and then I have to take a walk on the normal side. It just makes going back the weird and wonderful that much better. I've also gone back to some of my series, and rediscovered the joys of The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Dark Lover, is still my favourite. If you enjoy books by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christime Feehan, or feel like an LKH lite, then JR Ward's vampire series is for you!

I hope to get 'A Lick of Frost' this month. I asked Bookworld about it, and while I could get the hardcover at Rosemary's Romance in Brisbane ($43.95) Bookworld was going to charge me $62!! I couldn't believe it! Stuff that for a joke. I'm now just going to wait for the paperback and in the meantime, reserve it at the library.... $62 grrrrrr

On a much more somber note, we got a phone call from my aunt late last night. It wasn't with good news either. She told us that my old holiday friend, a girl that I used to play with each holidays that I spent at my aunts house, passed away recently. I couldn't believe it - I still can't believe it. She was a lovely person, fun, bubbly and had a real dry sense of humor.

See you next time.

PS - Can anyone let me know if the latest LKH "A Lick of Frost" is good? I've enjoyed the rest of the series, but I don't want it to go off course like the Anita Blake books.