Sunday, September 30, 2007

STICKY: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward - Black Dagger Brotherhood



1. Dark Lover - Wrath and Beth
2. Lover Eternal - Rhage and Mary
3. Lover Awakened - Zsadist and Bella
4. Lover Revealed - Butch and Marissa, Butch and V (see previous commentary)
5. Lover Unbound - Vishous and Jane, Butch and V

Series Category: Peanut M&Ms - mmmm...devour... sigh... then reach for the next one. My daily dose of Insanity-B-Gone. Most books I read fall in this category. (A-,B+,B)
Flame Height: 6” out of 9”

I'm going to do something completely different. Yeah, I could post a commentary about what I did or did not like about this book, and you better believe that I have a LOT to say about it! But it's so controversial that a discussion would be far more interesting. So, head over to The Good, the Bad and the Unread. Gwen has posted her review of Lover Unbound and there is a discussion already in progress over there. Jump on in and post your opinions about the book. Do you disagree or agree with other opinions?

JUST BE WARNED THAT THE DISCUSSION IS FILLED WITH SPOILERS!!

Ready? Click HERE!

Saturday, September 29, 2007

We Usually Get Kissed First

As you may remember, my oldest daughter is spending this semester studying in Rome and the Vatican. Every few days she calls and has me call her right back so she won't use up all the minutes on the cell phone that was given to her by the school.

So I pretty much expected that the phone bill was going to hurt to the tune of at least a couple of hundred bucks. HAH! If only!

Well, we got the bill today. Now keep in mind that this is the bill for August 28th through September 14th and we have since made additional calls...

Including taxes, the bill was for *gulp* $1100.00!!!!!
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! Forget the kiss first, I would have been happy with a little lube!


Every international calling plan I look at has lower rates--- but only to land lines, not to mobile phones. And that includes AIM.

We're still trying to figure out how Skype works. We know that it won't work with Windows Vista, so that leaves my laptop (which has a microphone) out and means I have to use my desktop (which does NOT have a microphone) instead. On my daughter's end, she's got a laptop but only has wireless access at certain times in certain places and she doesn't know if her laptop has a built in mic.

Then there is some different Skype plan where you pay a monthly fee plus so much per minute. But I can't tell if that is only to landlines or does it work for the same rate when I'm callin a mobile number in Europe? GAH!

Then there are all the phone cards and dial-arounds (like 10-10-whatever). But again, some come right out and say that calling a mobile number costs more. Others say it, but you have to stumble onto that info. So, if I can't find out about mobiles, I don't want to automatically assume anything, you know?

Does anyone have any recommendations for US landline calls to a mobile phone in Rome, Italy?

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Boys and their Toys...

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Ah, another FDNY calender. *sigh* Don't we all just love 'em? Well enjoy this sneak peek of the 2008 cover. Because, thanks to our cover boy, Michael Biserta, we're not getting it and there may never be another one!

I saw this the other day on dlisted and it just cracked me the hell up...
"Michael Biserta is the NYC fireman who made jaws drop when his "Guys Gone Wild" video featuring his enormous (and I mean enormous) peen began circulating around the internet a couple of months ago. Michael was the coverboy on the FDNY Calendar, but due to the scandal the calendar was shelved and they vowed to never do another one again. Fuck the calendar, they need to put this boy in the movies!"

WARNING: SOOOOO not work safe!!


To see it bigger (*snort*) click here.

My favorite HOLY SHIT part...
He wrapped it around his freakin' WRIST!

My least favorite part...
We never find out if he's a grower or a show-er. Actually, I'm not even sure if he CAN get it up. He seemed strangely unaffected in the video, didn't he? BOO!

My favorite dlisted comment about him...
"I've had bigger. It's a nice dick, curve and all."
"That`s not a curve, it`s an elbow."

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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

No Rest for the Witches

I've got a review posted over on The Good, the Bad and the Unread for the paranormal anthology No Rest for the Witches with stories by MaryJanice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray, and Christine Warren. I really liked this one!

Now please head over to TGTBTU and give me some comment luv, okay?!

Tuesday Trio

Since I spend so much time talking about the books that have given me such mental enjoyment, I thought I should further expand my mind through the Art of Photography. So every Tuesday I will present a trio of studies of the human anatomy.

What? Why, yes! You're absolutely right. How astutely observant you are! They DO all happen to be the study of the MALE human anatomy. And your point would be...?


The subject of this week's study is inspired by the release of J.R. Ward's latest Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Lover Unbound and, because I've slacked off with my Tuesday Trios lately, you get a buttload gallery full of bonus art to study...











Sunday, September 23, 2007

QB's Aural Quickies


"So, HEARD any good books lately?"
"What did you think of...?"


Here's the Quickie answers to those questions. Click on the Links for more info.


Silhouette Nocturne - Raintree Trilogy

1. Raintree: Inferno by Linda Howard (no website found) - Dante and Lorna
narrated by Stefan Rudnicki and Hillary Huber





2. Raintree: Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones - Gideon and Hope
Narrated by Stefan Rudnicki and Theo McKell





3. Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton - Mercy and Judah
narrated by Stefan Rudnicki and Gabrielle de Cuir





Note that I've linked to the print versions because I do not recommend the audio books.


Series Category: M&Ms - a bit lighter and/or not quite as satisfying as Peanut M&Ms, but still Oh-So-Enjoyable! (B,B-,C+,C)
Narration Category: Dark Chocolate - loved by some, just "meh" to me (C-,D+)
Flame Height: 4.5" out of 9"

Here's the thing, I bought and listened to book 1, Raintree: Inferno, and thought it was interesting enough that I wanted to find out what happened next. So, when Audible had a sale, I went ahead and bought the next two books. Big mistake. Why? Because I wasn't too thrilled with Stefan Rudnicki's narration in book 1 but I figured I just needed to get used to his style. By the middle of book 2, I found him outright irritating. By book 3, he had me considering rushing out to buy the print books just so I no longer had to listen to him.

At first I thought I would enjoy having each book read by two different narrators. The books are written in third person, but some sections are written more from the male or female lead's POV and that's when the narrator would change. But Stefan Rudnicki should never, ever, EVER attempt female voices again. He just comes off as trying to mock women. And neither him nor Gabrielle de Cuir gave me anything that even vaguely evoked a little girl in book 3. But, what REALLY had me gnashing my teeth was the.extremely.slow.narration... I.so.wished.for.a.fast.play.speed.on.my.MP3.player... Instead.of.making.the.narrators.sound.like.chipmunks.on.crack, fast.speed.would.have.made.their.endless.droning.bearable... I'm.fairly.certain.I.would.have.enjoyed.the.stories.more.if.I.wasn't. praying.for.the.torture.to.finally.stop... What.made.it.worse.was.that.each.of.the.three.books.takes place.simultaneously.over.the.same.week... Which.would.have.been.okay, except.that.the.narration.made.it.feel like.I.was.listening to.an.endless.looping.replay.of.Groundhog.Day... Usually.I.anticipate.the.end.of.a.book so.I.can.find.out."who.done.it"... But.in.this.case, I.wanted.to.reach.the.end.so.they'd.STOP.doing.it...

The stories, however, were interesting. A bit light, but different enough that I wanted to stick with them. The basic premise is that the descendents of ancient witches, sorcerers, wizards and other magical humans formed two clans-- the Raintree, who have integrated into the human world, and the Ansara, who were defeated by the Raintree two hundred years ago, but have secretly been rebuilding their clan and preparing for another Raintree/Ansara war. Each member of these clans has powers in varying degrees. For instance, Gideon (book 2) can call up and absorb the power of lightning/electricity and can see and converse with dead people. And we get a kinda sorta Romeo and Juliet story in book three. The ending is a bit over the top, but I still recommend these books (in print) if you are looking for a concept you haven't read before.
Piquant Opines (print version): RT (books 1,2,3- 4.5 stars),

Saturday, September 22, 2007

QB's Aural Quickies



"So, HEARD any good books lately?"
"What did you think of...?"

Here's the Quickie answers to those questions. Click on the Links for more info.


Karen Marie Moning - Highlander series - unabridged audio books







1. Beyond the Highland Mist, narrated by Phil Gigante
2. To Tame a Highland Warrior (09/20/2007 audio release)
3. The Highlander's Touch (11/20/2007 audio release)
4. Kiss of the Highlander (01/20/2008 audio release)
5. The Dark Highlander
6. The Immortal Highlander
7. Spell of the Highlander
8. Into the Dreaming (novella)

Category: Lava Cake - reads like warm Chocolate Lava Cake... à la Mode... sprinkled with nuts (A,A-)
Flame Height: 6" out of 9"

It's been so many years since I read this book, that with the exception of the fae fool, Adam Black, and Aoibheal (pronounced Ah-VEEL), the fae queen, (who reappear in subsequent Highlander stories) this might as well have been a new release. Yes, the story has a few flaws that stretch credibility, but just go with 'em, okay? It's a swoon worthy Highland/Time Travel/Fantasy Romance.

And Phil Gigante's narration? Oh my! He does such a good job with the female voices that I was quickly no longer aware that the narrator was a man. And what he does for the male voices... *sigh*... his Scottish brogues gave me aural eargasm after eargasm!
Piquant Opines
(print version): RT (4.5 stars; Reviewer's Choice- Best Historical Time Travel; "Favorite Romances of All Time" selection),

QB's Aural Quickies



"So, HEARD any good books lately?"
"What did you think of...?"

Here's the Quickie answers to those questions. Click on the Links for more info.


Charlaine Harris - Southern Vampire series






1. Dead Until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
4.1 Powers of Detection anthology
4.3 Night's Edge anthology
4.5 Bite anthology, One Word Answer
4.7 My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding anthology, Tacky
5. Dead as a Doornail
6. Definitely Dead
7. All Together Dead (click here for print link)♥

♥ = in addition to print, these titles are also available as downloadable audio books from Audible.com; all are narrated by Johanna Parker

Category: Peanut M&Ms - mmmm...devour... sigh... then reach for the next one. My daily dose of Insanity-B-Gone. Most books I read fall in this category. (A-,B+,B)
Flame Height: 4" out of 9"

This is a series that I initially didn't care for. It just moved too slow for me in print form. The problem was that I just wasn't hearing Sookie's voice in my head. But now I can't wait for each new release because Johanna Parker brings Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse to Southern Fried life! I find myself stopping and just floating along with her smooth, small town Louisiana drawl filled with Sookie's vulnerabilty and strength. Then she changes not only the pitch and tone, but also the cadence of her narration to bring all the characters in Sookie's world to life. I notice that book 1, Dead Until Dark, has recently been released in audio, so I hope that bodes well for the release of all the earlier books in audio format.

As for the story itself, this one takes place almost entirely at the Vampire Summit and serves to remind us that vamps are SO not warm and cuddly, they are ruthless mercenaries who feel no qualms doing whatever is necessary in their quest to obtain and/or hold power. Sookie's newest hunny-bunny, Quinn, may not be quite as likeable as I originally thought he was either. And events happen that should make for some interesting future story lines.
Piquant Opines (print version): RT (4.5 stars!), LV (5 stars)

Friday, September 21, 2007

Highlight of RAW

I realized today that I forgot to mention what, to me, was the highlight of RAW. On Sunday, after the brunch, Lora was presented with a quilt made by Jessica and her mother (I hope I remembered her name right). The quilt depicts a bookcase filled with pictures of each of the RAW authors along with their books! That is without a doubt one of the most amazing pieces of quilt art I've ever seen! Trust me when I tell you that the pictures just do not do it justice. I can't begin to imagine how much work was put into it! And what a beautiful keepsake for Lora to commemorate her first RAW and, according to her, the first party she's ever thrown.

Jessica(?) on the left, Lora Leigh on the right
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Paying the Piper

Yes, I KNOW I didn't post a Tuesday Trio this week. But I've got a good excuse. Reality.

Yes, from the second I returned home from RAW, reality has been kicking my butt. Within minutes after I walked in, I glanced at the calender and said "OH SHIT.SHIT.SHIT!" The 15th was Saturday and I had forgotten to do quarterly taxes. OHSHITOHSHITOHSHIT. But WAIT! If the 15th falls on a weekend, I should have until Monday, the 17th. PHEW! Okay, got that taken care of.

But then there is the other work that backed up during my journey to RAW. And the one task I've put off as long as I could. The one task I've been dreading-- taking my oh-so-pleasant *snort* 15 year old daughter *shudder* HOMECOMING DRESS SHOPPING!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Okay, somehow we did it. And without bloodshed. However, when her at-it-tude started up shortly into the shopping trip, I told her she had two choices-- either she treated me with respect or we went home. Now. No second chances. For once, she figured out that I meant it.

But now we have to go back out shoe shopping. GAK!!


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Anyway, let me tell you a little bit more about RAW. So last Thursday, I still wasn't sure if I wanted to go. Eventually I went ahead and packed and figured I'd just wait and see if I felt like it on Friday morning instead. Well, about 6PM, I saw the weather was calling for rain off and on (sometimes severe) on Friday and knew I SO did not want to drive through it. So, I threw everything in the car and headed out before I could stop to think about it and talk myself out of it.

Now, you have to realize what a complete freeway wimp I am. My husband normally drives and I'm in the passenger seat wimpering and stomping my imaginary brakes. The furthest I have ever driven by myself was 3 hours from home and that was on familiar roads. So here I am driving SIX FREAKIN' HOURS AWAY on freeways I've never been on... AT NIGHT! WTF was I thinking?!

All I can say is, Thank God for Karen Marie Moning!! I saved the audio book of Beyond the Highland Mist just for this trip and it was the only thing that kept me from freaking out! I had to turn it off when traffic got hairy, but it made the drive there and back bearable. I ended up arriving in Grayson, KY about 12:30 AM, but it was around 3AM before I could stop shaking, settle down, and get to sleep.

I already mentioned the freakin' scary drive out to the lodge for RAW events and back to the motel.

Here's the list of authors that were slated to be there.
Jules Bennett------- Angela Knight----Robin Schone
Shelley Bradley------Lora Leigh-------Kay Stockham
Veronica Chadwick----Lorie O’Clare----Shiloh Walker
Bianca D'Arc---------Jacquelyn Frank--J.R. Ward
Sylvia Day-----------Lucy Monroe------Mary Wine/Dawn Ryder
Christine Feehan

Unfortunately, Robin Schone's mother had emergency surgery and she was unable to attend. J.R. Ward evidently lives nearby and she just drove in for the signings on Friday and Saturday. Things were a bit disorganized Friday night for the private signing (actually, most of us weren't even sure there was going to be a private signing), so I didn't get to meet all the authors. Since this was the first RAW, I'm sure things might run a bit more smoothly next time. However, this time, unless you knew what an author looked like, or they had a constant line to clue you in, it was kind of hard to figure out who/where the authors were. I never did find Lorie O'Clare (hell, I don't even know is she WAS there), but somehow had no problem spotting some authors that I'm NOT a fan of!

I met some interesting people besides the authors I mentioned already. Linda K. was only able to attend Friday's party and Saturday's brunch before heading back to Chicago. Her and I became smoke break buddies. She used to be Angela Knight's editor and is sticking her toe back in the water after being out of the business for awhile. I could have picked her brain all night! I seriously don't know how editors do what they do. As far as that goes, I'm pretty sure I don't even know the scope of what editors do! Authors are pretty open and forthcoming, but editors remain a fascinating mystery to me.

Pam and Beth have volunteered at RT Cons for the past few years. In fact, Pam is a Volunteer Coordinator. I had been debating whether to sign up as a volunteer at RT Con Pittsburgh, but didn't want to miss some of the panels. Well, Pam assured me that I can tell THEM what/when I want to volunteer and they will be happy. Beth assured me that, unlike her, I should feel free to say "Sorry, No" when (not IF) I'm asked to work yet ONE more event. She said she always caves and does it it though. LOL! So, it sounds like I just might give it a try.

Besides Linda, my other table mates that first night were Dale and Diane, sisters who were enjoying their reunion as much as the RAW events, and soft spoken, sweet Carrey. After dinner, J.R. Ward commandeered our table for her book signing. Since we all had stuff still sitting there, it gave us an excuse to keep wandering back to the table. *g* Friday night, Linda blazed the trail back to the motels in her little SUV and my Mom-Mobile and Dale and Diane in their car followed behind her on that damn scary road. Saturday night, I gave Beth a ride back to her motel so I had company while avoiding drop-offs and deer.

I also met PamK who comments on alot of the same blogs I do. And Stephanie who doubled over in laughter when I was asked if I like Western Romances and I said, "Not really, just Gay Westerns". She SAID it sounded funny the way I said it, but I suspect she was just too polite to point out that she wasn't expecting that answer from someone my age. And then there were all the other women who I joked around with in various signing lines. Connie's husband and son (I adored them both, even though I have no idea who Connie is), and Maggie who all could usually be found outside having smoke breaks.

Friday night, I heard someone call Susan Clark (crazysue) by name and introduced myself. Lady Susan is a bundle of friendly energy and was anatural in her role of coordinator. By Saturday night, I still hadn't heard the Aussie accents I had been listening for, so I asked Susan for help and she pointed out Sair and Jess to me. Jess is sweet as can be and Sair is as outgoing and bodacious as I always suspected she'd be. Susan and Sair even convinced me to hit the dance floor a couple of times Saturday night.

I didn't win any of the raffle baskets at Sunday's brunch, but when I heard how important the proceeds were, I wished I had bought many, many more raffle tickets whether I won anything or not. The RAW weekend raised $2500 for local schools. That may not sound like a lot, but we're talking about schools whose libraries have an annual budget of $30-$50. Note that I said $30-$50 PER YEAR!! And the teachers, who, let's face it, don't make enough to spare, end up buying the school supplies because the parents can't afford to. So that $2500 is several times over most of the school's budgets and will do some GOOD!

After brunch, where I shared a table with Renee and her hubby, I headed upstairs to the miniscule 2 stall restroom, intending to go back down and say my goodbyes afterwards. Unfortunately, so did about half the other RAW attendees. Since I REALLY couldn't wait in that long line, I figured I'd just head on out since I had to stop back in Grayson to gas up the Mom-Mobile anyway. It was probably a faster trip to the bathroom than waiting in that line was!! Anyway, I never did get a chance to say BYE to anyone.

So, all in all, the weekend went fine. There was enough people that those people from the board that had a problem with me were not even a factor in my enjoyment of the events. Lora even said "Are you my Lady Bev?" and grabbed me in a big hug (posters on her board can become Ladies with titles bestowed on them. Mine was Lady Bev of Fun and Fantasy). Lady Natalie surprised me by being nice enough to come up and introduce herself to me. And scoring an early copy of "Lover Unbound" was an unexpected thrill.

Really, the only problem was that the lodge as a venue for this event was too small and far away from the motels. It might help if next year a couple of events were held in Grayson to give the majority of people a break on that 40-50 minute treacherous round trip. Frankly, with the limited parking at the lodge, I don't know HOW they managed the public signing on Saturday!

And those not staying at the lodge kind of felt out of the loop. As I mentioned, a lot of us weren't aware there WAS a private book signing on Friday. We didn't know where to go for any events at the lodge, and the last time posted on-line for the Saturday party was 7PM but it turned out to be 6PM. Then we were told to go to the pavilion at the campground, but it turned out it was down another road towards the swimming pool (which I didn't find out until I went up to the lodge and found someone to ask). All info that was known to the lodge guests who were in the loop but haphazardly passed on to those that weren't. Plus, time became a problem for those not staying at the lodge. Saturday's brunch was from 10-12. The public book signing was from 1-4, then the 80's Party started at 6. That's a bit of an awkward schedule for those not able to stay at the lodge, that had to make a minimum 40 minute round trip to change or to sit around the lodge lobby between events. Lora DID apologize that she forgot to print out the schedules for everyone, though. So I'm assuming info will be disbursed better next year, but I DO hope the schedule will take into consideration that not all of the attendees stayed at the lodge.

Lora mentioned that she would like to have a masquerade next year. And the party events will all be held outside under tents. Probably not a bad idea since the indoor events were hot enough to melt wax! Seriously, there was a LOT of hot air in that room! LOL!

Saturday, September 15, 2007

RAW Bits

I woke up this morning with the mother of all sinus headaches. So I skipped today's brunch and public book signing (there was a private one for RAW attendees last night- cool, huh?). Plus, the road to the lodge is freakin' SCARY! Twists and turns on a barely wide enough to be called two lane road. No shoulders, just drop offs. And I just didn't feel like driving back and forth to the lodge for each event (it's about 20-25 minutes away), so I only went to tonight's pig roast.

Some random RAW observations off the top of my head...

J.R. Ward is just the NICEST person! A couple of us were talking tonight at the pig roast and we all had the preconceived notion that she might be a bit cool based on her pictures. But she is absolutely warm and friendly and seems to feel a genuine appreciation for her fans.

Angela Knight isn't recognizable! Can someone lose TOO much weight? Seriously, she's downright skin and bones now! I think I'm jealous. But she is still so sweet and didn't seem to mind my bumbling fangirl gushing at all.

Jacqueline Frank seems to really like connecting with her fans on a personal level. Another nice lady. She even stood in line to get Christine Feehan's autograph!

Lora Leigh needs some new PR pics- STAT! She looks soooooo much younger in person! Seriously, based on the pic on her web site, I thought she was around 40. But in person, she looks around 30 and just cute as a bug! And extremely friendly and outgoing. She has the sweetest little girl soft spoken voice!

Christine Feehan has been writing books and doing book signings for a long time, yet she seems to still ENJOY meeting each and every person! And she made Lucy Monroe's day. When Lucy waited in line to get Christine's autograph, Christine told Lucy that she was a big fan of Lucy's!!

Lucy Monroe just makes me smile! She is warm and funny and doesn't have even the teeniest bit of real Diva tendencies (although she wore a feather boa with lights to the Pajama party, her hair in pigtails was the clue that she was having some FUN with it)! Tonight, I sat across from Lucy and her husband (I just realized I never learned his name) at the pig roast. Her husband and I, then Lucy joined in, swapped "raising teenagers" horror stories. Turns out that we not only share the same universal teenager exasperation, but Lucy and I share the same FATHER of teenagers exasperation. Why can't husbands learn the word NO? The funny thing is, it didn't even dawn on me that that she WAS Lucy Monroe until well into the conversation!

Scheme is a wild woman! Who is Scheme? Well, if you've read Lora Leigh's newest Breed release, Scheme is the name of the heroine and Lora dedicates the book to her friend Scheme. I believe most of us referred to her as "You Lucky Bitch" most of the weekend.

Alright, my brain is shutting down for the night. I've got to get packed up. The farewell brunch starts at 10 AM so I've got to be packed up and checked out of the motel by 9:30. Drawings for the basket raffles (tickets were sold at the Pajama party) will happen during the brunch. One of the prizes is an ARC for the next Breed book, Dawn's Awakening, which isn't due for release until February. Needless to say, THAT is the prize we ALL are hoping for-- except for the lucky bitches like Shiloh Walker that already have one, of course.

Friday, September 14, 2007

SCORE!!!!

Look what our RAW magical bookseller Melissa scored for us...




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BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

I'm Here and Gone

We got back from the casino with about 5 minutes to spare before the bus arrived at the school to drop the kids off from 6th grade camp. We had a fan-freakin-tastic time and even managed to win! WOO to the HOO!

Now, I should be planning and packing what I'm taking to RAW tomorrow. Right this second, I'm leaning toward saying "Fuck it!" and not going. Is it really worth all the hassle just for a bag o' books and a chance to say hello to a few authors who won't have a clue whether I meet them or not?

If it was closer, I'd say "Yes", but when I programmed the motel into my Mom-Mobile's navigation system this afternoon, it said it would take 6 hours and 22 minutes to get there. I am soooo not looking forward to the drive!!

Plus, I was hoping to discover more RAW attendees other than those over on Lora Leigh's board. I even joined JR Ward's board trying to find them, but of the few on JR Ward's board, most are also members of Lora Leigh's board, too. Since I am not part of the tight-knit Lora Leigh board group, nor am I an author, I STILL won't know anyone.

What I can't figure out is this-- there are 120 attendees registered for the whole weekend (not counting authors), and the Saturday 80's Party brings the number of attendees up to 200 (or is that 200 MORE?). Only maybe a couple of dozen post on the RAW Yahoo group. Where is everyone else? Am I the only one going solo? Or at least NOT meeting friends there?

Ah well, one way or another, I'll probably be posting here tomorrow night. Either from RAW because I decide I might enjoy myself anyhow (doubtful right now), or from home because I said "Fuck 'em" ...er... "Fuck it"

ADDED: I just realized what the problem is. If I ask myself "Will you regret it if you DON'T go?", my answer is PROBABLY. If I ask myself "Will you regret it if you DO go?", the best I can come up with is POSSIBLY. There's just no clear cut winner there, is there?

Tuesday Trio (Wednesday Edition)

Since I spend so much time talking about the books that have given me such mental enjoyment, I thought I should further expand my mind through the Art of Photography. So every Tuesday I will present a trio of studies of the human anatomy.

What? Why, yes! You're absolutely right. How astutely observant you are! They DO all happen to be the study of the MALE human anatomy. And your point would be...?


The subject of this week's study can be found in the galleries of my sisters in Photographic Art Appreciation, The Book Bitches (who have somehow disabled right click on their site and therefore the ebil bitches have cockblocked us from scooping up their most excellant art finds)...

WARNING: NOT work safe!!
Santamaria!


For all my fellow Anita Blake fans, ever have trouble picturing Micah? Well, the face isn't Micah, but the body sure as shit is, don't you think?

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Chocolate Fondue Mini Fountain

More pimpage-- okay, actually it's mercenary pimpage-- for that must-read anthology by Annie Dean, Bonnie Dee, Dionne Galace(Bam) -- Boundless -- available now over at Liquid Silver Books.

The always unpredictable Annie Dean has come up with another fun contest on her blog. Take the quiz below and post the results in the comments on Annie's Blog for one chance to win. Post the quiz results and some Boundless pimpage with links on your blog for two chances to win. For a THIRD chance to win, purchase Boundless from Liquid Silver and email Annie your receipt.

The prize? A $40 Gift Cetificate from Amazon courtesy of Annie, Bonnie, and Dionne.

Which Boundless hero is right for you?

Sam
Sam is your dream lover! He anticipates your thoughts and feelings, since he’s conjured from your deepest desires. He'll be your friend and confidante through good times and bad, just as you wished. He's sweet, passionate, and made just for you.
How do you compare?
Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic


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I've been sneaking in some reading, but I haven't had time to do any commentaries because of work. Which I need to finish ASAP because I've got to get my youngest kiddo packed up for 6th grade camp. My hubby and I are going to the casino for a couple of days while he's there-- they offered to comp our room, how could we resist?

Then, when we get back, it looks like I'll be leaving the next day to drive down to RAW until Sunday. Before I go, however, I want to load up my PDA with ebooks-- including Boundless. Plus, for the book signing, I'd like to print out covers for all the authors going to be there and put them into a scrapbook for them to sign. It's the only solution I can think of since some of them are with epubs only or I've already got their book(s) in ebook format. Plus this way, I don't have to haul a bunch of books with me.

I heard we are getting a tote bag full of swag there. That, plus the chance to harass Shiloh in person, is incentive enough to make the drive. She thinks her wee baby bratlet will offer her some protection, but that plan will backfire because the cutie-patootie will garner Shiloh even MORE attention from everyone!

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Tuesday Trio

Since I spend so much time talking about the books that have given me such mental enjoyment, I thought I should further expand my mind through the Art of Photography. So every Tuesday I will present a trio of studies of the human anatomy.

What? Why, yes! You're absolutely right. How astutely observant you are! They DO all happen to be the study of the MALE human anatomy. And your point would be...?


The subject of this week's study will be The Body as Canvas (the non-Josh Wald edition)...



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Bonus Study: He's appeared here before, but I don't think anyone will be scratching their eyes out if they have to gaze at him again. Besides, LissaNY found my book so she deserves another glimpse of her present.



ADDED: Well, DUH! *headslap* I just realized that I missed a chance to add another Bonus Study AND do a little pimpage! A must-read anthology by Annie Dean, Bonnie Dee, Dionne Galace(Bam) -- Boundless -- is available now over at Liquid Silver Books...

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Monday, September 3, 2007

More From The Jeff Files

For those that don't know or don't remember, my brother-in-law, Jeff, sends me emails forwarded from and to like 20+ people at a time. A lot of it is pretty politically inflammatory stuff, but I do save some of the gems in The Jeff Files. When he sent me a bunch of new ones today, I realized I hadn't shared any in awhile, plus I'm still working and haven't had time to write any commentaries. Enjoy.

Croc Nutrition

Two Crocodiles were sitting at the side of the swamp near the lake in Canberra.

The smaller one turned to the bigger one and said, "I can't understand how you can be so much bigger than me. We're the same age, we were the same size as kids. I just don't get it."

"Well," said the big Croc, "what have you been eating?"

"Politicians, same as you," replied the small 'Croc.

"Hmm. Well, where do you catch them?"

"Down the other side of the swamp near the parking lot by the Parliament House."

"Same here. Hmm. How do you catch them?"

"Well, I crawl up under one of their Lexus cars and wait for one to unlock the car door. Then I jump out, grab them by the leg, shake the shit out of them and eat 'em!"

"Ah!" says the big Crocodile, "I think I see your problem. You're not getting any real nourishment. See, by the time you finish shaking the shit out of a Politician, there's nothing left but an asshole and a briefcase."


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The Husband Store

A store that sells new husbands has just opened in Las Vegas, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:

"You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increase as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!"

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men Have Jobs.

She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.

"That's nice", she thinks, "but I want more."

So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Very Good Looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous and Help With Housework.

"Oh!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.


PLEASE NOTE:

To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opened a New Wives Store just across the street.

The first floor has wives that love sex.

The second floor has wives that love sex and have money.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never been visited.


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Retiring Priest

A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner. He was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited.

"I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it.

He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his sister.

I was appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people."

Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk. "I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived," said the politician. "In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession."

Moral: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER BE LATE


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Guts or Balls?

We've all heard about people having guts or balls. But do you really know the difference between them? In an effort to keep you informed, the definition for each is listed below...

GUTS - is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being met by your wife with a broom, and having the guts to ask: "Are you still cleaning, or are you flying somewhere?"

BALLS - is coming home late after a night out with the guys, smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collar, slapping your wife on the ass and having the balls to say: "You're next."

I hope this clears up any confusion on the definitions. Medically speaking, there is no difference in the outcome since both ultimately result in death.




Sunday, September 2, 2007

Not if Menopausal Women Have Any Say...

From CourierMail.com.au:

PETER Beattie, Nicole Kidman and Michael Voss are. So were William Shakespeare, Christopher Columbus and Queen Elizabeth the First.

But the future doesn't look bright for people with ginger hair.
According to genetic scientists redheads are becoming rarer and could be extinct in 100 years.

The current National Geographic magazine reports that less than 2 per cent of the world's population has natural red hair - created by a mutation in northern Europe thousand of years ago.

Global intermingling, which broadens the availability of possible partners, has reduced the chances of redheads meeting and so producing little redheads of their own.

Although it takes only one red-haired parent to produce ginger babies, two redheads obviously creates a much stronger possibility.

Some experts warn redheads could be gone as early 2060, but others say the gene can be dormant in the reproductive system for generations before returning.

National Geographic says the gene at first had the beneficial effect of increasing the body's ability to make vitamin D from sunlight. However, today's carriers are more prone to skin cancer and have a higher sensitivity to heat and cold-related pain.