Cherie's Blog

I've sadly read nothing lately :(

2009-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

As crazy as it sounds, school and training for work has taken up all of my time lately and I haven't been able to finish a book in almost a month! :( It's sad but true, however I do recall wanting to post a review about P.S. I Love You (an amazing book!) by Cecilia Ahern, so that'll be up soon I promise.

Bye for now...

Lisa Kleypas ~ Blue-Eyed Devil

2009-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

MEET THE BLUE-EYED DEVIL

His name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind.

MEET THE HEIRESS

She's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire.

WATCH THE SPARKS FLY....

Filled with Lisa Kleypas's trademark sensuality, filled with characters you love to hate and men you love to love, Blue-Eyed Devil will hold you captive in its storytelling power as the destiny of two people unfolds with every magical word.

- Taken from the Barnes & Noble Website: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Blue-Eyed-Devil/Lisa-Kleypas/e/9780312351656/?itm=2

~~~

~*~My Review~*~

I have adored every Lisa Kleypas novel I have read thus far, and Blue-Eyed Devil was no exception. After reading Sugar Daddy and thoroughly falling in love with the characters, I was practically jumping out of my seat at the chance to read Blue-Eyed Devil and continue the story with my second favorite guy from Sugar Daddy"Hardy Cates".

This was a very emotional book, which I had expected, however there was one extremely emotional aspect of this story I had not foreseen, and though I personally have never experienced anything of the same sort, it really touched me, making the story all the more personal. If you enjoyed Sugar Daddy I can just about guarantee you will enjoy the sequel. It has all of the amazing qualities Klaypas' other novels hold (her wonderful writing, her charismatic characters, and her ability to give each character their own life that not only enhances the overall story but really just causes the reader to fall in love with each of them, thus setting up the background for a follow-up story). It was an emotional, amusing, romantic, and delightful read that I was immediately drawn into from the first chapter. I will admit I preferred Sugar Daddy, however I believe that is more due to the fact that Liberty and Gage have found a permanent place in my heart than to this sequel being any less satisfying, because it truly is an equally remarkable book.

~~~

~*~Excerpts~*~

"Listen, honey," he whispered. "There've only been a couple times in my life when something felt so good I didn't give a damn about the consequences." His lips slid over my forehead, my nose, my trembling eyelids. "Go tell Nick you're not feeling well, and come away with me. Right now. There's a strawberry moon out tonight. We'll go somewhere and find a patch of soft grass, and share a bottle of champagne. And I'll drive you to Galveston to watch the sun rise over the bay."

*~*

"Maybe we should go in stages," Liberty said. "It may be a shock if I take too much off at once."

"No, you can't donate it if it's less than ten inches long. Just go for it." We were going to give the foot-long rope of hair to the Locks of Love program, which made wigs for children who suffered from medical hair loss.

Liberty combed my hair deftly. "It's going to release some curls once I shorten it," she said. "All this weight is dragging your hair down."

She plaited it and sawed the entire length off at the nape. I held the braid while liberty brought a Ziploc bag, and I dropped it inside the plastic pouch and sealed it with a kiss. "Good luck to whoever wears it next," I said.

*~*

"Haven, you know I'm right. Let's talk about this."

"If you don't want to have sex, I don't want to talk about our feelings."

He scrubbed his hand through his hair, looking confused. "Well, that's for damn sure the first time a woman's ever said that to me."

Warped Tour '09 :)

2009-08-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all :)

Well as you can probably tell from the post title, this post is just to give you and update and mention how great Warped Tour 2009 was!

If you don't know what Warped Tour is, it is a yearly concert put on with over 50 bands involved. They play at various locations throughout the country - mostly rock music. This was my first year going, and it was amazing! It was about 10 hours long, and we were out in the heat with practically no shade going from stage to stage (there was about 6 stages), it was cramped as all heck, and their water and food were OF COURSE overpriced, but it was amazing! I loved seeing some of my favorite bands up close and personal and found some really great ones I need to look into =)

As far as the updates go I just wanted to say that I finally finished Blue Eyed Devil a few days ago however the concert prevented me from posting a reply before now, so you should be seeing one sometime tomorrow, and hopefully one on P.S. I Love You (because it is such an amazing book it demands a review!) Okey-dokey, well that's all for now. Talk to ya tomorrow I hope :)

And as always, if you have nay recommendations for me I'm all ears :)

Soon To Come...

2009-08-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the books I will be reviewing in the next little while:

* Lisa Kleypas - "Blue-Eyed Devil" (Sequel to "Sugar Daddy")

* Cecelia Ahern - "P.S. I Love You" (I read this a few years ago and loved it so much I have read it three times since...so I figure it's time to 'share the love') haha

* C.L. Wilson - "Lord of the Fading Lands" AND "Lady of Light and Shadows" (The first two novels in Wilson's Tairen Soul Series)

On a different note: Has anyone read a book called "Tall Dark And Dead" by Tate Hallaway?? I read the excerpt and it looks interesting but I am not sure if I want it enough to order it or not. Please let me know if you have read it and what you thought of it. :)

Angie Fox ~ The Accidental Demon Slayer

2009-08-04T00:07:00.000-07:00

Straight-laced preschool teacher, Lizzie Brown, never lies, never cusses, and doesn’t really care much for surprises. When her long lost Grandma Gertie shows up on her doorstep on a neon pink Harley Davidson wearing a “Kiss My Asphalt” t-shirt and hauling a carpet bag full of Smuckers jars filled with road kill magic, Lizzie doesn’t think her life could get any stranger. That is, until her hyper-active terrier starts talking and an ancient demon decides to kill her from his perch on the back of her toilet.

Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer, fated to square off with the devil’s top minion in, oh about two weeks. Sadly, she’s untrained, unfit and under attack. Grandma’s gang of seventy-something biker witches promises to whip Lizzie into shape in no time, as long as she joins them out on the road. But Lizzie wants nothing to do with all this craziness. She simply wants her normal life back. When she accidentally botches the spell meant to protect her, she only has one choice – trust the utterly delicious but secretive man who claims to be her protector.

Dimitri Kallinikos has had enough. Cursed by a demon centuries ago, his formerly prominent clan has dwindled down to himself and his younger twin sisters, both of whom are now in the coma that precedes certain death. To break the curse, he must kill the demon behind it. Dimitri needs a slayer. At long last, he’s found Lizzie. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to Hell? Lie (and hope she forgives you). Dimitri decides to pass himself off as Lizzie’s fated protector in order to gain her trust and guide her towards this crucial mission. But will his choice to deceive her cost them their lives, or simply their hearts?

- Taken from Angie Fox's Website http://angiefox.wordpress.com/books/

~~~

~*~My Review~*~

What first drew me to this book was the name and cute cover, however the summary I read for it (a different one than the one I put above) kind of threw me off the book. It sounded a bit too cheesy for my tastes, and I thought for sure it would wind up being a disappointment, so I put off getting it for a long time. However that title and that darned cute cover just kept drawing me back until I finally gave in and checked out the first few chapters in Barnes & Noble. I was pleasantly surprised. :) It's not the best story in the world nor is it the most fabulous writing I have ever encountered, however it has a unique storyline and a quirky humor that really appealed to me. I really enjoyed the story, especially it's eccentric characters. I would recommend this book for anyone looks for an entertaining and simple read. This book is honestly hard to describe because true, in many ways it could never compare to the other paranormal series it is quite similar to, however it has some very unique qualities about it that are very intriguing and entertaining. And I loved that it wasn't a 'serious' series if that makes sense at all. It was an easy read, light humored, and not meant to be emotionally charged. Overall it was cute and quirky and I will definitely read it's sequel.

~~~

~*~Excerpts~*~

" 'Yeah, um. In case you haven't noticed, I'm more of an indoor girl.' Not that I was against motorcycles, in theory. But if Grandma thought I was going to hoist my rear end up on the back of her hog, a pothole had knocked something loose in her head.

'Well, Lizzy, the thing is...' she cleared her throat, 'our coven's on the run.'

Oh lordy. 'You think you're a witch?'

'Am a witch, darlin. So was your mother. And if I wasn't such a damned good witch, all hell wouldn't be after us. I don't have time to spell it out for you right now, but let me ask: you own any leather chaps?'

Yeah, hanging right next to my white capri pants. 'No!'

'Well, that bites,' she said. 'Life on the road can chafe your thighs.'

I gulped. She'd better not even think of kidnapping me. That was it. 'Pirate! Watchdog! Attack!' He didn't even have enough courage to whimper. Useless beast. Last time I was buying him Silky Bones Pet-Sicles."

Karen Chance ~ Curse The Dawn

2009-08-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Cassandra Palmer may be the all-powerful Pythia now, but that doesn’t mean people have stopped trying to kill her. Most of the supernatural power players don’t want the independent minded Cassie as chief clairvoyant—and they’ll stop at nothing to see her six feet under.

The Vampire Senate does support Cassie in her position, but their protection comes with a price: an alliance with the sexy master vampire Mircea, who has claimed Cassie as his own.

But even the vampires will have trouble keeping Cassie alive now that the self-styled god Apollo, the source of the Pythia’s power, has it in for her in a big way. To save her life—and the world—Cassie’s going to have to face down her creator once and for all.

- Taken from Karen Chance's Website http://www.karenchance.com/books.html

~~~

~*~My Review~*~

There are many wonderful authors currently getting their works out there, however even though there is such a vast quantity of authors in this day and age to choose from, it is still a rare and precious find when you discover an author whose every work completely enthralls you - both fulfilling you and leaving you dying for more all at the same time. I have found such an author in Karen Chance.

I first came across Ms. Chance's work with the Cassie Palmer series, and boy was I hooked from that first novel! I followed the series like an obsessed woman, just counting the days until the next installment. However even with my complete adoration for her first series, when I came across Chance's next series, I'll admit I was reluctant, especially as it was to star a different female lead in the very world I have fallen in love with in the Cassie Palmer books. And so I read the book under the impression I would dislike this disruption into the cozy paranormal world I had come to know and love...boy was I mistaken. I LOVED her second series! The female lead in Midnight's Daughter (Dorina Basarab) is enchanting in an entirely different way than our dear Cassandra, and I found that having the same 'world' and even some of the same characters from the previous series simply allowed me to connect more fully and far more quickly with this new series than I thought possible. I honestly LOVED that I was seeing the characters I had thought I'd known in a completely new light, leaving me feel even closer to them. Chance is brilliant! Her writing talent is excellent, her characters are quirky, powerful, and thoroughly loveable, and her storyline is one that drags you in so completely you hope it'll never end.

I honestly can not praise this book, this series, or her other series enough. I truly loved them all and believe you will too. Read them...you wont be disappointed. Oh, and if you do, start with "Touch The Dark" the first novel in the Cassie Palmer series (trust me it will make the overall experience even better) :)

~~~
~*~Excerpts~*~
" 'I really am Pythia, but I don't know what I'm doing and there's no one in my time who can help me.'
'That's a problem.'
'Yeah.'
'Good luck with that.' She grabbed the mage by the collar.
'Don't you dare leave!' I said furiously. 'I helped you!'
'You almost blew this place sky-high! Anyway, even if I wanted to help you, there are rules.'
'Screw the rules! You stuck me with this godforsaken position-...'
'I didn't hear that.'
'...-and now you think you can just walk away? You have a responsibility here!'
I'd been waving the gun around in my agitation, and it accidentally went off and took a chip out of a brick over the mage's head. He blinked. 'Uh, ladies? Might I suggest-...'
'Shut up!' we told him in unison. He shut up.

~
" 'Dulceata,' Mircea said quietly, using the pet name he'd given me as a child, meaning 'dear one.' And despite everything, that word in that voice made my heart give a little start behind my ribs. It didn't matter what my heart said, I reminded myself. My heart told me stupid stuff all the time. My heart should just shut the hell up."

~

"'You're saying you got to keep alive the very people who want you dead?'
'That's what I'm saying.'
'That sucks.'
'Which will be the title of my autobiography, if I live long enough to write one. Now, can we get out of here?'
'My thoughts exactly.' The voice came from behind me, and a gun was pressed to my rib cage."

Hope I didn't lose my touch ;)

2009-08-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Lol okey dokey, well I started a book review last week and yet haven't finished it! I hope I haven't lost my touch!! Haha I'm going to try to finish it tonight since I have some spare time =)

Update on the life of Cherie:

Things are going amazingly with my bestfriend turned boyfriend, I moved back home and am attending a closer school, and even though I have been crazy busy I was able to read two books since my last post (pathetic I know compared to what I used to read in that amount of time, however that's all the books my time can take right now unfortunately :(...sad but true.) Thankfully though they were two wonderful books so stay tuned for the reviews!!!

Cherie

I'm Back...I promise.

2009-07-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well as you might have noticed I haven't been on blogspot for a LOOOONNNNGGGGG time. I'm sorry. Things in my life got hectic and difficult to say the least, however thankfully things are better now. I am starting over I suppose you could say, with new goals and a stronger motivation. :)

I dont have as much time for reading as I would like however I am working on it haha.

Thank you guys for your advice and support in my last couple of postings. They really helped. Everything worked out wonderfully...I'll share more in my next posting, likely either later on tonight or tomorrow.

2 Boys, 1 Me, Lots of Confusion

2009-02-01T16:34:00.001-08:00

Alright, I need some advice.

In my life, family and friends mean everything to me...they are what makes each and every day worthwhile. There are three people who know me inside and out, one is my sister, one is a girl friend of mine, and the third is a guy friend. We've known each other for years but over the last year we've become ridiculously close. Nothing ever happened between us because he was in a relationship with one of my closest friends, however about two months ago she ended things (rather badly) with him. I was there to pick up the pieces I suppose you could say, and we became even closer than before. He is the first person I speak to in the mornings and always the last person I talk to before I sleep. He means the world to me and probably knows me better than anyone. I have noticed some feelings for him, but I had these before he and my friend got together and so I just ignored them. However last night we stayed up all night (an 11 hour phone conversation) and he admitted to having feelings for me.

I have been having problems with the guy I'm seeing recently...I'm never sure where I stand with him, we haven't seen each other in about 9 weeks, and I can't help but feel as though I am simply a "for now" girl - someone to spend his time with when he has nothing better to do. Anyways, things have been shaky between us and I have been planning on talking to him about it for awhile now however things kept getting in the way.

Now I have two guys and I am afraid of making the wrong decision. On the one hand, I have this seemingly good guy who I have been dating and who (though i dont really know where i stand with him) I know I care for. On the other hand I have one of the most important people to me in my life, who I feel strongly for but who is my friend's exboyfriend, and who (though I know would never do anything to hurt me), I fear may be jumping into this too soon.

I think I already know my answer, I mean I enjoy being with this new guy but I do not see it being very serious, whereas with my friend, I know that whatever we have it will be long-lasting (whether it is just maintaining the friendship or taking the next step)...however I guess what I really need to know is...am I betraying my friend by becoming involved with her ex?

Please help...

Quick Update!

2009-01-27T23:01:00.001-08:00

Hi ya!!

I just popped in to say hello and give y'all an update. I just finished "Ransom My Heart" By: Mia Thermopalis (a.k.a. Meg Cabot) and will likely be posting a review on that in the next day or so. I will also be posting a review of Barton's "Dying For You" (fingers crossed) tonight, or if I don't find time then tomorrow night.

Like always, if there are any new and upcoming authors or novels/books (or even just some of the good old ones you think I may not have read as of yet) please feel free to give me a shout out and let me know some of your faves! ;)

On a different note, I have a question to pose to anyone and everyone who reads this: I have been dating a very sweet, funny 22 year old for a few months now and (though we haven't seen each other recently due to unavoidable circumstances) I am really crazy about him. However, lately I've been unsure as to how he feels about me. He is always very sweet and says he's crazy about me, but at the same time I can't help but feel that I'm just here for him because something better hasn't come along. Maybe I'm just being a silly ninny, but either way I need to know where we stand with each other...which is why I'm going to ask him how he sees our "relationship" next time we are together. He has never actually called me his girlfriend and (though I have considered him to be my boyfriend for awhile) I have never broached the subject. So my question is this: How should I go about finding out if we are a couple or simply dating or even just friends with benefits?

...Any and all suggestions and advice would be soooo wonderful and much appreciated!

Thanks and have a splendid day! =D
Cherie

Lisa Kleypas ~ Sugar Daddy

2009-01-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

SHE’S FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas—if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty is a complication he doesn’t need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.

HE’S THE ONE MAN SHE CAN’T HAVE
When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty is under the spell of a billionaire tycoon—a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family’s past.

WILL THEY FIND THEIR HEARTS' DESIRES - OR WILL HEARTBREAK TEAR THEM APART?

Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you'll root for every step of the way. A love story you'll never forget.

- Taken from the back cover of Lisa Kleypas' "Sugar Daddy" novel

~~~

~*~My Review~*~

Lisa Kleypas has to be one of the most phenomenal authors I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. I can say with all honesty that I have truly loved every novel I have ever read by her - to the point that reading each book once through is simply not enough. Kleypas has the unique and wonderful ability to bring life into her stories in a way that astounds her readers, leaving them breathless and longing for more, while at the same time feeling a sense of complete satisfaction and fulfillment. I think what amazed me the most was Kleypas' adaptability as an author.

Before "Sugar Daddy" the only books I had read by Kleypas were all Historical Romances, thus I was a bit hesitant to read one of her few contemporary novels. However one day I found the book in one of my favorite used bookstores and my curiousity got the better of me. I found the summary on the back interesting, so I chose to read the first chapter and THAT is what got me hooked! I loved that Kleypas began the book while our heroin was still young. Unlike most books where you are introduced to the lead female character right before she encounters her soon-to-be-true-love, Sugar Daddy allows readers to follow Liberty through her life. You meet her as a young girl, and follow her along her long, difficult, and wonderful journey through life, so that you not only understand her life, but you yourself feel as though you are a part of it...you become Liberty Jones. And don't be fooled by the fact that this story starts off with our lead female character at a young age, nothing about this book is slow or drawn out and there is plenty of romance within this story from the very start.

As I mentioned before, one of the things that stood out to me the most was Kleypas' ability to adapt to this different genre of romance storytelling. It was as if she transformed her writing and author's voice to fit that of her main character. I'm afraid I'm probably not doing a very good job of describing it, so I will simply say: it is an amazing story and she was the perfect author to write it!

I am not going to describe the storyline any further than I already have because, one: it would be near to impossible to truly explain how complex and wonderful it is. And two: this is the type of story you need to experience...

If you give it a shot I know you will love this story - and please do not let the title discourage you in any way! It is ony of my all-time favorite stories and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!! :)

~~~

~*~Excerpts~*~

" ...'What do you want from me?'

'I want you to admit just once what you feel for me. I want to know if you'll miss me even a little. If you'll remember me. If you're sorry for anything.'

I felt his fingers clench my hair, tugging until my head tilted back. 'Christ,' he whispered. 'You want to make this as hard as possible, don't you? I can't stay, and I can't take you with me. And you want to know if I'm sorry for anything.' I felt the hot strikes of his breath on my cheek. His arms wrapped around me, stifling all movement. His heart pounded against my flattened breasts. 'I'd sell my soul to have you. In my whole life, you'll always be what I wanted most. But I've got nothing to give you. And I won't stay here and turn into my father. I would take everything out on you - I would hurt you.'..."

"...'You need a wife,' I told him one morning as I came to take his breakfast tray.

'I had a wife,' he said. 'Two good ones, as a matter of fact. Trying for another would be like asking fate for a kick in the ass. Besides, I do well enough with my lady friends.'

I could see the sense in that. There was no practical reason for Churchill to get married. It wasn't like he had a problem finding female companionship. He got calls and notes from a variety of women, one of them an attractive widow named Vivian who sometimes stayed overnight. ...

'Why don't you get a husband?' Churchill countered. 'You shouldn't wait too long or you'll get set in your ways.'

'So far I haven't found one worth marrying,' I said, making Churchill laugh.

'Take one of my boys,' he said. 'Healthy young animals. All prime husband material.'

I rolled my eyes. 'I wouldn't have one of your sons on a silver platter.'

'Why not?'

'Joe's too young. Jack is a ladies' man and isn't nearly ready for that kind of responsibility, and Gage...well, personality issues aside, he only dates women whose body fat is in the single digits.'

A new voice entered the conversation. 'That's not actually a requirement.'

Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Gage walking into the room..."

Free 3 Day Weekend!!

2009-01-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

First, I would like to apologize to the few people who actually read my blog for being so sporadic with my posts as of late. I've been seriously neglecting my blog - which is terrible since I love blogging about my favorite reads - and I'm sorry about that. My life has been a bit crazy for these last few months and the truly depressing part is that I now can only read on the weekends because my weekdays are almost always too packed to fit it in. Thankfully though, I was able to get some reading done over christmas break and am currently in the process of reading a new book and rereading a couple of old ones! =)

Here is the list of books I've read recently and will be posting on this weekend:

* Dying For You (By: Beverley Barton)
* Sugar Daddy (By: Lisa Kleypas)
* Stranger In My Arms (By: Lisa Kleypas)
* The Duke's Indiscretion (By: Adele Ashworth)
* Highlander In Her Dreams (By: Allie Mackay)
* Before The Scandal (By: Suzanna Enoch)

The books I am reading currently are all ones that I have reviewed before with the exception of a new one I bought the other day called "Ransom My Heart" (By: Mia Thermopolis - a.k.a. Meg Cabot)...so far it's amazing, and I'm only on chapter 2!!! ;)

Alrighty, well I'm going to start on some of the reviews now but before I do, I'd like to invite anyone and everyone to give me some books ideas. I'm looking for some new reads and am not having much luck outside of the same series I have already found. Anything romance will be good, I'm always in the mood for historical and/or paranormal romance, and lately I've been into contemporary romance as well ( any books similar to Kleypas' Sugar Daddy or Barton's Dying For You would be most welcome!)

Thanks,
Cherie :)

Blogging When I SHOULD Be Studying For My Last Final :(

2008-12-12T00:55:00.001-08:00

I really shouldn't be on here when I have my last final on tomorrow (Saturday) but I just CAN"t study anymore!! :( I think my brain is on overload lol. I'm soooo soooo sorry it's been over a month since my last post, however things have been insane here! To brief it up so I don't bore you with the horrifically long details: Thanksgiving break, money troubles (which I may be close to finally resolving now), troubles with a class, Finals, Term Papers, still dating that boy (though we have yet to have "the talk" about what "we" are so that's been bothering me for awhile), getting a job babysitting (which looks like I wont be able to continue next quarter), and finally, planning for winter break (which I will be officially starting Sunday!!).

I can't stay on long tonight so no new reviews at the moment, however I will be home next week and plan on catching up on my neglected reading asap! Ohhh I DID actually find some time to read a new book! It's called "Dying For You" by Beverly Barton!! I will likely be posting on this book early on next week so keep an eye out =)

Well, I guess that's all there is to say really...I suppose I should go finish my laundry and hit the books again *and by "Hit the Books" I mean that both metaphorically and figuratively! I am coming very closer to doing some damage to those poor textbooks if this madness doesn't end soon! (keep your fingers crossed for my sanity)* ;)

Smile,
Cherie

Bye Bye Midterms...Hello My Life (aka books heehee)!!

2008-11-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

Finally!!! Midterms are behind me! I now actually have some me-time! Okay so here's an update on how my life is going:

*Things with the boy (the one I mentioned before who I wasn't sure if I wanted friendship or more with) are going great! He's such a genuinely sweet person and I feel very comfortable with him =). However I'm a bit nervous because I've never had a real boyfriend before and am therefore a bit unexperienced when it comes to dating, kissing and just about everything else that goes with the boy-territory. *haha, tips and advice are greatly welcome here* ;)

*My phone has joined my alarm clock, computer, and printer in the game of "torture-cherie-by-refusing-to-work"...apparently this is yet another game I can not win at! So I now have to wait for a replacement phone to be sent, though it likely wont be for another 2 or 3 days :(

*I didn't do too well on my midterms, so even though they're behind me, I'm worried about my classes...

*I want to lose some weight around my tummy-hips area but dont know any good excercises that will help me to slim down without gaining muscle weight...

*I finally have some time this weekend to read! So that's how I'm spending my day today...trying to catch people online who I cant currently talk to on the phone and catching up on my poorly-neglected reading!

Something I just realized: I don't think I ever wrote reviews on Sherrilyn Kenyon's dark-hunter series. I'm currently working on Seize The Night (which is I believe the 7th book in the series) so I'm thinking I will either start posting on the first 6 tonight and post on the 7th when I finish it sometime this week or I may wait post on another book I've read in the not-too-too-distant past and wait to post on kenyon's series until I finish the 7th book later on this week...lol check back for what I decide ;)

Okay, well I suppose that about sums up my life at the moment...I'll post a review or so later on tonight...for now, I'm hitting the paperback books and not coming up for air until I need food (which will likely be soon if the tummy-grumbling is any indication haha)

Talk to you all soon ;)
Cherie

Midterms are Killing Me!! or it could be this cough that wont let me sleep at night!!

2008-10-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

Midterms have literally taken over my life! Ridiculous I know, but it's true! I've been so busy there are actually some days when I dont get to read...AT ALL!! Not even a sentence!! :( I cannot wait until I can take a breather again! I actually shouldn't even be on here right now...I have a midterm tommorow that I'm not ready for but I just CAN'T bring myself to study more!!!

And to top it off, I was sick all of last week and even though I'm feeling much better, there's this cough that remains and deems it appropriate to resurface with a vengeance at night as I attempt to fall asleep. For the last week I've only gotten 2-4 hours of sleep each night! Any suggestions for what I could take to knock me out but only for like 5 hours??

Anyways, obviously since I don't have time to read I can't review, however I'm going halloween costume shopping tommorow after my test and then I should be able to catch up on some reading and post a review or two...

Speaking of All Hallows Eve - what are all of you doing to celebrate the night? Are you (or your children) dressing up?? I'm going to this halloween party in the afternoon at a retirement home where Eva (the 89 year old woman I volunteer to spend time with) lives and then later on I'm going back to the boy's house I mentioned and we're having a horror movie marathon - complete with popcorn! I'm thinking about dressing up as an evil Lil Red Riding Hood, though still have to find a dress!

Hope to hear from y'all...! And in the off-chance that I am not able to come back on before Friday...Happy Halloween!!!

Cherie =)

I'm Sick :(

2008-10-21T00:53:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning (the morning of my first midterm) sick! Luckily, I was able to fight it off for awhile, but it has now come back with a vengeance. Now not only is my throat sore, but my cough is worse and I am losing my voice - not that I can use it anyway with my throat hurting so badly, I wont even open my mouth unnecessarily for fear of it being painful! And to top it off, all I want to do is snuggle up with a book for about an hour then drift to sleep, but can I? Oh no...I have to do some last minute readings and write-ups for a class I dislike (which I didn't do over the weekend thanks to the midterm studying!) Well, now that I've had my little rant, I suppose it's back to the books :(

Ta Ta For Now...

North and South-Love Story

2008-10-19T16:03:00.001-07:00

I found this video on YouTube.com and loved it! WhoLetYouGo (the creater of the video) did an excellent job of matching the clips to the song...I love North 7 South and recommend both the novel and BBC movie to everyone!!

Karen Chance ~ Midnight's Daughter

2008-10-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. So far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing.

Now Dory’s vampire father has come back into her life. Her uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula) infamous even among vampires for his cruelty and murderous ways, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with the gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.

Vampires and dhampirs are mortal enemies, and Dory prefers to work alone. But Dracula is the only thing on earth that truly scares her, and when Dory has to go up against him, she’ll take all the help she can get…

~ Taken from Karen Chance's Site:

http://www.karenchance.com/author.html ~

~~~

~*~MY Review~*~

All I can say is, "Thank God Chance is continuing this story as a series!! Because this storyline - though not as important to me as Cassandra Palmer's story - is far too wonderful to not continue!!" I will admit I was worried about introducing another strong, powerful female character into the same world as Cassie Palmer (the main character of our most beloved Cassandra Palmer, Clairoyant series) however I am thrilled to say my fears were unwarranted! The fact that Dorina's story takes place in the supernatural world we were introduced to in the Cassie Palmer series, only adds an element of familiarity to the series, allowing readers to feel instantly comfortable with the story's background.

I also love that Chance, being the absolutely fabulous author that she is, is able to create these two main characters in the same world with many of the same characters, yet keep from stepping on the toes of the other story. She has this uncanny ability to cover every detail her readers might question or wonder about, and to think far enough ahead to set up her storyline so that she can later uncover aspects of the story that the readers overlooked (as theyy were meant to) adding to the story and giving her readers the chance to learn about this crazy/miraculous world along with our heroins.

I am also excited beyond words to have Louis-Cesare starring as our lead guy in a series...I absolutely adore him in the Cassie Palmer series, but he's so not for Cass, so I love having this amazing character finally have his own romantic role.

And so to wrap up my review, I obviously adored this first installment into this new series. It not only introduces us to yet another amazing storyline in this supernatural world we have all come to love, but also allows us the opportunity to view the world and its characters in a new light providing readers with the chance to fall further in love with it all!

(NOTE: THOUGH THIS SERIES CAN BE READ WITHOUT HAVING PREVIOUSLY READ THE CASSANDRA PALMER, CLAIRVOYANT SERIES, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THE CASSIE PALMER SERIES FIRST! BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL NOT UNDERSTAND OR APPRECIATE THIS AMAZING SERIES AS WELL AS YOU SHOULD IF YOU SKIP OVER CASSIE'S STORY...PLEASE GO TO KAREN CHANCE'S WEBSITE AND CHECK IT ALL OUT...TRUST ME IT'S WORTH IT!)

~~~

~*~Excerpts~*~

"He managed to pin my arms to my sides momentarily, pulling me hard against him in the process. I hadn't had a real sense of his power before, but now it crackled along my skin, warring with my own. I tried to knee him in a sensitive area, but he slipped a leg between mine, crushing me between his body and the bathroom door.

The fight paused. I couldn't break his hold, but he couldn't press his advantage without risking me slipping away. His breath was coming fast and I had a second to enjoy the thought that at least I'd winded him. The the feel of that solid chest moving up and down against mine brought on another emotion altogether. My entire body clenched, breath coming faster, nipples hardening. I shivered, caught between fury and arousal, and stared up into a face that reflected the surprise I felt.

Louis-Cesare's grip tightened, setting my pulse pounding in my ears. I wasn't accustomed to encountering someone stronger than me, to being unable to break away. The fight-or-flight instinct kicked in, and despite the unexpected attraction, it took all my willpower to force myself to melt against him.

It wasn't a big change, as we were already pretty much as close as we could get, but it felt very different, A second earlier, his body had resembled carved rock; now it was warm, muscled flesh that was very definitely male. His hold loosened, changing into something closer to an embrace. It felt achingly shockingly good. I shifted luxuriously against the muscular thigh that spread my legs, and slid my arms out of his grasp. I ran them up his chest...twining my arms around his neck.

Some of his hair had come loose and was falling about his face in a cloud of shimmering bronze, gold and copper. I wondered briefly if it was as soft as it looked, my fingers flexed with the sudden desire to bury themselves in that shining mass and tangle in a fist...I gently pulled the clip out instead, freeing his hair to tumble around his shoulders. 'Louis-Cesare,' I murmured, 'I have to tell you something.'

A shaft of light from an overhead fixture illuminated the sensual blue of his eyes. The brows over them rose and a wry smile tugged at his lips. Oh, yeah, he knew exactly how gorgeous he was. 'And what is that?'

I whispered my lips along his neck in a soft kiss, breathing in the warm, sweet scent of the man, the one my brain had stubbornly labeled butterscotch. His smile grew wider, softer, more genuine, forming dimples at the corners of his mouth. Curling a hand in the silken weight of his hair, I pressed still closer, until the curve of his ear was against my lips. 'You've underestimated me again.' ..."

Quick Note on my Hannah Howell Review!!

2008-10-19T02:28:00.000-07:00

Oh, also I just realized I never posted my review I did on Hannah Howell...I must have saved it as a draft rather than posted it...anyways, if you scroll down you should be able to find it posted under Sept 28th)

P.S. I just found out I can "follow" blogs haha...wow and I actually have a follower! Crazy cool! Thanks for liking my blog Britt :)

Boy-trouble, computer-trouble, and school-trouble...lol need I say more?

2008-10-19T01:32:00.000-07:00

Alright, well to start with I need to apologize for once again going missing on you all. Not only have I been swamped with school work (I'm currently studying for a midterm on monday :( ...wish me luck *seriously, I NEED IT!!*) but my computer konked out on me last week!! I honestly never knew how ridiculously reliant I am on this thing until I was denied its comforting presence! lol but thankfully this tech guy here at ucsb was able to fix 'er up for me (and didn't even charge me!!) And on top of all of this, there is a guy who I've been talking to lately and he's really sweet and funny and cute, and I fear I may only have platonic feelings for him while he...well wants more. Needless to say I've never found myself in this position before and have no idea what to do...lol any and all advice would be much appreciated!

Alrighty, well Leigh Ann I know it's late in coming but I am going to write my review for Midnight's Daughter on here tonight (all I'm going to say in this message is...Chance has definitely not let us down haha). I also have a few other treats for y'all...so stay tuned ;).

Smiles,
From a Seriously Tired College Student

Wow school work has been heavy...

2008-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm only 2 weeks in and already up to my ears in readings! lol luckily though I have time tonight to finish the review on Hannah Howell's novel that I started 2 days ago and I just read Midnight's Daughter by Karen Chance and will definitely be posting on it as well...I am going down to the dining commons now to grab some food with a friend before the crowd gets too bad but should be back in a couple of hours to post like a mad-woman on a book-addiction...*oh wait...lol that is me hee hee*

I'll be baaaaccccckkkkk....*menacing music plays in the background* ;)

Tag Time!!! haha

2008-10-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged lol...no worries though, I don't feel bad for me...no it's you poor folk who have to read 7 crazy things about me that I feel sorry for...lol you may want to run for cover now ;). Leigh Ann B. got me with her site Stamping with Annie B (which you should definitely check out...she has some great things for her list of 7)

Here are the rules:

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okay, about me *Evil Smile...heehee*

1) First and foremost I should warn you I am a book-addict...there I admitted it. I love the written word...it's my greatest escape from reality and I honestly cannot remember the last time I went even a day without reading for pleasure (even if I have to miss sleep to get in an hour or two). I am always reading something (90% of the time romance...more specifically historical and/or paranormal romances) and have the very bad habit of reading many books at one time. I'm likely to start reading a new book while reading three of my faves on the side haha. I also tend to reread my favorites *VERY OFTEN*...what can I say? I'm in love. ;)

2) I sleep with a tiny beanie-baby stuffed animal named Lucky (from 101 dalmations) that I got when I was 6 years old for Christmas...I don't NEED him to sleep but sleep more comfortably when I have him by my side.

3) I adore photography...it's just so remarkable to be able to capture a moment in time and treasure it always.

4) Whenever I am in stores and walk by the baby section I become transfixed and start picking out things in my mind that I want for my future children. Lol my younger sister has learned to try to steer me away from these parts of the stores, although she rarely succeeds. (I find I have a particular weakness for anything with the old fashioned Whinnie the Pooh characters on it)

5) My favorite candy is Rolo's (technically there's no "s" on the end but I always pronounce it this way lol) and I hate that most stores don't sale them!! What's a choco-holic to do?

6) I am a hopeless romantic...I fear I may have ruined my chances with men because my expectations are so incredibly high...I want true love and will settle for nothing less (in my opinion, if I'm going to reach for a star I might as well reach for the one who shines the brightest in my eyes)

7) My favorite part of sleeping is the time before I drift off when my dreams can come to life.

Alright now...who shall be the next victims?? Hmmm? =)

1) *Tiffi's Blog* - My little sister, because I share everything with her ;)

2) Book Minx - Because I love her reviews and her site is so amazing...lol *wish mine looked that nice*

3) Jess's Ramblings - Jess because her book blog is awesome and I know she'll have some great things to list about herself :)

4) Gena Showalter - One of my all-time favorite authors...not sure if she's been tagged yet but she should be =)

5) Pearl - Pearl gives some of the best book reviews I've ever read! She's given me some amazing books! *Thanks Pearl!!*

6) Wit And Sin - Because this site is excellent for finding the order of books and finding some new series to look into (which is a hard thing to do at times) :)

7) Hmmm...well Leigh A. B. would be here but she was the one who tagged me so I suppose I can't tag her back haha...Thanks for that! ;)

~Tag You're It Everyone!!!~

Hannah Howell ~ Beauty And The Beast

2008-09-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Beauty And The Beast

On the eve of her wedding to the heir of Saiturn Manor, the stunningly beautiful Gytha is shocked to learn that her betrothed, a man she barely knew, is dead. Now she must marry the new heir, Thayer Saturn, a battle-hardened knight known as the Red Devil...

With a face scarred in battle and a heart broken in love, Thayer has no interest in marriage. But not even the Red Devil can break the promise his foster-father made years ago and soon finds himself married to a woman whose exquisite beauty and sweet innocence intrigue him. But can his new bride look beyond his scars to find a hidden passion and undying love locked deep inside him?

~Taken from the Beauty And The Beast book cover~

~~~

~*~My Review~*~

This was one of the littler treasures I found in the Friends of the Library bookstore in my hometown before I left for SB...Beauty & The Beast was always my favorite fairytale (lol I loved the prince's flaws and I loved Bell's intelligence and passion for the written word) however even with my love for the disney story, I was worried this would be some cheap, erotic version of the old tale...luckily though that was not it at all!! Howell has taken the true meaning behind the story (that loves comes from the heart, and that only by loving and trusting with our hearts fully, can we ever know true love) and given it a new, and far more believeable, storyline.

The story of Gytha and Thayer is a complicated, intriguing, and thoroughly romantic story of two people who fall in love, and along the way learn to trust not only each other but themselves as well. What I loved most about this story (aside from the wonderful writing, captivating storyline, and realistic-quality of the entire story) was how the love between the two characters (though beautiful and very important to the storyline) was not what our hero/heroin were struggling towards throughout the book...whereas most books have the characters only discovering their love in the very end of the story, both Gytha and Thayer know they are in love very soon on, however it is trust that they must work towards finding. Both characters must struggle to surpass their own pride and fears to face their inner demons together, in order to truly accept their undeniable love.

This is the first novel I have ever had the pleasure of reading by Hannah Howell, however if this book is any indication for wha can be expected of the rest of her works, then I will be sure to keep an eye out for her other pieces. :)

~~~

~*~Excerpts~*~

"Staring up at him, Gytha decided it was an extremely awkward position. With all that whirled in her head, all that demanded saying, she felt she could get a severe crick in her neck before she was done. Glancing around, she espied a low bench. Grabbing his hand, she towed her startled bridegroom over to it. She then stood upon the bench and stared at him.

'Just what is it that you so abhor about our coming wedding?' she demanded.

'Gytha,' Margaret began in a soft protest.

' 'Tis a reasonable question, cousin. Well, sir? Do you perchance prefer darker ladies?'

'Nay.' He could not tell her of his fears, of how he dreaded a future filled with pain and the shame of being cuckolded.

'Then mayhap I am too short for your tastes?'

'Well, 'tis true that if you were much smaller, I might have trouble finding you.'

'Ah, I see. You wish me to be taller?' She frowned when he shoook his head. 'Thinner? Fatter?'

Despite his efforts to resist, his gaze moved over her figure. He could find no fault there. High, full breasts, a tiny waist and gently rounded hips stirred only intense interest. ...

'None of those. Child, I had a shock....'

...As she decided to drop the matter, voices from the other side of the hedge behind her drew all her attention.

'We should not,' gasped a husky female voice. 'My husband-'

'Is soaked senseless with wine.'

'Your wife?'

'Abed. She cares little how I entertain myself...'

Gytha gasped and looked at Margaret, who hastily covered her reddened face with her hands. ...

In the heat of righteous indignation, she decided that such things would not be allowed in her home. After glaring at the amused men, she leapt off the bench and started around the hedge. Hearing her three companions come after her, she hurried to elude them. The sight of the entwined couple on the ground enraged her. Even as the man saw her and hastened to stand up, she gave him a good kick in the backside. She glared at the couple as they scrambled to pull together their tangled clothing. Them she began to lecture them, punctuating certain statements with an occasional swat at one or the other miscreant. ...

'Oh Gytha,' Margaret murmured when the couple was gone, loving amusement in her voice, 'you should have let be.'

'But Margaret, my mother often strolls here with my father.'

Although his sides ached from all the smothered laughter he had already indulged in, Thayer started again. He joined Roger in whooping with unrestrained laughter. Gytha was staring at the ground as if the trysters had left some bold stain, forever tainting the area. She still looked beautifully indignant.

(lol, this is one of my fave scenes but it's so long I couldn't put it all in...lol just trust me, this book is worth buying!!)

Karen Chance ~ Cassandra Palmer, Clairvoyant Series (Books 1-3)

2008-09-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Touch The Dark

Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits-talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren't usually dangerous; they just like to talk...a lot. The undead are another matter.

Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking Mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with vengeance on his mind, she's forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection. The undead senators won't help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire-and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay...

Claimed By Shadow

A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world's chief clairvoyant. It's a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie's circumstances are a little...unusual. Now she's stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate-and that she herself doesn't dare use.

What's more, she's just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has a geis on her-a magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather ... intense attraction between them. But Cassie's had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy...

Embrace the Night

Recently named the world’s chief clairvoyant, Cassandra Palmer still has a thorn in her side. As long as Cassie and a certain master vampire—the sizzling-hot Mircea—are magically bound to each other, her life will never be her own …

The spell that binds them can only be broken with an incantation found in the Codex Merlini, an ancient grimoire. The Codex’s location has been lost in the present day, so Cassie will have to seek it out in the only place it can still be found—the past.

But Cassie soon realizes the Codex has been lost for a reason. The book is rumored to contain some seriously dangerous spells, and retrieving it may help Cassie to deal with Mircea, but it could also endanger the world…

~ Taken from Karen Chance's Website:

http://www.karenchance.com/author.html ~

~*~My Review~*~

I remember the first time I came across Chance's Cassandra Palmer series; it was a couple of years ago when I was just getting into the romance genre and I was so blown away by every aspect of the first book Touch the Dark...I remembering thinking there was no way the following books could possibly compare - I couldn't have been more wrong. Every book in this series has been superb! The love I felt for the series from the first book only grew and strengthened as I continued the story with the other books.

Chance captivates her audience in every way possible. Her talented writing and innovative storyline, combined with her compelling characters, make her books instant successes. Now add to that her amazing ability to call upon ancient myths, legends, and fairytales to create a very believable and enthralling world of magic and intrigue, you have what I like to call a "shooting star" (a rare but magical thing we all love to experience).

One of the main things I always need in my books is strong relationships between the characters; it is thru the relationships that we as readers truly come to know the characters in the book, thus falling in love/hate with them. What I truly love about Chance's work is how she not only gives her readers a wide world full of interesting characters to relate with, but she gives them a complexity that is unfortunately often-times lacking in fictional stories. Each character is viewed differently by the other characters, they have secrets that, until revealed, leave us falsly believing we have them pegged and then changing our opinions of them entirely as a new piece of the puzzle is set in place. There are so many characters to adore, despise, pity, love, and hate in this series and believe me when I say, this is a series that will call forth strong emotions and not just inklings of feelings.

I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone. Please read these books...I can promise you that (if you are interested in either paranormal and/or romances) you will enjoy these novels very much. They are amazing and I can only pray the next installment comes quickly.

~*~Excerpts~*~

(Touch the Dark)

"I looked into that handsome face, and some part of me detached itself to watch another illusion shatter and die. I thought I'd finally done something good, that I'd actually helped someone, save somebody, instead of always watching every damn thing I did end in pain - either mine or someone else's. I should have known it was too good to be true, that he was too good. Way out of your leage, Cassie, my girl, I thought as my back hit the door. Maybe you should start smaller, adopt a kitten next time - only I knew there was very little chance that there would be a next time."

~~~

" 'Do you know how you taste, my Cassandra?' he asked me softly. 'I have never known anything like it. You go to my head like aged brandy.' He breathed deeply of the skin above my pulse. 'You cannot imagine how intoxicating I find your scent.' His thumb moved slightly on my waist, up and down the center of my rib cage. It wasn't an overly sexual touch, but I caught my breath. 'Or how very good you feel.' ..."

(Claimed by Shadow)

"I glanced at my nonexistant watch. 'Oops, look at the time. Guess I have to be going now. Let's not do this again sometime, okay?'..."

~~~

"Tomas kissed the side of my head, the only thing he could reach, and looked at me somberly. 'You should not have come back for me - it was a terrible risk. You must promise never to do it again.'

'I won't have to,' I said, brushing his hair out of his eyes. It was always so beautiful, long and black and as soft as a child's. I picked a few leaves out of it with a slightly trembling hand. I was so glad to see him alive that I felt giddy. 'We'll find some way to hide you from the Senate.'

Tomas was shaking his head before I even finished speaking. 'Beautiful Cassie,' he murmured. 'It has been a very long time since anyone was willing to risk themselves for me. Very few ever have. I will remember what you tried to do.' ..."

(Embrace the Night)

"Something lunged at me out of the night. 'Donj't shoot!' a man whispered.

He smelled of sweat, metal and dirt, plus a static crackle of nervous energy that was practically his signature. I turned on the flashlight and saw what I'd expected: a shock of pale hair, which as usual was making taunting gestures in the face of gravity, a square jaw, a slightly overlarge nose and furious green eyes. The Circle's most famous renegade and my reluctant partner, John Pritkin.

I breathed a sigh of relief and clicked my gun's safety on. To know Pritkin was to want to kill him, but so far I'd resisted temptation. 'You shouldn't sneak up on me like that!' I whispered.

'Why didn't you shoot me?' he demanded.

'You told me not to.'

'I-that's-' Pritkin seemed momentarily incoherent, so I shoved the gun's barrel lightly against his stomach. At least I'd thought it was his stomach. I'd only intended to show that I wasn't defenseless, but in a flash, I was slammed against the side of a crypt, my gun arm pinned ot the wall, my body stuck between the hard surface and a very angry war mage. I reluctantly admitted that there may have been a fantasy or two that began with this scenario, but I doubted the evening was going to end in the same way."

~~~

"His lips were on mine, his hands cradling my head so he could kiss all the breath out of my body, and he was pushing me down against the bed. And then his lips were everywhere-my collarbone, the side of my neck, the crease between my breasts, my jaw-and it hit me that he wasn't just choosing spots at random. These were places he'd thought about, and that was almost enough to send me over the edge."

I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry...

2008-09-27T18:38:00.000-07:00

I am soooo sorry...I got so caught up in moving away from home that I didn't even realize I never posted reviews for Karen Chance's series!!!! *Bows head in shame* I was going on and on about how I was waiting to post a review on them until I'd read all three in order and then I actually forgot to post a review on these magnificent books!! How can I have forgotten?? It's one of my fave series (lol, I suppose I should stop now before I turn this into the review!) No worries though, I'm gonna work on Chance's review right now ;)

Hope you all like it!

Smile,
Cherie

My Beach!!!

2008-09-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok, ok, so it's not technically my beach, but it is only a 2 minute walk down a path leading straight from my dorm to the sand, so I think I have some temporary claim to it ;).

I LOVE IT HERE! It's so peaceful, so tranquil...there's usually only one or two other students about when I'm here so I usually have it almost entirely to myself.

My Dorm Room!! I got a single

2008-09-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

*This is the view from my window*

(And of course I would be remiss if I did not mention my books. I tried to narrow it down, I really, truly, honestly did, but can I be blamed if I have fallen in love with too many of them to only bring 20 or 30 books? Lol that's right...I wound up bringing somewher around 120 books with me - and I still miss those left behind at home)

Back From Being MIA For An Eternity...

2008-09-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hi readers,
Sorry it's been so long since my last post. There was some serious financial aid issues I had to work out on top of packing for college so I didn't have much time to do much of anything but college stuff last month. However, I am now officially settled in here at beautiful UCSB (University of Santa Barbara, California) and am loving it. I moved in on Saturday and already feel at home (well as at home as I ever will when away from my family and friends). It is so amazingly beautiful here. The beach is honest to God only a 2 minute walk from my room!! And there's usually only 3 or 4 other students out there so it's nice and calm and peaceful. The only way I can describe it is 'magical'. I have some pictures of my dorm and the beach for you guys which I will post in a few short moments. I have a lot of books to review although not as many as I would have hoped due to being so busy with moving away from home and such. Oh, I also turned 18 exactly 10 days ago so *YAY*!! I wont start on my reviews until tonight because I am accustomed to writing them around midnight, but I promise they will get written. =)

It's good to be back blogging!!
Cherie

Lora Leigh ~ Tha Man Within (Feline Breeds Series Book 2)

2008-08-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

He had protected her as a child, filled all her teenaged fantasies and stole her womanly heart, only to break it.

Now, fifteen months later, the news has released. The man she loves is one of the genetically altered Feline Breeds who have shocked the world with their presence. He’s also her mate. The mark on her neck attests to that. The fire that rages in her heart and in her body further proves it. But he hadn’t wanted her then; does he really want her now?

Deceit and treachery, born in the past, now haunt the present as Taber and Roni fight to make sense of a sudden bonding. The mating of heart, body and soul as the man and the beast within merge; both battling the forces raging against the union and dominance over the woman he claimed.

~ Taken from Lora Leigh's Site:

http://www.loraleigh.com/breeds/themanwithin/ ~

~~~

*My Review*

Alright confession time: I was so intrigued by the storyline of this second book in the Breeds series that I did in fact read this one before Tempting the Beast (book 1). I know, I know, a horrible deed to read such a series out of order but I am being 100% honest when I say I didn't have a choice!! It drew me like few precious stories do...

The Man Within is one of the greatest stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading. And although I have only read the first two books in the series so far, I truly believe it will remain my favorite of Lora Leigh's books. The storyline is not only original but utterly wonderful! And don't even get me started on the relationship between Roni and Taber. It's amazing how you can see the many depths behind their bond. An unfailingly loyal friendship from their child years, a deep-rooted understanding of one another that is beyond comparison, a great dependence on and protectiveness for each other, blatant sensual desires, and a love that goes far deeper than their mate-bonding.

Roni and Taber's relationship is different and difficult and yet in the end, utterly right. I loved everything about their relationship. I especially adored the little insights into their background together.

And, as is the case with the first book in Leigh's Breeds series, The Man Within was written brilliantly, capturing the reader from the very first sentence and refusing to withdraw its hold until the end of the very last sentence. The chemistry between our hero and heroin will draw in even the most reluctant of readers and keep them craving for more. As I mentioned in my review of Tempting the Beast the other day, one of the greatest aspects of Leigh's books is the sense of family she gives the reader. She introduces her readers to the many background characters while not over-shadowing her lead characters, yet still managing to give them enough attention to have the readers dying for their individual stories more and more with each passing story.

This book has made it into my favorites list and (neeedless to say) Taber has absolutely made my 'Fictional Loves' list!! Now, although I did not take my adivce, I urge you to do so: read these books in order. I do not regret reading The Man Within first because it has wound up being my favorite, however I believe most people would understand and enjoy the series more so in the correct order.

Please do not pass these books by...they are worth checking out. I loved this book and I'm sure you will to.

~~~

*Excerpt*

"'Roni, dammit, what kind of trouble did you manage to get yourself into this time?'

Roni Andrews tried to suppress her grin as she heard Taber's voice echoing through the corridor of the cells housed in the county jail. She sat on the uncomfortable bunk, trying for nonchalance. No way in hell would she give him the chance to see just how much he could intimidate her. And boy could he intimidate.

Well over six feet tall, his body corded with powerful muscles, his expression often savage, remote, he could set her eart pounding in both fear and arousal. The fear she could handle. It was the arousal she often had problems with. ... There were nights she burned for him, and it terrified her. ...

Within seconds he was standing at the cell door, his hands braced on his lean hips, a frown etched on his proud, sun-darkened face. Damn, he made her want to start rubbig against him, like a cat. He was tall and muscular, his shoulders broad, his chest powerful and tapering to a flat, corded abdomen that tempted her to touch. Long powerful legs were encased in snug denim and there was no in hell she was going to let her gaze drift to...oh hell. That bulge between his thighs just looked too good to be true. Hastily she jerked her gaze back to his face.

His eyes were narrowed on her now, the jade-green color brilliant and snapping with fury. She swallowed tightly. He was non too pleased with her this morning.

'I didn't do a damned thing,' she snapped back, allowing all the awakening senses he managed to flip into overdrive to fuel her own anger. 'I was just standing there, Taber. Honest. That sherriff has lost his mind.'

She fought to hide her amusement. Of course, he knew she was lying. He always knew when she was lying.

'I should let you rot here.' She loved that growling thing he did when he was pissed. His voice would lower and just vibrate...like a cat. She had a fondness for cats. ..."

Lora Leigh ~ Tempting The Beast (Feline Breeds Series Book 1)

2008-08-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Callan Lyons is a genetic experiment. One of six fighting for freedom and the survival of their Pride. Merinus Tyler is the reporter who will tempt him, draw him, until the fury of the “mating frenzy” locks them into a battle of sexual heat there is no escape from.
Deception, blood, and the evil Genetics Council are hot on their trail. Callan will use his strength to try and save them both…and do all in his power to keep his woman in the process.

~ Take from Lora Leigh's Site:

http://www.loraleigh.com/breeds/temptingthebeast/ ~

~~~

*My Review*

I have never been the type of person to enjoy erotic novels - I am too desperate of a romantic to enjoy a relationship that doesn't end in deep, true love. So Lora Leigh's Feline series definitely caught me off guard!! This novel, while definitely erotic, should absolutely be categorized in the romance section! It had all of the steam, excitement and sensuality of erotica combined with the charming, enthralling, head-over-heels, soul-mate love that every romantic desires. And now add to that combo, a wonderfully original storyline, witty dialogue, and truly amazing writing and you've got yourself a keeper baby!

The relationship between Callan and Merrinus will draw you in and sink its claws into you from the first page, refusing to extract them until the very satisfying ending. Merrinus is a strong-willed, passionate, intelligent woman who (thanks to having been raised by an overprotective all-male family) is more than able to hold her own against the wildness within her man. Callan is the possesive, dominant, delicious alpha-male from every woman's fantasy whose fierce loyalty and love for his family and mate will capture the heart of every reader (so beware! haha).

I truly love how Lora Leigh managed to introduce so many background characters in a way that causes the reader to practically beg to read their individual stories while not treading over the toes of Callan and Merrinus' story. I will also admit that I am a sucker for the protective older brother bit and boy does this story have it...I mean how could it not when our heroin has 7 older brothers and a dad - all who are powerful, sexy and deadly lol. I love the relationship between Kane (Merrinus' eldest brother and father-like figure) and Merrinus.

Tempting The Beast has become one of my favorites (I'm dying to continue the series!!). The relationship between Callan and Merrinua is simply beautiful and sensual and lovely in every possible way and I strongly urge every romantic to give it a try. Believe me, it's worth it.

~~~

*Excerpt*

"She jerked as she felt her cell phone vibrating at her hips. She grimaced impatiently. She knew who it was. It had to be her oldest, most aggravating brother.

'What Kane?' she hissed as she flipped the phone open and settled it against her ear. ...

'It could have been dad,' Kane reminded her, his voice flat and hard.

'It could have been the pope too, but we know the averages on that one,' she muttered.

'Bitch,' he growled almost affectionately.

'Why Kane, how sweet,' she simpered. 'I love you too, asshole.'

There was a bried chuckle over the line, making her smile in response. ..."

~~~

"Callan watched her go, hiding his smile as she glanced back at him. Damn, she looked fine, he thought. And she was definitely on the hunt. A flare of regret rose in him as he admitted he would have definitely enjoyed the chase if circumstances were different. If he wasn't who he was, if his own life wasn't hanging by luck alone, then he could have enjoyed a game or two. And he'd be damned if that woman didn't look good enough to play with. It made his mouth water, looking at all the smooth, sexy skin, just faintly tanned and as tempting as sin itself."

Finally!!!

2008-08-17T21:21:00.001-07:00

Finally I can get back onto my blog!! For some odd reason blogger was adament about keeping me from signing into my account for the last few days. I'm not sure what's changed but something I did must have worked because I was just able to sign in!! *YAY*

Ok...well now to celebrate my return I think some book reviews should be posted...what do ya think?

Yeah I thought you'd agree ;)

Hmmm...which books to review...hmmm...choices, choices...

Stay Tuned *haha*,
Cherie

Sorry Bout the Delay...

2008-08-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts in the last week or so...I've been busy between spending some quality time with friends before we all go our own ways and dealing with college drama. It turns out some of my financial aid forms (you know, those important ones that allow me to actually AFFORD to go to university) were "misplaced" in the system of postal service or something and so now I must resend them months after they were due. I'm praying I will still be able to recieve my full fin aid...*fingers and toes (and every other body part that will twist) crossed*.

My volunteering at the Friends of the Library has become a weekly thing, I'm glad to report, and I have found some interesting new books to read. I'll come on tonight once the house is nice and quiet and post a couple of reviews.

Until then... ;)

Karen Hawkins ~ MacLean Curse Series

2008-08-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

How to Abduct a Highland Lord:

CAN SHE?

Shy, quiet Regency miss, Fiona MacLean, must save her brothers from becoming embroiled in a centuries old feud that could mean the death of them all. All she has to do is commit one, teeny, tiny, barely noticeable . . . crime.

WILL HE?

Sinfully handsome Black Jack Kincaid has spent his entire life philandering with other men's willing wives, trying to forget beautiful, wilful Fiona MacLean, so he's shocked when he awakens one day and discovers himself married to that very lass! Will he help her save her brothers and end a centuries old family feud? Can he accept being married to the woman who broke his heart so many years ago? And now that he has her, can he afford to let her go?

To Scotland, With Love:

When Lord Gregor MacLean learns a fortune hunter has abducted his childhood friend, Venetia Oglivie, he rides off to Scotland in hot pursuit. If he doesn’t rescue the provocative wench swiftly, she’ll be ruined by scandal! But when an irate Gregor catches up w
ith the supposed-damsel-in-distress, arrogantly expecting a hero’s welcome, the sparks between him and strong-willed Venetia fly. While they’re trapped by an unexpected snowstorm, those sparks grow so hot they threaten to burn down the inn! Now if Gregor can only convince Venetia that his motive for marriage isn’t duty . . . but desire!

To Catch A Highlander:

When her father gambles away the family estate to darkly dangerous Lord Dougal MacLean, Sophia MacFarlane is determined to use her wiles to regain it. Forced to stake the one thing she has left -- her virtue -- she desperately hopes her skill can limit her losses to a few kisses...no matter how hotly tempting Dougal turns out to be.

Dougal MacLean knows that Sophia has some trick up her sleeve, but he can't resist the challenge -- or her ravishing beauty. So when she proposes a card game with most unusual stakes, Dougal is delighted to accept. But as the game ends, Dougal and Sophia discover they've wagered something even more precious -- their hearts.

~ Take from Karen Hawkins' site: http://www.karenhawkins.com/index.html ~

~*~My Review ~*~

It is a rare magical moment when you uncover a series that thoroughly enthralls you within its depths, however that is precisely what Karen Hawkins' MacLean Curse series is (for me). I once again managed to read the series out of order, reading the third book in the series (To Catch A Highlander) first rather than last as I should have. However after reading this novel, I rushed out to obtain its 2 predecessors and I am thrilled to say I was most definitely not dissappointed.

The first novel in the series (How to Abduct A Highland Lord) introduces us to the devastatingly handsome and hardheaded MacLean clan and the curse that surrounds them. I truly loved that Hawkins chose to introduce her readers to the MacLeans via Fiona MacLean - the female member. A good deal of the time the female members (in a series based on one paticular family) are often overshadowed by the male members, however that is not the case when it comes to the MacLeans. Hawkins was able to introduce us to the entire MacLean clan (thus setting us up for the future books) while focusing our attention on our fiesty heroin and our roguish hero.

I have to admit I could not hold in my laughter at certain parts in this book. After all, it's not ever day a woman abducts a man and literally drags him to the alter!! =)

One thing I always look for in my romance novels is the witty banter; if the dialogue between the couple is just as exciting (if not more so) than the sexual encounters then you know you've struck gold!! This is apparently something Hawkins has already discovered, because the exchanges between the characters (especially between our heros and heroins) are present and shining in all three books making this an irresistable read for any and all Hist-Ro fans!

And when the author can make each and every story so very different yet equally thrilling, it is another sign of a truly remarkable series. The first book has Fiona MacLean and Jack Kincaid thrown into a marriage with passion yet devoid of love, and has the readers watching as their feelings begin to develop, despite their stubborn attempts to control the situation. To Scotland, With Love (a great title by the way) has an entirely different storyline. This book revolves around Gregor MacLean and Venetia Oglivie - childhood friends who must cope with the sudden change in their feelings towards one another either by accepting what fate is obviously trying to tell them and risk losing the greatest of friendships, or by ignoring their hearts desires and protecting their fragile (if unfufilled) relationship. And finally, our third book To Catch A Highlander tells the story of Dougal MacLean and Sophia MacFarlane - two people thrown into a battle of wits, both attempting to outmaneuver the other...however will the victor truly have won in the end, or will they have both lost in their denial to give in to their hearts demands?

All three books are very unique in storylines, leading characters and even in dialogue. And yet, even with all of the differences, I find myself unable to choose a favorite amongst them. They were all splendid in their own way and all I can do is recommend them to any and all lovers of historical romance.

~*~Excerpts~*~

(How to Abduct a Highland Lord)

"He wanted her so badly, ached with a lust that burned so hotly and so deeply, he feared it might destroy them both.

She was fumbling with her gown. 'Let me,' he said, his voice thick even to his own ears. She nodded, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from their kiss. He quickly undid the remaining ties. He wanted to see her naked, her hair spread about her, her arms and legs open for him - him and no one else.

The thought gave him pause. He was not given to possessiveness; his liasons were entertainments to be taken as they came, enjoyed, and then left. The freedom of the encounters gave spice to it all.

But with Fiona, it was different. Perhaps it was because she was the only woman he'd ever lost before he'd tired of her. Perhaps it was because she was the only woman who'd ever sent him away. Or perhaps it was something as simple as ownership. She was his wife. The word sent a possessive thrill through him. His chest expanded at the thought, his body quickening.

The last tie of her gown came free."

(To Scotland, With Love)

"Ravenscroft captured one of those hands now. He lifted it to his cheek, his gaze fixed on Venetia's face. 'Venetia, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, inside and out. I hope you know I would never do anything to disrespect you.'

Until now, Gregor had been enjoying every utterance that slipped from the pup's lips. But the unconcealed admiration that shone in Ravenscroft's eyes as he held Venetia's hand to his cheek sent an unfamiliar - and devilishly sharp - pang through Gregor.

It was the oddest feeling, and it wiped away his amusement in a flash. Venetia should have been offended by such familiarity. She should have been outraged by the suggestions this fool had made.

Instead, she sighed, her lips curling into a reluctant smile as she turned her hand and patted the insolent pup's cheek. 'Oh, Ravenscroft, you are so young. I keep forgetting that, don't I?'

It was hardly a compliment, but it only encouraged the fool. Ravenscroft had the temerity - the audacity, by God - to cup her fingers to his lips and press a kiss to her bare palm.

Something inside Gregor snapped. 'Venetia.'"

(To Catch A Higlander)

Damn, she was a heady wench. Under other circumstances, there was no telling where their flirtation might have led, for he couldn't imagine tiring of her.

Unfortunately, fate had dealt them a short hand, and they were doomed to a brief, though brilliant relationship. He would have to be satisfied with that.

Dougal took another drink of sherry, the liquid burning his throat. It was traditionally a sweetish drink, fit for gently bred women, but this brew was amazingly potent. He placed his glass back on the table and said softly, 'How do you wish to do this, my love? You lost, so therefore you must part with your gown.'

She stood, her silk gown whispering as she rose. 'I never liked this particular gown, anyway.' Her voice, husky and low, sent a shiver over his skin.

He stared, unable to look away as her gown caressed the curve of her breasts, full and round. He imagined how they'd fill his hands. He could easily span her petite waist, and the curve of her hips seemed made for his hands. She slowly pushed her hair aside, the golden strands clinging to her neck and shoulders. He didn't blame them; he'd be loathe to part from such glorious skin himself.

As she met his gaze, he was caught by the seductive light in her eyes. By Zeus, she was enjoying this. Savoring it, even. The idea made his breath tighten in his chest and he realized that he was gripping his glass so tightly that it was in danger of cracking.

Bloody hell, but she was a temptress. It was a pity she was trying to cheat him, too. For that, she would pay and pay dearly. Slowly, he placed his glass on the table. 'Let me know if you need any assistance. I'm quite practiced in undressing a woman.'

'I can undress myself.' She reached for the ties at her shoulder and gave one a gentle tug. 'Be certain you remain in your chair, please. You won the right to watch me disrobe, MacLean, and nothing more.'

This time, he thought to himself. Next time, the stakes will be much higher. I'll make certain of that if it's the last thing I do."

Hello There :)

2008-08-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

Hi ya =)

Unfortunately I haven't had much time to read as of late (a horrendous crime indeed) however, luckily I was able to snag a few hours today and am planning on stay up late tonight to catch up haha. I am still working my way thru Chance's C. Palmer Clairvoyant series while also juggling a few historical romances (I can never seem to go too long without reading a historical lol). I also finally broke down and ordered Lora Leigh's Tempting the Beast and The Man Within (the first 2 books in her Feline Breeds series) because I have been unable to get my hands on them threw the stores nearby and am desperate to own them! I "accidently" *cough cough* read the second book (Taber and Roni's story) first and am now dying to read the first one and am greedily anticipating owning The Man Within. With any luck they should be arriving here tommorow *fingers crossed*.

I finally got my mini fridge for my dorm (managed to snag one on craigslist for only $50...perfect size, great condition and even in the color I had hoped for). Now I have only some minor odds and ends to deal with before moving on to become a full-time college student. Still can't believe how soon I'll be having to leave :(...hmmm...best not to think about it for too long lol.

I should be finishing Devils Bride by Stephanie Laurens tonight (this is the first novel I've ever read by her - an impulsive buy - but so far I've loved it! I'll post a review tonight after I finish it) ;)

As my friend Mary would say "Ta!!"
Cherie =)

Bad Habits Tend To Come Back To Bite You In The 'Arse'

2008-07-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

I know I shouldn't do it. Even as I say this I am doing it. I am jumping in between books. Although in my defense some of these are books I have read many times over, but still...It's just one day I'll be craving paranormal romance and the next I'll be in desperate need for a little historical love match. Can you really blame a girl for wanting to experience all of her favorite fictional loves all at once?...don't answer that.

At the moment I am still working on Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer Series (I LOVE THESE BOOKS!!! But am having trouble focusing on them at the moment because I have already read the first two many times over and, while I am head over heels for them, I still find myself distracted by all of the books I have yet to read.) On top of Chance I am also working on Karen Hawkins' MacLeans' novels (I feel so horrible because I had actually read them out of order-unknowingly of course-and so now I am reading them in the correct order.) From what I have already read these books are supremely fabulous and this series is already in my top 5 historical romance series list...in fact I daresay it might possibly fall in my top 3 list (high praise indeed). ;)

Ok so here's a quick update on the going-ons in my life:
* My uncle from Germany is paying us a visit so we're all making sure to spend some quality time with him.
*I am still preparing for UCSB - it seems as though there's always something else to be done in regards to preparing for being there. I tremble in imagining what the actual being there will be like.
*I found out my speeding ticket will cost just under $100 so not great but definitely not as horrific as I imagined it would be - plus the amount I will have to spend on traffic school to get it off my driving record.
*I am currently volunteering at the used bookstore I told you about so long ago (not the quaint shop with the cats but the Friends of the Library store whose profits go to the public library and whose prices will tempt you to take up permanent residence within its walls). It looks as though I will be volunteering there every Tuesday! :) I really enjoyed my first day of volunteering yesterday; the volunteers are all in their 60's and 70's so the company is darling and the shop itself has this comfortable feeling to it. Plus (the true bonus): I get a sneak peek at all of the books before they get on the shelves on Friday hee hee. I've already found three books that I intend to buy by the end of the week.
*I also went to see The Dark Knight with my uncle today. It had to have been one of the best movies I've seen all year and I definitely suggest it to anyone and everyone - especially if you are a Batman fan like I am. I Love The Bat! Haha.

Well I guess that's all for now...I'm going to shut down my computer now and loose myself in the pages of one of my books...I'll post a review for Hawkin's MacLeans series as soon as I finish them (in order) which should be very soon indeed. Hope you have a wonderful day/evening.

Sweet Dreams,
Cherie

San Diego Zoo!!!!

2008-07-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

As Promised, here are some pics from San Diego Zoo...enjoy. =)

Found Some Time :)

2008-07-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hey there.

I found some more time to come online so thought I'd post an update. Since you last heard from me I completed orientation, scheduled my Fall classes *getting none of the ones I wanted, so my first quarter of college is already starting out great huh?*, went to the San Diego Zoo (for the very first time) with my sister and uncle-for anyone who has yet to go it is really great. They have an amazing variety of animals including a panda and her adorable pup, elephants, polar bears, wild cats, giraffes, bears, birds, pigs, and some fiesty apes. We had a blast and got some amazing photos...I'll post up some of the best ones on here soon. And today the three of us went to Sea World (again for the first time) and had a great time. We went mainly for the shows and boy were they wonderful!! We got wet at the Shamu show, yet surprisingly it was the Dolphin show that completely drenched us *go figure* haha, and the Clyde and Seamore (Sealion) show is absolutely one of the cutest shows you are ever likely to see. Again, I will post photos (or possibly even video if I can figure out how to swing it) of our day soon.

Basically I've had four days of all-day long walking about *which has greatly diminished my guilt over any and all fatty foods I've eaten during this vaca*. I will *thankfully* be returning home tommorow, where I will likely shower and then dive beneath my comforter and escape into my loving world of literature. I've enjoyed the trip but I can not wait to be home again lol.

Still At Orientation...

2008-07-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hi guys,

Well I am still at UCSB Orientation - it's a 2 day thing where if you pay extra you get to sleep in the dorms and get a real taste of what life is going to be like shortly. So far this has been the ONLY break I've gotten (I do not consider sleeping a break seeing as how they even scheduled that!) I've been running all around campus, being shuffled from place to place. Have you ever seen UC Santa Barbara's campus?? Lets just say I'll probably be down to a size 2 within my first week of classes!! My legs are STILL sore from all of the walking around and climbing up and down the stairs (my temp. dorm is on the 3rd floor) all day yesterday! And guess what? I get to do it all again!! Yippie!! *haha I'm not sarcastic, no, not at all...lol*. Anyways, thus far at Orientation I have gone on tours, gotten my student photo ID Card, gone to lectures, gone to meetings, climbed the stairs to and from my dorm about twenty million times, showered in a dorm bathroom *one of my biggest fears regarding college...sharing bathrooms with strangers*, sampled the lunch and breakfast options in the Dining Commons, and have worked on putting together a course schedule that will work for me...although this is unfortunately not going as smoothly as I would have liked.

I must say one of the best things about having come to this orientation though, was waking up this morning and having the first thing I see out my window be the ocean. It's so peaceful here in the mornings. I'm looking out my window now and am simply basking in the serenity of it all. From my temporary dorm room you have a perfect view of the water and can just ever so slightly hear the crashing of the waves. I know for a fact that living so close to the ocean will be a strange experience for me, however I have a strong feeling it will be one of my favorite aspects of being at UCSB.

Alright well, unfortunately now I have to go to another lecture/meeting (which means getting up and walking down the many flights of stairs to the bottom and then continuing to walk from my doorm hall to the meeting place, where we will then walk with our advisory groups to the meeting...sounds like fun huh? Well I should probably hop to it then. I'll come back online a.s.a.p.

Affectionately,
Cherie

P.S. I am currently rereading Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer Series (as I surely mentioned a few posts ago) but have had to put it on hold thanks to orientation. I am having some serious reading withdrawls here. Luckily however I am being picked up by my uncle and sister tonight sand then we are making our way to San Diego (and I am NOT driving this time, which means, I will get some reading time *YAY*. I'll keep ya posted on my progress...ttfn =)

Blog Might Be Slim-Pickings For The Next Week Or So...

2008-07-16T22:32:00.001-07:00

Alrighty-O, here's the dealio (lol can't remember where I heard that but like it all the same)...I am leaving town for a couple of days starting tommorow to attend a concert with some friends. I will be back the 19th but will then be gone again from the 20th through the 25th (I'm going for orientation for UCSB so I will be spending the first three days in lovely Santa Barbara and the remainder of the time in San Diego on a little mini-vaca). I will be taking my laptop with me on my week long trip but am not sure how often I will get the chance to come onto my blog but I promise to try my hardest to find the time.

I just finished reading To Catch A Highlander last night and wowsers!! I will try to post a review tonight because I doubt I'll find the time tommorow and this book sooo deserves a shout-out. =)

I am currently rereading Karen Chance's ABSLUTELY BRILLIANT AND BREATHTAKING Cassandra Palmer Series because I feel I need a brush up before (finally) reading the third novel!! And since I read those novels before I started this blog, I have yet to post any reviews on them so be prepared for a full out review bonanza on Karen Chance here in the near future ;)

Ok well I suppose that's all for now...TTFN :)

Kerrelyn Sparks ~ The Love At Stake Series

2008-07-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

(Ok I was bad and didn't read this series in order...although I am so not at fault! It's not my fault Sparks made Jean-Luc's story too irresistable to wait for. Anyways, I have only read three of the books from the series. I have yet to read the second book in the series however I really enojoyed the ones I have read and knowing me I will likely forget to read the second book for months and in doing so would likely deprive you of a review and that won't do. WARNING: There may be some spoilers in my review so you may not want to read more than the first book's review...)

How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire: Nobody said love was perfect...Roman Draganesti is charming, handsome, rich...he's also a vampire. But this vampire just lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop-sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan, either. After witnesing a gruesome murder, she's next on the mob's hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her...?

Be Still My Vampire Heart: One look at her was enough to stop his heart...if it was still beating. Angus MacKay has been undead for almost five hundred years and it's not often something, or someone, surprises him. Until Emma Wallace. The sight of this luscious agent from the CIA's elite Stake-Out team was enough to stop Angus in his tracks. But then he discovers that she's a vampire slayer, intent on killing the "monsters" who killed her parents. And it's Angus's job to stop her.

The only good vampire is a dead vampire. It's been Emma's motto since she committed her life to the destruction of these things. Now Angus MacKay wants to convince her differently. Sure, he's a sexy Highland warrior who seems to have stepped off the cover of a romance novel, complete with brogue, kilt, and sword, but he's also one of them. And it's her job to kill them.

The war is on, but will it end in the destruction of one or both of them...or in total surrender to a passion for the ages?

The Undead Next Door: Three signs that something is very DIFFERENT with your new man:

1. He sleeps all day...which would be annoying except he's so attentive at night.

2. He's attacked by sword-wielding assailants, yet insists he can handle it on his own.

3. He never seems to age.

Heather Westfield has always lived a quiet life, but that all changes when she helps a very handsome, very mysterious stranger. There's something not quite right about Jean-Luc, but still, she's never been with a man so charming, so attractive...so wonderful. Now if only a murderous villian wasn't after them, they might get their happily-ever-after.

~Taken from the backs of the books themselves...for more information see Spark's site:

http://www.kerrelynsparks.com/ ~

~*~My Review~*~

This was my first encounter with Kerrelyn Sparks's work and I must say I was very impressed. I really liked her Love At The Stake Series (a very good name for a vampire series in my opinion) and I hope she continues writing novels within the series. I do feel a bit ashamed at the fact that not only did I skip one of the books but I also failed to read them in the correct order. I started off with How To Marry A Millionaire and was immediately craving more, however I made the mistake of reading the reviews for The Undead Next Door and simply couldn't resist giving in and reading it before the others. Then once I had finished Jean-Luc and Heather's story, I went on to Be Still My Vampire Heart (another amazing title!) and enjoyed reading about Angus and Emma. I absolutely enjoyed all three books, however if I had to choose a favorite I would likely have to say the first book in the series (Roman and Shanna's story) was my fave - although it is a tough call.

There were many wonderful aspects to this series. Sparks's writing is very witty and entertaining, captivating her audience throughout each story and leaving them longing for more. I also really liked that her books are a nice blend between Lynsay Sands' Argeneau series (with its wit and light-hearted feel) and Christine Feehan's Dark series (with its highly-developed characters and sense of passion/love) - although I'd say it resembles Sands' series more so. And amazingly enough each story is very unique - a huge feat in a romance series. And finally, what I loved most about Kerrelyn Sparks's series was how normal and natural she made it all seem. She introduces you to a wide variety of characters who repeatedly participate in each storyline, giving you the sense that you are progressing with them. By the time you have reached The Undead Next Door each character holds a certain familiarity for the reader - almost as if you and the characters are one big family. I know I certainly had favorites by the time I finished reading the three I read (such as Ian, phil, gregori, and oh...I could go on forever *hee hee*).

Long-story-short, I really enjoyed these books with their lively wit, detailed (loveable) characters, unique situations, and romanctic meanings and am looking forward to being immersed into the fanged world once again.

~*~Excerpts~*~

(How To Marry A Millionaire Vampire)

"He grabbed her by the wrists and pinned her against the door. 'By God, woman, you are hard to control.'

'You better believe it.' She pulled against his grip, but couldn't free her wrists.

He leaned closer. His breath stirred her hair and feathered her brow. 'Shanna,' he whispered her name like a cool breeze.

She shivered. His hypnotic voice tugged at her, lulled her into a sensation of comfort and security. False security. 'I won't let you kill me.'

'I don't want to kill you.'

'Good. Then let me go.'

He lowered his head, his breath tickling her body. Oh God, he was going to touch her. Maybe even kiss her. She waited, her heart hammering in her chest.

His voice whispered in her ear, 'I need you.'..."

(Be Still My Vampire Heart)

"In a mere second, he'd reached behind his head, pulled out a sword, and pointed it at the flasher's neck. With a gasp, Emma froze. He had a sword? And not just any sword. This sword was huge.

The flasher halted, his eyes wide with fear. He gulped and promptly wilted down south.

'I told ye mine was bigger,' the Scotsman growled. 'Make a move for the lass again, and I'll be shortening yers by a few inches.'

'Don't hurt me.' The flasher backed away, closing his coat.

The Scotsman advanced, his sword only inches from the flasher's fluctuating Adam's apple. 'I suggest from now on, ye remember to wear yer knickers.'

'Sure. Whatever you say, man.'

'Leave us.'

The flasher scurried away, disappearing around the bend. The Scotsman lifted the sword over his head so he could slide it back into its sheath. The long blade made a soft scraping noise as it slid home. ...

'Doona worry. Ye're safe now.'

'I'm supposed to feel safe with a stranger who's packing a humongous weapon?'

He smiled slowly. 'I told ye mine was bigger.'

What typical male arrogance. 'I was referring to your sword. Not your wee willie.'

He gave her an injured look. 'If ye're going to insult my size, I'll have to defend myself by offering ye proof.'

'Don't even think about-'

' 'Tis a matter of honor.' His mouth twitched. 'And I'm a verra honorable man.' ... He stepped closer, lowering his voice. 'Admit it lass. Ye were wanting a private showing.'

'Ha! Of all the...I'm going now. Goodnight.' ..."

(The Undead Next Door)

"Show was moving into view. And what a view.

She had curves. And breasts. A derriere a man could grab onto. And mounds of auburn hair that fluffed around her shoulders. She was like the old movie stars he had loved to design clothes for. Marilyn Monroe. Ava Gardner. Lusty, full-figured women. And her was a beautiful one, right in front of him. Her black dress clung to a luscious hourglass figure.

He caught a glimpse of a pert nose, slightly titled up at the tip. The woman in question pushed her hair behind her ear. She had high, wide cheekbones and a sweet curve to her jaw. What color were her eyes? he wondered.

She was a natural beauty. An angel.

She retrieved some items from her purse - a small writing pad and a pen. No, a pencil. She was writing something. No, sketching. His mouth dropped open. She was drawing his new gown. Stealing his design.

In Book Heaven ;)

2008-07-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Do you remember me mentioning the quaint, utterly adorable (and cheap) used bookstore I found recently? Tom's Used Books? Well they have a trading system and so because I brought in a bunch of older books I was able to gain over $10 in credit...I found three books (two by Lisa Kleypas and one by Sherrilyn Kenyon) for only $7!! Gotta love those prices!!

I'm currently working on the Undead series by Kerrilyn Sparks, and should be finishing that soon. I have a long list of books lined up to read after Sparks' series, however I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for paranormal or historical...hmm...For the last few weeks I've been on a paranormal kick however I'm dying to read Stranger In My Arms by Kleypas! Who knows, maybe I'll go back to my (bad) habit of readng various books at the same time. ;)

I'll keep ya posted...

Too Cute For Words

2008-07-11T02:37:00.000-07:00

(Found this online and thought it was just one of the most darling photos I had ever seen)

Michelle M. Pillow ~ King of the Unblessed

2008-07-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

Immortality has a way of changing fate. Merrick, dark elfin King of Valdis, had once been heir to all that was good - happiness and pleasure his domain. Now, trapped as the ruler of mischief, king of necessary evil, he stands on a precipice of choice. On one side, his estranged brother, now ruler of what should have been Merrick's and, on the other, King Lucien of the Damned. Both would sway him. Damnation is winning.

Lady Juliana of Bellemare is from a human family, protected by the blessed, coveted by the damned. Betrothed to an old friend of her father's, Juliana is resigned to living out her days close to her childhood home, longing for an adventure, never dreaming she’d get what she wished for. When her fiancé is murdered and the children of Bellemare are stolen, Juliana is sent on a quest in a strange realm where appearances are deceiving.

Merrick brings more adventure and passion than any woman could want. Can she withstand the temptations of the unblessed king? The spell she weaves over him is more than he can resist and, desperate to be the one to rule her, Merrick offers her a choice; either come with him until he tires of her...or die.

~*~My Review~*~
I have longed to read this book for months now...unfortunately it was not available in the stores in my general area, thus I had to resort to ordering the book. It wound up costing close to fifteen dollars but was completely worth the money and the wait! What first drew me to this book was the storyline. It was such a unique story that, despite the fact I had never heard of the author before, I found myself delving further into my research on the book, and between the summaries, reviews and excerpt I found, I was dying to own the book for my own! Michelle M. Pillow has created a fascinating and thoroughly intriguing world where her characters may flourish - and oh boy!...what amazing characters they are!!

Pillow is a wonderful author, thus she is able to bring her various characters to life for her readers, enabling us (me) to feel intense emotions regarding the characters - there were some I simply wished to hold in my arms for the rest of eternity, while I would gladly have accepted ten minutes alone with some of the other characters and a wooden bat! The story was filled with twists and turns, amazing plot and subplots, wonderfully imaginative characters, love, loss, happiness, pain, confusion, mystery, danger, witty banter, and of course a very sexy unblessed king! It had everything one could hope for in a paranormal romance and then some!

I want to specifically mention the brilliance of Pillow's subcharacters! I felt as though I knew them all personally and am starving for the next book where the relationship between Hugh (the eldest brother) and the Faery Queen will finally be further developed from the taste we were given in King of the Unblessed.

Overall, King of the Unblessed was the perfect introduction to this previously unbeknownst-to-me author, and I cannot wait to experience the next installment in the Realm Immortal Series!!

~*~Excerpts~*~
"Merrick didn't think, had just watched her like he would a play. He loved her, or at least thought he could love her, as much as any being with a dark heart could love. Love was not so lofty an emotion and was strongly thought exclusive to the blessed. However, as with all things, the emotion was more complicated than that, for love could be as dark as the underworld, as enslaving as death, as vengeful as a righteous cause. Beings killed in the name of love, died for it, lusted after it, greedily kept it locked away, withheld it, exploited it. This was not an emotion the King of the Unblessed sought to possess. ...
No, there was no reason for it. All he knew is that night after night he was drawn to the garden basin to watch her. At first he'd hoped to find fault with her, thus losing interest. But the more he watched, the more he longed for her, wanted her, until she entered his thoughts when he was away from the garden. ...
Merrick frowned. There was only one option left to him. He'd go to her and offer her a choice. Either she would come with him until he tired of her or he would have her killed. If he possessed her, had her locked away in his castle, then he wouldn't be so obsessed. Lady Juliana would be under his complete control. If she chose death, then he'd no longer be able to gaze upon her face, unless it was to see it rotting in the ground. The spell would be broken and he would be free of her."
~~~
"'Where are you, Sir Knight? Why haven't you come to rescue me? I'd trade my soul to you for an adventure,' she whispered to herself, closing her eyes. She reached out with her feelings, willing him to come to her. 'Just one good adventure. Take me away with you to foreign lands. Show me the castles and palaces of enemy kings. Dance with me under the stars by the light of a dragon's breath. Please, rescue me, Sir Knight.'
'I wouldn't demand your soul, my lady, just your undying loyalty for an eternity.' ...
Dark eyes stared at her from a handsome face. His skin was tanned, his features hard. ... Her heart beat faster, quickening like it did in her dreams. ... 'Forgive me,' Juliana managed,...'did you speak?'
He took a step toward her. Juliana couldn't move. She couldn't see anything but the man. It was as if the world faded away, taking all her cares with it.
'I was merely taking you up on your offer, Juliana. You offered your soul, but I'll only demand your eternal loyalty and obedience. The soul you can keep. I have no use for it.'

Gena Showalter ~ The Pleasure Slave

2008-07-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

When Santa Fe antique dealer Julie Anderson was curiously drawn to purchase a battered jewelry box, she never expected it to contain her own personal love slave. Especially not tall, dark and sinfully handsome Tristan-a man hard to resist, and determined to fulfill her every desire.
Though Tristan was a rogue of the battlefield and the boudoir, making love with Julia was like nothing he'd ever known. Yet revealing his true heart would break the centuries-old spell and separate them forever. And Tristan would do anything to go on loving Julia. . .even remain a slave through all eternity. . .

- Taken from Gena Showalter's homepage

http://members.cox.net/genashowalter/index.htm -

~*~My Review~*~

The Pleasure Slave is the second novel in the Imperia series (although both books in the series - The Stone Prince & The Pleasure Slave - easily stand on their own). Once again Showalter has rocked my socks with her fabulous storyline, witty writing, and loveable characters. I will admit that the storyline was very similar to that of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Fantasy Lover and Marjorie M. Liu's Tiger Eye however it's hard not to be similar when writing about a pleasure slave, and I do believe Showalter actually wrote her story before the others (although I cannot be positive). However despite that it was very similar to both of those fantastic novels, I loved this book. One of the things I love best about Gena Showalter's stories is her witty dialogue, fiesty female characters, and the undying love and devotion her characters come to feel for one another. This book met all of those standards! It was an enjoyable read and definitely worth the buy. :)

I especially loved how jealous Tristan became over the guy-next-door and was blown away by the sacrifices he was willing to make to be with the only woman he had ever truly loved.

Like all of her books, The Pleasure Slave has become one of my favorites and I just wish Gena would perhaps continue the Imperia series...it's a very interesting world with even more interesting inhabitants. ;)

~*~Excerpts~*~

"With shaky fingers she pressed the button...A man - a very large man - stood in front of her. He wore nothing more than a pair of black skintight pants. A sword dangled at his waist. The man was gorgeous. His seductiveness hit her like an uncontrollable whirlwind. His skin was bronzed, sexy and ridged with muscle. Everything about him oozed carnality.

'You summoned?' he asked.

Summon this gorgeous warrior? In her wildest fantasies, perhaps. 'Me, summon you? I promise I did no such thing.'

He ignored her denial. 'What do you wish of me?...Do I now kiss your naked body or let you kiss mine?'"

~~~

"He wanted this woman, wanted to embrace her every nuance, and hold nothing of himself back. Instead of the horror he'd envisioned with such an admission, he felt oddly at peace. He would be the man who unleashed Julia's full passion, who showed her just how delightful all pleasures of the flesh could be. He would be the one to savor her reactions.

Not Puny Peter.

That idiot was not good enough for her. Tristan knew it. Soon, too, would Julia."

Katie MacAlister ~ Aisling Grey, Guardian Series!!!

2008-07-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

~Spoiler Alert: Warning - If you don't wish to know what happens in the later books then do not read the summaries or excerpts. I won't give away much but the summaries do give a bit away~

You Slay Me: The first book in a sexy, humorous paranormal thriller series featuring Aisling Grey, an apprentice Guardian, and her sometimes boyfriend, sometimes foe Drake Vireo, wyvern (leader) of one of the four dragon septs. Aisling finds her true calling when she travels to Paris to deliver a medieval object that is part of a set sought after for the power it wields.
There she meets the handsome Drake, a man who is not at all what he seems. Implicated in the circumstances of two murders, Aisling, the demon she summons for help (and subsequently can’t get rid of) named Jim, and Drake find themselves caught up in a web of lies and confusion that could well result in the demon lords of hell ruling the mortal world.

Fire Me Up: Aisling Grey is back--and in more trouble than ever. She thought being a courier would be easy. It's not. She thought being a Guardian would come naturally. It doesn't. She thought she could get out of being a wyvern's mate. She can't. And she never thought she'd be irresistible to men. But she is...

Light My Fire: It’s not easy being a demon lord, a Guardian, and a wyvern’s mate all at once. Luckily, I just moved to London to study all things Guardian with my mentor. A new start is just what I need since being betrayed (again!) by Drake, wyvern of the green dragons. Though I’m supposedly immortal, I’m not so sure my heart can take another beating.
But I’m still officially Drake’s mate—and my presence is required at a meeting of the green dragons. How I’m going to keep my distance from that fire-breathing hunk is beyond me. It doesn’t help that several attempts have been made on my life. Or that I’m wanted by the entire otherworldly population of imps since Jim, my doggie demon sidekick, accidentally ate their ruler. Being an alpha-dragon and all, Drake is sure to get protective of me. Which might not be a bad thing when war breaks out and all hell breaks loose—literally…

Holy Smokes: The man of my dreams—uber-sexy Drake Vireo, wyvern of the green dragons—has finally decided to make an honest woman of me. That is, if we ever make it to the wedding at the same time! Being left at the altar may have cooled my jets, but not my passion...a good thing when Drake disappears and it's up to me to find him.
Most brides just have in-laws to worry about. Me? I have warring dragons, ticked-off demon lords, eternal damnation, and a mage who wants to challenge me for an otherworldly position I don’t even want. Good thing I have Jim, my doggie-demon at my side. He’s never let me down—yet…

- Taken from Katie MacAlister's Website

http://www.katiemacalister.com/index.php#quiet ~

~*~My Review~*~

MacAlister's Aisling Grey, Guardian series was fantastic!! I absolutely loved it!! I had seen these books online and in the stores all of the time but had never taken the time to actually look into them until one day I stumbled upon a summary of the first book and after reading the excerpt I was hooked. I ran out and bought the first book in the series "You Slay Me" and was a goner from the first chapter. MacAlister has created a wonderfully unique world filled with wonderfully unique characters and plots. Her writing is amazing and really brings the characters to life for the reader; from the moment you begin reading this book you will be thrown into a fantasy world you will never wish to escape.

There were a great deal of things that I particularly loved about this series. Aside from the fact that the amazing storyline was completely different from anything I had ever experienced before, and aside from the fact that I was enthralled by the superb story and in love with the characters, what drew me in the most was the relationship between the characters - especially between Aisling and Drake (our hero/heroin). I loved that although MacAlister made Aisling and Drake "mates" (thus meaning they were destined to be together) she made sure that being mates did not instantly mean they loved one another. Aisling and Drake acknowledged and accepted their mating but did not harbor under false pretenses that they were automatically in love because they were fated to each other. Instead, they fell in love despite their many attempts not to, and in the end they saw their loving one another as a very fortunate turn of events. They fell in love because they got to know one another not because they believed they were supposed to be in love. Their love was real. I also loved all of the subcharacters! MacAlister did an amazing job building a cast of characters her readers would both love and despise.

This series was absolutely wonderful from start to finish and although I was sad to see it end, I was pleased with how things turned out. I definitely recommend this book to all who enjoy paranormal and/or romance novels! These books have become some of my faves...and that is high praise indeed. ;)

~*~Excerpts~*~

(You Slay Me)

"'Well, if it isn't Puff the Magic Dragon,' I said to Drake's back. I didn't speak loudly, but the second the words left my mouth, a hush fell over the entire club. ... Drake's shoulders stiffened at my words. He slowly turned around, his eyes shining with a brilliant green light in the smoky darkness of the club. ... I took a step forward and poked him in the chest. 'You have something of mine Drake. I want it back. Now.' ... His eyes narrowed. His nostrils flared. The air of danger that surrounded him - so palpable, I could almost touch it - thickened. The people surrounding us surreptitiously moved back several paces as if they were expecting trouble. I wished I could join them. ...

His voice swept over me again, deep with warning. 'You are a very good actress. I actually believed your act earlier. I will not make that mistake again.' I lifted my chin, my insides quaking. I was about to pick a fight I knew I couldn't win. Sometimes I truly am an idiot. 'It wasn't an act. I've had a very informative day. I've learned about dragons and guardians and imps and faeries, but all that is irrevelant. I want my dragon back, drake. We both know you have it. So, for that matter do the police. If you don't want me to call them up and tell them where to find you, you'll give it back to me.'

A smile flirted with his lips. Dangerous lips, I reminded myself as my heart started beating faster. He might be a dragon, he might be someone whose name instilled fear in other people, but boy howdy, he sure turned my crank. 'Are you by any chance threatening me?' I lifted my chin even higher. 'Only if you intend on making things hard.'

His gaze raked me as he took in the pretty poppy dress. 'Things are already hard, sweetheart.' My knees almost melted at the double entendre, but I stiffened them and reminded my libido that he was a thief who had cruelly stolen my aquamanile and left me at the mercy of the genderarmes. 'I doubt you're going to die from hauling a bit of wood,' I said, purposefully misinterpreting his statement. 'Let's stick to the point, shall we? You have my dragon. I want it back.'

'I am immortal, Asiling - I cannot die. You, however, are refreshingly mortal.' As he spoke, his fingers slid around my neck until his hand was gripping me in a hold that was borderline strangling. ...

'You can huff and puff and breathe fire on me all you want, drake,' I said, my voice hoarse as his fingers slowly squeezed the air from my windpipe. I kept my chin up, my gaze firmly on his. 'I'm not going to back down. I am not afraid of you.'

'No? We shall see about that, shall we?' He moved closer, and every nerve in my body screamed a warning, but I just stood there as he pulled me to him, his arms hard as steel behind me, his mouth swooping down to mine.

One part of my mind protested the fact that he was kissing me in full sight of everyone in the bar, the other part felt a moment of fear flare to life as I understood the true relationship between a dragon and his fire. Heat burst throgh me the second his lips touched mine, the flames of his desire scorching me, licking alonng my skin until it started infernos within me. Pinpricks of sweat formed along my brow and spine as his fever consumed us, wrapping me in a searing cocoon of fire that stripped the air from my lungs. His tongue touched mine, and the heat that swept through me started to boil my blood. My flesh caught fire. ... I was dying, burning from the inside out, Drake's fire setting every atom within me alight. Just as I knew I was literally going to burst into flames, something miraculous happened. A door within my mind opened...and suddenly I had leashed the fire, controlled it, changed it from a destructive element that was meant to consume me into something that added fuel to the desire that flared between us. I turned the fire back on Drake and began to kiss him in return, reveling in the power that was flowing through me as if I were a conduit. ... 'I believe that round goes to you,' he said softly, his voice thrumming through me..."

Inspiration

2008-07-06T01:57:00.000-07:00

Read Some Books, Broke The Law & Found A New Place To Haunt ;)

2008-07-04T00:34:00.001-07:00

Ok...in the last week I have read a bunch of books (needless to say I will talk about this in depth before the end of this post), found a charming used bookstore with amazing prices, good selection and a calming, quaint atmosphere complete with interesting shop keepers and two chubby store cats, and broke the law. I know what you're thinking...you broke the law??? Well yes I did. I was caught going 85 on a freeway with a speedlimit of 70 (thus speeding ticket, hence the breaking the law portion of my week). This was actually my very first speeding ticket! I am dreading how much this mistake is going to cost me, although there is a silver lining: the ticket scared me into stubbornly following the speed limit since then, so I am not longer a law-breaker. ;)

Anyways, back to this store: it's called Tom's Used & Rare Books in Lodi, California on School Street. It has honestly become one of my favorite bookstores (a high compliment indeed) and I am so thrilled I found it! I'm not sure if you are aware of this but I have been searching for Gena Showalter's "The Pleasure Slave" for months-upon-months but everywhere I turned it was either out of stock or would cost a fortune to order! I was honestly considering ordering it from Borders even though it would cost me about $14 when all of a sudden where should I find it? That's right...I found it at Tom's for...how much? .... $2!!!! I know...I was thrilled as well. =)
I actually just read Showalter's novel today and loved it as I knew I would! Anyone who enjoyed her story "The Stone Prince" will adore this second novel in the Imperia series as well. I'll post on the book later on ;).

Alrighty...on to the books! I have FINALLY acquired Michelle M. Pillow's "King of the Unblessed" and truly loved it! I'm practically salivating at the mouth to read Hugh and the Fairy Queen's story next!!! I also finished Lynsay Sand's "A Reluctant Reformer", and Lora Leigh's "The Man Within", and I at last got my hands on Kresley Cole's "Darks Needs At Night's Edge" (the 4th installment in the immortals after dark series) and can once again reaffirm my absolute ADORATION for the Immortal After Dark Series!! I also completed reading the Aisling Grey, Guardian Series and am about to begin reading Kerrilyn Spark's "How To Marry A Millionaire"...I'll let ya know how this one turns out (although I have a feeling it will be similar to Lynsay Sands' Argeneau Vamp Series - which won't be a bad thing, because the books I have read from that series have all been enjoyable thus far) :)

I am currently keeping busy trying to constructively manage my remaining days before leaving for UCSB in September...so much to do, so much to buy, so much to read...so little time. Well here's hoping I can keep the speedomotor below 100 ;)

Farewell for now,
Cherie

Blogging When I Should Be Snoring (not that I snore lol)

2008-06-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

I have to wake up tommorow morning to work out, clean my house, play taxi cab for a friend and hopefully work in a trip to the bookstore somewhere in there...and yet am I asleep? Me who needs at least 7 hours of peaceful sleep to be only slightly groggy in the morning? I think not. Instead of sleeping I am listening to music better suited for a dark, loud night club, chatting with friends who manage to bring out my inner wild child, and blogging on my wonderful blogger.com haha...yeah, much more constructive than sleeping! ;) I am currently reading A Reluctant Reformer by Lynsay Sands (pretty good so far...creative storyline), and am repeating a few novels like Cole's Immortals After Dark Series (can never get enough of them!!! lol). And unfortunately I have been unable to locate the third book in Katie MacAlister's Aisling Grey, Guardian series so I am stuck in limbo until my order can go threw...not a fun place to be (especially when you're as hooked as I am...really they should make patches for book addicts *then again...maybe not* haha). Alrighty, well I suppose I should probably pull myself away from the computer screen and take the headphones out of my ears and say goodbye to my friends before it gets any later.

I'll keep ya posted *fingers crossed that Light My Fire Comes VERY SOON!!!*
Cherie

Jacquie D'Alessandro ~ Whirlwind Wedding!!!

2008-06-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

SHE WAS A TOTAL STRANGER...

YET SHE SAW RIGHT INTO HIS SOUL...

Austin Randolph Jamison, Ninth duke of Bradford, met the uncanny beauty at the ball at Bradford Hall. And from that first moment, he was stunned. How could this unsophisticated female, who climbed a tree in a ball gown to rescue a kitten, know secrets that could ruin his family, and speak of danger that threatened them all? Who was she, this American bluestocking who knew too much, whose innocence shone in her eyes even as her full lips tempted sin? Suddenly the duke knew he could not afford to let her go....

Some called it a gift. To Elizabeth Matthews, however, her visions were a responsibility that bound her to protect others from danger, no matter that the gossipmongers whispered she was chasing the duke to the alter. She vowed to use her powers to protect Austin at any cost, reckless of the passions that drove her into his arms., the need that made her his bride, never expecting marriage to turn into a love match that would become the ton's most delicious scandal....

- Taken from Jacquie D'Alessandro's website http://www.jacquied.com/index.html -

~*~My Review ~*~

Whirlwind Wedding was the book that first captured my attention and drew me to Jacquie D'Alessandro's novels. From the very moment I read the excerpt on D'Alessandro's website I was a goner. I knew I would love this story and so I have! I had originally hoped to make it the first novel I read by this author however it happened that I was able to get my hands on her book Who Will Take This Man? first and so Whirlwind Wedding was not the book that introduced me to this fabulous author, however Who Will Take This Man? wound up being an amazing read (see my review below to see just how amazing!!) and merely wetted my appetite for more of D'Alessandro's works.

Whirlwind Wedding is a fresh take on historical romances because rather than the heroin being the perfect, saught-after beauty, Elizabeth is an unconventional, eccentric American who captures not only the heart of our dashing Duke but the hearts of readers as well. D'Alessandro has once again blown me away with her superb writing, unique storyline, witty dialogue and completely loveable characters. D'Alessandro's novels are must reads for anyone who enjoys historical romances!!! I love this story! =)

~*~ Excerpts ~*~

"You want to kiss me."

Her whispered words brushed by him, setting his pulses thrumming. Damn it, yes, he wanted to kiss her. Needed to. Had to. Surely one kiss would satisfy this inexplicable hunger to taste her. Giving in to a craving he couldn't explain or fight any longer, he leaned forward. She stepped back. He closed the distance between them, but again she retreated, her expressive eyes filled with uncertainty.

Hell, the woman hadn't backed down before him once--not in the face of his anger, his sarcasm, or suspicions. But the thought of his kiss sent her into retreat.

"Is something amiss?" he asked softly, stepping closer.

"Certainly not," she retorted, inching backward until the wooden wall stopped her. "I'm merely, er, warm."

"Yes, it's quite, er, warm in here."

Two long, unhurried strides brought him directly in front of her. He braced his hands on the wall on either side of her shoulders, bracketing her in. Raising her chin a notch, she stared at him with what he had to admit was a fine show of bravado, but her rapid breathing spoiled the effect. "If you're trying to frighten me, your grace--"

"I'm trying to kiss you, which will be much easier now that you've stopped moving about."

"I don't want you to kiss me."

"Yes, you do."

He moved closer, until only inches separated them. The scent of lilacs filled his head.

"Have you ever been kissed?"

"Of course. Thousands of times."

He raised a brow. "I meant by a man."

"Oh. Well, then, hundreds of times."

"A man other than your father."

"Oh. In that case…one."

Unexpected irritation rippled through him. "Indeed? And did you enjoy it?"

"Actually, no. It was rather…dry."

"Ah. Then you were not properly kissed."

"And you wish to kiss me properly?"

"No." He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "I intend to kiss you most improperly."

***

The kiss became an endless blending of heated sighs and pleasure-filled moans. Just one more...just one more will be enough...I'll have my fill of her.

But it wasn't enough. He couldn't get her close enough, feel her enough, taste her enough. His hands wandered restlessly up and down her back, first tunneling through her silken hair, then spanning her waist and cupping her rounded bottom, pressing her closer to him.

;) hee hee

2008-06-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

I'm Back---again blushes

2008-06-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

I know, I know...I should just permanently change my name to MIA and face the truth. I keep disappearing on this blog (although thankfully this time my excuse is being wrapped up in books rather than in my sickbed's blankets so that's something...right?). I have seriously neglected this blog and am thoroughly ashamed of myself.

...Ok I'm over it. Well now that I'm back I have a million book reviews to post up and will post some tonight (I swear) and I have also fallen behind (once again) on my quote of the week so I will post one of those on here today too. ;)

I have been reading some really good books lately! I have finally gotten into MacAlister's Aisling Grey series and boy can I tell you, I am soooo glad I stopped passing these books by in the book stores! I will be posting a review on these books although I think I may wait a few days until I have finished the entire series so I can give an overall review of it. I have also read more of Jacquie D'Alessandro's books and it is official --- she has definitely become one of my favorite authors!! It seems so rare that you find an author whose every single book you love but D'Alessandro has become one of those authors for me!! I will post on the novels of hers I've read later on tonight!! I am also currently reading Hoyt's "To Taste Temptation" and thus far am enjoying it :)...

Well I think that's all for now...I'll keep ya posted (literally) ;)

Smile,
Cherie

No Longer MIA ;)

2008-06-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been absent for so long. For the past week I've been tying up loose strings and dealing with college plans and graduated so yay!! Unfortunately however an hour after my graduation a friend and I both caught some bug from another friend and so now we're both glued to our beds. Which is good for my reading but bad for the body.

I just recently acquired some new books!!!!

I bought Whirlwind Wedding (by Jacqui D'Alessandro) and read it today!! Needless to say I will be posting a response soon - although perhaps not tonight seeing as how crummy I'm feeling - I am so going to send the friend who got me sick a disgruntled message! lol ;). I also bought Moon Called (by Patricia Briggs)...I'd got a lot of good feedback on this book and read an excerpt online so hopefully it will prove to be an interesting read. I also bought The Darkest Night (by Gena Showalter) - I wanted to hold off until the first three were all out but couldn't resist buying it in the stores the other day *hee hee*. Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but I have also recently purchased Elizabeth Hoyt's To Taste Temptation, and Who Will Take This Man (by Jacquie D'Alessandro).

So you can expect some upcoming reviews (I think I actually have a few reviews I need to catch up on for books I previously read) so keep an eye out. And I intend another visit to the bookstore soon, so if you have any suggestions give me a holler!!

Have a wonderful Monday tommorow!!!
Cherie

Who Will Take This Man? ~ Jacquie D'Alessandro

2008-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

WHO WILL TAKE THIS MAN?

THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR...
Philip Whitmore, Viscount Greybourne, has survived desert sandstorms, unearthed treasures of ancient cities, and defeated knife-wielding grave robbers. But when it comes to something as ordinary as getting married, Philip discovers that it's not so easy. He's been cursed after discovering an ancient stone tablet that dooms any woman foolish enough to marry him. Somehow, his fortune, title and dashing good looks no longer seem appealing -- and his carefully selected society bride has left him at the alter.

THE SCANDAL OF THE SEASON...
Beautiful Meredith Chilton-Grizedale is determined to find Philip his perfect wife. The abruptly terminated "Marriage of the Season" was going to make her reputation as the Matchmaker of Mayfair, so now it's up to her to find someone to marry the most unmarriageable man in England. Yet from the moment she meets the mysterious viscount, Meredith finds herself falling for a man she should not love. With an ominous curse over their heads, risking her life for passion would be madness indeed...

- Taken from Jacquie D'Alessandro's website http://www.jacquied.com/index.html -

~*~ My Review ~*~

As I mentioned in a previous post, I stumbled upon Jacquie D'Alessandro thanks to some very intriguing reviews and am now desperate to read her novels! I was hoping to make "Whirlwind Wedding" my first D'Alessandro novel, however I have thus far been unable to get my hands on a copy, thus it was "Who Will Take This Man?" (another of D'Alessandro's stories that caught my interest) that served as my first taste of this author's talents and let me tell you...it did not disappoint! This novel was definitely worth the read three times over! It had a very unique storyline which is of course always a good thing, and it was a surprising mix of both historical and paranormal romance genres, however I would definitely say this book falls more so into the historical department than the paranormal.

Our hero and heroin were mouth-watering, remarkable, and a perfect fit for one another, and yet somehow D'Alessandro kept her two main characters from resembling the usual leads in romance novels. They were both flawed, having come from difficult - though very different - backgrounds, having both been outsiders, and both making mistakes along the way. The chemistry and utter understanding between Meredith and Philip was very evident and made their love seem somehow more real and true than many of the romances you read about in a good deal of today's books. The author also provided her readers with amazing supporting characters - granting us with a romance on the side, and even hints at a potential love story to come! I remember reading through the book and practically jumping up and down in my seat wanting to know if my assumptions about two of the characters were correct (something I daresay I will learn in the next book *wink wink*) lol.

I must also commend Jacquie on her plot; I was in suspense throughout the story and, although I was 85% sure who the villian was from the beginning, she made it seem so obvious that the reader can't help but feel as though it has to be wrong (I suspect that is part of the genius) and then out of no where makes you suspect another character - someone you soooo dont want to suspect. lol...in the end, even though I had predicted who the bad guy would be all along, I was still practically chomping down on my nails when the time came to see who the man behind the mask was!

As you can probably tell, I really liked reading this novel and am anxiously awaiting my next D'Alessandro experience...I really want to read the next book in the series (especially now that I am very familiar with the hero/heroin) however I am also still dying to read "whirlwind wedding" so who knows which I will read first...either way it's sure to be an utterly thrilling read and I can not wait!! ;)

~*~ Excerpt ~*~

Bloody hell. What was wrong with him? Phillip was normally not prone to lascivious thoughts, especially when he was working. Of course, he had never worked in such close proximity to a woman before. A woman whose skirts rustled with her every movement, inspiring thoughts of the curvaceous form beneath. A woman who smelled just like she'd stepped out of the confectioner's.

A woman who was not his fiancee.

Meredith frowned, and worried her lower lip beneath her teeth, drawing his attention to her mouth. And what a lovely mouth it was. He couldn't decide if it were more likely that those full, moist, delectable lips had been fashioned by an angel or by the devil himself. Miss Chilton-Grizedale portrayed the epitome of a proper lady, but there was nothing proper about that rosy, lush mouth or the heated thoughts it inspired.

He closed his eyes and was overtaken by a vivid image of himself pulling her into his arms. He could almost feel her curvees pressed against him. Lowering his head, he toughed his lips to hers. Warm. Soft. She tasted delicious...like a rich, luscious dessert. He deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into the heat of her mouth and...

"Is something amiss, Lord Greybourne?"

On The Prowl...Books Beware ;)

2008-05-28T21:23:00.001-07:00

Ok I am officially dying to read Whirlwind Wedding by Jacquie D'alessandro!!! I found this author via reviews on blogs and barnes&noble.com and boy am I glad I took the time to check her out! I have a list of 5 of her novels I'm desperate to read especially Whirlwind Wedding!

I read the summary and was immediately intrigued, and once I'd read an excerpt on Jacquie's homepage I was a goner!!! I want to read this novel so badly but unfortunately it is not available at any of my local bookstores, thus I will be forced to order it and wait for the snail-mail to bring it into my waiting arms.

Anyone who is interested in historical romances should check out Jacquie's homepage at http://www.jacquied.com/index.html. I have yet to read any of her books however the fact that I am pimping her work after only reading excerpts should be a good sign lol. I'll let ya know when I finally get my hands on Whirlwind Wedding and will definitely post a review afterwards.

~~~
On another note: I only have 2 more finals before classes end and with that in mind I am taking a break and heading to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (the amusement park) tommorow!! It should be wonderful and I will post pics if I remember to take the camera *which knowing me: I'll likely remember to take it but forget it in the car lol...so is my life...* ;)

Smile!!
Cherie

"Suddenly You" (Lisa Kleypas)

2008-05-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

Summary: She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible...but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.

Jack Devlin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently-bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected...but both soon craved.

- Taken from Lisa Kleypas' Site http://www.lisakleypas.com/ -

~*~ My Review ~*~

This is the second novel I have read by Lisa Kleypas and I must say it has proven to be every bit as wonderful as "Mine Till Midnight" (a huge compliment indeed)!! The storyline was very original and the relationship between Amanda and Jack is (simply-put) mouthwatering!! Kleypas has once again managed to capture the desire, the tenderness, the vulnerability, the courage, the sparks, and most importantly the love, to such a degree that I was sad to see it end (although the ending was absolutely to my liking). And once again she has managed to create characters that I adore: Amanda is amazingly witty and I loved that Kleypas didn't follow the norm and make her the most saught after beauty in the story but rather a woman who was a bit more round than tall and who had accepted her life of spinsterhood (and yet she still had Jack desiring her in every way possible). And speaking of Jack: Kleypas has once again given me a hero fit for my fictional love list lol. Jack's wit, sexy looks, and playfulness mix with his air of danger, intelligence, tenderness and hidden vulnerability to make him my favorite playful scoundrel. ;)

I am so glad I bought this novel and can not wait to explore Kleypas' other works...I have no doubt they will all be as fabulous as the first two I have had the pleasure of devouring lol.

That is all for now...

Cherie :)

Long Time No Post...

2008-05-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I know it's been awhile but I am so blame-free for my lack of presense here on my blog this last week. Can I really be faulted if finals kept me from posting?...I think not. lol...ok ok I suppose I could have found time, but what would I have posted about? Finals are boring enough as it is without complaining about them. Not to mention that all of my free time (plus some time that should have been spent studying) was strictly reserved for my books. *hee hee* what can I say? I openly admit to being a book junkie. ;)

Speaking of...

I finally got my greedy little hands on Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon and am planning on devouring the book at first chance!! I also just bought five new historical romances (four from the Friends of the Library bookstore I told you about - all costing under $3 each) and one from Borders bookstore. From FOL, I bought the first 2 installments in Sabrina Jeffries' Royal Brotherhood Trilogy (I read this series a long time ago and have been meaning to purchase it since then lol) and I also got Jeffries' first 2 books in her School For Heiresses Series. I finished Never Seduce A Scoundrel (1st book in the series) about a week or so ago but never got around to posting about it but no worries I will...lol. From borders I bought Lisa Kleypas' "Suddenly You"...I finished it last night and will definitely be posting a review of it on here today :).

I've got my eyes on some others as well: thanks to some fabulous reviews I've found online I am now eager to read "Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs, "Comanche Moon" by Catherine Anderson, "A Reluctant Reformer" by Lynsay Sands, "Love Bites" by Lynsay Sands, "The King of the Unblessed" by Michelle M. Pillow, and a new one not yet out "Cry Wolf" by Patricia Briggs.

Alright well that's all for now. I'll be posting some reviews on here today and possibly tommorow evening so look out for them ;)

TaTa FoR nOw...

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

2008-05-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

“Dorothy: Weren't you frightened?

Wizard of Oz: Frightened? Child, you're talking to a man who's laughed in the face of death, sneered at doom, and chuckled at catastrophe... I was petrified.”

- The Wizard of Oz movie -

The Castle of the Wolf!!!

2008-05-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

I finished reading "The Castle of the Wolf" the other day and stand by my previous belief that this is truly a wonderful romance novel. The storyline was original, the characters were wonderfully easy to relate to (and as I mentioned in a previous post, I ADORED most of the characters and despised one in particular - which I consider a sign of fabulous writing...after all, such a strong emotional response can only be brought about by a very good story :)...), and the ending was even better than I had hoped for. I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say that I now am eager to find my own "wolf" lol ;)

I also really loved how Sandra Schwab (the author) added in the spirit of the "Wolves of Wolfenbach"...it was very original and I enjoyed reading the short blurbs from their perspective!!

So all-in-all this was a really great book...I daresay it has even become one of my favorites, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys either historical or paranormal romances (it really fits under both categories, although I'd say it leans more so into the historical area.)

I already posted a summary of this book just a few posts ago so if you'd like to read it, you can find it below or go to Sandra Schwab's homepage @ http://www.sandraschwab.com/.

Man I'm Pooped!!

2008-05-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

At this moment I am contemplating whether to quickly finish this post, shut down my laptop, and fall into the warm comfort of my blankets and cool softness of my pillows, OR quickly post this message, shut down my computer, and read...lol...which do you think I'll choose?

LOL...truth be told I've already set the book beside my bed knowing I'll more than likely read for hours and hours still, thus sacrificing precious sleep for precious stories (sounds like a good deal to me haha).

I'm thoroughly exhausted at the moment; this week I have been running around studying for finals for my college courses, and organizing/de-cluttering...I spent the first half of today in classrooms, and the second half in my bedroom dusting and reorganzing every ity bity inch of it because I am redecorating tommorow...*oh yes, the fun continues on through the weekend*. And to top off my week, I am just beginning to really get over that "sickness" (*cough, near-death-experience, cough*) that I was suffering from last week. Thankfully though, I am feeling much better aside from the exhaustion and a left-over headache that seems to be having separation anxieties - it's refusing to leave me, whereas I've packed it's bags and am doing my best to push it out the door.

Okay well I don't really have much else to write, but if I find a spare moment this weekend *LOL...yeah...right...that'll happen* I'll come on to post an update on the books in my life ;)

Later Gator...

"Castle Of The Wolf" (Found A New One!!! ...hee hee)

2008-05-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

There is a used bookstore in my town called "Friends of the Library"...I love going there because they generally have a few hidden treasures (all under $5!!) that I can lose myself in. I went in there yesterday to see what novels they had and stumbled upon a novel by an author I had never heard of before. I read the back and the front excerpt and was suddenly purchasing it (for only $2.25 in case you're wondering ;) ...lol....).

"Castle of the Wolf" by: Sandra Schwab is truly spectacular!!! I have to continuously tear myself away from it to study and yet can't seem to stray from its pages for very long (which is a good sign for the story but a bad sign for my finals this coming week lol).

"Castle of the Wolf"

By: Sandra Schwab

Summary: After the death of her father, Cissy Fussell finds out that she has
inherited a castle in the Black Forest - but on one condition: she has to marry
the son of her father's old friend.
Ever since he returned home from the war, physically and emotionally wounded, Fenris von Wolfenbach has lived in the castle of his family, retired from the world like the beast in the fairy tale. Thus he is far from happy when one day a young Englishwoman turns up on his doorstep and claims his home as hers. Fenris is prepared to use any means fair or foul to get rid of his unwelcome visitor again.
But will he manage to put Cissy to flight with rats on the loose? Or will she unravel the secrets of the Castle of Wolfenbach and eventually tame her beast?
- Taken from Sanrda Schwab's website http://www.sandraschwab.com/

~*~My Review~*~

I am nearing the end of Schwab's story...a few more chapters and I'll have to close the book (sad thought)...Thus far I have been thoroughly enthralled by Schwab's novel! It is written very well, has some very great characters (including some who you want to slap in the face and stab in the toe with your sharpest high heels...but also others who you want to hold safe in your embrace and whisper reassuring words of love into their ears all night long...), and the storyline is really amazing! Our heroin is an amazingly intriguing combination of innocence, wit, desire, bravery, and stubborness, while our male hero is a flawed, roguish, wonderfully gentle sweetheart "bugaboo" who has made my list of "fictional loves" under the title of "Bat Conquerer". Although the storyline may seem a bit too close to the corny aspects of fairytales when judged by the back cover, it is truly a delightful, intriguing read that had me laughing, sighing, and "ahhh"ing non-stop (there was also a moment where a certain no-good, egotistical scoundrel *scowl* made me lash out and wish I had high heels on and him within arm's -no! LEG'S - length) lol. This has been a wonderful read and I am sooo thrilled I took a chance on it at that charming little bookshop I've come to treasure. =)

I'll keep ya posted on the book's progress :)

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~ (I know, I know...it's late...again...)

2008-05-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ok...obviously I am not doing well with keeping the quote of the week to stick to a particular day...so I have decided I will simply post a quote once a week (specific day and time be damned! ;) lol) Besides, it adds to the surprise this way...when will Cherie post the quote this week? Today?...nope. Tommorow?...Wouldn't YOU like to know!! *evil cackle...thunder & lightening...more evil laughter...cough, cough...thunder dies down into a pathetic silence* Oh well, there your bit of insanity for the night...

Alrighty...onto the quote! This week, my quote of choice is....

*Drum Roll....*

*...Are you ready for this?*

*...No really. Are you ready?...Are you sure?...Wow...you really want to know huh?*

*Sighs*

*O-K...I guess if you really must know...the quote this week is...*

What's love?

Love is...

What makes a weak man brave

And a king step off his throne

Good times, bad times

Easy times, tough times

It comes in an instant

And lasts three days after forever

That's what love is.

- Mike (Unknown by me)–

Okay, I know what you're thinking...CHERIE! That's not a quote, it's a poem! Well YES, YES IT IS. But making the title of these weekly blogs "Quote, poem, random saying, etc...of the week" was just too darn wordy...so just know that that's what I mean by quote of the day. I'll likely be posting quotes (from anywhere and everywhere - including my faves from books! mmmhhh...think of all of the possibilities!!), poems, famous sayings, songs, or whatever I feel like posting...so suck it up honey cause it's going to be fabulous! lol...okay...I daresay I'm in a loopy mood right now and apparently a chatty one at that, so I'm going to stop typing now...

Remember to smile!! =)

Mine 'Till Midnight (wowsers!!)

2008-05-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Summary: When Amelia Hathaway's brother disappears into the gambling hells and brothels of London she turns to half-Gypsy club owner Cam Rohan (from The Devil in Winter) to find him. Afterward, Amelia takes her family to their newly inherited country house. Surprisingly Cam is visiting their neighbor and his interest in Amelia leads him to continually call at their home. Though the family seems eccentric, Cam is utterly enchanted and begins wooing Amelia with gentleness, hoping to bring out her spirit of adventure. His care for her emotional and physical well-being combined with his help in dealing with a bee problem and restoring the ramshackle estate endears him to Amelia and her sisters. However, it is his promise to sweep her away at midnight into a sensual world where she is cherished and carefree that enables her to allow Cam deep into her heart and her family. Somehow Cam heals the family's wounds and when an ex-suitor starts snooping around hunting a priceless treasure, he is there to save them.

- Taken from Lisa Kleypas' Site http://www.lisakleypas.com/

~*~ My Review ~*~

I finished reading Lisa Kleypas' "Mine Till Midnight" a few days ago and all I can say is...wow. It was just as good as I thought it would be. Lisa Kleypas is an excellent writer whose storyline was creative and whose characters were superb! I fell head over heels for Cam Rhoan (our leading man)! Cam is everything you could want out of your main male character (and yet is different from most stories' "heroes" because he is not the most saught after - in fact he's often times shunned due to his heritage, he's rich - but material items mean nothing to him, and although he does do his best to convince our leading lady to be his, the thing that makes readers love him most is how he auotmatically goes out of the way to comfort, protect, and aid the woman he loves simply because he loves her and not as a way of 'wooing' her.) Cam has definitely been added to my list of "fictional loves" (the fictional male characters who win my heart lol) and I daresay he's made the lists of every other woman who has read this novel.

Still Dying...(or according to the doctor's..."sick")

2008-05-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's official...I have now been "sick" this whole week!! As if my life isn't jam-packed enough as it is, my body decides to wage war on poor run-down lil' 'ol me. The doc says I may have mono or it may be that the stress in my life is catching up to me...I hold firm to the belief that I'm dying...we agreed to disagree lol.

Anyhoo...not much is going on in my life at this very moment...just school, college decisions and lots and lots of reading lol! ;) Well that's all for now...

Found another one ...or two...or three...

2008-05-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

As if I'm not already drowning 5 inches over my head in books to read, I've found more...yep that right. I should really learn to tear myself away from that dratted barnes and noble website...not to mention reading the fabulous reviews on other blogs. If I were smart I'd catch up and devour the books in my long TBR pile before sniffing around reading book reviews and excerpts *laughs out loud at the idea*...(hey, I never claimed to be smart) ;).

This time around it was the blogs that did me in. The book I want to read most at the moment is "Mine Till Midnight" (by: Lisa Kleypas) - I have seen this book many times and been drawn by it's truly beautiful cover, but before now had always talked myself out of buying it...well, no longer. I just read an excerpt online and practically growled in frustration when the excerpt ended...I NEED to read this story! I'd also like to look into "Suddenly You" by the same author...although it doesn't look quite as appealing as "Mine till Midnight", I do think it will be an interesting read.

At the moment I'm craving historical romance and thanks to "accidentally" reading over a review on Nicole Jordan's Courtship Wars Series, am now in the mood to fall once again into Jordan's weave. Thankfully the books are not 5 feet from me so I daresay it is a situation that will soon be rectified...now if only I had some chocolate to accompany them...hmmm...I think it's time to go turn my kitchen over in my hunt for sweets ;)

Always A Sweet Tooth,

Cherie

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

2008-05-06T23:11:00.000-07:00

"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."
- Oscar Wilde –

(P.S. I'm sorry I'm posting this a day late...I was sick in bed yesterday and didn't get around to doing it then...I really love this quote and thought the picture went with it wonderfully lol...ttfn)

Gotta Love Those Books!!! ;)

2008-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished rereading Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Fantasy Lover" and mmmhmmm...I've read this book about 5 times and each time I melt! It is such a remarkable combination of fantastic writing, to-die-for storyline/plot, and loveable characters. I'm a bit ashamed to say I have put off reading the remainder of the series, allowing myself to become distracted in all of the other amazing books I've come across. However after my latest reading of this fabulous story I am craving to continue the series!! I'm particularly desperate to read "Dragonswan" and "Night Pleasures" (that's what I get for reading the online excerpts...you think I'd learn not to read them until I can go out and GET the rest of the story but nooooo...*sighs*) No worries though...I'll have them in my hot little hands soon enough. And I have plenty of other amazing novels to keep my busy in the meantime lol.

Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark Series has to be one of the best paranormal series out there. Cole's storylines are creative and, although they follow along a certain pattern as most series do, each novel is completely unique and a true treasure in itself. The characters vary wonderfully and her writing is such that you will instantly be sucked into the characters' world and will relish every moment you are there! I love that she didn't simply continue writing the same thing with the same types (or I suppose I should say "species") of characters; the stories and characters vary so greatly that you do not get a sense of monotonous repitition and yet because she keeps the same characters in each story (in the background, like character's such as Nix - who I am soooo dying to read about in her own story) the reader immediately feels familiar with the strange world and can instantly connect with each and every character, making it all the more personal and enjoyable. I have just finished reading "A Hunger Like No Other" and "No Rest For The Wicked" and am currently rereading "Wicked Deeds On A Winter's Night". All I can say for these books is that they are truly fabulous and anyone who enjoys paranormal romance will fall head-over-heels for this ass-kicking series! ;)

XoXo...
Cherie

I'm craving sweets sooooo badly right now!!

2008-04-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Hamilton's The Killing Dance about an hour ago (needless to say I loved it, although the way things turned out did surprise me a bit and I am truly curious about how the continuing books will play out). I haven't started Burnt Offerings yet but will probably start on it by night's end - or at the very least by tommorow evening. I am currently in the middle of many, many books. It used to be where I could not stand to read more than one novel at a time, however lately I have found myself reading anywhere from 2 to 10 novels at a go. There are just too many amazing stories out there right now for me to choose which should go first so rather than having to decided I go back and forth - occassionally I'll stumble across a certain book or series that grabs my full attention and I'll stick to it/them to the end uninterrupted, but for the most part I read whichever book I am in the mood for.

I also tend to go back and read & re-read my favorite books over and over and over and over and over again until I can quote good portions of the books from memory. I can not tell you how many times I've come back to Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series, Gena Showalter's Playing With Fire, and C.L. Wilson's Tairen Soul Series (lets just say I actually have the majority of her made-up language down pat!...I especially love the phrase "Ver reisa ku'chae, Kem surah, Shei'tani" ~ "Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved. Pathetic I know that huh? Well oh well, it's just that damn good ;)...)

At the moment I've been keeping my focus mostly on the Anita Blake Series by Hamilton, however I have also been reading Christina Feehan's Dark Legend, J.R. Ward's Dark Lover, Sabrina Jeffries' Beware A Scots' Revenge, and Kresley Cole's A Hunger Like No Other. Oh! I've also been busy rereading Keri Arthur's Kissing Sin...the books in her series have been so damn good I actually started rereading the first books before finishing the rest of the series lol. I also just recently received Blood Red by Sharon Page thru the mail so I doubt I'll be able to resist the temptation of this particular novel for long. It's crazy how many amazing books there are out there at the moment - so many and yet somehow not enough haha. :)

okay well I'm hungry now so I'm off to raid my fridge *and with any luck will find something chocolate within it's depths!!)

Still helplessly entranced in Hamilton's series!

2008-04-28T23:29:00.000-07:00

I just started on Hamilton's The Killing Dance this morning. I haven't had much time to read it but already it's had Anita with Jean-Claude, Edward and Richard so it's looking to be once again a fabulous read (not that there was ever any doubt of that lol).

I have to say, I am in LOVE with everything about this book from the storyline, to the dialogue, to the action and romance aspects of it, it's ALL amazing!! But most of all I LOVE THE CHARACTERS and their relationships! My favorites are the relationship between Anita & Jean-Claude (come on! Who wouldn't love these 2 when they're together?? They have this amazing connection that just makes them click on a deeper level than the other characters - even if one of them *coughs "Anita"* refuses to see it).

Also, I love the relationship between Edward & Anita. I love that they are so equally matched, and that although Anita often depicts him as a merciless killing machine who would kill her if it suited him (which he very possibly might), that they are friends who tend to trust one another and I believe the significance of that bond is stronger than either realize or are willing to acknowledge. This latest book looks like it will have a great deal of Edward so I'm dying to keep those pages turning lol! In fact, I think I'll ditch my fun blogging and delve into the book's wonderful words now... ;)

Later Gator...

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

2008-04-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

Okay well as you can imagine, being so in love (a.k.a obsessed) with books, it shouldn't come as a surprise I also love poetry and quotes and such. I have pages of quotes (mostly about love and life) written down. And so, I have decided to start posting "Quote Of The Week". Every Monday I intend to post one of my fave quotes here on my blog for all to enjoy :)

Okay...My quote this week is not only one of my favorites but is one that I have taken to spouting out any and every chance I get.

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."

- Unkown Author

Your Colors Are Showin... ;)

2008-04-23T22:31:00.001-07:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Blue

You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Jeff Dunham - Solo intro (pt. 2)

2008-04-23T22:08:00.001-07:00

Jeff Dunham's Solo Intro (continued...)

Jeff Dunham - Solo intro (pt. 1)

2008-04-23T22:07:00.001-07:00

Ventriliquist Jeff Dunham's solo jokes act as the introduction to his show. It is (quoting his puppet Peanut) "Funny as Hell..."

UCSB HERE I COME gulp

2008-04-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

It's official...About an hour ago I sent in my Statement of Intent to Register with the University of Santa Barbara California, meaning I am officially a soon-to-be student of the wonderful university. It's crazy to think, come September, I will be a college freshman at a university in another town. I'm excited but terribly nervous. Here's hoping I don't screw it up within the first 5 minutes of being on my own lol.

~~~

On quite a different note: I found this adorable picture online of Anita Blake and Jean-Claude (from Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Series - if you've read any of my recent posts you know I'm deep in love with this series and falling deeper with each turn of the page.)

Isn't it adorable?

Long Time No Post :)

2008-04-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted; being the occasional dummy I am, I forgot my password...ridiculous I know. Thankfully though I remembered it tonight and am back and ready to post! LOL!

I am still bogged down right now but that's to be expected. Thankfully though I have been finding time to read:). I am completely helpless against Hamilton's Anita Blake Series. It has definitely found a permanent place in my first circle of books.

FYI: While most people divide their books into favorites by their first favorite, second favorite, ect...I divide mine into their own "circles" because I am absolutely incapable of picking 1 fave book. My first circle consists of books that have changed my life...the books in this circle are my beloved treasures that I would never want to live without - a bit extreme I know, but hey, these are some damn good books! Some of the books in my first circle are Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, Christina Feehan's Dark Series, C.L. Wilson's Tairen Soul Series, Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist By: David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson Guardian Series, Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake Series, J.K Rowling's Harry Potter Series, Everything written by Gena Showalter, Nicole Jordan's Courtship Wars Trilogy, Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer Series, Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark Series, Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan Series, Just Listen By: Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby By: Sara Dessen, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart By: Deb Caletti, Sabrina Jeffries' Royal Brotherhood Series, P.S. I Love You By: Celia Ahern, Pride & Prejudice By: Jane Austin, Jane Eyre By: Charlotte Bronte, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Trilogy By: Pamela Aidan, and there are really so many more, however at the moment I can not think of them and I'd hate to bore you with the never-ending list lol (and to think that would only be the books in my first circle haha).

Anyways, the point (yes, there had been a point at the beginning of this whole jumble) is that I am now in love with the Anita Blake Series and am dying to continue the series (thank goodness there's so many of them...although by the time I finish the last one I'm positive I'll have thought there wasn't enough!) I am currently working on Bloody Bones right now (gotta love these titles!!) ;)...

Guess that's all right now...Toodles :)

On An Anita-Kick!!

2008-04-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

I think I have officially fallen under the Laurell K. Hamilton's spell. I can't seem to get enough of the Anita Blake series. I'm working on The Lunatic Cafe at the moment...it's slow going thanks to the hectic week I've had going on but every free second I get I turn to its wonderfully written pages. I can't believe how engrossed in th story I am!! Gotta Love It!!

Woops!!! Gotta Go pick up my little sis...ttyl
;)

Told Ya I'd Be Back... ;)

2008-04-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

I just got into a new series!! I'd been meaning to read Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series for a long time but always allowed other books to take its place in my reading list because although the storyline seemed interesting, I assumed it wouldn't live up to all of the hype - boy was I ever wrong! Hamilton's Anita Blake series (beginning with "Guilty Pleasures") is simply fabulous :). Hamilton is a good writer who has come up with an amazingly unique storyline, and has created a splendid (not to mention highly detailed and intriguing) world filled with characters that will not only grab and hold your attention, but who will bring forth a strong desire to either embrace or slap them silly. The dialogue is witty, the many events/adventures our heroin must overcome keep readers on their toes, and the characters are so wonderfully written you can't hhelp but be sucked into Blake's world of animators, vampires, voodoo priestesses, shape shifters and the like...

I have only read the first 2 books in the series ("Guilty Pleasures", & "The Laughing Corpse") and am just starting the 3rd installment ("Circus of the Damned") but already I'm hooked!!! I'm desperate to see what happens next and how the character relationships will deepen.

By the end of the first book I had already fallen in love with half of the characters, laughed and screamed at the pages, and mourned over losing one of the sweetest characters. The books instantly went to my favorites list and I recommend it to everyone.

How Can It Only Be TUESDAY???

2008-04-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

How can it possibly only be Tuesday? It feels more like a Thursday to me. I was sick all of last week and just when I thought I was getting better over the weekend, Sunday evening comes around with an extra dose of pain. Yippe for me! I just got a laptop which means I'll likely be on here more often - that is, when I'm not feeling crappy. Well gotta skadat right now but I'll come on later...

;) Cherie

~Edward & Bella~

2008-03-26T00:25:00.000-07:00

One thing I suppose I should mention now, I can become a bit obsessive with my novels at times. If I could lock myself away for weeks on end with only my books I probably would (but then that would lead to cute little nicknames like "that-crazy-book-lady" and "the-recluse-with-access-to-barnes&noble.com"). I tend to divide my books into favorite circles and, needless to say, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series holds a permanent spot in my very top circle. It is one of the absolute best stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading and I am counting down the days until I can read Breaking Dawn and Midnight Sun!!

Anyhoo, the reason I bring this up is because I found an adorable drawing online of Bella & Edward and just had to post it, so here it is...

Less Than An Hour Away From Wednesday

2008-03-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

There is less than an hour until Wednesday morning and I have to get up at an hour that will turn me from the gentle night owl I am currently portraying into a nasty, fire-breathing being who will flay anyone in its' path unless they offer up coffee to assuage the roaring beast. I think I mentioned once before that I am not a morning person - well, lets just say I am even less of a morning person if the reason for my having to be up (rather than in my warm, snug, comfy bed) at such an ungodly hour is due solely to my own folly. Being the intelligent and overproductive person I am *rolls eyes* I put everything off. And so, rather than get everything completed today and sleep in tommorow morning, I have to set my alarm clock (a.k.a the enemy who will someday be defeated - even if I have to come back from the afterlife to haunt the damned thing!!) to a time that will not be mentioned, only to run around all day and not find the peace of sleep until the wee hours of Thursday morning. To make matters even more perfect, I have to wake up early Thursday morning too! And for the cherry on top...for the few hours of sleep I will get Wednesday night (or Thursday morning however you wish to view it) I will not even be in my own bed but likely on either an air mattress or on a blanket on the floor (Yeah...brilliant planning Cherie...). Oh well, at least there's the silver lining of being able to spend time with my dearest friends (always a good - if tiring - thing). Well I guess that's all for now...I'm swamped at the moment and will likely suffer from a nervous breakdown sometime in the near future, but if so I'm sure it will simply make my posts more entertaining (silver-lining baby :)...)

TaTa4Now,

Cherie

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

2008-03-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

(Found this online...thought it was too good not to post)

XoXo,

Cherie

First Ever Post!!! (hope you're ready for this... ;) ...)

2008-03-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ok here we go...first ever post...now if only to find something upon which to write lol. I suppose I'll simply begin my days as a blogger by writing about my day so far (exciting stuff I know!). Today on this wonderful Friday I woke up before 6 am (you don't know me but I am NOT a morning person! Give me my lovely darkness any day - or actually I suppose I should say "any night". It's strange but I could stay up past 5 in the morning and not be the least bit tired but ever try and wake me up at 5 am and you're bound to get slapped, kicked, bitten or worse (I'll let your imaginations work for themselves on just what could be worse than being bitten by a stranger - well, unless that stranger was a particularly cute looking vamp, but that's a discussion for another time). Today I took my car in for a checkup (I hate being without it even for a few hours...pathetic I know, but what can I say? I like the freedom it offers.) Anyways, after the whole losing my car (a.k.a losing my freedom for the day) thing, I went out to eat with my uncle (one of those nice days out where you talk and joke around and have fun...gotta love Fridays =).) And now I am currently with nothing better to do than attempt to share my life with complete stranger. I doubt anyone will actually wind up reading this but if someone ever does feel free to leave me comments. I always love talking to people. I suppose I should wrap this up now...

Until Next Time,
Cherie :)

(Hey look at that! My first post...finished. And I actually got through it without speeling anything wrong - oh wait!) ;)

~~ Cherie's Blog ~~

I've sadly read nothing lately :(

*Lisa Kleypas ~ Blue-Eyed Devil*

Warped Tour '09 :)

Soon To Come...

*Angie Fox ~ The Accidental Demon Slayer*

*Karen Chance ~ Curse The Dawn*

Hope I didn't lose my touch ;)

I'm Back...I promise.

2 Boys, 1 Me, Lots of Confusion

Quick Update!

*Lisa Kleypas ~ Sugar Daddy*

Free 3 Day Weekend!!

Blogging When I SHOULD Be Studying For My Last Final :(

Bye Bye Midterms...Hello My Life (aka books heehee)!!

Midterms are Killing Me!! *or it could be this cough that wont let me sleep at night!!*

I'm Sick :(

North and South-Love Story

*Karen Chance ~ Midnight's Daughter*

Quick Note on my Hannah Howell Review!!

Boy-trouble, computer-trouble, and school-trouble...lol need I say more?

Wow school work has been heavy...

Tag Time!!! *haha*

*Hannah Howell ~ Beauty And The Beast*

*Karen Chance ~ Cassandra Palmer, Clairvoyant Series (Books 1-3)*

I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry...

My Beach!!!

My Dorm Room!! *I got a single*

Back From Being MIA For An Eternity...

*Lora Leigh ~ Tha Man Within (Feline Breeds Series Book 2)*

*Lora Leigh ~ Tempting The Beast (Feline Breeds Series Book 1)*

Finally!!!

Sorry Bout the Delay...

*Karen Hawkins ~ MacLean Curse Series*

Hello There :)

Bad Habits Tend To Come Back To Bite You In The 'Arse'

San Diego Zoo!!!!

Found Some Time :)

Still At Orientation...

Blog Might Be Slim-Pickings For The Next Week Or So...

*Kerrelyn Sparks ~ The Love At Stake Series*

In Book Heaven ;)

*Too Cute For Words*

*Michelle M. Pillow ~ King of the Unblessed*

*Gena Showalter ~ The Pleasure Slave*

*Katie MacAlister ~ Aisling Grey, Guardian Series!!!*

*Inspiration*

Read Some Books, Broke The Law & Found A New Place To Haunt ;)

Blogging When I Should Be Snoring (*not that I snore* lol)

Jacquie D'Alessandro ~ Whirlwind Wedding!!!

;) *hee hee*

I'm Back---again *blushes*

No Longer MIA ;)

Who Will Take This Man? ~ Jacquie D'Alessandro

On The Prowl...Books Beware ;)

"Suddenly You" (Lisa Kleypas)

Long Time No Post...

~*~ Quote Of The Week ~*~

The Castle of the Wolf!!!

Man I'm Pooped!!

"Castle Of The Wolf" (Found A New One!!! ...hee hee)

~*~ Quote Of The Week ~*~ (I know, I know...it's late...again...)

Mine 'Till Midnight (wowsers!!)

Still Dying...(or according to the doctor's..."sick")

Found another one ...or two...or three...

~*~ Quote Of The Week ~*~

Gotta Love Those Books!!! ;)

I'm craving sweets sooooo badly right now!!

Still helplessly entranced in Hamilton's series!

~*~ Quote Of The Week ~*~

Your Colors Are Showin... ;)

Jeff Dunham - Solo intro (pt. 2)

Jeff Dunham - Solo intro (pt. 1)

UCSB HERE I COME *gulp*

Long Time No Post :)

On An Anita-Kick!!

Told Ya I'd Be Back... ;)

How Can It Only Be TUESDAY???

~*Edward & Bella*~

Less Than An Hour Away From Wednesday

Cherie's Blog

Lisa Kleypas ~ Blue-Eyed Devil

Angie Fox ~ The Accidental Demon Slayer

Karen Chance ~ Curse The Dawn

Lisa Kleypas ~ Sugar Daddy

Midterms are Killing Me!! or it could be this cough that wont let me sleep at night!!

Karen Chance ~ Midnight's Daughter

Tag Time!!! haha

Hannah Howell ~ Beauty And The Beast

Karen Chance ~ Cassandra Palmer, Clairvoyant Series (Books 1-3)

My Dorm Room!! I got a single

Lora Leigh ~ Tha Man Within (Feline Breeds Series Book 2)

Lora Leigh ~ Tempting The Beast (Feline Breeds Series Book 1)

Karen Hawkins ~ MacLean Curse Series

Kerrelyn Sparks ~ The Love At Stake Series

Too Cute For Words

Michelle M. Pillow ~ King of the Unblessed

Gena Showalter ~ The Pleasure Slave

Katie MacAlister ~ Aisling Grey, Guardian Series!!!

Inspiration

Blogging When I Should Be Snoring (not that I snore lol)

;) hee hee

I'm Back---again blushes

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~ (I know, I know...it's late...again...)

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

~~ Quote Of The Week ~~

UCSB HERE I COME gulp

~Edward & Bella~