Book Blogger Hop Nov.26to28

This week's question comes from Sarah who blogs at Writer, Reader, Dreamer:

"What is your favorite book cover?"

Well, I must admit that the covers with hot men on the front usually catch my eye. What can I say, I am a hot-blooded Canadian girl who truly admires the male form! Having said that, it doesn't mean that I will actually read the book. I will pick it up and read the synopsis, which, I know, is exactly what the publisher wants me to do. If you scroll down, you will see that on the right panel of my blog, I even have some pictures flashing of some very hot covers. Enjoy!

By the way, I have a giveaway running for a historical romance called THE PORTRAIT. Click here to read my review and enter the giveaway.

Also, give me some feedback on my writing. Click here to tell me what you think of something I wrote all by myself!

Review & Giveaway for "The Portrait" by Hazel Statham

Two people, undeniably in love, yet denying their feelings. A good, solid man, the ravages of war wreaking havoc on his body. A young woman, betrothed, looking to familiarize herself with her soon to be husband. Thus begins a sweet historical romance by Hazel Statham.

Edward Sinclair has returned from battle, but not as the man he once was. Night terrors invade his slumber and the war has taken his arm. He has to adjust to his new title as Earl and to his new image of himself. He decides that he will free Lady Jennifer Lynton of their engagement, for the last thing he wants is a woman looking at him with pity in her eyes. Little does Edward know that Jennifer has come to the same decision, yet for entirely different reasons. The two agree to be friends, yet deep in their hearts, there is more than just friendship....if they would only admit to their feelings.

I found myself cheering for this couple, wanting them to see how well they suited each other. I wanted Jenny to see how much Edward adored her, how much he longed to wrap her in his embrace, how much he wanted her to be his. I wanted Edward to see how Jenny loved his smile, the twinkle in his eye and the good, strong man that he is, was and always will be.

Hazel Statham has created an endearing tale where the reader is drawn into the plot with memorable characters and dialogue that is true to the times. Although there is definite sexual tension between Edward and Jenny, theirs is a romance that blossoms as they come to know each other. I enjoyed this sweet story. It is a quick read that I'm sure will delight every fan of regency romance.
About the author:



Hazel Statham lives in England and has been writing on and off since she was fifteen. Initially she was influenced by Austen, the Brontës, and Sabatini but when she turned seventeen, Georgette Heyer opened up the romance and elegance of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She immediately knew she had found her eras and wanted nothing more than to re-create them in her work. Her latest book is the Regency romance novel, The Portrait, released by Avalon Books in August 2010. Hazel lives with her husband, Terry, and a beautiful Labrador named Mollie. Apart from writing, her other ruling passion is animals, and until recently she acted as treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities. You can visit her online at
www.hazel-statham.co.uk and her blog at http://hazelstatham.blogspot.com/

My thanks to Cheryl Malandrinos at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for inviting me to participate in this tour, and to Hazel Statham for the review copy. I was not compensated for my opinions.

GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the author, Hazel Statham, I have a copy of The Portrait to give away! This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and the only requirement is that you are a follower of this blog. Please leave a comment at the end of this post, including your name and email address so that I can contact the winner as soon as possible. The winner will be randomly chosen. This giveaway is open until Friday, December 3rd. Good Luck!

Would You Read This Book?

Like many other book bloggers, I have a dream of one day writing my own book. Yes, it is a dream, a dream that may take many years to become fulfilled. But at present, I try to write whenever I get a chance. I have many pieces of paper everywhere, with many starts and not too many finishes. I thought I would get some feedback from the very people who do all of the reading and reviewing....all of you! Take a read and let me know what you think. Would this be something that would peak your interest? Would you want to read more? Leave a quick comment with your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!

She was running late as usual. In fourty-five minutes she had managed to take a shower, slap on some makeup, make four lunches and feed three groggy kids a semblance of something called breakfast. As she walked by the closed door she flung it open and cried “It’s eight o’çlock, would you get dressed! Wash your face! You’re fourteen, why do I have to do this every morning?”
Why did she have to do this every morning? Where the hell was he? Where else? Still in the shower. Same routine every day. Did she actually believe it would ever change? Every morning he spent half an hour in their ensuite bathroom, languishing in the steam while she managed to pull everyone and everything into some sense of order and routine.

She could still hear the sound of the water as she entered with the sole purpose of giving him a piece of her mind. As she strode in she took a quick glimpse at the mirror to ensure she looked presentable for another day at work. She gave a short sigh as she tried to flatten some of those unruly dark curls. No use. It would only get worse as the day wore on and the humidity increased.

She turned and opened the shower stall, fully prepared to launch into him about needing some help in the mornings. “You’ve been in here for half an hour, do you think you have any skin left?” He opened his eyes and replied, “I’m done. I’m coming out.” Her eyes caught the sinew of his broad shoulders as the water cascaded over him. His muscular arms bulged at the biceps, naturally exuding a brawny strength that enraptured her. She could see the definite lines of his pecs as they flexed with his every movement. She loved this part of his body. She instinctively wanted to reach out and flick the nipples that had puckered in the shower. Her mind instantly jumped to the night before when he had held her so tight against that very same chest, nuzzling her neck with his lips. She started to feel that familiar ache within her. As she raised her eyes to his again, he tilted his head in an open invitation, a playful grin on his face. She quickly stammered “I have to get to work. Remember the kids have soccer tonight!” As she rushed out of the bathroom, she noted the flush to her cheeks in her reflection in the mirror. How did he do that? He managed to elude her lecture once again. Damn that man!

This piece of writing is the work of Mandy and in no way is to be duplicated without permission.

Book Blogger Hop for Nov.12 to 15

This week's question comes from Christina who blogs at The Paperback Princesses:

"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"

I always have to start with the first title. If a book is recommended to me and it is number 2 or 3 in a series, I will not read it until I have read the previous books. I feel that the first book really sets the tone for the series and gives the reader a lot of background information that will shed more light upon the characters. Even if reviews say the book can stand alone, I still go out and find the series and read them in order. I know...pretty anal! That's me! How about you?

Review for "The Duke And I" by Julia Quinn

Did you ever want to date your brother's best friend? Did he make you shiver with a look across the room.... or make you gasp for breath as he whispered a secret in your ear... or make you tingle all over as his fingers accidentally brushed your skin? If he is as hot and roguish as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, you definitely would want to make him yours!

Simon is a tortured hero, a man who overcame a great obstacle at a very early age. But not without its costs. Although he lives a carefree life as a Duke, his life is really just an empty shell filled with hate. Simon doesn't even realize how much the hatred inside of him is eating away at his soul, his future, his happiness. That is, until he meets Daphne Bridgerton, his best friend's sister.

Daphne is a member of the Bridgertons, a boisterous, funny, drama-filled family full of love for each other. Simon and Daphne devise a plan. They PRETEND to be courting. This will keep all of the ton's conniving mothers away from Simon and it will give Daphne many suitors just clamouring for the girl that the Duke supposedly wants to make his own. But in true romantic style, this friendship becomes more, for Daphne becomes the one woman who can save Simon from his bitter, angry existence and give him a life filled with laughter, family and love, three things he didn't feel he even wanted or deserved.

I truly enjoyed this book. The Bridgerton family is one you cannot help but enjoy, from Anthony, the over-protective older brother, to Colin, the fun-spirited, young rogue, to Violet, the matriarch of the family. There is great use of dialogue with descriptions of family interactions that were very amusing. The author has managed to reveal that true love can break down barriers, even walls of hatred around one's heart. Daphne was a ray of hope shining into Simon's dark-filled soul, revealing the truth....for all Simon truly wanted was to be loved for who he was. Isn't this what we all want?

Review for "The Sixth Surrender" by Hana Samek Norton

Lady Juliana is forced to choose between marriage or life in the cloister, thus becoming the prefect pawn of the always scheming Eleanor of Aquitaine. She becomes betrothed to Guerin de Lasalle, a bad boy, a man with no soul, a very unlikeable man by modern standards. What ensues is a tale filled with intrigue, romance, mystery, political drama and scheming royals.

Hana Norton has certainly done her homework. A great deal of research and historical detail add to the richness of the story, with some wonderful descriptions of life in medieval England and France. However, there were so many plot threads and so many characters, some with several different names, that the reader becomes quite lost at times. Those of you who love the 13th century and all of the political intrigue that goes with it, The Sixth Surrender is the book for you.
About the Author:



Hana’s passion for the Middle Ages dates to a childhood exploring the ruins of castles and cloisters in the (now) Czech Republic. She also developed that “lurid taste in fiction,” by reading dog-eared novels full of the drama and melodrama of history. She graduated with an MA from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, and a Ph. D. (both in history, of course), from the University of New Mexico where she currently resides. She is married to an Englishman, teaches part-time, and works as a historical consultant. Her latest book is The Sixth Surrender. You can visit her website at http://www.thesixthsurrender.com


My thanks to Dorothy Thompson at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for inviting me to participate in this tour. I was not compensated for my opinions.

Book Review for "Laird of the Mist" by Paula Quinn

Callum MacGregor is the Laird of the persecuted Clan MacGregor. Revenge is his only purpose in life. Revenge for the years of torture he endured under the hands of the Campbells. Revenge for the loss of his clan name and his lands. So much hatred inside of one man; so much hatred and so much pain.

Kate Campbell cannot believe it! Her knight in shining armour has come to save her from the raiding McColls. He is breathtakingly strong, wielding his sword with purpose and power. But soon, Kate discovers that her knight is really her enemy, her worst enemy, the dreaded Devil himself...Callum MacGregor.

These two soon come to realize that each has misconceptions of the other. As they journey to Callum's home on the Isle of Skye, their hearts are journeying on a path towards love, a path neither expected or is prepared for. Can love conquer anything, even hatred and revenge?

What I loved about this story was that the heroine believed in her hero. She didn't fight the fact that she was in love with the leader of her rival clan. She gloried in the fact that he made her feel what no other man could....safe, protected, wanted and ravished. She knew the true man behind the mask...the mask of The Devil. How could The Devil touch her so gently, so lovingly? How could The Devil smile at her with adoration filling his eyes? How could The Devil make her feel like nothing else mattered but his passionate kisses? Kate knew Callum MacGregor was no Devil. She could see it in his eyes and feel it in her soul. And she would not rest until he knew it too.

I believe Paula Quinn does a wonderful job of bringing the MacGregor saga to life. She weaves a tale filled with passion, intrigue and history, feuding clans and star-crossed lovers. I enjoyed the relationships between all of the characters, and I would love to read more about Maggie, Callum's sister, and Graham Grant, the handsome captain of Callum's men. For those of you in love with the Scottish Highlands and their men in kilts, this is a quick read you are sure to enjoy.

Book Blogger Hop for Oct.22

This week's question comes from Becky who blogs at Becky's Barmy Book Blog:

"Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?"

My absolute favourite place is lying on my chaise lounge in my bedroom. I bought it just for me...just to escape into my own world with my books. I can lie with my legs outstretched or curl up with a soft blanket. Heaven! How about you? Do you have a favourite place to escape with those wonderful characters?

BY THE WAY, SINCE YOU ARE ALREADY HERE, ENTER MY GIVEAWAY FOR A NEW HISTORICAL FICTION CALLED THE BLUE BELLS OF SCOTLAND. JUST SCROLL DOWN TO MY NEXT POST AND LEAVE YOUR ADDRESS. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Book Review & Giveaway for "Blue Bells of Scotland" by Laura Vosika

"You don't know what you've got till it's gone." Joni Mitchell sang these lines in her song "Big Yellow Taxi". The Counting Crows created their own version, but kept these ever so poignant words. Some of us have learned the effects of these words in our very own lives. For Shawn Kleiner in Laura Vosika's novel Blue Bells of Scotland, these words become a reality.

Shawn Kleiner is a famous twenty-first century trombone player. He has everything....money, fame, talent, a loyal girlfriend, and women swooning over his every step. Niall Campbell is a Highland warrior from the 1300's. A loyal, brave, honest man who is willing to die for his people and their liberty. Within the walls of a Scottish castle tower, these men trade places in time and history. Shawn finds himself back in time, fleeing for his life, pursued by English soldiers. Niall finds himself in the future, with a pregnant girlfriend and scantily clad women throwing themselves at him. One of these men stays true to himself, and the other finds himself on a journey that will change his life forever.

Writers are always being told to "write about what you know". Well, Laura does just that in this historical read. She takes her knowledge of music and weaves a tale of redemption, love and self-discovery. A great deal of research and historical detail add to the believability of the story. I was so entranced with the characters that I felt like I could reach out and touch them. I found myself holding my breath as Shawn hid in the cellar from the English soldiers who sought to kill him; I found myself yelling at Niall to keep searching, don't give up; I found myself reaching out to Shawn at the final fair day, wanting so badly to just grab hold of him and tug him back to the future. I admire the way that Laura Vosika led Shawn down the path of self-discovery, one where he finally comes to be the man I feel he was meant to be. This is a captivating story that you will truly enjoy. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment in this trilogy.About the Author:

Laura Vosika grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America’s east coast. She earned a degree in music, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, music teacher, band director, and instructor in private music lessons on harp, piano, winds, and brass. Laura is the mother of 7 boys and 2 girls, and lives in Minnesota. Visit her website at http://www.bluebellstrilogy.com/

Let the music take you there in this book trailer....




My thanks to Dorothy Thompson at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for inviting me to participate in this tour, and to Laura Vosika for the review copy. I was not compensated for my opinions..

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the author, Laura Vosika, I have a copy of Blue Bells of Scotland to give away! This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and the only requirement is that you are a follower of this blog. Please leave a comment at the end of this post, including your name and address so that I can get the book sent off as soon as possible. The winner will be randomly chosen.
Good Luck!

Review for "Ravished by a Highlander" by Paula Quinn

Mmmmmm....Robert MacGregor.....tall, handsome, dark curls, a dimpled chin, vivid blue eyes, muscles rippling as he handles his claymore with the greatest of ease, utterly devoted to those he loves....delicious. And though his looks are enough to slay any lass, his words are a whisper upon your heart:

"Davina". He was there, above her, his breath hot against her mouth. She opened her eyes to him, ashamed of her tears, and then astounded to see them in his eyes as well. "I love ye, lass, " he whispered deeply, running his fingers over her cheek. "Ye will always be first and foremost to me."(pg.219)

Robert MacGregor is the eldest son of Callum MacGregor, born to fill his father's shoes as protector and leader of his clan. His whole life he has prepared for his duty as the future laird, honing his skills with a sword, prepared to defend his kin with his life, confident in his abilities as a warrior and unrelenting in his beliefs and decisions. Yet nothing has prepared Robert for what Davina Montgomery can do to him with her smile. He saves Davina from a burning Abbey, the place where she was hidden away as a babe and raised by nuns. Davina holds a secret, one that could kill anyone who surrounds her. But once Robert has made up his mind, nothing can steer him from his purpose. And he has made up his mind....he will protect Davina from her enemies, whoever they may be. But at what cost? Will he protect her at the cost of his loyalty to his father and his clan? Will he put the lives of his people at risk for a woman he burns for?

This was my first Paula Quinn book and I have to say it will not be my last! From the first chapter I was enthralled. It is a story filled with action, history and, of course, hot romance. Not only did I fall in love with the hero, the dark and dangerous Rob MacGregor, but I was invested in the minor characters as well. Will and Finn were delightful and I am glad to see that the next book in the series centers upon Tristan, a member of the MacGregor clan I truly wanted to know more about. Historical figures are weaved into the plot, one that is filled with surprises, secrets and betrayal. I now yearn to see the Isle of Skye and the MacGregor fortress. Perhaps in this hidden sanctuary there will be my very own hot man in a kilt, ready to defend me, enrapture me and ravish me. A girl can only dream!

Review for "Queen Vernita Meets Sir Heathybean The Astronomer" by Dawn Menge and Heath Rhoades

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Published: July 27, 2010

ISBN: 978-1432731205

Queen Vernita has invited Sir HeathyBean the Astronomer and Cora the Teacher to her castle to continue their educational adventures. The two have arrived to teach visitors about the planets, the sun, moon and asteroids in our solar system. Each month of the year is spent with one visitor, with the focus on a specific planet.

Queen Vernita Meets Sir HeathyBean the Astronomer is a wonderful work of fiction where readers are actually learning facts while enjoying a story. The pattern and repetition within the layout of each page allows children to read with ease and more confidence. Knowing what to expect when reading allows young readers to read with more fluency and better comprehension. The illustrations are large and vividly colourful, capturing the readers' eye. Children who love astronomy and teachers looking for an easy read to aid in researching the planets will need to add this book to their collection.

This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given for this review.

Friday Blog Hop for Oct.8 to 10

This week's question comes from Suko who blogs at Suko's Notebook.

What's your favorite beverage while reading or blogging, if any? Is it tea, coffee, water, a glass of wine, or something else?

Well, it depends on the season, the weather and my mood! If it is a hot summer day and I am reading outdoors on the patio, I would definately have a pomegranite martini in hand. If it is a cool, autumn day, a glass of wine is preferable. In the evenings, it is almost always a cup of tea, my sony reader (or a real book!) and me in my chaise lounge with a soft blanket. Bliss! How about you....any favourite beverages while reading/blogging?

Friday Blog Hop

This week's question comes from Tina who blogs at Book Couture.

"How do you spread the word about your blog?
(e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)"

I started blogging in April and found a whole, new world. I didn't realize how big the blogging community really is! Of course I would like the whole universe to read and hear what I have to say. But I have found that it is a full time job promoting oneself. I have a full time job and I'm a mother of three active kids. I could be at the computer ALL DAY spreading the word about my blog, but there is a real world out there that I have to partake in (although somedays I just want to hide behind the screen) I have recently joined twitter to help promote my blog, but again, tweeting takes time. Like anything else, I do my best and try to have balance in my life. Blog hops help me to meet and comment on other blogs, and thankfully, I have made some online friends and followers and they come back to read what I have to say. So, happy hopping and I hope you read something on my blog that will bring you back time and again.

A Birthday Present!

It's my birthday today. As usual, I checked my blog and... low and behold....a present awaited me....the Versatile Blogger Award! YAY!

First, a BIG THANK YOU to Nikki over at Nikki's Starbucks Reviews for passing the Versatile Blogger Award on to me. She has a great blog with very unique posts. Check her out and show her some love!

So, here's the drill for all award winners:

a) Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
b) Share 7 things about yourself.
c) Pass the award along to 10 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic.
d) Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

AND SO... seven things about me:

1. It's my birthday today...September 30th! (notice I didn't specify the YEAR!)
2. I think "The Rock" (Dwayne Johnson) is a hottie! I mean...that chest...those pecks...!
3. I live in Canada...it doesn't always snow in Canada and there are no polar bears in my backyard!
4. I love historical romance books about Scottish hunks in the highlands...yet I'm married to a hunky Jamaican!
5. I just want to hang at a beautiful beach with a hot book and an even hotter man!(OK, I'll take the husband!)
6. As a kid, I cut my eye in the same place twice in one day!
7. I love pizza, chicken roti, jerk chicken and a fresh french baguette with asiago dip spread all over it....MMMMMMM!

It is my pleasure to now pass this award on to:
1. Book Noise
2. ScrapArt by Pris
3. The Book Girl
4. Buried in Books
5. Snowdrop Dreams of Books
6. Book loving Mommy
7. Fresh Off the Shelf
8. A Book Geek
9. Super Librarian
10. WV Stitcher

Review for "When Blood Calls" by J. K. Beck

You hear about it all the time. Your girlfriend tells you that she had a one night stand with a hunk of a man. Your sister divulges that she had wild sex with a guy she met at a bar Friday night. This type of unexpected exploit may even have happened to you. It never means anything...it's innocent fun, an un-planned encounter that will never amount to anything. But....what if you can't stop thinking about him? What if, every time you close your eyes, you can still feel his hands upon you....his breath brushing against your ear as he whispers your name.....his rock-hard body pressed against yours as he makes you teeter on the edge of abandon? This is exactly the state Sara Constantine finds herself in at the beginning of "When Blood Calls".

Sara is a hard-working prosecutor who has just won a very prominent case against one of the worst criminals around. This notorious victory wins her a promotion with a secret division under Homeland Security. She quickly discovers that her new job involves prosecuting supernatural creatures. Sara is thrust into a world filled with werewolves, vampires, shape-shifters, poltergeists, trolls, and soul-suckers....monsters. But the worse part of this nightmare is when she finds out that her first case is prosecuting Lucius Dragos, the dark, sexy Luke whom she had the erotic encounter with....and he's a vampire....a powerful vampire accused of murder. Sara has to determine if Luke is this monster killer that she is being led to believe or if he's the caring, complex man that made her glow under his touch.

This is my first PNR book since I read the Twilight series and I must say, I was a little disappointed. The connection between Sara and Luke was not fully developed. Readers are led to believe that the one night of passion was enough to create a connection for life. The characters did not even interact enough to create a believable connection between them that would justify the deep love they apparently shared. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in "love at first sight" and even love after a one night stand. But you do need some time together to build upon that instant attraction. Sara and Luke didn't get much of an opportunity until about page 179. I so wanted to feel more for this hero and heroine, but there just wasn't enough there to make it truly believable.

I did like the way that the hero Luke was depicted as the noble, self-sacrificing vampire, traits not usually synonymous with blood-sucking immortals, especially those who kill. It is these traits that Sara sees under the dark cloak that Luke wears. However, I did feel that Sara was very quick to accept Luke's murderous ways and turn her back on the law and the fight for justice that she started the book with. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but it just wasn't outstanding, although the front cover is a hot, eye-catching piece of candy. Give this book a shot...I'd like to know what you think.

Another Award!

I can't believe it! I have been honoured with a sweet blogging award from Shannon over at Augmented Gem. Shannon is a very talented fellow Canadian who designs some exceedingly beautiful jewellry. Her jewellry shop is on ETSY so hop on over and give her some love.

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1 - Post who gave you this award.
2 - Name 10 things you like.
3 - Give this award to 10 other people and notify them with a comment.

Now....on with the show! The 10 things I like are:

1) Pomegranite martinis....mmmmm!
2) Talking about hunky fictional men from the books I read with girlfriend Heather! (We are trying to find her a Scottish Highlander like Jamie Fraser!)
3) Blogging....I am addicted!
4) Writing...it gives me an outlet for some of the emotions I have a hard time revealing.
5) Anything with carbs in it....nachos, bread and dip, more bread....
6) Curling up reading in bed (or in my chaise lounge) with a cup of tea on a rainy day
7) Meeting up with old friends and catching up over a glass of wine...fellow women inspire me!
8) Bling....Sparkly bling!
9) Beautiful little out-of-the-way boutiques
10) My family....3 kids and the hunky husband

Well...what do you think....any other book loving, carbaholics out there?
I will be passing this award on to ten other blogs tomorrow. Cheers!

I Have Been Tagged!

I've been tagged by Heather over at BURIED IN BOOKS!!! Apparently you want to know more about me. So here we go! I'll answer some questions and then pass the tag on to four more bloggers.

4 Things in my Handbag

* many different lipsticks and lip gloss
* a pen and some paper in case I get inspired
* my wallet
* my NEW Sony Reader!

4 Things in/on my Desk

* framed pictures of my kids and one of me and the hunky hubby
* one of those green banker lamps
* my laptop
* every office supply you could think of (I am a teacher you know...got to be organized!)

4 Favorite Things in my Bedroom

* my chaise lounge (I bought it just for me....my place to escape with my books!)
* a small glass-top table from Pier One that holds books and a basket with writing tools
* picture of me and hunky hubby on our wedding day
* does the hunky hubby count? He is a favourite in the bedroom (if I'm in the mood!)

4 Things I Always Wanted to Do (but haven't yet)

* write a romance novel
* visit the Scottish Highlands
* travel throughout Europe with my husband
* visit the country I was born in (Guyana) since I haven't been there since I was 2

4 Things I Enjoy Very Much at the Moment

* blogging
* writing
* reading
* having some girls over to just gab and drink pomegranite martinis

4 Songs I Can't Get Out of My Head

* Lost Without You by Robin Thicke
* Don't Leave Me Girl by Blackstreet
* OMG by Usher
* Unthinkable by Alicia Keyes

4 Things you Don't Know About Me

* I was born in Guyana, South America
* Put me in a room with people I don't know and I am the shy one!
* I am a romantic
* I had 5 pets at once as a kid: guinea pigs, fish, dog, cat, bird....My poor mother!

Now, I will pass this on to:

* Augmented Gem
* The Things We Find Inside
* CMash Loves to Read
* Blog O' The Irish

TAG YOU'RE IT!

Review for "The Exile" by Diana Gabaldon

I have just spent the last 2 hours in bed with....yes....another man! To be more specific, a hot, red-haired, brawny, gaelic-speaking Scot named James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. Mmmmmm....Jamie.....he's back and in full colour!

It was with much trepidation that I actually opened this graphic novel, for I didn't want to ruin the perfect picture of James Fraser that has been engrained in my psyche since I began my journey with the Outlander series. I am still not sure how I feel about it. (hence my lack of a star rating on this review) The illustrations are beautiful and the artist, Hoang Nguyen, does a remarkable job with the landscape scenes, bringing forth the immense beauty of the highlands with his use of colour and shades of light and dark. The scene with Jamie and Claire consummating their wedding vows is a hot one, yet tastefully done. The ever-famous page 5...hot...truly Jamie in all of his naked beauty! However, I did have some trouble distinguishing some of the minor male characters, for many of their features were the same. But Claire, who could miss Claire with those huge breasts spilling out of every dress!

Being an Outlander fan, I was already familiar with the story line, and I am glad that there were some plots revealed in this book that were different than the original novel, especially the insights from Murtagh's perspective. However, I don't think there was enough development of characters for a new reader to make a sound connection with any of them. Having said this, it is a fast paced, exciting piece of work that could be an engaging invitation into the world of Jamie and Claire. For those truly addicted to Outlander and everything JAMIE, it is a great addition to your collection.



If you are following from a hop, please leave your comment here under this post.

Sneak Peek at Blue Bells of Scotland

I am very close...so very close to the end. Part of me wants to read quicker and find out what happens to Shawn and Niall. But the other part of me is afraid to reach the end, afraid to say goodbye to new characters that have grown with every turn of the page. So, I have put down the book, with only 30 pages to go, and instead I have chosen to give you a sneak peek at this historical fiction by Laura Vosika. Check out the video below. The music always transports me back in time, back where the lochs are black and the bluebells grow scattered across the fields. I will be posting my review of this novel on October 22 as part of Laura Vosika's virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Books.

Grand Hop News

Yes, it is Saturday the 18th of September. I was supposed to launch the GRAND HOP today. Unfortunately, my co-host over at TTWFI has been under the weather lately. So, we have decided to postpone the launching of this new hop until she is feeling better. So please check back for updates. I will be tweeting about the GRAND HOP on Twitter. Yes....I have finally joined the rest of the world and I now have a Twitter account. Please look on my sidebar and click on the Twitter icon to follow me. I always return the favour. Hope everyone has a great weekend. I am going to settle in with my current read, Blue Bells of Scotland. Only 150 pages to go!