Still here. Still been busy every night. I have read a few books during break at work, though. And one short story at home and a bit on my ppc.
So...Hot Stuff by Evanovich and Banks: Fluffy with not a whole lot of substance, but still enjoyable. If I had to rate it, it would probably get a solid C. I did like the dog, though.
High Heels Are Murder by Elaine Viets was much the same, but more enjoyable with a much better mystery. It's the second book in her mystery shopper mystery series. Will have to read the third when it comes out.
Drusilla by Ed Gorman. Ed comes in to work fairly frequently and when I'd mentioned I wanted to read the Places to Be, People to Kill anthology, he gave me a galley of his story in it. It's called Drusilla and was very enjoyable. I still plan to buy the anthology, though.
Also finished Not Quite a Lady by Loretta Chase and oh, it was so good. I kept thinking she'd make her characters do something stupid, but she would surprise me and have them act sensibly. I really liked that. And it had some great characters too. Most enjoyable and definitely recommended.
Now I'm rereading Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb. It's a bit slow going at first, but I can't seem to stop reading it. It's been so long since I read it, that it all seems new.
Don't know what's up next at work to read, will find something, though. I always do.
TTFN
Home Sweet Home
Well, we're in the new house. Yay! it was a very busy, stressful weekend. Lots of Lowes and Home Depot trips. And wouldn't you know it, the boxspring wouldn't fit up the stairs. Blech. Still have lots of boxes to unpack, and my computer is in the dining room until we finish making and painting the new office desk, but things are going well. I like the area and despite all the little problems, the house is nice.
Now I'm off to work! But as you can see, I'm still alive.
Now I'm off to work! But as you can see, I'm still alive.
*growl*
I love you, Gambit, really, I do. But yeesh, when I'm already cranky and hungry becaus of having to fast before my doc appt. and trying to check my email, knocking over the garbage can does NOT endear me to you. Nope, doesn't do it.
Pardon me while I go clean up the mess.
Pardon me while I go clean up the mess.
I want...
To have the UK copies of Julia Quinn's books. I just adore those covers!!
Oh, and I wouldn't mind not being quite so tired this morning. Shanna Swendson, it's all your fault!!
Oh, and I wouldn't mind not being quite so tired this morning. Shanna Swendson, it's all your fault!!
a few peeves
So....packing. I have a lot of books. So I vow to buy more titles in ebooks. Which ones do I want?
The Scot, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair and the final book in Linda Winstead Jones' new trilogy. Well hell, the Blair one isn't available ANYWHERE (yet the previous two are) and the LWJ one is only available at Mobipocket or Ereader. Now, I like Mobipocket, but I also like to have my books in a format that is easily ported, like html. Mobipocket isn't like that, and neither is ereader. I feel blue. And irked. Especially when I don't want to finish the second Linda Winstead Jones book until I have the third in hand because it's really really good and I want to be able to read the next one right away. Er, that's why no review, HelenKay. But I want to really cut down on the amount of physical books I got. I mean, the stack of books I picked up while with Jane is rather tall. That adds up quickly.
On a similar tangent, or whatever, I really like Jones' fantasy romance. She's one of the few true fantasy romance that I can think of. Yeah, Bujold and Shinn write romance into their fantasy, but that's still more fantasy than romance. Romantic fantasy, so to speak, rather than fantasy romance.
Oh, I started Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson. Oh so good. I was trying not to start it with all this packing stuff going on since I wanted to really savor it, but that didn't last too long. Shanna, if you ever read this, you are an author goddess. I bow before you.
And at work last week...I grabbed Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr and No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong, both ARCs. w00t! Er, so much for not picking up more books. but really, would you have resisted?!
House news, final walkthrough is hopefully Wednesday and closing and possession Friday with move in that weekend. Everyone cross their fingers that things will go well.
It's all gone so fast, yet nothing's really been expedited, just things getting done quickly even when things have cropped up. Yech to those things, but in the end they don't matter. So um, though I know you all probably don't expect much from me lately anyways, I will not really be around the end half of next week due to moving. MIL is coming on Friday. Can't wait to see her as she's one awesome MIL. I mean, so's my mom, but sadly, I don't see her as much as I do the AMIL. I'm so thrilled about the house. A house. I will own a house. I will have my own washer and dryer. And no more putting in quarters.
Though of course, this also means that there will be a shitload of money spent in the next week. Ouch. Like hmmm, we don't own a lawn mower. You know, that sort of thing. *sigh* we have a list.
The Scot, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair and the final book in Linda Winstead Jones' new trilogy. Well hell, the Blair one isn't available ANYWHERE (yet the previous two are) and the LWJ one is only available at Mobipocket or Ereader. Now, I like Mobipocket, but I also like to have my books in a format that is easily ported, like html. Mobipocket isn't like that, and neither is ereader. I feel blue. And irked. Especially when I don't want to finish the second Linda Winstead Jones book until I have the third in hand because it's really really good and I want to be able to read the next one right away. Er, that's why no review, HelenKay. But I want to really cut down on the amount of physical books I got. I mean, the stack of books I picked up while with Jane is rather tall. That adds up quickly.
On a similar tangent, or whatever, I really like Jones' fantasy romance. She's one of the few true fantasy romance that I can think of. Yeah, Bujold and Shinn write romance into their fantasy, but that's still more fantasy than romance. Romantic fantasy, so to speak, rather than fantasy romance.
Oh, I started Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson. Oh so good. I was trying not to start it with all this packing stuff going on since I wanted to really savor it, but that didn't last too long. Shanna, if you ever read this, you are an author goddess. I bow before you.
And at work last week...I grabbed Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr and No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong, both ARCs. w00t! Er, so much for not picking up more books. but really, would you have resisted?!
House news, final walkthrough is hopefully Wednesday and closing and possession Friday with move in that weekend. Everyone cross their fingers that things will go well.
It's all gone so fast, yet nothing's really been expedited, just things getting done quickly even when things have cropped up. Yech to those things, but in the end they don't matter. So um, though I know you all probably don't expect much from me lately anyways, I will not really be around the end half of next week due to moving. MIL is coming on Friday. Can't wait to see her as she's one awesome MIL. I mean, so's my mom, but sadly, I don't see her as much as I do the AMIL. I'm so thrilled about the house. A house. I will own a house. I will have my own washer and dryer. And no more putting in quarters.
Though of course, this also means that there will be a shitload of money spent in the next week. Ouch. Like hmmm, we don't own a lawn mower. You know, that sort of thing. *sigh* we have a list.
Spirited Away by Cindy Miles
BELIEVE IN FAIRY TALES
When Tristan de Barre and his men were murdered in 1292, their souls were cursed to roam his estate for all eternity. It's been a long, dull, celibate ever after. But now Tristan's phantom heart is pounding again for the first time in more than seven hundred years because of the beautiful scientist who's digging up his castle's bailey. Can he make her notice him, or will she see straight through him?
The opportunity to excavate the remains at Dreadmoor Castle has forensic archaeologist Andi Monroe tingling with excitement. It's an incredible find and a chance to study the mysterious legend of Dragonhawk, a medieval knight who disappeared without a trace. Lately, though, rational Andi is having a hard time telling fact from fiction. She could just swear she met the vanished knight, and he's a fantasy come true. But until she finds a way to help Tristan lift the curse, their love doesn't stand a ghost of a chance....
Title: Spirited Away
Author: Cindy Miles
Year published: 2007
Why I picked up this book: HelenKay sent it, but it had been on my to-buy list.
Do I like the cover? Yes, it's cute.
Is this part of a series? I don't believe so. I think her next book is a similar ghost mystery romance, but doesn't look to be completely related.
What I enjoyed about the book: There are a lot of fun elements here. It's not a time-travel like it may look. The hero is actually a lord/knight who was cursed to roam his castle along with his fellow men. He can be seen, but can't touch anything in the real world. This actually works well in the story as Tristan and Andi fall in love without ever being able to touch each other. This involves actually talking. And Andi is a great character with a unique job as a forensic archaeologist. I thought her job was handled well and was worked into the story nicely.
This is a really sweet, cute story. And sometimes, that's just what the doctor ordered. And this one delivers. The paranormal elements are here, but they aren't overwhelming or dark. And I liked that for the story, they made sense. I didn't ever wonder why something was the way it was because it seemed that everything was explained in a way that made sense. Spirited Away reminded me of a fairy tale and I have to say I really enjoyed it.
I'm sure some people won't like it because it's a simple story, but if you want something cute, sweet, and romantic, I recommend this one. It's a nice summer afternoon read. There's a quote on the back from Julie Kenner that says it's reminiscent of The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and I have to rather agree.
What I didn’t like about the book? Well, it ended. That's about it.
Is this a new-to-me author and would I read something by this author again? This is her debut book, so definitely new to me. I'm definitely going to be looking for the next book she has out in November.
Am I keeping it or passing it on? For now, I'm keeping it.
Mondays
Ah, Monday. Oh how I dislike you.
Well, actually, today wasn't too bad. Full day of work. Did learn about a not so nice setback with the house stuff. I'm sure it will turn out okay, but very frustrating.
Currently reading Prince of Magic by Linda Winstead Jones. I really like the fantasy stuff that she has. I especially like how she doesn't make her villains completely evil. There's depth, at least with the one from the Sisters of the Sun trilogy.
Got some birthday money, I plan to spend it on ebooks. But oh, the choices. After talking to Jane and seeing her ebook reader, I'm really hoping that one comes out that will work for my needs. I'd love a larger screen on my ebook reader.
Well...time for me to head off to bed. Night all.
Well, actually, today wasn't too bad. Full day of work. Did learn about a not so nice setback with the house stuff. I'm sure it will turn out okay, but very frustrating.
Currently reading Prince of Magic by Linda Winstead Jones. I really like the fantasy stuff that she has. I especially like how she doesn't make her villains completely evil. There's depth, at least with the one from the Sisters of the Sun trilogy.
Got some birthday money, I plan to spend it on ebooks. But oh, the choices. After talking to Jane and seeing her ebook reader, I'm really hoping that one comes out that will work for my needs. I'd love a larger screen on my ebook reader.
Well...time for me to head off to bed. Night all.
Mini-vacations, they are fun
Ah...time to head back to work after my mini-vacation.
I met Jane! And she is even more fabulous and put-together than I expected. With great fashion sense, too. I loved the red shirt she had. It was definitely fun to chat about books and blog topics. Even the RT brouhaha got mentioned. And as much of what Jane said made sense, I'll continue my RT subscription. I knew waiting to make a decision about that until I had more information was the right thing. I also got to finally see a Sony Ebook reader in person. Love the e-ink. Sadly, DH isn't really the kind of engineer to engineer a light for it, but since he's useful in so many other ways, I'll keep him. And I may have to take a cue from her and buy more books in ebook form. It would certainly help the shelf space issue I have. And yes, it really is an issue. Will be on the lookout for better readers
But oh, somehow I confused the Dubuque Borders with the Des Moines one. No wonder Jane was surprised when I said I liked Borders so much over the BN (though in general I like the Borders group more because they have sales, BN, not so much). BN is definitely much bigger there. But I did have coupons for Borders, so needed to go there anyways. And got some fabulous books. Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson, Quantum Gravity: Keeping It Real by Justina Robson (an impulse purchase that I know nothing about other than it looked interesting), He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Stephanie Rowe, Bobbie Faye's Very (very very very) Bad Day by Toni McGee Causey (bought because the videos were hilarious. Guess those things do work on occasion) and Dying To Call You by Elaine Viets. Also picked up All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz from HPB after Jane rec'ed it while we were in Borders. Thanks! I look forward to reading it.
DH and I also went to the zoo and had great fun there. I'll download my pictures later tonight and post some. Baby wallaby! So cute.
Just finished up The Star Witch by Linda Winstead Jones. Almost done with Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep.
Now on to work. Ugh. Eh, won't be too bad. I'd just rather stay at home. But that would involve paccking, since there is less than two weeks left now. AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH
I met Jane! And she is even more fabulous and put-together than I expected. With great fashion sense, too. I loved the red shirt she had. It was definitely fun to chat about books and blog topics. Even the RT brouhaha got mentioned. And as much of what Jane said made sense, I'll continue my RT subscription. I knew waiting to make a decision about that until I had more information was the right thing. I also got to finally see a Sony Ebook reader in person. Love the e-ink. Sadly, DH isn't really the kind of engineer to engineer a light for it, but since he's useful in so many other ways, I'll keep him. And I may have to take a cue from her and buy more books in ebook form. It would certainly help the shelf space issue I have. And yes, it really is an issue. Will be on the lookout for better readers
But oh, somehow I confused the Dubuque Borders with the Des Moines one. No wonder Jane was surprised when I said I liked Borders so much over the BN (though in general I like the Borders group more because they have sales, BN, not so much). BN is definitely much bigger there. But I did have coupons for Borders, so needed to go there anyways. And got some fabulous books. Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson, Quantum Gravity: Keeping It Real by Justina Robson (an impulse purchase that I know nothing about other than it looked interesting), He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Stephanie Rowe, Bobbie Faye's Very (very very very) Bad Day by Toni McGee Causey (bought because the videos were hilarious. Guess those things do work on occasion) and Dying To Call You by Elaine Viets. Also picked up All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz from HPB after Jane rec'ed it while we were in Borders. Thanks! I look forward to reading it.
DH and I also went to the zoo and had great fun there. I'll download my pictures later tonight and post some. Baby wallaby! So cute.
Just finished up The Star Witch by Linda Winstead Jones. Almost done with Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep.
Now on to work. Ugh. Eh, won't be too bad. I'd just rather stay at home. But that would involve paccking, since there is less than two weeks left now. AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH
Hump Day
Oh it is Wednesday! And it's that time of the month and I'm starting to get cranky!!!!!! Well, now after surfing a bit, I don't want to go to work, I want to read more about the Falk brouhaha. yeah, silly gossipy me, but damn, it's interesting.
And a review of Spirited Away by Cindy Miles will be up soon. In the meantime, you can read another review over at Sybil's.
Finished up Ravished by Amanda Quick last night, too.
And a review of Spirited Away by Cindy Miles will be up soon. In the meantime, you can read another review over at Sybil's.
Finished up Ravished by Amanda Quick last night, too.
Trouble sleeping
So, I had a bit of trouble sleeping last night. Ravished by Amanda Quick was getting pretty good, but I finally stopped reading about 1 a.m. since I did have to work this morning. But then I couldn't sleep. So like usual I occupy my brain with some random scene, only to find myself mentally rewriting and rewriting the thing. Just had to get all the right words. In my head. Late at night. Bah. Very annoying. But kinda makes me want to actually have the drive and motivation to write some of the stuff in my head down.
And I'm heading out of town end of the week. And I get to meet Jane! Of Dear Author! So very cool. Jane, you do know there will have to be at least one picture, right?
Also reading a Superromance at work. The Boy Next Door or something like that. Pretty good. I'd read The Baby Wait the other week and really enjoyed it. I'd forgotten about that.
And I'm heading out of town end of the week. And I get to meet Jane! Of Dear Author! So very cool. Jane, you do know there will have to be at least one picture, right?
Also reading a Superromance at work. The Boy Next Door or something like that. Pretty good. I'd read The Baby Wait the other week and really enjoyed it. I'd forgotten about that.
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