Tattoo Shop Mysteries by Karen E. Olson

The Missing Ink

Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of The Painted Lady tattoo shop in Las Vegas, and prides herself on providing custom tattoo artwork. In The Missing Ink, Brett becomes involved in a confusing plot when she is asked to design a devotional tattoo for a girl that never comes back for it. The police then come asking questions about this mystery girl, who turns out to have a very high profile fiance, and the problem is, the name she asked for in the tattoo, is not his.

Brett becomes further embroiled when she does a favor for her competition across town, Jeff Coleman at Murder Ink, and instead of the high profile client she expects to be tattoo-ing, she comes across a dead body, and tattoo equipment! Luckily Brett's brother is a police detective, so she has a defender on the force. Much to her brother's frustration, Brett has a curious streak, and is constantly investigating on her own, causing him no end of trouble. Did Jeff set her up, or was he going to be set up himself? Where is the mystery girl, and how is handsome hotel manager Simon mixed up with this mess? And why is Brett attracted to him when he's a suspicious character?


Pretty in Ink

Brett and her crew of tattoo artists are back in book 2 of the Tattoo Shop mysteries, guests at the Nylons and Tattoos show put on by some local drag queen friends. During the show one of them is attacked, shot by a champagne cork to the chest. This puts a quick end to the show, but is the beginning of the mystery. While the victimized drag queen Britney Brassieres recovers from the cork shooting, she becomes mysteriously ill in Brett's shop and later dies at the hospital.

A Queen of Hearts tattoo seems to be the connection between the drag queens, politicians, and possible terrorists. Once again Brett stumbles into the middle of things when she answers a cry for help from her new intern only to discover yet another dead body, but no Charlotte. This seems to be becoming a habit for Brett! Help comes from an unlikely source, as she develops an appreciation for Jeff Coleman, her competitor from Murder Ink, who also has connections to the players involved.

The Tattoo Shop mysteries are a lot of fun, Brett has a great shop crew, Bitsy, Joel and Ace, and I'm interested to see where Brett's relationship with Jeff goes. Las Vegas and the Tattoo culture is an interesting backdrop for the series, but you do not have to know anything about tattoo-ing to appreciate it, in fact I've learned some things I didn't know, since I'll probably never get a tattoo! I'm looking forward to continuing the series and recommend it to cozy mystery lovers! Brett makes some pretty colossally bad decisions, but then if all our mystery heroines were cautious when they should be, we would have a mystery, would we? ;)

For more information, visit Karen E. Olson's website. I love the name of the 4th book, Ink Flamingos due out in June!

These were my 4th and 5th reads for the Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge hosted my Book Chick City.

You are getting very sleepy...

Why yes, yes I am! I think only managing 30 more pages in 2 hours is a hint that I'm done for this read-a-thon, since I do have function at a nearly normal time today, I'm going to hit the hay.

I had a great time this year, was more relaxed, added Cheerleading to the regimen, and feel quite successful even with I think a lower page count than previous read-a-thon's. It's still 6 times what I would do on a normal good reading day!

Thanks again to the hosts and the other cheerleaders, and everyone that makes this such a fun event! Time to start thinking about October!

Final page count: 646

Midnight-thirty, All is quiet...

So it's 12:30 am where I am, and I am done with my cheering shift, I hope you all like my little poem that I wrote for the event:

Cover to Cover
And Coast to Coast
Across the Oceans
We’ve been brought together
By what we love the most!
Let’s hear it for the readers!

I think I managed to hit everyone in my section that was possible (that were participating, and that I could figure out, a few had me baffled!) which turned my 1 hour estimated time into more like 3 hours, because I decided I wanted to do all of them, and because I started having internet issues, but I didn't let that stop me! :D I know I loved it the past two times when people came and posted cheers for me, and I wanted to return the favor.

So, now back to reading. No reading reading progress since my last true update, well, okay, 20 pages more while waiting on internet issues to figure themselves out. Not sure how much longer I will last tonight, but I'm good for a little while yet. Everyone else is in the house is going to bed, so it will be me and maybe the kitties if they decide to stay with me. And anyone else in the 'thon that is still awake of course! I'm ready to dig into my second read-a-thon cupcake from Smallcakes whose motto is "Maybe a cupcake will help?" So we'll see if it does! I'm about to dig into a very rich peanut butter cup cupcake, chocolate cupcake with peanut butter buttercream frosting and crumbled peanut butter cups on top. Rich enough to kill ya! So how is everyone else keeping themselves awake in the homestretch?

Hour 13, Dinner, and Cheering!

Hour 13 has arrived! I've just finished book #3, need to find some dinner, and then it's my turn to cheer for people! I'm feeling excited, I've even decided on a little poem to leave for folks with my comment, I hope everyone likes it! I'm thinking about a pulled pork sandwich with spicy coleslaw for dinner, what's everyone else having?

Next up for me after I've cheered for awhile will be Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway.



Finished books and pages read:

Pretty in Ink by Karen E. Olson - 31 pages
The Pirates! In an adventure with Scientists by Gideon Defoe - 133 pages
Wake by Lisa McMann - 210 pages
Manhunt by Janet Evanovich - 219 pages

Total Pages: 593

Heading into the evening - Hour 11

Hour 11 is coming up fast and I'm feeling a little sleepy. Buffy asked in my last post what my favorite thing at the Thai buffet was and I have to say on the weekend they usually have a red curry flounder that I LOVE! Today they had done it with catfish, which was fine, because I love that too! I also love their glass noodle eggrolls. *drool* We also got some iced coffee, got the car washed, checked my PO Box and did a quick errand at Target, all during which I was reading as my awesome husband drove the car. :)

I think I'm reading way slow this time, but feeling much more relaxed than the previous two read-a-thons that I did, so I'm okay with it. I'm enjoying myself!

I've finished my second complete book and am ready to start on my third. This time I'm going for humorous romance, Manhunt by Janet Evanovich. I posted both the old and the new covers for you because I think they're funny. Obviously this is a reprint of an old Loveswept title for her.



Finished books and pages read:

Pretty in Ink by Karen E. Olson - 31 pages
The Pirates! In an adventure with Scientists by Gideon Defoe - 133 pages
Wake by Lisa McMann - 210 pages

Total Pages: 374




Off to visit a few people, check in at the Dewey's Blog and then back to reading!

Lunchtime!

Read-a-thon correspondent Shaunesay reporting from the field at my favorite Thai buffet! Hubby was kind enough to drive so I could read on the way. I'm a little less than halfway through "Wake" and liking it a lot! What did everyone else have for lunch? See you in awhile!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

First check in - Book 1 completed!

I decided this time around I was going to blog a bit less and try to read a little more because the last couple of times it felt like all I did was check in! Not that that was bad, it was a lot of fun, but I want to read! But I also want to check on my friends, and have signed up for a stint of cheerleading this evening as well, so less blogging for myself was the answer! There are so many crazy ways to "check in" nowadays, foursquare, getglue, goodreads, facebook, twitter, too much to keep up on, but I try anyway! (too many exclamation points! Maybe I'm practicing for cheerleading later *giggle*)

I've had my breakfast read-a-thon cupcake, and now finished my first complete book as well as chosen my next, Wake by Lisa McMann.




Finished books and pages read:

Pretty in Ink by Karen E. Olson - 31 pages
The Pirates! In an adventure with Scientists by Gideon Defoe - 133 pages

Total Pages: 164



How is everyone else doing?

Ready... Set... GO!

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening wherever you are fellow Dewey Read-a-thoners! We're just about ready to start! Are you excited? I sure am! Kept waking up thinking, is it time yet, is it time yet? :D

I didn't quite get finished with the books I was hoping to yesterday for my clean slate start, so I think I'll begin by finishing up Pretty in Ink by Karen E. Olson since I only have 31 pages left, and it will bug me all day if I leave them hanging out there! Then I've picked The Pirates! In an adventure with Scientists by Gideon Defoe as my next book up!




Good luck everyone, I'll see you in a while!

E-mail Blogging

I'm all set to be a correspondent in the field.  In Other words, I've caught up to the rest of ya'll that already knew how to do this! ;)
Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless

Testing text message blogging!

Master of None by Sonya Bateman

Gavyn Donatti is the unluckiest thief ever, as his unlucky partners have found out. He was hired to steal a very rare item, and when he loses it, his employer is ready to take him out. Just as it looks like this might be his last job, Gavyn is saved by a djinn named Ian who seems extremely put out that he has to bother with the rescue. The two form a grudging alliance, and a whole world Gavyn never knew existed is revealed to him. Unfortunately it is a world in turmoil that has spilled over into ours. Gavyn himself is an eventual result of the conflict.

Gavyn's ex-girlfriend Jazz reenters his life when he asks for her help, as well as an old partner with some surprise connections of his own. While trying to neutralize the threat the djinn world has visited to his own, Gavyn learns to use powers he never knew he had, and finds he's made of sterner stuff than he ever believed possible.

This was a great series beginning, and I'm really looking forward to #2 which came out last month, Master and Apprentice.

This is my 4th read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

Winner for Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

It's a beautiful sunny day here, and I think it's even supposed to be warm! The perfect day for a romp in the park with some teen werewolves, right?

Our werewolves are going to be making their way to the Czech Republic to roam through Pálava with:

Misha!

Congrats Misha, I'll be e-mailing you soon! Thanks for entering and following me everyone! I will try to post a new contest soon!

Waiting for Dewey's...

So we're about 3 1/2 weeks out from Dewey's 24 hour Read-a-thon, April 2011 edition, are you getting excited yet? I am! This is my third time out, and I think I'm going to try a much more relaxed approach this time, no template, and not as many blog posts (I think I overdid it on updating the last two times), I may count pages, but won't worry about how much time I actually spend reading. I will definitely still visit friends and other random 'thoner's, and check in at the Dewey blog to see if there is an easy mini-challenge.

Part of the fun for me is picking out the stack of books to choose from. I like to go for shorter books with a bit larger print, that I think I can get through fairly quickly. I seem to start thinking of books that would be good almost the day after the previous read-a-thon, and it's torture thinking about how long it will be until it starts! Here are some of my choices so far, but we all know that it's all about mood on the big day, so I may end up going with something completely different when it's time!



Who else is doing the read-a-thon this year? What books have you picked out so far?

Invisible by Lorena McCourtney

Invisible is the first of the Ivy Malone series by Lorena McCourtney. I love the cover, I think it's very cute! Those are tombstones she's peeking over by the way. I picked this up free for kindle, and at last check, it was still listed that way, so if you have a kindle or the kindle app, head on over to Amazon and pick it up: Invisible for Kindle.

Ivy Malone is a widow who lives alone, right next door to her best friend, who has taken in a nice young woman as a boarder. Ivy and her friend have been troubled by the recent vandalism in a local cemetary where some of their relatives are buried, and vow to do something about it. What Ivy discovers is that because she is an elderly lady, she seems to be invisible, that people don't pay attention to her, and overlook her presence. While this seems like a discouraging revelation at first, Ivy decides to use this newfound "power" to her advantage. She bites off a little more than she's ready to handle when her investigation uncovers a plot that is much more dangerous than just teenagers vandalizing some headstones, but instead involves murder!

Ivy is an endearing character, with plenty of moxy and a strong faith in God (this is labeled as a Christian mystery) to get her through tough times. She definitely has a mind of her own and refuses to be intimidated, by the police, or the bad guys! I enjoyed this cozy mystery and would definitely recommend it, and look forward to continuing the series.

For more information on Lorena McCourtney's mysteries and romances visit her Website.

This is my third read for the Mystery and Suspense Challenge over at Book Chick City!

Giveaway: Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne

From the back of the book:

Kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying -- and thrilling -- gene that will change her life forever.

Lucas is dangerous, gorgeous... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep in within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate , his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

Shaunie's opinion:

I enjoyed this one as a refreshing change from the other teen stories that seem to be located in schools. This is out in the open, the wilderness of a state park and I kept imagining Yellowstone in Wyoming as I read. I look forward to reading more of the series, and getting to know other members of the pack.

The Giveaway:

This is a gently used, and Bookcrossing labeled copy, that I'm ready to pass on to make a new friend! To enter, please comment on this post and tell me what your favorite state or national park is (anywhere in the world), and why it is your favorite, or if there is one you would like to visit and why. No answer, no entry. You get an extra entry if you are a follower, and another if you are a Bookcrosser, please tell me your Bookcrossing name to claim this extra entry. I will choose the winner on March 20th, 2011. Giveaway is open internationally.

Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark

I admit that I have not read any of Mary Higgins Clark's other numerous novels, but I am interested in early American history, so this caught my eye. As the book opens, George Washington is getting ready to leave office as President. He is tired and ready to go home to Mount Vernon with his wife Martha, called Patsy. We glimpse his story from the time he is a young man until his time as President through recollections of the important events in his life. There isn't a cherry tree to be found in this story! Clark has made him a very real person, from his unaffectionate mother, to his unrequited love for the wife of a good friend, to the solid and steadfast love he finds with Patsy. This focuses less on the famous moments of his life, and more on the man, his feelings, and his constant struggle to find happiness.

I was interested to find out that this biographical novel was the first for Clark, and I do wish she had written more historical novels in the same vein. Maybe she will again. And maybe I'll even pick up one of her more popular mysteries, having now enjoyed this story! I definitely recommend it to American history fans, it is a quick and enjoyable read.

Deader Still (Simon Canderous #2) by Anton Strout

Today is actually release day for the 4th Simon Canderous novel by Anton Strout, Dead Waters. Alas I have only finished Book 2 so far, so that is what I'll be reviewing here. This is my 3rd read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge I'm taking part in hosted by Book Chick City.

"It's hard to defeat evil on a budget." This is the story of Simon's life it seems, as he is constantly bogged down by the red tape of the DEA (Department of Extraordinary Affairs) in his fight against the things that go bump in the night. What's frustrating for poor Simon, is hilarious for us as we watch him navigate his way through the DEA's bureaucratic maze, though things seem to go a little more smoothly for him now that he's a member of the Fraternal Order of Goodness. What is not going better for him are his personal relationships, either with his partner Connor, who is a little hurt and resentful of Simon's new status, or with his girlfriend Jane, who is being a little too friendly with her new boss. Not to mention there's a little problem of victims showing up drained of blood. It's possible that the 737 day streak of no vampire activity has come to an end. On top of that an old acquaintance from Simon's darker days has reappeared and is demanding that he help her with one last heist. Poor Simon can never have simple problems, they are always many layered!

This was a 4/5 for me, I'm really enjoying the Simon Canderous series so far, he's lovable, and very human (vs. superhuman), and always in trouble, poor guy, but he just keeps on whacking away at his problems, or sometimes juggling them, trying to resolve one while another is headed towards disaster, and arriving just in time to salvage that one too. I highly recommend them for a fun supernatural romp, and look forward to many more to come. Follow Anton on Twitter @antonstrout or at his blog What is Essential is Invisible to the Eye. He has a sarcastic wit, and is always entertaining, even in his agony over writing/working trials and tribulations. Thanks for a fun series Anton!

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

I'm not a huge TV watcher, but there are a few shows I enjoy when I happen to catch them, the mystery show Castle starring Nathan Fillion is one those. Heat Wave is the first Nikki Heat novel written by fictonal author Richard Castle (portrayed by Fillion) as mentioned in the show, and is the reason he's tagging along with Detective Kate Beckett and her team.

The novel features Detective Nikki Heat, and her writer shadow, journalist Jameson Rook. This is a stand alone story, having watched the television show is not necessary, however I think that fans of the show will probably appreciate the novel more, and be able to fill out the characters in their minds, than a non-Castle watcher. The same attitude is present, Rook rarely does what Heat tells him to, and usually gets in the middle of trouble because of it. The biggest difference to me is that Nikki Heat is much more aggressive than Beckett, and of course there is action between the two of them that watchers of the show only wish would happen between Beckett and Castle. But as we all know, it's that romantic tension that keeps a show exciting!

The story is not bad, Heat and her team are investigating the death of Matthew Starr, a financially troubled real estate mogul, who met his end off the balcony of his home. As expected many suspicious characters surrounded Starr, from his wife, to the mob, to his accountant, and the team is kept guessing until the end, when the killer reveals themselves, and of course Rook is right in the middle, no matter how many times Heat tells him to stay in the car, stay back, stay out of the building, just stay out of the way! As annoying as she finds Rook however, Heat can't deny her attraction to him, though she does seem to be able to compartmentalize her feelings while on the job, much to Rook's confusion and dismay.

I gave this one a 3/5, as police novels are really not my thing, and I did only read it because of it's relation to the show. Again, I think fans of the show Castle will get more out of this because they will certainly be imagining Beckett and Castle in the starring roles, but it is a complete story by itself, so someone who has never seen the show should be able to enjoy it as well. I will most likely read the next book in the series, Naked Heat for the same reason. I think it's funny that they've gone and listed the titles of Richard Castle's Derek Storm series, which doesn't actually exist.

This is my second read for the Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris

My first read for the Mystery and Suspense Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City is the 4th and last book of Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly series, Grave Secret.

My immediate reaction was "No, wait! What? But! Well shoot!" Because I didn't realize that this was the last book, and that all would be revealed! I was all looking to see if Charlaine was working on another Harper book before diving into this one so I could put it on my wishlist. I'm a little oblivious I admit! But this is an excellent series and I'm very sad to see Harper and Tolliver's story wrapped up, even though we do receive closure and fairly happy ending for the two of them, as much as the dark tone of the story allows.

In this last episode, Harper and Tolliver are brought back near their home in Texas, hired by Lizzie Joyce to find out how her grandfather died. Harper does just that, also uncovering a few more family secrets in the bargain. This nearly costs Tolliver his life as someone targets Harper in an attempt to keep the family dirty laundry buried. Lovable and quirky Manfred also appears, because Harper needs him, even if she doesn't know it. Harper can't get over feeling that the men of the Joyce family that hired her seem very familiar, and eventually ties to her and Tolliver's own family past are uncovered, leading to a shocking ending.

This was an excellent series all around, and I found myself turning pages as fast as I could to find out the answer! Definitely a 5/5 rating, and I'm sad that it's over! I will have to console myself that I still have a few books left in the Aurora Teagarden series, and all of Lily Bard and Sookie Stackhouse ahead of me!

Visit the Charlaine Harris Website for more information on this author and her work!

Taming the Scotsman by Kinley MacGregor

Taming the Scotsman is the 3rd book in Kinley MacGregor's MacAllister series (according to the reading order on her website), but I believe this can be read as a stand alone. While I have read 2 of the other brothers' books, I didn't really need to know their history to enjoy this one, the backstory was present when needed. This is my first read for the Historical Romance Challenge hosted by Romance Book Junkies, and it is set in Medieval Scotland.

Ewan is the brooding and surly brother in the MacAllister family. He blames himself for the death of his brother Kieran over a woman that betrayed them both. He lives away from the rest of the family in a cave, constantly punishing himself for what he believes he caused. It is to Ewan that Nora runs to try and get away from a betrothal that she knows will make her life miserable. She has no idea of the history that Ewan berates himself for, and shocks him by asking him to do the very thing that caused all of his previous trouble. She needs him to escort her to England, just as he had done with the treacherous Isobail, whom he and his brother Kieran had fought over. Nora likens Ewan to a bear, big and grumpy, and he fears that her incessant chatter will drive him insane, nevertheless he agrees to take her to his brother Lochlan to see what can be done. Along the way there are the usual adventures, kidnapping, fighting and escaping, during which the two grow very fond of each other. Though their attraction is strong, they are plagued by many misconceptions of class, family and prior commitments, and so there is much of the I love him/her, but cannot have him/her, and he/she will be better off without me anguish that we are so fond of in romances.

I'll give this a 4/5 because it's just the thing when you're looking for a fast paced historical romantic escape. For more information on the author and her work, see her website: Sherrilyn Kenyon yep, they are one and the same!

And the Winner Is...

Today is the day! I had a great response on this one, I guess everyone wants to read about a break up company around Valentine's Day! lol!

The winner is...

Jen R

Who is currently reading: Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Congrats Jen, I'll be contacting you to get your addy so I can get Your Big Break on the way to you! Thanks for entering everyone!

My friend Susan is hosting a great giveaways right now as well! She is giving away a copy of Michelle Moran's novel about Madame Tussaud, plus some adorable cupcake earrings. See post for details right HERE.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H. P. Mallory

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is the first book of the Jolie Wilkin's series, and also my first read for the Paranormal Romance Challenge that I have joined that is hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance. Also the first book that I read on my kindle app for Android! I have to say it's a little strange reading an entire book on such a small screen, but very convenient to have a book (or many) with you all the time. I do usually have a paper book with me all the time, but just in case I forget, I now have them on my phone! woohoo!

In honor of the release of her second novel in the Jolie Wilkins series, currently the kindle edition of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is still just $.99 at Amazon, so check it out! This is apparently a US only sale.

Jolie Wilkins owns a new age shop, which her best friend Christa helps her to run, where she performs psychic readings. Life is going pretty well, until Jolie sees a ghost, and a handsome stranger named Rand Balfour hires Jolie to do readings for him. She feels that she isn't making any headway, but Rand assures her that he is pleased and so they continue. He was testing her, because he wanted to hire her for the job of finding out who murdered the ghost that she saw earlier in her shop. During the job, Jolie accidentally discovers that she is able to bring back the dead. Once her power is realized, life can never be the same, and she becomes the focal point between factions that are about to go to war. The attraction between Jolie and Rand is undeniable, at least Jolie can't deny it, though Rand seems to try, claiming that it just would never work since he is her employer. His resolve is put to the test when Jolie is taken captive. There is also a sexy vampire in the mix, not to mention werewolves and faeries, all having to choose sides in the coming power struggle.

I will give this one a 3/5, I liked it, but I had some lukewarm feelings about the characters. I just couldn't bond with them, so while the story was fun, I'm not sure if I will continue the series. I really think that characters sometimes just speak to a person and other times they don't, and that's very much subjective to the reader, so give it a try!

For more information on the author and her books, check out her website!

Dante's Girl by Natasha Rhodes

This is the first book of the Kayla Steele series (of which there are now 3 total) and my second read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge at Book Chick City.

This is a busy story! Kayla Steele is a perfume counter girl, who just wants her boyfriend Karrel Dante to propose to her. She believes he works at the humane society, with no clue to the secret life as a supernatural hunter he's been leading. She's about to be introduced to that world up close and personal, when she finds out about Karrel's death and true vocation, then becomes a target in the treacherous game being played between the different paranormal factions. Karrel is not completely gone, and by making a bargain he was able to pass along his strength to Kayla so that she can avenge his murder. Along with general mayhem, there's double crossing and back stabbing, biological research and testing, and power plays for dominance.

I'm only giving this one a 3/5, I liked it, but not really enough to pursue the rest of the series. There was too much going on for me, and not enough explanation or background for my liking. There are two big baddies that have branded their followers with their initial, but one of them is absent for almost the entirety of the book. I just felt like there was a lot of backstory on their history that I was missing. There are likable characters, Phil and Ninette from the hunters are fun, but I think I really expected Karrel Dante to be a much bigger player in the story than just the catalyst and a few small cameos.

Natasha Rhodes has done film novelizations for some horror, and sci-fi/fantasy franchises, and I feel like that is how this reads, like a sci-fi action movie, which is fine, but not my fave style. There is lots of fighting and chasing and running and more fighting and breaking things and blowing up places, and it's all quite well done. I say that because I often have a hard time keeping track of things during scenes like that, but I felt like the action was pretty well diagrammed here.

Check out Natasha on Fantastic Fiction to see her other novels.

My Favorite Commercials

I'm usually annoyed by commercials, especially all the food ones, tempting me with a greasy hamburger or a cheesy pizza, because yeah, I want that stuff, quit showing it to me! But sometimes commercials are really funny, usually they're the ones that I don't even have the service of, or buy the product for, but I still appreciate the entertainment! Here are a few of my favorites, and no, I don't have Allstate, and I've never tasted Dos Equuis, and yeah, I'm a girl, so no Old Spice for me, but I guess they've still accomplished their goal if I'm saying their name because I like their commercials, huh? Ah well...

"OMG, Becky's not even hot!" This guy cracks me up, I just tonight saw the GPS commercial for the first time.


I think this is most of the Most Interesting Man in the World commercials that are on, but they're just so funny... "the right look should suffice", "He can speak French in Russian..." or something like that! ;)


And I think by now we've all seen the Old Spice guy commercials, but have you seen all of his twitter video responses? Probably not, they're great, so go check 'em out, especially if you just want to ogle him standing there in the towel.


What are your favorite commercials?

Giveaway: Your Big Break by Johanna Edwards

From the BOB: Dani Myers has become an expert at romantic breakups ever since she was hired to "facilitate" them for clients of Your Big Break, Inc. In other words, she dumps people for money. But company rule #5 (do not get personally involved) is getting harder to obey. One of her dumpees is turning out to be the kind of guy she might just want to pick up on the rebound. and a new client has just walked in, begging for Dani's help breaking up with The Big Jackass, who's been leading her on all this time-and now turns out to be married.

It would be a routine job except for one problem: the so-called Big Jackass is married to none other than Dani's mother.


Shaunie's opinion: This was a fast and fun read, I'm really enjoying Johanna Edwards' books. The idea of the breakup company is hysterical, and the clients that hire them are just so painful you want to strangle them, it's great!


The Giveaway: This is a gently used, and Bookcrossing labeled copy, that I'm ready to pass on to make a new friend! To enter, please comment on this post and tell me what you are reading right now, no answer, no entry. You get an extra entry if you are a follower, and another if you are a Bookcrosser, please tell me your Bookcrossing name to claim this extra entry. I will choose the winner on February 5th, 2011. Giveaway is open internationally.

Vamped by David Sosnowski

I loved this book! It was a surprise, not because I didn't expect to like it, but because of how much I liked it. The concept sounded kind of silly, and in many ways it was, but there were serious heart tugging moments as well, and that was completely unexpected. So at the same time I'm laughing and shaking my head, I'm also thinking this guy gets it, and is somehow displaying it with this unlikely duo of vampire and little girl. It comes across as a strange mix of horror, chicklit and family drama, but it works!

Martin Kowalski is a vampire, just like everyone else. In fact, he's part of the reason that almost everyone else is a vampire, and he's getting bored with life. He begins taking chances, driving too fast, letting things fall out how they may, in fact, the night he finds Isuzu is the night he'd planned to possibly be his last. Everything changes when he decides to take her with him, at first as a test in delayed gratification, real humans are rare, and expensive. Somehow that delayed snack never happens, and instead Isuzu worms her way into his not-so-dead-as-he-believed heart. Somewhere along the line Martin stops being a predator and starts being a parent. Every day brings humor and horror in equal measure.

I gave this one a 5/5 because it was just so different and gripping. You're holding your breath along with Marty that this little girl is going to grow up and make it in a world where everyone views her as a tasty snack! I had to read many passages out loud to my husband because they were just too good! Sosnowski's first novel, Rapture sounds like an interesting read as well, so I will definitely be on the lookout for it!

This is my first read for the Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.

David Sosnowski on FantasticFiction.com

2010 Wrap up

Now that we're a week into 2011, I'm finally getting around to my 2010 wrap up/faves post. It's a difficult thing, I read a lot of books in 2010 that were really great, and I'm having a hard time picking which ones to talk about, because talking about all of them would be much too long!

Just for Fun Reading Stats:

Books read/listened to: 132 (a personal record yay!)

Pages read: 33,794 avg of 91 per day, I was really shooting for that 100 per day mark, but didn't quite get there!

Genre Breakdown: I'm a little ashamed to say Young Adult/Teen was my most read category since I'm in my 30's, but there are so many great books for that age group now, and I'm loving the teen paranormals!

29% Young Adult/Teen
18% Romance
14% Fantasy and Sci-Fi
13% Audiobooks (ok, not really a genre, but that's how I kept track)
11% Mystery
15% All that other stuff (Chicklit, Non-genre fiction)

Oldest Copyright Date: 1979, Which Witch? by Eva Ibbotson (a very cute YA Fantasy book!)

Events: I participated in Dewey's Read-a-thon both times this year and had a lot of fun, reading, blogging, and visiting other blogs! The next one has just been announced, so mark your calendars for April 9th, 2011! It's a fun friendly reading frenzy!

Now for the hard part, picking favorites!

Best reads:





*Mind Games by Carolyn Crane (I think my top fave of the year, looking forward to Double Cross!)

*Heart of Stone by C. E. Murphy (I'm listening to the second book now and loving it!)

*The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger (historical fiction about Raphael the painter)

*A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card (quick, but powerful)

*Inside/Out by Maria V. Snyder (looking forward to Outside/In!)

*Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell (Shakespearean themed thriller)

*Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison (Teen paranormal)

*Firespell by Chloe Neill (Teen paranormal)

There are actually many more I could mention, but it would probably take me until next year to get it all posted! Good luck with your reading in 2011, I can't wait to see what the year brings us!

Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney is my fifth and last read for the Christmas Spirit Challenge. This was a collection of five short romances all by the same author, the first a contemporary, and the other four historical. I have to say I think this was my favorite read of the Christmas books I read this time, and I'll definitely be looking into more of this author!

In A Holiday Fling a British actress and an American cameraman rekindle their relationship while filming a local production as a fundraiser to save a historical building.

The Christmas Cuckoo is a historical case of mistaken identity that actually turns out well for everyone.

Sunshine for Christmas brings together a despondent Englishman and a relocated English Governess in Italy, as he is trying to escape winter doldrums.

A young French seamstress accepts an indecent proposal to make ends meet when she is unjustly dismissed. It turns out to be the best decision of her life, in The Christmas Tart.

The Black Beast of Belleterre is a Beauty and the Beast story, where the young and beautiful wife proves to the "beast" her husband that her love for him goes far beyond the surface.

I'm really not sure which one is my favorite as with each one I read, I decided it was the best at the time! These were very enjoyable short romantic novellas, and Ms. Putney does a good job of making the characters likable, and fills each story with good description of action and setting. This was the first book by Putney that I have read, but it certainly won't be the last, I'll be adding some to my wishlist! Highly recommend this one to someone who wants some holiday historical romance!

And that concludes my Holiday Challenge reading! Bring on the next challenge!

Sookie it is!

Well my first poll ended in a tie between the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris and the Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong, so I STILL had a make a decision darn it! WestofMars suggested that a tie meant I had to read all of both series that were tied, but I'm not going to even try that! So here it is, Sookie wins! Which is not to say that I won't start reading the others as well, but I'm going to TRY to read all of the books listed below in 2011.




1. Dead Until Dark (2001)
2. Living Dead in Dallas (2002)
3. Club Dead (2003)
4. Dead to the World (2004)
5. Dead as a Doornail (2005)
6. Definitely Dead (2006)
7. All Together Dead (2007)
8. From Dead to Worse (2008)
9. Dead and Gone (2009)
10. Dead in the Family (2010)
11. Dead Reckoning (2011)

This didn't go so well for me on Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series, as I missed it by two, and there were fewer books to read that time, but I'll give it a go. At best I'll catch up, and at worst, I'll still hopefully be farther than I am now!

I've set 3 challenges for myself, and signed up for 4 more hosted challenges, for a total of 95 books if I don't let any of them count for multiple challenges. *faints* Um... yeah... well, I guess I'd best get to readin' huh?

Good luck on your challenges, or just in your reading, I look forward to seeing what books the year brings!

Teaser - "The Christmas Cuckoo" in Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

		"Please, don't say anything more -- words are never adequate for the deepest truths." Wanting to remove the shadows from Jack's anguished blue eyes, she laid a gloved hand on his arm. "My trials have been different from yours, but I have learned that heroism lies beyond despair. And while it is certainly admirable, it is never glorious." -- pg. 132 of "The Christmas Cuckoo" in Christmas Revels by Mary Jo Putney

I'm reading this as my last book for the Christmas Spirit Challenge, and was really struck by that quote, so I thought I'd share. I think this might be my favorite of the Christmas books I've read this season.

Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge hosted by Book Chick City

Here are the basics, please click on the picture above to get full details on how to sign up.

* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

* Rules: To read TWENTY FOUR (24) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2011

I hope it's okay if they are all Urban Fantasy because I'm just not much of a horror reader. Urban Fantasy on the other hand... ;)

And this is the last challenge I'm signing up for, really, I mean it! No, really I do mean it!

Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011 hosted by Book Chick City

I read mysteries anyway, so this should be an easy one, I hope! Here are the basic details:

* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

* Rules: To read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2011 (12 is the minimum but you can read more if you wish!)

* You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

* You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

* At the beginning of Jan 2011, you will find a link to specific month to add your reviews. There will be a monthly prize too courtesy of the lovely Simon & Schuster - you must be signed up to the challenge and add the link to your review to be entered into the monthly prize draw.


There are also ARC's and other prizes involved, so if you'd like to join, click on the picture above, and read the details carefully, there are certain things you must do in order to qualify!