Monday Madness

So this weekend -

Let's see, the dining room table is finally finished!! So unbelievably happy about this!!! I watched mostly, but I did help a little bit!! It's amazing how some people are just really good at that type of thing. I am coming to realize that I am not one of them!!! LOL -  Mainly because the DVD/CD Media bookcase I put together? Well...it will get the job done but it sure ain't pretty!! LOL - It's almost kinda sad!! But, it's done. Right? Maybe...I'm still laughing about it so that should say something!!

Back to the dining room table, the kid and I actually ate at it last night - and let me tell you - it was so nice and wonderful and just felt good. Like family should be.

Saturday, that was when I did the DVD/CD thingy - while watching Pitch Perfect again. I also re-arranged my living room just a bit, and I like it so far. Not sure if it's going to stay that way, but will see :) I need to find some place for this mirror I have. If not, it might end up in the attic for a while. The walls in my living room, it's just kinda weird in a way because there is SO much of them, that I am having a hard time finding the right artwork that I want. Hmmm. I think I need to go shopping at Pier 1 or something.

Also: Cake

I cleaned a little bit on Saturday, though I should have probably done some laundry, I guess I will tonight after we go grocery shopping.

Oh I also laid out and got my pale ass some sun! That was sooooo nice. I put some music on my iPod nano, sprayed on some oil and took my pale self outside with a towel and pillow. I flipped sides every 5 songs (give or take) so that I wouldn't burn. I had a hat for covering my face. And it was sooo nice. I want to do this more often!!

Sunday, Sunday...I don't remember...oh that's right! I had this really weird/fucked up dream about my ex-stepsister-in-law. I need to text/email that to her. And since my period is just starting (it's being wishy washy on me today for some reason, stupid period) my hormones have been all over the place. Stupid hormones need to get a life. A good life.

Oh, I also got waxed last night. It's only been 3 weeks, however, in the past if I've had a Brazilian done and it's NOT up kept, UTI or yeast infections will ensue. Not something I want. I actually felt the very start of a UTI yesterday, so Uva Ursi regiment has already started. I think I will be able to head it off and flush it out of my system, especially considering how much fucking water I drink. I didn't get the legs waxed, those can wait another few weeks easy (besides it's not like they are that hairy, it just seems certain patches grow in faster - so weird). But I'm glad I got the Hu Ha done.

Also: hot wax down there feels good.
(the ripping of hair out, not so much, just focus on the yummy hot wax)

Work is going to be busy today, I can already tell. Which is good!! I'd rather be busy than bored, any day :)

Good mood music :)

I'm in the mood for some Mediaeval Baebes tonight :)

Weekend Life

So today I actually made it out of the house (score!) and went to JC Penny and Target. At JC Penny I went bra shopping. I guess they are doing some redecorating though, which meant less changing rooms and re-arrangement of clothes. So, I finally found the lingere area (why is it right by the kids clothes? Really? Sexy panties and everything just sitting out there for 5 years to ogle??) So, I decided to pick a couple brands, try 2 bra sizes (40 B and 38 B) to see which ones would fit better. The 40 B was comfy, but just a shade large. Minor. Tried the 38 B, it FIT. YES. But the cup was too small. WTH? I thought that your cup size is your cup size, but I guess not. So, I went back and got a 38 C and that bitch fit perfectly! OMFG, NICE!!! So, how that fucking works I have no bloody idea, but I won't argue :)

I kinda ended up splurging. I mean, I've lost something like 21-22 lbs since March and they were freaking cute AND on sale. Win Win in my opinion. And do you have any idea HOW LONG it's been since I've been able to buy cute sexy bras?? YEARS. Stupid 40 and up sizes, just doesn't happen. Or at least, it's few and far between. And usually expensive. So, I ended up get something like 8 bras and 3 cute panties. And a blanket. Don't ask. I am a total blanket whore. I have this thing for textures, especially on my feet. Also: My kid keeps stealing MY blanket and leaves me his and damn it, I just want my own damned blanket!

Then I head downstairs to the bathing suits. Because, you know, I have this cruise coming up in a few months (SO EXCITED) and it's a Caribbean cruise, which means SUN and therefore I must have some bathing suits. Found a cute shorts and bikini top :)

Also, another thing I noticed is that I've gone down in sizes from XL to L, another huge plus :) Makes me feel good :D

Then I headed over to Target, got another bikini top, a skirt (nothing fancy) and some new sheets.

Then I went to the local Asian Market, picked up some snacks and Aloe juice and finally headed home. I was only out for 2 hours. It felt like a whole day.

So, home, did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned a little bit, read some and have been watching some TV. No nap, alas. Stupid naps fucking avoid me. I did organize some CDs though too, which I need to finish. About 75% done with that, and then I will probably go back or put them in alphabetical order or something. Because, well, I can.

Like how I seriously contemplated mowing my lawn. I really really did. Instead I put on one of my bikini tops, and hung out doing all the above. It's a cute bikini top :^D

Tomorrow, it's Lowe's and grocery shopping. And hopefully more cleaning. Maybe mowing the lawn. MAYBE. Again, it would have to be in a bikini top because I am so damned white I would probably scare a ghost.

Tonight, I might make some bread, pack up my beads. I got in a mood and made a bracelet for a friends daughter. She's a bit goth I think, not 100% sure, so it's all black and red. Pretty onyx and red tigers eye. And hopefully get to bed before 1 am, unlike last night. Right now I'm watching a Bruce Willis movie. Maybe make some popcorn. I don't know. Hmmm. I'm tired though. And I still have some things I need to clean up and really don't feel like it right now. Is it sad I'm tired from putting sheets on my bed?

Popcorn it is :)

EDIT: I am making cookies tomorrow. Almost forgot that!!

Habitat for Humanity Pick Up SUCKS

So, they did NOT call me before showing up at my house - not cool. They said they were going to!!

Instead, I got a call from my kid.

I then called them, and said I would be there in 10 minutes. And on my way there, literally a block from my house, I saw that they called and left a vm.

I called immediately, instead of listening to said vm, and the somewhat not so nice lady said they won't be able to pick it up today, literally 10 fucking minutes from when they were 1st there, for several weeks and that I should call Salvation Army.

I asked if they just couldn't turn around because you know, they just left, she said no.

Motherfuckers.

You know, if she was just a little bit nicer, I wouldn't be so damned pissed.

You know, if they had called me BEFORE they showed up, like they were supposed to, I wouldn't be so damned pissed.

Assholes.

So, I called Salvation Army, there will be at my place Monday - and yes they said they would call me before showing up so that I can actually be there!!

Let's hope it goes as planned.

I am going to try to clean up the couch a little bit, vacuum it and see if I can get those little spots out.

Ugh.

Inner Bitch Quotes

July 2nd 2013:
An Inner Bitch Reminder: Toxic Niceness, the Disease to Please - call it what you will, it's dangerous.

April 2nd 2013:
"Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of" is the start of Toxic Niceness. Let's replace this silly slogan with something more empowering, like "Girls will be girls"

April 12th 2013:
Let's stop praising girls (and ourselves) only for being "nice" and encourage them to speak up for themselves - the truth is that girls need to be tough at least as often as they need to be agreeable.

May 18/19 2013:
"In passing, also, I would like to say that the first time Adam had a chance, he laid the blame on a woman."  ~ Nancy Astor, first woman elected to Britain's House of Commons, born 5/19/1879

Donating to Habitat for Humanity and more things going on

Well, the couch we've had for the last several years is just going to have to go. And my old desk. Because, they don't fit well enough in the house.

So, I called Habitat for Humanity, and they will be coming to pick those up (hopefully today). Which I think is an awesome solution. I know they will go to a good home and make someone else happy and I don't have to worry about finding a way to get rid of them!!

My lawn mower is being delivered today (yay!) - Have I mentioned I love Amazon? It's a reel lawn mover, which means it's not electric or gas - just an old fashion push on. No carbon print, more hard work. Which suits me just fine for the little yard that I do have :) I've also ordered a trimmer on Amazon, because even with my 10% discount at Lowes, Amazon is still cheaper (and I have free 2 day shipping still).

I've put together the 2 end tables and coffee table - they were bigger than I thought! Wow. Only 1 of them wobbles a little bit, but will figure out how to fix that. I also put together one of the cat litter disguises, which was fun. Love me some drill action ;) I was going to do my dining room table, but my brain just rebelled against the idea so I did some laundry, put the empty & broken down cardboard boxes into my car (and put in recycling at work this morning), put away some clothes, and watched TV. Oh and I hung up (badly) 1 too short black out curtain in the Kid's room, but it's only temporary anyways until his room is painted and we get the curtains he really wants in it. But I could tell it at least made the room less hot. His gets FULL sunlight all morning long, so I hope to get the 2nd curtain up this weekend. I should also do my room - am trying to figure out what I want in there. I am definitely going to paint it, just need to figure out a good color :) Maybe a pale violet? And have an accent wall painted something else? Not sure yet!! I am also researching how to how to paint to that faded look - for the office and the kids room. He wants a moon on his ceiling, and we've talked about a using a semi dark twilight color. He said he wants it to fade lighter though. So, I will paint the office first, trying to see if I can get it fade from dark to light well enough to do that in his room.

My jeans are still a little bit loose, which is nice :)

I need a freaking nap though.

Oh, last night - July 4th?? Well, we're about a block or so over from a large park where they do fireworks every year. You could totally see them from our front porch! It was awesome! And because of how the wind was blowing, it looked like they were aimed directly for our house! OMG, I wish I had taken pictures. And then we noticed, it sounded like it was raining...Well it wasn't raining, it was just the blown up pieces of fireworks!! It was a trip. Inside the house, the booming was super loud, some of the windows rattled a little bit and the cats - awww the poor kitties - hid until it was over and then were still a bit freaked. Next year, I am soooo taking pictures though!

We have these Evergreen scrubs along out fence and by the side of the house. I've read that they are poisonous to cats and they certainly attract a lot of freaking flies - I am going to cut them back a lot (once my trimmer is here) and then see what I can do to replace them with something else - you know, something maybe berry/edible that would also look nice? or at least flowery and provides shade? I don't mind bees, but I don't like flies.

Last night I put out the trash, thank the gods. It is supposed to normally go out on Wednesdays, but due to the holiday it was last night. I had plenty from moving and unpacking so now I am looking for a large outdoor trash bin to shove it in every week. And work gloves. And a step ladder for inside (will need a larger ladder for outside, but later) and pad locks and a hose! So much to do!! I need a nap!

I am not sure if we're going to make it to IKEA this weekend. Am dropping off the twin mattress to my cousin tomorrow afternoon and I really need to get some more stuff put away/together before I add even more furniture/stuff to the place. But I don't want to go alone next weekend (the Ex has the kid and it's a 1 1/2 hour drive each way). So, hmmm. I will figure something out. I also need to go grocery shopping so we have real food and not just snacks in the house.

So tonight, after heading over to Lowes for some minor stuff, I need to change out one of the shower heads to mine, put in a shower liner in the downstairs bathroom (oh and change that shower head when I find the freaking thing - also need to figure how to switch from bath to shower!), and see if I can get my internet up and running. That is a must.

Good times!!

Karma

So I was reading some comments on a facebook post about what Karma is. So, I know how I think of it but wanted to google it and see what else is out there...

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/karma.htm

Some parts stuck out to me, like:

 In other words, it is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate.

and

"We are the heirs of our own actions." 

and

Karma does not necessarily mean past actions. It embraces both past and present deeds. Hence in one sense, we are the result of what we were; we will be the result of what we are. In another sense, it should be added, we are not totally the result of what we were; we will not absolutely be the result of what we are. The present is no doubt the offspring of the past and is the present of the future, but the present is not always a true index of either the past or the future; so complex is the working of Karma. 

 I didn't read all of it, but once I move I'm going to. Very interesting...

I do believe in soul journeys. That we experience things right here, right now, to either learn something or teach something. Whether we necessarily understand that or not, our soul is absorbing and disbursing knowledge, etc as we cycle through.

Ok, deep enough for the moment!! I need to do laundry :)

Not quite Pearls of Wisdom

So, as I was making myself dinner (ahem, egg sandwich - breakfast for dinner) I had some funny thoughts...about well I guess with Life Changes that have been going on and whatnot.

Edit: Ok, they were WAY funnier in my head...

• If you can't quite figure out how to cook for less people than you're used to, cook breakfast for dinner. Still healthy, filling and easy. Especially Egg Sandwiches
• Also: If you don't use a lot of bread, put it in the frig, it will stay fresher longer.
• You don't always have to do the dishes that day, it can wait. But no more than 2 days and only if it's a little bit. Especially when you've had a long and/or shitty day.
• If you get angry, or upset, clean or go take a shower. Either one will make you feel better...a clean house/clean me always makes me feel better. And more clear headed too.
• Reward yourself for staying sane. You're allowed.
• Kittens are amazing.
• Pictures can be fun to take and sometimes makes you get a different perspective on things.
• Vinegar is GREAT for cleaning, anything and everything. 
• Boiled eggs are a great snack.
• Vacuum. A lot. Even if it is to piss off your shitty neighbors.
• If someone is being an asshole, remember Karma goes both ways! It's nice to remember you don't have to do or say anything and know that at some point, they will get their own (this also applies to you if you're the one being an asshole, which means don't!). And, of course, if you help someone else, then good things will come your way. Remember that can sometimes help take off that pressure we didn't know we had from bad people/moments.

OK, now my brain is rotting and it's time to go read for a little bit!

Books, Authors and those who give Reviews

So, since I've joined GoodReads, I have read quite a bit, started writing reviews (and is it sad that I never realized how important it is for authors to have reviews!?!?) and reading what others wrote, learning the whole writing/publishing process, winning/entering giveaways, reading ARCs, etc. You sorta get the picture right?

I have read an authors 1st attempt at writing something to be published, some have been phenomenal and some, left me wanting to wash my eyes out but I can't un-read something. Damn. On those, I have always tried to give value-added suggestions/critique without being a bitch. Because there is no point in being mean or bitchy when someone is TRYING to get their ideas/story/characters to behave!! And not everyone is lucky to have friends or family or whatever that can assist with editing and proofing shit. And honestly, if I think it's in dire need of some sort of actual plot, I am sure others are and it's painful when you invest so much into something to have someone else arbitrarily smash it to itty bitty dots left scattered across the world. And I'm not the only nice one, not saying I am! Just that I have seen some pretty damn harsh reviews and comments on books. Different opinions and perspectives... doesn't mean you have to be mean about it.

No person is perfect. Period. Some of my favorite authors have had grammar mistakes, typos or just written a bad book or 2. It happens! It's not the end of the fucking world. They have dead lines and I don't really think anyone with a lick of creative energy can exactly say "Sure, I will have this 4th installment of my incredibly complicated series done for you by June 30th" never mind that most authors have real jobs, or are stay at home parents, or have a life on top it (sometimes). And let's not even discuss dealing with the whole publishing/self publishing process. Yikes!! You can't force creativity. You can't force your characters to do what you think you want them to do. And even if an author isn't given a specific deadline per se, I think there is that pressure of "I gotta get this done!" and then comes that long line of frustration, agitation, despair, resignation, and hopefully at some point in the swirly twirly miasma, ideas start flowing and things start moving again.

And yes, of course us readers WANT MORE. Because, you know, we're absolutely bored and must have the next installment of your amazing writing capabilities...while in the meantime we're having that same conversation with 20 other of our favorite authors. I have a LONG ASS LIST of favorite authors. LONG ASS LIST!!! And yes, I love so many of the series I've been reading, but that doesn't mean I won't read 150 books while waiting a year or so for the next to come out either. So if there's a couple (or more) months before I get my greedy little eyes on those awesome words, then well...my greedy little eyes will read some other words in the meantime while I wait. Simple, yes?

I have a point, let me see if I can remember it...Shit...

Oh, so I am re-reading a book from a while back. The author commented to me, since he's emailed me in the past, that some people love it and some people hate it. And I can honestly say I see both points. But I don't look at the 1st book in the series are the sole indicator. I have read really crappy 1st books and yes went on to read the 2nd, and you know what? The 2nd books was a LOT better. The 3rd even more so. People grow. They learn. And, I think, their characters and stories evolve, the author evolves with them. It's kinda like you teaching your kids and at the same time, your kids teaching you. And for me, some characters are just assholes or whiny or annoying (oh wait, just like in real life!) and sometimes it takes a while for a plot(s) to unfold or for something to really get the juices going. Sometimes it's from the first freaking page. And sometimes it's the last 4 chapters (thank the gods I'm patient!). I remember reading Tommyknockers by Stephen King and wish he had cut out 50% of the book because it was either too random or repetitive of what he had already written. The idea still intrigued me, but the damn, did it really have to be THAT long.

I have had few books that I will never ever read again, and few authors I feel the same way. There are only 2 that come to mind, and both of them mixed straight out Christianity with Fantasy that made me want to scream until the windows shattered. I guess that's my line in the sand. I have NO problem with religion in books, nasty or not, mixed in with fantasy/magic/whatever. But when it's screaming obvious it's Christianity and some really fucked up wanna be "God will Save you, but you must repent your sins and be re-born" shit, it's just the biggest fucking turn off for me. That's just, to me at least, has no place whatsoever in a fantasy book. Ugh //vent

Ok, back to this. So, I am only like a 100 pages into the book right now, don't forget, I keep switching between books still for some unknown freaky deaky reason, but I'm not thinking - this sucks - so, at least that's good right :)

And I might reserve judgment until I read the 2nd and 3rd books. I can usually tell once I'm a little bit more into the series.

Also: Writing styles. Sometimes I am not IN THE DAMN MOOD for certain writing styles. I might not want to read books next in a series that I loved reading in the past, because my mood is just...not with it. Doesn't mean the book(s) are bad or anything. It's all me on that part. And other times, I will devour every book for in a series for weeks on end, and then get burnt out on them for a year or 2. Sometimes I am craving a good hot urban fantasy with some serious sexy stuff in it. Other times, I want straight up fantasy with no hint of sex. Or I want shifters. Or I want Sci-Fi. It really can depend on what the mood calls for. I guess, just like authors, the readers have to be a receptive mood for things to work as well!!

Anyway! I am starting yet another book (I think I read my library books first because I feel obligated so that others who are waiting to read them, don't have to wait too long...does that make sense?), and this one I am nervous about reading. The 1st book was a fucking trip. This one, Unwholly by Neal Shusterman, I am just a little freaked out over. The 1st book was not something I would ever have thought of and this author has a fascinatingly dark mind, so I guess that why I have some trepidation in starting this one. But it's a library book and someone else probably wants to it.

Breathe!!! Just read, damn it!

Ok, I have more thoughts on people who comment on books for later on (hope I don't forget) because it somewhat amazes me how nasty people can be. ~TTYL

Inner Bitch Quote

I liked today's quote, so I thought I'd share!

Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world. 

~ Anonymous

- Your Inner Bitch knows that a simple "I don't think so" may seem small, but it has the power to alter your world. -

Inner Bitch Quotes

"It's not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts"
- Oscar Levant

"Sometimes the girl who's always there for everyone needs someone to be there for her"
-Anonymous

An Inner Bitch Reminder:
If you don't know where you want to go, how will you ever get there? Plan your work - and your life - and work your plan. Adjust that plan as necessary, but always ask yourself, "What am I thinking?"

"It's the strong ones who ask for help"
-Anonymous


"It takes a might good man to be better than no man at all"
-Dixie Carter

Great Quote

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.      

Fuck It Friday

You know, some days you just need to say Fuck It.

So, no slim fast this morning. This morning, it's McDonald's all the way. Coffee - Check. Egg McMuffin - Check.

I have been craving it all week. I think my memories and cravings turned it into some divine food of the gods. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it was just an Egg McMuffin. I wonder if it's going to keep me going until lunch the way slim fast has been.

Somehow I gained that lovely 1 lbs back, the little fucker. And since it's Chinese food for dinner tonight, I am going to need to work on exercising this weekend and get over, once and for all, this damn fucking number.

Stupid number

Have I mentioned I hate my job? It pays the most I've ever been paid, but really, it's just not my cup of tea. I'm bored. Bored, not that there isn't things I could be doing (ahem, stupid XML for example) but because it's just not enough. I need something TO DO, that at least requires more of my attention. I don't have ADD or ADHD (gods, definitely not that one - hyper is not me)  but if the shit is boring, well the shit is boring. I just need something that's at least interesting. And granted, I have 1 or 2 reports that are interesting to me (ok, I am Data Analyst and I really do like creating reports, slicing and dicing, figuring shit out) but those don't take long.

And it's not just the construction, with it's noises, workers conversations or attempts at singing either.

There seems to be this underlining tension between 2 of my coworkers who I deal with the most. Honestly, that doesn't even bother me, there is always something going on at any work place (whether it's affairs, hatreds, religious crap, competitions or what) - I always try to keep away from that crap, because I just don't give a shit.

HONEY BADGER!!!





Some of it is management, but management is typically a crap shoot anyways. It's a job, I'm happy I'm getting paid (the only happy thought for the moment) but I hope that something else can come along and give me something to do.

Anyways!!

Saturday, I might take a drive to West Virginia, just to check out a few things. I have some calls to make, reservations (storage and uhaul) to make so that we can move out stuff out of the FIL's house. I need to cash out my left over 401K as well. Busy bee on Saturday. I want to vacuum the house as well and maybe clean the kitchen. I should charge up my headset so I can talk on the phone while I meander around.

Oh, speaking of kitchens :) I got my new stainless steel pots and pans in :) Quite excited about these, already washed them and cleaned out all the old pans from the cabinets. We even got rid of the wok (it was losing some kind of finishing on it) and so if we ever venture into learning to cook with one again, it will need to be stainless steel as well. But I don't think that will be for a short while, too much shit going on. So, another thing this weekend, will be learning to cook and not burn everything on these :) I've been reading about that, SHOCK I KNOW! and basically low to medium heat, use oil and pay attention to when you're cooking. I can handle that, I hope.

Sunday is one of our anniversary's. See, we got married twice. The first time, was legal and the on the Spring Equinox. The 2nd time was religious (pagan) and for friends/family almost a full year later. Of course, the 2nd one I was also 7 months pregnant which was fun and exhausting. But the date of the month of the 2nd one is earlier than the 1st/legal one. So, did I confuse anyone yet? heehee. We don't usually celebrate both, whichever one has a weekend closest to it.

So, Sunday - I want hibachi and a movie. The movie will probably come first so we can get matinee prices :) We're bring the Brat with us so it will be a fun family day out :^D Thinking of seeing Jack the Giant Killer. Hopefully it's a good movie...

I guess this means I should shave my legs. Ugh.

That's all for now...

Book Review: The Silvered by Tanya Huff

The Silvered by Tanya Huff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I've read Tanya Huff in the past but it's been years. At first, the cover and title drew me to this book and I am really really happy that they did.

This story was absolutely amazing. The lead heroine, Mirian, was quick witted, smart and amazingly resolute. Loved her character. I also loved how the Alpha Mage, Danika, was able to keep her group secure and thinking even in the mist of their own personal hell.

For the male leads, I almost wish so many of them didn't go in the beginning, but that would have changed the story too much. Losing them, really built the rest of what was to happen. And those remaining, Thomas (specifically), was young and fresh but also battle worn and instinctive. He is such a good balance to Mirian, even though a lot of it was frustrating! But in a good way.

I really want to read what happens next. It was heart breaking and inspiring, fast paced and non stop pulling towards the unfolding of events. This was a complicated story with many emotions and moving parts.

Loved it



View all my reviews

Book Review: Dying Bites (The Bloodhound Files #1) by D.D. Barant

Dying Bites by D.D. Barant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a unique take on the whole vampire/were/other type of novel. Loved the updated inclusion of golems to boot. In fact, I think one of my favorite characters was the golem, Charlie. For having no real face to speak of, his personality came through quite amazingly.

There is a lot of potential, (which is always good with a 1st book in a series) and I hope that there is more consistency with the next novels. I had a bit of a hard time on how the main character, Jace, was able to just fall right into relationships/life in a completely new universe, parallel or not. Yes, she had struggles adapting but at the same time, not enough.

Some of the other characters, Cassius and Gretchen, seemed ok, and I hope that in the following books in the series their characters get more definition. In this book, the associated positon of the characters vs. personality didn't quite line up.

It kept my interest enough that I do want to read the next book, and hopefully that one leads into another.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (Highland Pleasures #3) by Jennifer Ashley

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was one of my favorites of the Highland Pleasures series.

It was slightly more complicated in the plot, between the rumors, politics, royal love interests and the life of the ton always keeping tabs. This book felt better paced than the last one.

The twist on how, in this particular case, the man was abused in a relationship was well written. It's not something most people would ever hear of let alone think about. It changes Cameron, all his relationships and views on them, making him more roguish and less at the same time.

At the same time, Ainsley I loved because she was so clear sighted about many things. Not to mention patient.

It's a great series, all of the Mackenzie's brothers are yummy to read about.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Red Country (The First Law World) by Joe Abercrombie

Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Western themed tied into Epic fantasy - I honestly thought it couldn't be done well. I was wrong. This was amazing. Having read most of Joe Abercrombie's works, I knew he was a great author. This book just reinforced that.

It was gritty, painfully bloody and intense. I felt an itch between my shoulder blades through out the entire thing.

This was solid, stark and great for one you're in one of those moods to just punch someone in the face. Not to mention, it dealt with moral issues, decisions that are not easy and basic determination to get back what's yours and right.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Battle: The House War: Book Five by Michelle Sagara West

Battle: The House War: Book Five by Michelle Sagara West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.75 Stars

This author, this series (and to be honest, her others as well) are some of my favorites.

I don't agree when people have said that this is mis-named. There were plenty of battles going on through out this book. Granted, they might not all been physical-bloody-sword-wielding battles, but battles they were. Battles, internal in the house, internal to the characters and positions, between the need for protection and the lesser of 2 possible outcomes. Battles of trust and knowledge and fear.

The only things that somewhat annoyed me were that Jewel, or even Finch (to a much lesser degree), had so many descriptions of getting ready (I guess this could be read as gearing up for a battle, in it's own way) that I found the almost a distraction. Almost. As well as the continous repeat of stating where Jewel and her den are from (aka the 25th holding) that, at this point, if the readers aren't concrete in this fact, they are not reading the books. One or two mentions I can understand, especially if spaced far enough apart. Repeating conversations are not my favorite things to read and this novel had several different ones going on. But you can't always get all of your characters into 1 room and give everyone the same details at the same time.

Overall, this book was amazing. I did not want to stop reading it until it was done. I loved how many of the questions in my mind were answered, only to have more come into play. The writing, was descriptive and was able to pull me into the book to experience along with the characters. It was engrossing, the characters are growing more into themselves and their positions.

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Book Review: My Irresistible Earl (The Inferno Club #3) by Gaelen Foley

My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel in the Inferno series. It ramped up well from the first 2 books.

This book felt a little bit more put together, it had additional complications in the plots that I thought blended the action and heart pounding emotions into a great story.

Very entertaining!

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Book Review: Wolfishly Yours (Westfield Wolves #6) by Lydia Dare

Wolfishly Yours by Lydia Dare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This light, charming and funny installment in the Westfield Wolves series was wonderful to read.

The writing style is so easy and amusing and feels natural that this series has become one of my favorites in the paranormal/historical romances.

I loved how the leading heroine was considered more wild then the wolves of Westfield, she was more daring and will not settle for less than what she truly wants. And Grayson, so handsome and dashing and completely lost about Liviana.

Can't wait for the next one!

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