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



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Depth Perception

Do you ever just sit somewhere and pretend that you belong? Pretend that life is not driving you down that road with multiple forks, and each branching fork is pitted in some soulless shadow of where you want to be...?

Do you ever wonder what the point is? I don't mean, what's the point of life, no one really knows that one. I mean, what's the point of this particular life experience. Why this, why now, why period.

How hard do you have to think, to speak, to do -  to get the message across that there is more. So much more than we realize, because we get so trapped and warped by life, our jobs, our stresses that we stop even bothering to glimpse out the window and notice the skies are full.

When is the right time to take that deep breath and breathe out all the garbled nuances that chain us? How do we realize that those pitiful little hooks are not helping...and that it's painful to remove them but not life threatening and thus freeing?

There are moments, while I sit and gaze sadly at cubicle walls, knowing I am wasting my time, my energy for an unseen value.

And values, those shockingly pesky ideas. A value is only valued by the one valuing it. What I value, others would despair at or waste away on or perhaps just mock. Still, there are the remote few or several who value some of the generalities that I value. Those of like minds and all that.

I'm may be saddened and annoyed at the moments inability to reflect what I want and need. However, that fickle bitch Time will eventually release her restrictions thusly causing rapid changes in reality again.

~~and this is not directed at/about/etc anyone I know or care about...I am just sitting in a conference room, bored out of my skull and avoiding the necessary process of working~~

Book Review: Always a Witch (Witch #2) by Carolyn MacCullough

Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 Stars

I enjoyed reading Always a Witch, a fast paced sequal to Once a Witch. I think I would have given it 4 stars (or more) if it felt forward. It read very similar to the first book. It was quite gripping, action packed and incredible. It's a great book to read. I just wanted it to take more of a leap with the characters, have them grow more and not just take a couple of smaller steps instead.

Of course, that being said, there was some serious awesome-ness in this book. The romance factor kicked in a bit more, which just made me grin. I love how Tamsin is so strong in herself, knowing what the right thing to do, even if it's hard. I was nail biting the entire time Tamsin was a "lady's maid".

I really would like to see more of some of the other characters, especially now. I want to know what else is going to happen, even if it's 20 years later and it's Tamsin's kids (just happy wishing). I even want to know what led La Spider's family to it's predicament.

The author is such a great writer, that you have to read the entire book and then you still want more.

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Book Review: To Tame A Highland Warrior (Highlander #2) by Karen Marie Moning

To Tame A Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought that this 2nd installment in the Highland series was really good.

The angst over long held emotions from both the main characters was intense. The leading hero, Grimm, in denial about so many things, has to face the facts. He felt so, soulful and real, that I was able to really appreciate his character all the more. He did frustrate me a bit, male stubborn-ness, in not listening (to himself and others) and dealing with things. The leading heroine, Jillian, was smart and kind and I really loved how she just did what was in her heart.

It was really rewarding to see the characters come to their respective realizations, all the while dealing with the mayhem of marriage and fueds and family.

The author, I think, outdid herself in this novel. It was not cookie cutter formulae but still held that intense intrigue that kept me glued to the book, having to read it or else.

Can't wait to read the next one!

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Book Review: Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens

Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Having read most of the authors other works, I was not surprised at how incredible this story turned out to be. To be honest, I hope that it turns into it's own series.

Being Novella, it's a glimpse into a Urban-Fantasy setting, where a shape-changing panther child accidently comes to earth. The leading heroine, of course, is unluckily blessed with telepathic abilities - with cats. Throw in a hunky leading alpha male looking for his charge and you have an opportunity for some heated moments. Action, life changing decisions and romance.

Who could ask for more!!

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Book Review: Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

Soulless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was surprised by this book. I did enjoy reading it quite a bit and I wasn't expecting that.

Being that it's the first book in a series, the author did a good job in the world building as well as the character development. Even the repeated mention of Alexia's Italian heritage and her nose seemed to flow pretty well. Normally, that type of repitition would annoy me, however, since the time frame is more of that historical Victorian, I would not have been surprised by this to actually happen.

I particularly liked the witty and sharp banter between the characters. The plot was different and original; even how the state of affairs for those of the supernatural I found intriguing. Not to mention that so many different aspects of genres was woven into this novel. It was well put together, which is not an easy feat.

It was an easy and light read, something that you could enjoy but not become engrossed in (as compared to Michelle Sagara West for instance).

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.

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Book Review: Demon King's Desire by J.L. Sheppard

Demon King's Desire by J.L. Sheppard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**I received this book in exchange for an honest review via GoodReads**

I liked all the details, that helps me to a better picture in my head of the story. Though there are couple where it was almost like the same details applied to all the demons (or any male character), it would have been nice if they varied a bit more.

Some of the dialog/reactions came off as choppy, which made it harder for me to wrap their moods/actions and conversations into a smooth flow.

I really liked how the Demons were the on the side of good, though still reviled because others couldn't see past their one aspect. It was nice to see their relationships, as brothers, come out in the story. I am hoping the next book in the series gives us more of the other immortals as well :)

I wish there was a bit more development, earlier on, on how the whole Guardian/Council worked, the Demons place in it and also maybe more on Lucas's brother/warriors. More lead into the whole story. This could have provided more development opportunities with Lucas as well. For a Demon King, he actually could have been a bit cooler (granted he's a Demon) in his abilities to control his emotions, attitudes and reactions. He felt very young to me, not quite mature yet. Clyde, for an Angel, he just fell pretty easily in love with his charge and I sorta wanted to smack him whenever he spoke. Which means (at least to me) that his character was well written enough gather a response.

To be honest, this is a pretty strong start to a series. I am looking forward to reading the next one :)

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Book Review: Imager's Battalion (Imager Portfolio #6) by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Imager's Battalion by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The action was not just military in this installment of the Imager Portfolio series, it was some of the relationship building and internal struggling that this author is well known for.

Though this particular novel isn't mind blowing in revelations or catching you off guard with a huge plot twist, you feel yourself get drawn into it the more you read it. You need to see what happens as the story builds up.

And of course, right where this book ends is what I wanted more of. That build up felt like it had a minor hiccup and now the next novel is the one that blows your socks off. I can't wait to read that one.

Like most of his other novels, this was exciting and enjoyable to read.

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Book Review: Marked (Eternal Guardians #1) by Elisabeth Naughton

Marked by Elisabeth Naughton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This novel was a good step in the right direction. I liked many of the characters, especially Theron because he was just so conflicted. I do wish there was more interaction, more details perhaps, of the secondary characters - but hopefully I get those as I read more in the series.

The world building was good. It was different and interesting than the typical formula that a lot of urban fantasy books have.

I did get frustrated, in a good way, in the sexual tensions between Casey and Theron.

I think that this was just a little bit better written, I would have given it higher stars. For the most part, it was really good story line and I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Book Review Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1) by Jacqueline Carey

Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a truly Urban Fantasy blend of a tale by a very talented writer. I've read most of Jacqueline Carey's other books so I was excited to see this new novel, especially in an Urban Fantasy setting.

The intriguing mystery story merged with Carey's world building skills, with some dark under tones. But this is a really solid world, that while reading it, you can feel like you're part of the story. Always a trade mark for me when I find an author who writes to the readers.

The characters were strong, well defined. The story line was complicated enough that you certainly don't get bored.

The main female character was young, but strong. Smart but realistic. She's a great blend of life flinging you the hard stuff and you keep on going, because that's just what you do.

Really enjoyed reading this!

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Book Review: Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a sweet and lovely book to read. It had intrigue, mystery and just a very little bit of romance. Hopefully that is something that will be delved into more in the next novel.

It was well written and a wonderful story to read. It's good for when you're in the mood for something innocent but interesting.

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Book Review: Magic without Mercy (Allie Beckstom #8) by Devon Monk

Magic Without Mercy by Devon Monk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like the previous novels in this series, this one was action packed. It was also had a lot more of the character development, which I noticed more because 1. Allie has stopped whining/complaining and 2. You got to know more about the other characters.

The situation just keeps on getting more intense, more potent and harder to fix. Love it!

The one thing that still bothers me is about the Authority. You would think that suck an old organization would have better abilities to make sure everyone and everything is as it should be. Granted, magic was never known thing for the entire civilian population, but I would think they would have ways to track if one of the heads in the organization was losing it or changed dramatically.



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Book Review: Touch of the Demon (Kara Gillian #5) by Diana Rowland

Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This latest and amazing book in the Kara Gillian series was *awesome*. I really enjoyed the trickiness in this installment. Nothing was what Kara though it was, things changed and it was utterly brilliant. Loved how it flowed, the twists and full of painful (poor Kara) action.

There is so much going on in this book, I am still processing the repercussions of what was revealed.

The only thing that bugged me was how Kara so quickly took up the passionate side of things with Rhyzkahl (and never questioned him - I mean, he's a Demon Lord, she always questioned things with him...) and then later on with Mzatal. I think she's (obviously) better off with Mzatal, but wow, way to sleep with whoever your Demon Lord is I guess.

Overall though, loved it. Did not put it down until I was done.

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