My Very First Blog Award!! Yay Me!!!

 Now for the note attached, let's see here...

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.

2. Share seven random facts about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 15 deserving blog buddies.

4. Contact those buddies to congratulate them.

Thanks so much to Lindsay Gray for this award! I am so new to this and love that my hard work is being noticed! Yay me!!!

7 random facts about me:

* I am a HUGE procrastinator. Seriously, if I can put somthing off until tomorrow...I might get to it next week.

* I can't swim. I tried to learn, but since I also have a fear of large bodies of water I didn't succeed.

* I have three children and one Yorkie baby that I love to cuddle with at home.

* I have a mild licorice addiction.

* My very first job was testing batteries in remote control cars when I was 15. It was tons of fun and I miss it.

* I can't leave the house without a pair of earrings on. Not sure why, but I feel naked without them.

* I HATE cooking. Somehow I managed to be really good at it, but I would rather get a tooth pulled than cook on any given day.

Bloggers I love and am passing this award to:

* C. J. Duggan. I LOVE her Guilty Guest Post each week.

* Journey With Books With Books. I think this blog is done great. I enjoy the reviews and love the layout and background.

* Ramblings of a Teenage Novelist. I love the review system here and how honest they are. I usually find myself laughing at something written and that makes it great for me.

* I'm A Book Shark. I loved reading the Armchair BEA's regularly. Great topics and well written.

* Magic Of Reading. This is one of my regular stops. I think it is terrific. Oh, and she randomly posts the most adorable baby animal pics. Awwww....love it!

* Shredded Cheddar. Is there just one thing I like about this blog? Not really...I enjoy it all. P.S. She has great advise and comments!

* E&K. E & K have a family blog which I absolutely love. They also host a new great meme called Forever Family Friday. I haven't had a chance to get in on it yet, but I love it and am looking forward to hopping on :)

* Reading Romances. If you love romances (and I do) you need to check this out. I read regularly.

* J.O. Jones. Author of The Septavalent Stone. I enjoy reading this blog. Every post is unique, well written, and interesting.

* The Secret Life of Books. I love reading her reviews and definitely enjoy her blog. Pretty to look at and fun to read
* Lauren's Book Bag. I absolutely LOVE this blog. It is sooo pretty I think I could just stay there all day!
* Borough of Books. If you are looking for great, organized reviews...come here. I love it
* Tabula Rasa. I just love the layout here. This is a fun blog with great reviews and fun memes regularly.
* The Bookaholic. I just found this blog recently and I gotta say that I really enjoy reading the reviews.
* Forbidden Passions Reviews. This site is great. Awesome interviews, well written reviews, and easy to read. Check it out.

Wow. I actually managed 15. Go me! Hope you all check out these great sites and thanks again :)

Top Ten Tuesday #2

It's that time of the week again for one of my favorite memes hosted by The Broke and The Bookish!

Top Ten Beach Bag Books:

I don't know about you, but I love going to the beach, laying myself down with a cool drink, and reading a great book. Here's my list:

Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen - I love this book. Come to think of it, the first time I read it was last year at a friend's cottage. She gave it to me and said that I HAD to read it. it was a good choice!

The Lake House by James Patterson - I just love JP and will read just about anything by him. I found this was a quick book to get through and it`s perfect for just laying around and reading.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Great read. Although if you are going to take this book to the beach, you might also want to grab:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - I just don`t think reading just one is enough. This series is great. Although I haven`t gotten to Mocking yet, so I won`t put it on the list, lol

Anything by Dean Koontz - I can`t pick just one of his. He is one of my favorite authors and I love almost all of his books. They are quick reads, funny, and suspenseful.

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward - My absolute favorite out of the series and a must-have in my beach bag.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - Seriously, any of them would do.

Years by LaVyrle Spencer - This sweet story got me hooked and I have read it dozens of times.   

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - I recently read this and I absolutely loved it. I would totally read it again on a beach day without hesitation. it is a great story and I can`t wait to see the movie!

Anything by Larissa Ione - What would a day on the beach be without some hot as hell demons and some steamy sex anyway?

So there you have it. My beach bag is full. I`m off for some sun and good reading. What's on your list?

Dead Reckoning Review Time!

I finally have it up! Go me!! Click below to check out my review of Charlaine Harris' Dead Reckoning!!

Book Blogger Hop

Some of my favorite blogs are part of the Book Blogger Hop which is hosted by Crazy for Books.  This weekly Book Party is an amazing opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! This week, I have decided to join in on the fun!

This week's question:

"What book-to-movie adaption have you most liked?  Which have you disliked?"

I love this question. There are so many movies out that are based on books so it is hard to choose but I think I have found my answers.


One of my absolute favorite book to movie titles has got to be Stand By Me (Titled The Body by Stephen King). "Now he said "sick em boy", but what I heard was..."Chopper, sick balls"" Classic!


One of the movies that I disliked, had to be The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton). I was forced to read this book in high school and I absolutely LOVED it! The movie was decent too...the first time. Watching it again years later...totally not how I remembered. Still highly recommend the book, especially for teens, the movie - not so much.

What are yours?

Theatrical Thursday

This week's pick is a movie that I had really looked forward to and well...see for yourself

Buried

Lead Role: Ryan Reynolds as Paul Conroy

Release: September 29, 2010

Genre: Thriller

Running Time: 95 mins

Director: Rodrigo Cortes

Rating: R

Average Reviews: 3/5 ***

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1462758/

Paul is a U.S. truck driver working in Iraq. After an attack by a group of Iraqis he wakes to find he is buried alive inside a coffin. With only a lighter and a cell phone it's a race against time to escape this claustrophobic death trap.

I LOVE Ryan Reynolds. I see him more of a comedic actor, but this movie sounded really good to me so I didn’t think I would mind him in it. Seriously…hot guy, Iraqi terrorists, suspense….had all the makings of a good movie in my opinion. So hubby and I decided one night (this was a while ago but still so fresh in my mind it isn’t funny) that we would watch this movie. Now, I am not much of an action movie kinda girl and we find it hard to watch movies together sometimes because we never agree. In his mind (and mine) this was a guy movie so he was not arguing when I said “Ok, let’s see it”. In the car we got and away we went.

At this point, I should say that it usually doesn’t take much to peak my interest. I am a pretty simple girl. As long as a movie has a decent storyline, some type of twist, and some man candy for me…I’m usually good.

If you haven’t seen this movie and still want to…please, avert your eyes now.

Please tell me who is responsible for giving me those 95 minutes of my life back. I would like a full refund.

Did I enjoy this movie? HA! I would have preferred watching one of those irritatingly predictable car chase movies I am always getting dragged to.

95 minutes of Ryan Reynolds = good

95 minutes of ONLY Ryan Reynolds stuck in a box = shoot me…please

Not going to go into more detail than that. Personally, I think I have said enough. If you enjoyed this movie or are still interested in seeing it…enjoy. This was just my opinion and just because I didn’t care for it, doesn’t mean you won’t think it’s the blockbuster hit of the year.

What did you think of it?

Movie information and summary found at IMDB

Sex and Romance

If you are a reader of romance, odds are you have come across one or two novels that have some steamy sex scenes in it. I always assumed that sex and romance kind of went hand in hand. Apparently, this is not the case (who knew?). I was trolling some blogs and book clubs online earlier and I came across a discussion about this exact thing. I read through some posts and it got me thinking...why do I read romance novels? Is it just for the sex? Would I enjoy them as much if the lead man was less than average looking and he and his leading lady were spending their nights playing Scrabble instead of having mindblowing orgasms?

I read all different genres of books and not all of them have sex scenes, but I think when it comes to romances...be it contemporary, paranormal, or historical...I think a little sex gives the story a little extra. Mind you, do not underestimate the power of tension. I have read some books where there may not have been an actual knocking of boots, but the sexual tension would be enough to have you sweating. To me, this is just as good...sometimes even better depending on the situation.

Do I think all romance novels should have constant, steamy, hardcore sessions? Absolutely not. If I am in the mood for a book that is nothing but acrobatic, up against the wall, back scratching screwing...I know where to look, thank you. But at least one scene where, after chapters of sexual tension, the guy (who is always mindblowingly hot) and the girl (who rarely thinks she is pretty enough or good enough) he has been chasing, denying, or just didn't fully realize he wanted finally get the chance to get it on in the best way imaginable....nothing beats that. I mean, how many people honestly experience that kind of relationship in their lives? Are all these scenes believeable? No. Of course not, that is what makes them great. Seriously, do you know any man who is always about pleasing his girl ALL of the time? Please...give me his number. A woman who can get to the Big "O" every single time without even trying? Tell me the secret or do the female population of the world a favor and write a book about it. You just became an instant millionaire.

Sure, if you are interested in only clean romance novels...that is terrific. There are lots of them out there and they are great for younger audiences who want the thrill of a romance but are limited to PG action. I have no problems with these. Me, I like a little dirty in my love stories. It doesn't always have to be about "throbbing members" and "heaving breasts", but I kind of think it is important is the main characters of a story get a little somethin' eventually.

What do you think? Sex or no sex?

Fever Review

Since I am still working on getting Dead and Reckoning finished, I decided to post a review of yet another favorite series of mine. I chose to post the Fever Series. Click here to check it out!! Trust me, you know you wanna ;)

Top Ten Tuesday

So I was browsing some blogs this morning while I was suppose to be working (yeah, I work hard) and I came across the meme Top Ten Tuesday at The Broke and the Bookish. I figured...looks fun, why not?

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is:

Top Ten Books I Have Lied About

So we all have books that we have lied about. Either we said we liked them and didn't, said we read them and really couldn't be bothered, or said we hate them but they are really our guilty pleasure. For one reason or another...we lie. Here are mine:

1. Lord of the Rings series - Yeah, I lied. When the movies came out, all my friends were obsessed! Getting the books and reading them to prepare for the latest blockbuster series. Did I read them? Seriously??? Have you SEEN how long those books are? Not a chance, although I did enjoy the movies...well, the first time anyway.

2. Harry Potter series - Ok, so this series was not a total lie. I DID read The Half Blooded Prince.

3. Trashy Romance Novels - Every one I can get my hands on. Oh, and by trashy...that includes crazy, hot erotica. Ya, ya, ya I know but seriously...read some. I love it...but only when no one knows I'm reading it. Apparently, in my circle, reading historical romances and paranormal romances is ok...but trashy novels...sacrilege!! Oh well, we all have our guily pleasures ;)

4. Twilight series - Why is it that everyone I know LOVES this series? Not only the books, but the movies as well? Personally, I can't stand them. I read the first book, actually even that's a lie...I read HALF of the first book before I put it down and never thought about it again. Sorry, but my vampires don't sparkle and my heroines are anything but Bella.

5. True Crime - I am addicted to true books. Not just any books though, I like reading about the real tragedies in the world. Helter Skelter? Loved it. A Child Called It? Couldn't read it fast enough. These are the stories I can't always admit to reading because people look at me like I just grew another head. I find the stories intriguing and really, we all watch horror movies...not much different.

6. Goosebumps - Oh how I loved R.L. Stine growing up. So much so, that every now and then I get an urge to relive my youth in the creepy, but kinda corny (now that I'm old enough to realize they are) stories. Shhhh don't tell anyone!

7. Anne of Green Gables - Now, to understand this lie you need to know that I live just a bridge drive away from Prince Edward Island...home to Anne and the stories. This book was like a rite of passage here. Everyone and their dog has read it...but me. I say that I have, sure. Mostly because I don't want people saying "Oh, you should so read that. How is it that you haven't yet?". Look people, I have no interest in the girl with the red braids. I had Pippi Longstocking for that :D

8. Pride & Prejudice - This is one of my most favorite movies of all time, but the book? I think I fell asleep in the first chapter. I may attempt it again, but I don't want the book to ruin the movie for me.

9. Eat, Pray, Love - I DID try this one, in my defense. I just couldn't do it. I know Oprah raved about it and all but to me, it was painful. Did I finish? Nope...but I marked it as read anyway. "A" for Effort?

10. The Scarlet Letter - I wanted to read this actually, I even bought it. The sad part about this book, is that there was so much to do in high school...there just wasn't enough time for reading. So...I faked it. Like you haven't.

So there is my list. Sorry if I rambled on a bit, but I like to talk...or type...or just communicate. Yeah, I'll go with that. In general, I try not to lie about whether or not I actually liked a book. If I lie about finishing it, there is probably a reason and if you asked me about the book...I would simply say I didn't like it. No need for detail (yeah, right...I am the queen of detail).

So what's on your list?

CONTEST WINNER!!!

So, we actually got to the 20 followers I needed to get my first contest started! Actually, there are more than 20 now! That is awesome!! Love you guys! So...I went on random.org and generated a winner!! The winner of Charlaine Harris' new book Dead Reckoning has been notified by email and I will post the name (with permission) when it is recieved!

Congrats to you!!

Can't wait to get another contest up and running now. Be on the lookout!!!

If Today Was Your Last Day....

So...something has been bothering me lately, and I figure...why not share it! I have been reading a lot about Harold Camping and his "Prophecies" about May 21, 2011 being "Judgement Day". Seriously? Last time it was suppose to be January 1, 2000...then again in December 2012...now it's tomorrow. Yay something to look forward to, at least the forecast is calling for rain so it's suppose to be a crappy day anyway. This is driving me nuts. I am sooo tired of hearing about the end of the world so I just HAD to say something.

I don't like to discredit other people's beliefs. I think everyone is entitled to their own. I also think this subject alone is taboo and I could be blasted just for talking about it...whatever. What I do know...is tomorrow I have no children home with me, it's the weekend and I don't have to go into work. You know what I will be doing? Wait for it...wait for it...CLEANING!! Oh such an exciting time for me. So I suppose if Mr. Camping is right, at least I get out of mopping the floors.

Now I have no problem with religious beliefs, in fact, I think it's very important to have something to believe in but I think it might be going a bit too far to start blasting all over the place about how the world is going to end and getting people going. It is a scary thought and one that, personally, I would rather be oblivious to.
I have read articles online, several in fact, about this new "Judgement Day". I actually don't see any real proof that the world will start to end tomorrow, but if it does...I have to wonder...what would I do if today was my last day?

The answer: spend time with my kids, visit relatives and some of my favorite places, maybe go to an amusement park and ride one of those humongous roller coasters that I am too terrified to look at...just to say I did it. I honestly don't know, but I can tell you that today was just like any other for me. I got up, had coffee, got my kids off to school and went to work. Paid some bills, surfed the web, did some blogging. Tonight, I may have a glass of wine and watch a good movie or finish my latest read. So I suppose if I wake up tomorrow and find that it is the beginning of the end, I might have wasted my last true day.


So....what would YOU do if today was your last day?

Theatrical Thursday

I don't know about you, but I love movies. Just about any kind of movie. Like books, movies bring us to a whole new world...on the big screen! You laugh, you cry, you swoon over the extra hot men that pop up as sexy villians you love to hate and the romantic heros that steal your heart. So let's take a peek at the very first Theatrical Thursday movie pick:

Water For Elephants

Lead Roles: Robert Pattinson as Jacob

Reese Witherspoon as Marlena

Release: April 22, 2011

Genre: Drama

Running Time: 2hr 0min

Director: Francis Lawrence

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

Screenplay: Sara Gruen, Richard LaGravenese

Rating: PG for Mature Themes and Violence

Average Reviews: 4/5 ****

Official Site: http://www.waterforelephants.com/

Based on the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, this is the story of Jacob. Set during the time of the Great Depression, Jacob is a veterinary student who suffers the tragic loss of his parents. If losing them is not enough, he discovers that he is now penniless and homeless. Hitting rock bottom, Jacob decides to run away from his problems and he jumps onto the nearest train that goes by. As fate would have it, that particular train just happens to be a travelling circus.

Jacob uses his know-how with animals to stay on with the circus as a vet. Through this, he meets the beautiful Marlena. Naturally, the attraction is instant and (of course) she is married...to the man that took Jacob in and made him more than just a working-class circus man.

Now, I read the novel recently and I absolutely loved it. There was romance, action, and elephants. What more could you ask for? This is not the kind of story that will appeal to everyone. I wouldn't have even picked it up if it was recommended to me by a friend. So as far as the book itself goes...give it a shot. You will  either love it or hate it. I don't think there is really an in-between,

As far as the movie goes...I have not had the pleasure of seeing it yet, but I can't wait! I am not a fan of Robert Pattinson (sorry Twi-Hards, my vampires don't sparkle and it ruined him for me) but I actually don't mind that he was chosen for this part. He sort of fits it, in my mind and I absolutely LOVE Reese Witherspoon. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a great movie. Make it a date night and drag your hubby, grab your girls and have a dinner and a movie night, or just go by yourself and enjoy. I plan to :)

Don't forget to check back for next week's movie pick!!



Break

So I have been away from my computer for the last little while. My son has been in and out of hospital and I have been preoccupied with him and unable to get a chance to give my blog the attention it deserves :(  Luckily, everything is better now and I am back! My site will be undergoing a HUGE transformation and I am bringing in some contests to make up for the lost time. Expect BIG things coming soon!! Contest number one begins tomorrow so be on the lookout for it!