tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61573749624856240352024-03-06T01:11:27.043-05:00Shaymless Aymless's Thoughts on Books and LifeShaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-40475608033351445372010-05-10T00:01:00.000-04:002010-05-09T11:06:58.912-04:00Hold Down the Fort at DIK TodayYes yes... Its true, I still live and breath. Life is still hectic and work is, well, work. Got a new kitty, but more on that later (promise)!<br /><br /><br />In the meanwhile....<br /><br />I'm over at <a href="http://dikladiesrule.blogspot.com/">DIK blog</a>. Come stop by and say howdy. ^_^Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-83518421503683789462010-03-07T18:41:00.002-05:002010-03-07T19:08:31.629-05:00Thawing out... Almost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6rQozCu6XddnTJ1rhd4-xdJmPR40knqkUnUhhFKX2_YgV0PZUhSYSxJtXNdyWMjy6CGDgqYO_UBuOBRGTxeNv8r57pR8pEX2fDysKDZZX3E1srPiTfoPtafYKoGHvAFJjku9ykbVnFc/s1600-h/indiana_soyfield_sm09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6rQozCu6XddnTJ1rhd4-xdJmPR40knqkUnUhhFKX2_YgV0PZUhSYSxJtXNdyWMjy6CGDgqYO_UBuOBRGTxeNv8r57pR8pEX2fDysKDZZX3E1srPiTfoPtafYKoGHvAFJjku9ykbVnFc/s320/indiana_soyfield_sm09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446044786047913394" border="0" /></a>Greeting from a mostly thawed out Shaymless Aymless. Yes, it actually got to be above freezing for a WHOLE week (during the day). And there was even some sunshine. Whee! That cold, crunchy white stuff is all gone. But still nippy outside.<br /><br />All those crazy people from around here, kept commenting on how "nice" it was going to be this weekend. Granted it was better than it has been for months, but still the HIGH was 50-ish (10-ish for you metric folks)!!! Which in my book is a cold winter day in good old California. *sigh* So instead of snow covered cornfields we have barren, yucky brown wanna be cornfields.<br /><br />Okay enough about the weather. Got to do the whole court thing for the ticket from January. Not a bad outcome. Got a deferral (basically pay a court fee and promise to be good) and now have to be good (no moving violation) for one whole year (only have 361 days to do, not that I'm counting or anything).<br /><br />Other than that, life here is fairly boring. Just hanging inside (where its warm) doing some knitting and ready and laundry. <br /><br />What's up with all of you?Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-20130406434191163992010-02-07T17:24:00.005-05:002010-02-27T11:13:35.251-05:00I Eat, I Breathe and now I Blog!Sorry about the derth of blogs. So here the Reader's Digest version of my life since Mid-Sept and my arrival in glorious Bloominton, IN.<br /><br />Started work in mid-September. Met a lot of people and some I still can't remember their name even though most people are required to wear name tags. My department is quietly rebelling and only our manager is wearing the name tag.<br />And very week more new hirers report to work . I can tell some big growing pains are starting to show up. Lots of people who don't know what to do and how to do whatever it is that they are supposed do to. Very must the "flow them in the pool and see if they can swim" going.<br /><br />Still experience lots of culture shock.<br /><ol><li>No recycle bin at home! Don't these people know that resources are limited.</li><li>Fresh fruit just doesn't taste the same. No real flavor.</li><li>A lot of people haven't bought meat in the grocery store in year! They go out the kill it and keep it in their refrigerator. Without skinning it! <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-style: italic;">*Shivers* I'm continuing with being a grocery store carnivore. Skin it and wrap it up in shrink wrap and I'll think about buying it.</span></li><li>There's a limit on squirrels. You can only kill and keep 8 squirrels a day. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I don't even want one!</span></li><li>Ice on my car nearly every morning since mid October. *brrrrr*</li><li>Took up knitting since its an indoor activity and it so dam cold around that its wearable too.</li><li>Missing my book/blog friend! I keep saying I'll blog be then something else happens.</li><li>The adventure with the Indiana Highway patrol was exciting but I can't remember anything about due to migraine, migraine medication and Ambien. To keep the rest of the world safe, the Shaymless Aymless will no longer be taking Ambien. I apparently fall in the small catagory of people who sleep drive when on Ambien. Now I must find a new meds for the insomnia.</li><li>I've officially have gotten 3 people hooked on some of my favorites. So I'll have lots people gab about books and a support group 'gotta-have-that-book-now'.<br /></li><li>I really miss warn sunlight. I think we had some sunlight was week and it was sooooo cold. Still below freezing.</li></ol>Anyway.... I'm going to try to blog at lease once a week or so.<br /><br />Also planning on going to RWA and hang out with some really cool bloggers. I still need to figure out rooming optiond.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-54742755270239455342009-11-12T19:40:00.005-05:002009-11-12T19:57:15.537-05:00Hanging Out with Anthea Lawson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuecOvSUXfxTiO6eYR-I6LjNbxS6vIlWsZApYB6oloGmJBw3tJnu-EYORX_KBPIK4y6GwIbTsbNrF6QLfRwGptzr5nopwOURo9vwStT_zw970PZel1WDN0paMEZDCb4RiffHyQIIFLzs/s1600-h/picture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuecOvSUXfxTiO6eYR-I6LjNbxS6vIlWsZApYB6oloGmJBw3tJnu-EYORX_KBPIK4y6GwIbTsbNrF6QLfRwGptzr5nopwOURo9vwStT_zw970PZel1WDN0paMEZDCb4RiffHyQIIFLzs/s320/picture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403381867811852546" border="0" /></a>I've been a bad bad blogger! Sorry I "disappeared" for a bit. The whole moving and starting work thing is taking some adjusting. *sigh*<br /><br /><br />Anywho...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm hanging out with <a href="http://anthealawson.com/">Anthea Lawson</a>, the fabulous new romance writing team of <a href="http://anthealawson.com/?page_id=41">All He Desires</a> over at <a href="http://dikladiesrule.blogspot.com/">DIK</a>. Come by for some drinks and a lovely chat with Anthea and Lawson!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other things...<br /></div><br />The sweater was successfully assembled (and wow it really looks like a sweater). Worn it to work (and got lots of compliments, dunno if it was that I warned them ahead of time or not). Anyway, pictures of said sweater below. (I had to borrow a camera as I don't own one... maybe I'll get one... someday after I get that e-reader... A girl has to have her priorities in place)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggignD9X5j70a6QnmMxWdXmBZB-e8_Cjaamki6PnMohmpPMovTW9cc7WyhDSlez7FXXHhREJMYNneAwIa69abdJIpwJmoqzCbqSQ-HSgDnouA67ZgHZ4oaSF6Vp5kxXtV3_cbALZ2-_Ew/s1600-h/1st+sweater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggignD9X5j70a6QnmMxWdXmBZB-e8_Cjaamki6PnMohmpPMovTW9cc7WyhDSlez7FXXHhREJMYNneAwIa69abdJIpwJmoqzCbqSQ-HSgDnouA67ZgHZ4oaSF6Vp5kxXtV3_cbALZ2-_Ew/s400/1st+sweater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403384345601910642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next knitting project (now nearly completed): Some cute lacy fingerless gloves! And currently reading <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Eye of the World</span> by the late Robert Jordan *still upset that he died before he finished the series!* (which a challenge when one is knitting at the same time, the cookbook stand not working so well... must find a better book holding system).<br /><br />Will check in again soonish...<br /><br />Oops forgot all about the book club (BAD Shaymless Aymless BAD)... Anyway... how about the discussion for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie</span> at the end of this month (since that'll give me time to actually read it *ducks*? And we'll get LustyReader's book in December!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-74826365106890267882009-10-26T21:15:00.004-04:002009-10-26T21:51:20.618-04:00Busy Busy Busy... KindaLife continues in Indiana. It was "warm" all last week with of a high in the mid 60's (18-ish for you metric folks). That's NOT warm! *sigh* On the plus side, no ice on car ! On the down side, it rained for most of the week.<br /><br />Haven't been online much or reading much (must read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie *nervously checks calendar* *panics*). Instead I have been knitting and just completed my very first sweater, mostly - still need to assemble it. Pictures will be forthcoming once I actually assemble it. And as I have yet to figure out how to read (a bound book - e-books are easy since you can turn pages with a touch and don't have to keep them open, and now am seriously thinking about buying a e-reader since reading on the computer is a bit awkward) and knit at the same time, the reading hasn't been going well. And the TBR continues to grow!<br /><br />Some review to be written... soon-ish... really...<br /><br />A quick run down:<br /><ol><li>Meljean Brook's <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Demon Forged </span>was excellent! (Can't believe what she did to poor Michael... wondering how CJ/KB will rescue him so that he can continue to "dust" their cabanas).</li><li>Nalini Singh's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Blaze of Memory</span> was fabulous. Nalini continues to please! Loved it. Of course I'll need to get an official copy when it get out on the 3rd of Nov. (still giggling over Rom and Jules's jealousy).</li><li>Anthea Lawson's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">All He Desires</span> was good/okay (B-/C+ still trying to grade it). I'm thinking it was a mood thing since I read it after <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Demon Forged</span> (which had the reading bar set really high and had me thinking of knife wielding, heart devouring heroines *sigh*). She's a new author with promise and her book will hit the stores in November (see <a href="http://anthealawson.com/?page_id=41">here</a> for an excerpt). Come by the <a href="http://dikladiesrule.blogspot.com/">Island</a> next month (11-14) to chat with Anthea!<br /></li></ol>Now, back to my knitting... must make mittens for winter (which they tell me is just around the corner... I'm still making people laugh at my indignation about the weather). On the plus side knitting has made me some new friends at work. Now I'm teaching four people how to knit!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-62102777538698260672009-10-16T18:37:00.005-04:002009-10-16T18:55:21.766-04:00Life in IndianaIt's been a while since I last posted. So here's an update for all of you (just in case you were wondering what in the heck's been going on in my ever so exciting (not!) life).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J7GVMDQLi3A69GgQ76iLA4eh7boGCODVG1_HJHOnGSvrBSgleR0G8ibcaOpOTDwFGePnI6JKfYAQr4c106TZPapX3-0N9fsVje20GQh1VbvIyClFvqBs1sKf5-NvMf9MpIN-HkldL5U/s1600-h/flu.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J7GVMDQLi3A69GgQ76iLA4eh7boGCODVG1_HJHOnGSvrBSgleR0G8ibcaOpOTDwFGePnI6JKfYAQr4c106TZPapX3-0N9fsVje20GQh1VbvIyClFvqBs1sKf5-NvMf9MpIN-HkldL5U/s320/flu.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393331262579021650" border="0" /></a>First there was the misery that is the flu. I think I was probably one of the first to get it in my neck of the woods. I'm so lucky!<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />So with the help of my good friend Cindy, I was able to get back on my feet after a week of bed rest (so not fun and I didn't even want to read any of my books!).<br /><br />Now everyone at work is blaming me for the flu that is spreading like wildfire throughout the building. *sigh* Of course they cannot blame the swine flu on me as I didn't have that particular strain (at least I don't think I did but don't know of sure as I did not go to the doctors).<br /><br />I discovered that there is a branch of my bank in Indiana (yay!) but it was over an hour away (boo!). I went and deposited by first paycheck and relocation money. Got home and checked the mail and wouldn't you know it there was another check (yay! Money in is always good) in it! *sigh* Now am trying to decide whether or not to open a bank account in one of the local banks so that I can cash checks and use the ATM (for free!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW9vE6QkEIPeykBxUljCGvf_6LolKpGi5czhn4NcO1IM6wqlqi-YBPvSDTh6Uc7mpdv9doeSVmBAmDqSjhC84X70J_Mpf4rK04uXC2gMemgsC269AcWyteToX-LwCP_rJUDXhQwuoWx4/s1600-h/windshieldice_Full.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQW9vE6QkEIPeykBxUljCGvf_6LolKpGi5czhn4NcO1IM6wqlqi-YBPvSDTh6Uc7mpdv9doeSVmBAmDqSjhC84X70J_Mpf4rK04uXC2gMemgsC269AcWyteToX-LwCP_rJUDXhQwuoWx4/s320/windshieldice_Full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393333911963277506" border="0" /></a>Woke up early over the weekend and thought I should do the grocery shopping while I still had the energy for it (this flu really sucked). It was a nice brisk morning. I got into my car, started it and discovered that it wasn't dew on the car but ice! <br /><br />ICE!!!!! In October!!!! *pout*<br /><br />It so doesn't do that where I came from (at least not until December or January). This whole weather thing sucks. I am not looking forward to "real" winter. Of course everyone around has been getting a great laugh at my whole indignant attitude toward this phenomenon.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-26856767356415784132009-10-01T20:03:00.004-04:002009-10-01T20:09:08.235-04:00September 2009 ReadsDid pretty well. Of course I bought most of this month as well. *sigh*<br /><br />1. Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder<br />2. Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder<br />3. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder<br />4. Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder<br />5. Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder<br />6. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs<br />7. Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs<br />8. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs<br />9. Alpha and Omega novella by Patricia Briggs<br />10. Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh<br />11. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs<br />12. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs<br />13. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs<br />14. One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon<br />15. Dream Warrior by Sherrily Keynon<br /><br />And I'll get around reviewing these...<br /><br />soon-ish...<br /><br />still have August reads to review. All this moving and unpacking and starting new job has made me choose between reading and reviewing...<br /><br />one guess on which I choose ^_^Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-37456990359207145042009-10-01T00:01:00.003-04:002009-10-01T00:01:00.168-04:00SARBC Book for October 2009:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryO3jkRIB6feC-vX2ukncLvf9kBSa9qVh9_aJA2zDytq4s12EJ_gzccIyA-a1Q9JYBnBZcHRI1YtSm7JOLsPcxwSXiXhSMViFh4nOJV1CKwvmNv9-hcpK-_tmTwIMGsbarlJ174R037U/s1600-h/Bookclub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryO3jkRIB6feC-vX2ukncLvf9kBSa9qVh9_aJA2zDytq4s12EJ_gzccIyA-a1Q9JYBnBZcHRI1YtSm7JOLsPcxwSXiXhSMViFh4nOJV1CKwvmNv9-hcpK-_tmTwIMGsbarlJ174R037U/s200/Bookclub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370311459271263506" border="0" /></a>It's Sarai's (of <a href="http://saraiisreadingwhat.blogspot.com/">What am I reading?</a>) choice and she's chosen!<br /><br />The Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club book for October 2009 is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-1O8YIVEKoOxa0kB51PQ8yOnOX6_odeFy6DdJMy7a4BuaIMeUTarHVxAPZjPtzNBq1JC2Us-jCBf2UyXZCnGiKBxmUuQELA2QpGDoWQF-YnW-EVsAOE9QyVgBiNs-ICbpexZ8qO-vJQ/s1600-h/LordIan_LgWeb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-1O8YIVEKoOxa0kB51PQ8yOnOX6_odeFy6DdJMy7a4BuaIMeUTarHVxAPZjPtzNBq1JC2Us-jCBf2UyXZCnGiKBxmUuQELA2QpGDoWQF-YnW-EVsAOE9QyVgBiNs-ICbpexZ8qO-vJQ/s320/LordIan_LgWeb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386708100323370242" border="0" /></a><br />Official Blurb for the author site:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family--rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them--of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.<br /> <br />The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.<br /> <br />Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama--an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.<br /><br />And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.<br /></span><br />Read excerpt <a href="http://www.jennifersromances.com/Madnessoflordianexcerpt.html">here</a>.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-72283630140325901732009-09-29T11:00:00.004-04:002009-09-29T18:22:51.263-04:00SARBC Discussion: Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYttZCZvYQXE8qysD9k0BB8qVw8IUBoiDrzDl_DaQXpCO9CMKQApXjzY-bRtOS0palUHaheXxMiwKTAQC8eXDdee1IEenROZBje140ooGaJpsNBLyi6c_HvWGchqOA0RVli8UUmj0DME/s1600-h/Bookclub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYttZCZvYQXE8qysD9k0BB8qVw8IUBoiDrzDl_DaQXpCO9CMKQApXjzY-bRtOS0palUHaheXxMiwKTAQC8eXDdee1IEenROZBje140ooGaJpsNBLyi6c_HvWGchqOA0RVli8UUmj0DME/s320/Bookclub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386701608852758466" border="0" /></a>Welcome everyone to the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club </span>discussion for September 2009.<br /><br />Kati of <a href="http://www.katidom.com/">Katidom</a> selected <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Almost Heaven</span> by Judith McNaught.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zKtyHi35JqTwcHJ32I3GfcqBw9Ix9UspzsFzUy9FcrI8wzx5f1gmQgLeZ9bNWgzu8vNh51C-6ESApMUsZ1nImNtHZSRCBUIwyVo0aw8Wtng57e2gw8EIKo1KCikESs6rcMPNdbrZPwk/s1600-h/AlmostHeaven.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zKtyHi35JqTwcHJ32I3GfcqBw9Ix9UspzsFzUy9FcrI8wzx5f1gmQgLeZ9bNWgzu8vNh51C-6ESApMUsZ1nImNtHZSRCBUIwyVo0aw8Wtng57e2gw8EIKo1KCikESs6rcMPNdbrZPwk/s320/AlmostHeaven.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386702674293822242" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Official Blurb:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ELIZABETH CAMERON<br />The Countess of Havenhurst possessed a rare gentleness and fierce courage to match her exquisite beauty. But her reputation is shattered when she is discovered in the arms of Ian Thornton, a notorious gambler and social outcast.<br /><br />IAN THORNTON<br />A dangerously handsome man of secret wealth and mysterious lineage, his voyage to Elizabeth's heart is fraught with intrigue, scandal, and a venomous revenge.<br /><br />Destined for each other, yet wary of each other's motives, Elizabeth and Ian engage in a dance of suspicion and passion that tests the very soul of their star-crossed love. As a twisting path of secrets takes them from London's drawing rooms to the mysterious Scottish Highlands, Elizabeth must learn the truth: is Ian merely a ruthless fortune hunter at heart?</span><br /><br />Read excerpt <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Almost-Heaven/Judith-McNaught/9780671742553/excerpt">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />********************<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> DISCUSSION AHEAD </span>********************<br /><br /><br /><br />1. Was this your first McNaught novel? If so, what about it worked? What didn’t?<br /><br />2. McNaught’s heroes are famously dominant and have been described as “asshats” before. What did you think of Ian Thornton? Did he work as a hero? If not, what aspect of his personality didn’t work for you?<br /><br />3. Throughout the book, Elizabeth finds people underestimating her. Did you find her reaction/manipulation of that fact to be funny? Or have a negative reaction to it?<br /><br />4. One of Judith McNaught’s most famous writing tropes is the B.R.G. (Big Romantic Gesture), Almost Heaven is no exception. Did you find the BRG to be romantic? Give some examples of your favorite BRGs in romance.<br /><br />5. Almost Heaven has one of my favorite epilogues. Do you enjoy epilogues in romance?<br /><br />DISCUSS!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-46707194363293140202009-09-28T18:28:00.012-04:002009-09-28T21:29:45.470-04:00Busy Busy BusyThe first week of work went well as did the first official weekend after starting work. Found another kindred spirit and we visited each others homes to ogle each others books. What fun! And tried an Indian place (not bad but not spicy enough). But wouldn't you know it as soon as I relaxed that evil thing called the "Migraine" struck and incapacitated me for three days. *ugh* I really hate them and still think decapitation would work but its just too permanent a solution to really be feasible. I suppose it was just too much change all at the same time.<br /><br />Week two was topped off by a lovely surprise from my newest book buddy with a copy of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Bone Crossed</span> by Patricia Briggs ((((bookbuddy)))). Which I promptly devoured as soon as the weekend started (and of course I read it all in one sitting). Then on Sunday I went and found the nearest Trader Joe's (about one hour and 15 minutes away). A bit far for everyday stuff but close enough that I can stock up on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nuts about Antioxidants</span> trail mix monthly. *happy dance* So its off to week three.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFx8Z-3NNztDISB2AlJ2UZYZzz_kcAXd20pPO-kcYmOUwcKNLeSBn_8ID6nkVsS1nmI1uDfWBF3H_cl74ouGefZ-cpD1or6OYJJyopK5NJR1dCaf364GW66bFaIY2m04MJZ_5kBXHKQc/s1600-h/doubleblindsm-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFx8Z-3NNztDISB2AlJ2UZYZzz_kcAXd20pPO-kcYmOUwcKNLeSBn_8ID6nkVsS1nmI1uDfWBF3H_cl74ouGefZ-cpD1or6OYJJyopK5NJR1dCaf364GW66bFaIY2m04MJZ_5kBXHKQc/s320/doubleblindsm-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386650084703214962" border="0" /></a>The much anticipated (by me) <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Doubleblind</span> by Ann Aguirre is out tomorrow. Now the big question is do I go out and buy it tomorrow and stare at it for the rest of the week as it sits next to the reading chair whispering my name (which also sounds a lot like that little voice telling me that ice cream doesn't have calories) or do I wait until Friday to swing by the bookstore? Oh the agony!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijB8TTvK_u-L7-MvdvqSc7kP10kjKWTLY2M7anEbpLMQ_Zgehu_Gr5o5ZeB7nxfvmVfw-9mGIrnT2unidCMQ7x4j9NUiqkzAOU00QDAKp6fi4Z0GEFLiDMrC8fp1Bus0fjk87yet6pRrE/s1600-h/df200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijB8TTvK_u-L7-MvdvqSc7kP10kjKWTLY2M7anEbpLMQ_Zgehu_Gr5o5ZeB7nxfvmVfw-9mGIrnT2unidCMQ7x4j9NUiqkzAOU00QDAKp6fi4Z0GEFLiDMrC8fp1Bus0fjk87yet6pRrE/s320/df200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386656110509747346" border="0" /></a>And to think I will have to do this next week as well since <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Demon Forged</span> by Meljean Brook is out the 6th (another Tuesday). *sigh* (<span style="font-size:85%;">And not to mention <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic;">Deep Kiss of Winter </span>being out the following week then <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Queen of Song and Souls </span>two weeks after that... nope not mentioning those books and none of those gotta haves in November either... nope no mention of <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Blaze of Memory</span> here at all... none!</span>)<br /><br />Much will power will be involved these two weeks since I know once I open the little devils I'll have to read them all the way through. Perhaps is best that I not buy them until the weekend...<br /><br />but what if they sell out!?<br /><br />Well it's a college town and there are many bookstores...<br /><br />and many more readers...<br /><br />ARGH!!!<br /><br />Must buy, then hide until the appropriate time...<br />must not open books until after work on Friday...<br />*squints eyes and crosses fingers*<br /><br />And don't forget to come by on the <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">30th</span></span> for the <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club </span></span>discussion. We will be discussing <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Almost Heaven</span> by Judith McNaught!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-86842700575268849272009-09-16T00:01:00.002-04:002009-09-28T19:59:38.177-04:00TBR Challenge 2009: Countdown by Michelle Maddox<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAmLuhqXlEDXuR3nX_UwQpHYLbC3jvy74-Dcx3rX97HWHTGP11nB_qA2sCaYRiEs9pyjJV2PMjhR4E702pLQC4E3qSFFZFwhOUtCPc1QyHNSgcj4WtuMLkW12CGu-cRafinAcHw7LMZk/s1600-h/countdown_cover230px.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAmLuhqXlEDXuR3nX_UwQpHYLbC3jvy74-Dcx3rX97HWHTGP11nB_qA2sCaYRiEs9pyjJV2PMjhR4E702pLQC4E3qSFFZFwhOUtCPc1QyHNSgcj4WtuMLkW12CGu-cRafinAcHw7LMZk/s320/countdown_cover230px.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386671809522273778" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Published:</span> August 2008 by Dorchester<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Number of Pages:</span> 293<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Genre:</span> Futuristic Romance<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Stand Alone/Series:</span> Stand Alone<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Why This Book:</span> Eve Kenin (aka Eve Silver) told me to read it at the 2008 RWA book signing because I liked her Shomi releases a lot. I am such a good, obedient little reader.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">From the Author Site:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">THREE<br />Kira Jordan wakes up in a pitch-black room, handcuffed to a metal wall. She has 60 seconds to figure out how to escape. Thus begins a vicious game where to lose is to die.<br /><br />TWO<br />The stranger she’s been partnered with—her only ally in this nightmare—is a convicted murderer. But if he’s so violent, why does he protect her? And worse yet, what is it behind those haunted sea-green eyes that makes her want to protect him?<br /><br />ONE<br />No one to trust. Nowhere to run. And the only hope of survival is working together to beat the COUNTDOWN.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Hero:</span> Rogan Ellis is a convicted rapist and serial killer who had completed four years of his 5oo year sentence in a maximum security prison before he became a contestant on a killer, literally, reality show called "The Countdown". Once a playboy with no care in the world but his pleasure and now a harden con with an agenda. But he has to survive the game. As the story unfolds you can't help but root for him and really want him to survive the game and come out on top. Too bad he was tied to Kira is so many ways.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Heroine:</span> Kira Jordon was orphaned at 15 after her family was brutally murdered during a home robbery. She's survived by becoming a shoplifter and pickpocket. Now her only chance for survival is Rogan Ellis, a mass murderer. Whiny and annoying, she wasn't someone I could really get behind. Way too much of the "poor little ole me" going on to make her a really attractive heroine. Rogan was too good for her.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Review:</span> A good story about a reality show gone mad. What happens when you can pay to watch someone else struggle in real life or death situation where there is no good choice and stay anonymous while doing so. You have "The Countdown". All the contestants are the dregs of society, the killers, the rapist, thieves and generally the unwanted. Of course, watching them struggle with morally corrupt choices isn't too horrible.<br /><br />Michelle Maddox created a fascinating world set in the not so near future (minus the whole space travel thing and other world bits). The reality show was truly horrible but I kept waiting for Kira and Rogan to win and get to "Offworld" where they would battle the true horror. But alas, "Offworld" was apparently the paradise that its was thought to be (or at least that is where the story left off and will most likely stay as the Shomi line died).<br /><br />The concept of "The Countdown" reality show isn't new. After all horror, blood and violence sells. Make it exclusive and it sells like hot cakes. Throw in some sex and voila you make it irresistible. This storyline really worked for me as I am not a huge fan of reality shows, and in particular those that show people at their worse. This is a ultimate horror in reality show. I don't understand what about them that fascinates people. I like my story carefully scripted with 'real' actors. I suppose its like watching a traffic accident, the helpless horror of being the bystander unable to help.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">What I liked best:</span> Rogan. *sigh* What a hunk, even if his <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> a convicted serial killer/rapist! You like him despite his bad reputation. But then again maybe because of his bad reputation.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">What I least liked:</span> The whole existence of "Offworld". First the name is really lame and second this "new world" was discovered just prior to the Great Plague which killed off most of the population. With the sudden decrease in the population, how did people get to "Offworld" and how did travel between the two survive when the rest of the world fell into disarray and chaos and technology taking a nose dive. The whole concept just didn't work for me. Now if was like Shirley Jackson's <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Lottery</span>, I would have been much happier but then the whole story would have probably had to change. *sigh*<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Keeper?:</span> Yes<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Recommendation:</span> If you like the post-apocalyptic romance (yes, I know its very specific) then you'll probably like this one. Its certainly a genre with room to grow. I'm a big fan of the end of the world scenarios and what's better than romance after "the end" has occurred.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Grade:</span> B-Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-84746575237147894182009-09-15T17:32:00.004-04:002009-09-15T17:55:53.075-04:00Wanderlust Winner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR2PRKg6TxFnYap8VxVZ2zIatDQvSkinpV-QUz1emdWCmx1ozSx4p8v2ACeEpwo2kfk33z8J39o0q2uA8QdeKE1KN4N2TOX7IKcb_DSRKTQ2nR1XQhyphenhyphenYar30q3PApBqCcfGu8Z-7Y9OM/s1600-h/wanderlust-sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR2PRKg6TxFnYap8VxVZ2zIatDQvSkinpV-QUz1emdWCmx1ozSx4p8v2ACeEpwo2kfk33z8J39o0q2uA8QdeKE1KN4N2TOX7IKcb_DSRKTQ2nR1XQhyphenhyphenYar30q3PApBqCcfGu8Z-7Y9OM/s320/wanderlust-sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381811073993218850" border="0" /></a>The lucky winner of their very own <span style="font-style: italic;">autographed</span> copy of Wanderlust is...<br /><br /><br />Drum roll please....<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carol!</span><br /></span></div><br /><br />Congrats. E-mail me your snail mail at 2aymless at gmail dot com and I'll get into the mail.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-33025047762694653982009-09-14T19:13:00.004-04:002009-09-15T17:56:13.985-04:00First Day of Work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJ6yAo8qVaH5nDFglcPC2Mpsf8WEwsfsOBaa_NeVhGM8v94D-LdpLxFnJxNG3ZvuiiKlIiCgsQIGl5mWkY5cvTIyB4pOjfjpy55Y8TxZAQEljUk2LSDD6EkB5OkCnJkn8BQgSeYdnzg/s1600-h/work_life.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qJ6yAo8qVaH5nDFglcPC2Mpsf8WEwsfsOBaa_NeVhGM8v94D-LdpLxFnJxNG3ZvuiiKlIiCgsQIGl5mWkY5cvTIyB4pOjfjpy55Y8TxZAQEljUk2LSDD6EkB5OkCnJkn8BQgSeYdnzg/s320/work_life.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381465223037029202" border="0" /></a>Had a successful first day of work! Didn't get to meet too many people since I spent most of it with the other six new hires. Had a quick little chat with the boss-type-person who promptly told me that I would be taking over some projects from a fellow co-worker "who sits here" (points at empty cube). So I'll be working closely with Mr/Ms Invisible for the next couple of days. I hope my communication skills are up to it. *g*<br /><br />My cube-neighbors are funny (especially the one on the right-side) so I think working there will be fun. *crosses fingers* I wasn't able to connect with the one person I know so maybe I'll run into her later this week.<br /><br />Still have <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">one</span> used copy of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;">Lord of the Fading Lands</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;">Lady of Light and Shadow</span> to give away (just e-mail me your snail mail). And there is still time to enter to win a signed copy of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Wanderlust</span> by Ann Aguirre (details <a href="http://shaymlessaymless.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-wanderlust-by-ann-aguirre-and.html">here</a>).Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-56542705924758929202009-09-12T16:03:00.005-04:002009-09-14T19:11:17.874-04:00Reminder!Just reminding all you folks out there that you have until end of day Monday (14th of Sept) to enter to win an autographed copy of <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Wanderlust</span>! See details <a href="http://shaymlessaymless.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-wanderlust-by-ann-aguirre-and.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Finally all unpacked and all the books put away into there appropriate spots. Due to some creative rearranging I have discovered lots of additional space for yet more books without having to go buy another book case (although I have tentatively scoped out a wall for the additional book case).<br /><br />Boxes unpacked: 80-ish (I packed 65 and what the movers packed - they really really love packing paper, I made 12 13-gallon bags (49 liter) of the stuff.<br />Time Unpacking: approximately 24 hour (not counting eating and sleeping breaks)<br />Trips to the store for "things": 8<br />Trips to the grocery store: 3<br /><br />During unpacking I discovered that I have four copies of <i style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Lord of the Fading Lands</i> and three copies <i style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Lady of Light and Shadow</i>. Why do I have so many?! And where were they before I unpacked them! *sigh* Anyway... I'm going to giveaway <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">two</span> copies of <i style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Lord of the Fading Lands</i> and <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">one</span> copy of <i style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Lady of Light and Shadow</i><i></i>. They are well loved (abused, depending on how you think of them). Its first come first serve. E-mail me your address and I'll ship them out on my next trip to the Post Office (sometime next week).Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-11966105403800224222009-09-09T12:07:00.004-04:002009-09-09T12:34:50.400-04:00The BIG Drive: Part 5 and 6The big drive is now over and I'm reporting to you from Indiana. (Thank goodness I was able to find free wifi at Barnes & Noble - books, coffee and free wifi could it get better?)<br /><br />Highlights for Part 5:<br />1. After leaving Salina, KS it was more corn fields and what I later learned was soybeans.<br />2. Missouri is more interesting to drive through than KS. They have corn, soybeans and the occasional hill to drive up or around.<br />3. Weather was really lousy. Overcast all day.<br />4. Got to relatives hows (no wireless *sigh*) and lots of visiting eating and then some card play.<br /><br />Highlights for Part 6 and THE END:<br />1. Discovered a used bookstore (A-1 Books) in Overland, MO (just south of St Louis). Acquired an additional 8 books <i>and</i> they were off my TBR list *smiles proudly*.<br />2. Discovered the leasing office closed at 5:30pm and that I really should have left earlier or skipped the bookstore (like that was going to happen).<br />3. Discovered the Pepper the Prius will indeed go over 100 mph (161 kph)*blink* and still get a fairly decent mpg averaging out at 41 mpg<br />4. As far as I have discovered there are no major highways that go through Bloomington.<br />5. The nice folks at the leasing office stayed open for me for an additional 15 minutes so was able to get keys.<br /><br />THE END<br />1. Got lost trying to figure out where in the hell I'm living (apparently one should update their in-car GPS discs because if they are over 5 years old then its quite likely that some roads and places do not exist.)<br />2. Bought lots of bleach and bleached the hell out of the bathroom because I can stand any mold even if its in the caulk around the tub. Much happier now.<br />3. Discovered the whole foods grocery store and it's cheaper to eat organic in CA (go figure)<br />4. The aerobed worked great after figuring out how to keep it from deflating.<br />5. Movers will be here later today! Two whole days before the best estimated time of delivery!<br />6. Cable guy comes tomorrow so should have internet at home sometime tomorrow afternoon!<br />7. Already discovered a fairly decent used bookstore (The Book Rack) (across the street from B&N, sometimes getting lost has its perks).<br /><br />Now off to buy some bathroom things and more groceries.<br /><br />So the stats:<br />Distance: 2383 miles or 3835 km<br />Driving time (minus stops and detours): 35 hours<br />Books read: 2<br />Books acquired: 21Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-31657585841295616372009-09-06T20:57:00.000-04:002009-09-06T21:20:37.047-04:00The BIG Drive: Part 3 and 4 and AwardDidn't have time to access internet yesterday and woke with twitchy,itchy fingers. I think I may have been experiencing internet withdrawal.<br /><br />Part 3 Highlights:<br />1. Woke up really, really early because my friend had to go pick up someone in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at 10am to start is fishing vacation. (yeah I wasn't too impressed with his vacation plan either, guess I just don't like fishing <i>that</i> much). And lets face it I really didn't want the responsibility of locking up his house. With my luck I would locked myself out and then would have had to wait for his house sitter to show up so that I could get the rest of my things.<br />2. Was the longest leg trip at 551 miles (887 km). <br />3. Lots of hills again (in the mountains, go figure) so mileage was okay (still averaging around 44 gpm)<br />4. Got to relative's house in the early afternoon. There was lots of visiting and gossiping then eating (wonderful meal with a great glass of wine) then more visiting and gossiping until it was past bedtime. Since was up really really early (before that big bright thing in the sky was even remotely visible).<br /><br />Part 4 Highlights:<br />1. Had nice breakfast and was off at 8-ish (that bright thing was up and about)<br />2. Once out of the mountains it was very, very flat and quite boring. But not nearly as boring as the salt flats.<br />3. Not much in eastern CO or western KS. Corn and other growing stuff and some hay rolls and bales.<br />4. The Pruis does not like flat roads with no starting and stopping. Currently getting 42 gpm now.<br /><br />Now only have one more night before hitting my new hometown. Completed 1725 miles of 2383. Hopefully there will be internet at my next stop but not counting on it. Stay with some more relatives so mostly will stay up yakking again and waking with those dang twitchy, icky finger.<br /><br />Award *blush*: JennJ of <a href="http://sapphireromance.blogspot.com/">Sapphire Romance Realm</a> gave me a Lemonade Award!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-69159062309429982452009-09-04T17:20:00.000-04:002009-09-04T17:41:08.127-04:00The BIG Drive: Part 2 and an AwardI have official completed leg 2 of 6. Leg high-lights:<br /><br />1. The Great Utah salt flats are really boring. Miles and miles of nothing but white stuff (that apparently is not snow *g*) on the ground. And really, really flat.<br />2. Averaging 44.4 MPG today. Lots of going up into a higher elevation.<br />3. There is supposedly a giant used bookstore in Salt Lake City. My friend gave me the choice of going to a high school football game or the bookstore. One guess which one I chose? Because everyone knows how much I <del>loathe</del> love football especially that stuff kids play.<br /><br />And while I wasn't looking the lovely <a href="http://leontine1976.blogspot.com/">Leontine</a> gave me an award.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_XWEKzwPHzb8d-uo1XAzQjTEdoJVN7mi4VV8YgYdbbPjANz1Mjg0WjFWFt53wv_8BcQ-dKxAOIm4cw3mWQrxmNvdEfthedKE0Ho4THi6P0BORh9IZx4GX5RHlnnN9BvxNgE3Y2PyQ-Y/s1600-h/zombie+chicken+award_Lidaellen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_XWEKzwPHzb8d-uo1XAzQjTEdoJVN7mi4VV8YgYdbbPjANz1Mjg0WjFWFt53wv_8BcQ-dKxAOIm4cw3mWQrxmNvdEfthedKE0Ho4THi6P0BORh9IZx4GX5RHlnnN9BvxNgE3Y2PyQ-Y/s320/zombie+chicken+award_Lidaellen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377727108886825810" /></a><br /><br />"The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all. "<br /><br />My nominations go to:<br />KB of <a href="http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/">Babbling About Books</a><br />Donna of <a href="http://fantasydreamersramblings.blogspot.com/">Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings</a><br /><a href="http://lustyreader.wordpress.com/">Lusty Reader</a><br /><a href="http://myfavouritebooks.blogspot.com/">My Favourite Books</a><br />Orannia of <a href="http://orannia.blogspot.com/">Walkabout</a> (although I think she already got this award)Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-73246349682258129682009-09-03T21:27:00.000-04:002009-09-03T21:52:04.441-04:00The BIG Drive: Part 1On my way out of CA I stopped at my local new & used bookstore (<a href="http://www.bountybooks.net/">Bounty Books</a>) and said a fond farewell to Darlene and Cindy. Of course I also walked out with eight books. ^_^<br /><br />I have official completed leg 1 of 6. Leg high-lights:<br /><br />1. The Sierra Nevada mountains are pretty. Lots of deep blue lakes and green evergreens.<br />2. Nevada is really boring to drive in. And they are doing so much road construction and have so many speed limit changes cruise control is almost useless.<br />3. Averaging 47.4 MPG (7.78 km/liter)<br />4. According to a billboard I saw, I've stop in the place that is "Half Way to Everywhere" Nevada. I'm thinking that its just another way of saying middle of nowhere. But that would describe most of Nevada.<br /><br />And thanks for all the support. Moving to a new place won't be so hard with all of you out there. If I get lonely I know that all I have to do is go online and be instantly surrounded by my pals.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-82831781777767318392009-09-02T14:28:00.001-04:002009-09-02T14:45:31.689-04:00The BIG Drive<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2zAeBoZrMcYPdFPPyAFr6nYHXrnjWlK0gH154A219RSjPiG171dhmd6hK3PoxubvgnPSc4GDJIewzHdE31WsDjQpgNoTcDtt3joTEr3TOB3y1TDXavLQzZynO5kohnli1rqFR_XBG3I/s1600-h/red_prius.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2zAeBoZrMcYPdFPPyAFr6nYHXrnjWlK0gH154A219RSjPiG171dhmd6hK3PoxubvgnPSc4GDJIewzHdE31WsDjQpgNoTcDtt3joTEr3TOB3y1TDXavLQzZynO5kohnli1rqFR_XBG3I/s320/red_prius.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376938789509798594" border="0" /></a>The car is all packed with all the necessities (books, some clothes, books, lotion collection, books, some munchies, books, computer, and books). My pretty little Prius has never been more than 380 miles (612 km for you metric folks) from where it was bought. And after nearly 5 years it only has 37,000 miles on it. So it a big adventure for the car as well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeSYMnlEokWI6_qyEEIByIThpRemHmyiWey1ptXsLcyshqq01ZTWylvpqpPTBUabFnLKCuItnf3865p6tnKiniH7pW1IiJMc-glBuaItPB9Rpl3-3C2RZGtEhvRaNfETgtyhqvLbxvxs/s1600-h/tb_san_francisco_usa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeSYMnlEokWI6_qyEEIByIThpRemHmyiWey1ptXsLcyshqq01ZTWylvpqpPTBUabFnLKCuItnf3865p6tnKiniH7pW1IiJMc-glBuaItPB9Rpl3-3C2RZGtEhvRaNfETgtyhqvLbxvxs/s200/tb_san_francisco_usa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376940117072049138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK0jt-7va7Ww2zYUxD74aVRguqyJdcGkq4P8L75xg-QNpPoP9qSdRRtpZtoJ9dIUDLOfP74SPq1kMXKMRIxIHlUMGcbaiFppVsyUYxop2PAN5YixxFjevN66SS2TQMD8NxQAjxRUGvGQ/s1600-h/usa-map.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSK0jt-7va7Ww2zYUxD74aVRguqyJdcGkq4P8L75xg-QNpPoP9qSdRRtpZtoJ9dIUDLOfP74SPq1kMXKMRIxIHlUMGcbaiFppVsyUYxop2PAN5YixxFjevN66SS2TQMD8NxQAjxRUGvGQ/s200/usa-map.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376940685059514034" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow I will be leaving my beloved Bay Area to drive almost all the way across the country to my new home in Indiana (2300 miles/ 3700 km). <br /><br />And as my friend put it, I am going to be living in the middle of nowhere. *sigh*<br /><br />Having never lived away from the Pacific Ocean I have no way of judging how close to the truth that is. I will be moving to a college town so it can't be that bad (crosses fingers) and I am within driving distance of Chicago, St. Louis and Cincinati which all have large airports with flights to "everywhere" (again previously mentioned friend).<br /><br />So I'm off to start my new adventure starting tomorrow and who know what will happened. Hopefully only good things! *crosses fingers*Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-9665137593134437102009-09-01T03:01:00.002-04:002009-09-28T22:24:27.484-04:00SARBC: Book for September 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryO3jkRIB6feC-vX2ukncLvf9kBSa9qVh9_aJA2zDytq4s12EJ_gzccIyA-a1Q9JYBnBZcHRI1YtSm7JOLsPcxwSXiXhSMViFh4nOJV1CKwvmNv9-hcpK-_tmTwIMGsbarlJ174R037U/s1600-h/Bookclub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 107px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryO3jkRIB6feC-vX2ukncLvf9kBSa9qVh9_aJA2zDytq4s12EJ_gzccIyA-a1Q9JYBnBZcHRI1YtSm7JOLsPcxwSXiXhSMViFh4nOJV1CKwvmNv9-hcpK-_tmTwIMGsbarlJ174R037U/s200/Bookclub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370311459271263506" border="0" /></a>It's <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08178354927628992485">Kati</a> of <a href="http://www.katidom.com/">Katidom</a>'s choice and she's taking us back to the old school with an oldie but gooodie! The Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club book for September 2009 is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMMXmJ8monstK4cycFjdO6enbBUBCJtY2C8EROUB_YcDgm1TRSKr2rkF89dt42MYvef7mb1n_G8XllqUNDyXO61WDOeeFIMkRtkrZVV1ywEMfORSOGpoT5r9_68SNKF-grwLKnE8J6MA/s1600-h/AlmostHeaven.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMMXmJ8monstK4cycFjdO6enbBUBCJtY2C8EROUB_YcDgm1TRSKr2rkF89dt42MYvef7mb1n_G8XllqUNDyXO61WDOeeFIMkRtkrZVV1ywEMfORSOGpoT5r9_68SNKF-grwLKnE8J6MA/s320/AlmostHeaven.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370303939254617714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The official blurb:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">ELIZABETH CAMERON<br />The Countess of Havenhurst possessed a rare gentleness and fierce courage to match her exquisite beauty. But her reputation is shattered when she is discovered in the arms of Ian Thornton, a notorious gambler and social outcast.<br /><br />IAN THORNTON<br />A dangerously handsome man of secret wealth and mysterious lineage, his voyage to Elizabeth's heart is fraught with intrigue, scandal, and a venomous revenge.<br /><br />Destined for each other, yet wary of each other's motives, Elizabeth and Ian engage in a dance of suspicion and passion that tests the very soul of their star-crossed love. As a twisting path of secrets takes them from London's drawing rooms to the mysterious Scottish Highlands, Elizabeth must learn the truth: is Ian merely a ruthless fortune hunter at heart?</span><br /><br />Read excerpt <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Almost-Heaven/Judith-McNaught/9780671742553/excerpt">here</a>.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-16384368074121190692009-08-31T23:20:00.000-04:002009-08-31T23:47:12.379-04:00Books Read in AugustHey everyone else is doing it so here's my list of books read in August.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-review-skykeepers-by-jessica.html">Skykeepers</a> by Jessica Andersen (reviewed at <a href="http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/">KB</a>'s): B-<br />2. <a href="http://shaymlessaymless.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-lover-avenged-by-jr-ward.html">Lover Avenged</a> by JR Ward: B<br />3. <a href="http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-review-bengals-heart-lora-leigh.html">Bengal's Heart</a> by Lora Leigh (review at KB's): B-<br />4. <a href="http://shaymlessaymless.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-wanderlust-by-ann-aguirre-and.html">Wanderlust</a> by Ann Aguirre: B+<br />5. The Fire King by Marjorie M Liu (thanks to <a href="http://myfavouritebooks.blogspot.com/">My Favourite Books</a>): A<br />6. Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon (thanks to <a href="http://fantasydreamersramblings.blogspot.com/">Donna</a>): B<br />7. Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare: A<br />8. Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre: B<br />9. Beyond the Night by Joss Ware (thanks to <a href="http://www.josswarebooks.com/blog/">Joss Ware</a>): B<br />10: Dark Slayer by Christine Feehan (to be reviewed at KB's): B+<br />11: Countdown by Michelle Maddox: B<br />12: Must Love Hellhounds anthology by Charlaine Harris (Britlingens Go to Hell), Nalini Singh (Angels' Judgment), Meljean Brook (Blind Spot) and Ilona Andrews (Magic Mourns) (to be review at <a href="http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/">KB</a>'s): A<br /><br />And that's it.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-13277077342507486162009-08-30T15:01:00.000-04:002009-08-30T15:01:00.351-04:00SARBC Discussion: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSb8G5Rxp_88lclz1kvv8f3rCBzNNKyUOQtvoIU1K403izIGojK1v6LDq0qxp23mKaqhubqgRTTQwskipn63mC72-fnmGE5uZ3RxhKHH8GjUKKb7nBr5ogNNh0bcRX1ypU9G5ULjOtjQ/s1600-h/Bookclub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSb8G5Rxp_88lclz1kvv8f3rCBzNNKyUOQtvoIU1K403izIGojK1v6LDq0qxp23mKaqhubqgRTTQwskipn63mC72-fnmGE5uZ3RxhKHH8GjUKKb7nBr5ogNNh0bcRX1ypU9G5ULjOtjQ/s200/Bookclub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370311660927604866" border="0" /></a>Welcome everyone to the very first <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club</span> discussion. The book of the month was:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VESo-QfokPldlKCiuxz_IYCO6F35c2Beri9izekoJ2DmUutrtm0P0-hXINnY742kydlZWbPjCyuf3whyYcWHdeRPKz7dIX1RB_qLti28KjHASJw9Ucrj1jMd7kcCbr6HH2FdXmFwejI/s1600-h/PMP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VESo-QfokPldlKCiuxz_IYCO6F35c2Beri9izekoJ2DmUutrtm0P0-hXINnY742kydlZWbPjCyuf3whyYcWHdeRPKz7dIX1RB_qLti28KjHASJw9Ucrj1jMd7kcCbr6HH2FdXmFwejI/s400/PMP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370312404109230034" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">The official book blurb:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION . . .<br /><br />Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.<br /><br />. . . THERE ARE NO RULES.<br /><br />But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar . . .</span><br /><br />Read excerpt <a href="http://www.juliejamesbooks.com/Site/Practice_Makes_Perfect_Excerpt.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">******************************SPOILER ALERT*********************************</span><br /><br />Now that everyone has had a chance to read this book, let the discussion begin!<br /><br />1. What made this book work/didn't work for you and why?<br /><br />2. Did the HEA satisfy you or was there something missing?<br /><br />3. What aspect of the hero did you find appealing/annoying?<br /><br />4. What aspect of the heroine did you find appealing/annoying?<br /><br />5. Revenge or the high road (let it pass)?<br /><br />6. Office romances, do they work or are they doomed to failure?<br /><br />7. Being naughty in public, do or don't?<br /><br />8. How do you deal with unfairness at work? Bring it up or let is pass?<br /><br />Discuss!Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-88644185731707148712009-08-28T03:01:00.000-04:002009-08-28T03:01:00.866-04:00Review: Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8-agwMv1kTFTS8GJuFqqbFF4SpUS8jMsE6oM_wmfjD8Z6AtfNqpFdysJRwuWTln63AHD5xOsYs5DUAUxuBgHyY85RM-RYtCHcJlhF4LZVZqynXn7cLKQAbmRSipCzDyggfak1Pky3JU/s1600-h/PMP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 161px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8-agwMv1kTFTS8GJuFqqbFF4SpUS8jMsE6oM_wmfjD8Z6AtfNqpFdysJRwuWTln63AHD5xOsYs5DUAUxuBgHyY85RM-RYtCHcJlhF4LZVZqynXn7cLKQAbmRSipCzDyggfak1Pky3JU/s320/PMP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365121981966718674" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Published:</span> March 2009 by Berkeley Sensation<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Number of Pages:</span> 304<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Genre:</span> Contemporary Romance<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Stand Alone/Series:</span> Stand Alone<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Why This Book:</span> Dearest KB wouldn't stop raving about it so I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">had</span> to read it. And so I thought I would make others as well since this is the book I choose to kick off the Shaymless Aymless Romance Book Club (<a href="http://shaymlessaymless.blogspot.com/2009/07/shaymless-aymlesss-romance-book-club.html">SARBC</a>)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">From the Author Site:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION . . .<br /><br />Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.<br /><br />. . . THERE ARE NO RULES.<br /><br />But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar . . .</span><br /><br />Read excerpt <a href="http://www.juliejamesbooks.com/Site/Practice_Makes_Perfect_Excerpt.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Hero:</span> JD Jameson comes from wealth and doesn't see the fairness of affirmative action especially when it comes women. He's worked hard to get were he is and didn't take the easy road by accepting a job at his father's old firm. And no one is going take the partnership position from him, not even his nemesis, Payton Kendall, the "I'm not a stubborn, button-pushing, Pruis-driving, chip-on-my-shoulder-holding, 'stay-at-home-mom'-is-the-eighth-dirty-word-thinking feminazi".<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Heroine:</span> Payton Kendall was raise by her very liberal mother and, to her mother's greatest disappointment, has become a successful yuppie. To her, JD Jameson is a member of the "Might Penis-Wielders" and "an uptight, ponying-owning, trickle-down-economics-loving, Scotch-on-the-rocks-drinking, my-wife-better-take-my-last-name sexist jerk" who embodies all that is bad and wrong with the establishment.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Review:</span> Julie James has definitely written another great book. Another light and witty book that is perfect when you need something lighthearted and fun to read. And she still proving that steamy doesn't necessarily mean sex, sex and more sex.<br /><br />After eight years of putting in the extra hours and giving all they had to give in hopes of attaining a covet partnership at the firm, both JD and Payton are down to the last four weeks as associates. After landing a huge client, they are told only one of them will make it. So after nearly eight years of hidden dislikes and skirmishes its open war. Although they both think and agree the approach the firm has taken is wrong only one of them will and both are determined to win it no matter what! An unfortunate accident leads to a contest of one-upsmanship that only leads to disaster.<br /><br />I never thought the law was funny. Dramatic and maybe even tragic but never funny. Having been a juror, I would describe the experience as being like Law and Order just really, really slow with lots of wardrobe changes and none of the interesting/exciting background investigation stuff. Of course the case I was a part of was very boring and unfortunate not nearly as amusing and interesting as Payton's trial. No bare body parts to be found. I suppose we can all be lucky.<br /><br />Ms James has written one of the best opposites attract tropes I've read in a long time. She has taken the story of not so friendly rivals who find that their rivalry is based on a deep attraction that they've been hiding not only from each other but also from themselves and turned it into a great romance. Once they realize that their attraction is reciprocated, it can't be business as usual and they must find a way to make it all work. Lots of tension between to two leading characters right up to the end.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">What I liked best:</span> The cabbie telling JD that English Breakfast was more robust and better suited for <span style="font-style: italic;">Pride and Prejudice</span> while Earl Grey was more a <span style="font-style: italic;">Sense and Sensibility</span> kind of tea. Okay the court room scene with Payton was funny but tea pairings with books had me snorting my own tea.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">What I least liked:</span> The prim and proper Laney. I didn't find her all that necessary to the story. For being Payton's friend, she was way too easily flustered. You would think that after knowing Payton for so long you would get used to her somewhat outrageous ways.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Keeper?:</span> Yes. And this one also has my name all over it thanks to the RWA conference and the lovely Julie James.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Recommendation:</span> Lots of fun to read. And lots to snicker about. A Darjeeling kind of book, one high quality that has subtle and delicate flavor nuances. *g*<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Grade:</span> B+<br /><br />Be sure to come back on 31 August for the SARBC discussion.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-35450591081450822312009-08-27T03:01:00.000-04:002009-08-27T03:01:02.200-04:00Give-Away at DIK<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnCdy837HODUc0ATbwh6ST1ibMzOtbvdkwufVdlDh9DXfKiqGKeX39QW8WQnXi3aHoQ4zuqkfISIHJRnRzILg9ckBtMqnpCqyGT6r-Htylzfaxm00rkumyNh0G2tpREVBuMndpiP0xUk/s1600-h/Angel's+Blood+Small2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnCdy837HODUc0ATbwh6ST1ibMzOtbvdkwufVdlDh9DXfKiqGKeX39QW8WQnXi3aHoQ4zuqkfISIHJRnRzILg9ckBtMqnpCqyGT6r-Htylzfaxm00rkumyNh0G2tpREVBuMndpiP0xUk/s320/Angel's+Blood+Small2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367039230613475746" border="0" /></a>I'm over at the <a href="http://dikladiesrule.blogspot.com/">Island</a> giving away a some free books (I'm making you work for them because I'm evil that way) and hanging out with the ever so fabulous<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">NALINI SINGH!</span><br /></div><br />Come drop by and have drink and chat up Nalini! ^_^Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6157374962485624035.post-54112145634034031392009-08-26T19:01:00.000-04:002009-08-27T00:58:00.172-04:00Goodnight My Sweet Terraine<div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuJLXCKiMoQuQMSVM-IZhGeY1PJqkClpisFH0SKOzm5hHXpUWX-22neDRvkM3Sa-C9izcrHgbty0wJHsuu8U5GKFM5iL_rCUnDAyN_RK8GhZOYlcVDWW3CEjjTJFTW46H52RgahZ-Tvg/s1600-h/sc0010ebd5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDuJLXCKiMoQuQMSVM-IZhGeY1PJqkClpisFH0SKOzm5hHXpUWX-22neDRvkM3Sa-C9izcrHgbty0wJHsuu8U5GKFM5iL_rCUnDAyN_RK8GhZOYlcVDWW3CEjjTJFTW46H52RgahZ-Tvg/s320/sc0010ebd5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374333922034843954" border="0" /></a><br /></div>For those of you who have been following this blog know that my sweet furry baby, Terraine, was diagnosed with lyphoma earlier this month. She now has stopped eating and drinking so it's time to tell her goodnight and send her off the to the forever sleep.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkUswJsqBnOlWVcLenCtqCwBn1pbt6qqDmcSPVLs5M6O8RJEqoPKrRZs2nEDQjr9dwFF1i6kgj9s4li7jnAG_t_SWQx3F2OPE4LKR3LRUxcCu5y89IuTgiBakwU7ji45NUe1Tl1uDarQ/s1600-h/sc0086ecc5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkUswJsqBnOlWVcLenCtqCwBn1pbt6qqDmcSPVLs5M6O8RJEqoPKrRZs2nEDQjr9dwFF1i6kgj9s4li7jnAG_t_SWQx3F2OPE4LKR3LRUxcCu5y89IuTgiBakwU7ji45NUe1Tl1uDarQ/s320/sc0086ecc5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374337405263102002" border="0" /></a>I will miss her greatly, especially since I am moving cross country and into a whole new territory. It will be hard without my best furry friend. But in a way, perhaps this will help. A completely new environment than what I am used, one without the daily reminders of her sweet little purrs, guarding my towel as I took a bath, telling me off for taking a shower and her greeting me at the door with her eager little meow whether I was gone all day or just stepped out to take out the trash.<br /><br />Night-Night my sweet baby. May we meet again soon.Shaymless Aymlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17846352466332137169noreply@blogger.com16