Midnight Musings and Pleasant Surprises (Prizes?)

Isn't sit funny when you sit down to read a good book that you've heard an absurd amount of buzz (from either your blogging buddies or the girls at work)? The hard part of the whole situation is two fold. Either you get so excited to get going or you worry about being let down.

Where do you set your expectations?

Once in a while, you get the whole enchilada...

(Great, now I'm hungry.)

Take the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The first time I encountered the Brothers, I am ashamed to admit, I wasn't impressed at first. Vampires have taken on so many different characteristics in the last few years, from the dark, brooding yet entirely misunderstood battered soul to the bloody, vicious demons. Did I really want to dive into yet another person's version of the Count ?

Back on the shelf went the unwilling King. Until a friend bothered me to borrow from her now personal library (my fines aren't as high *wink*). The following day, I swear she was drooling and shaking her head at me like I was crazy to not have read this steamy masterpiece.

Still, I resisted. Until I gave in at the library one day. Lover Avenged (and my not so little mohawked Rehv....sigh) joined a few other choice pieces in my go green library bag. Feel free to pause here and enjoy the view.

And I was lost. (No thanks, in part to the Twitter conspiracy that refused to let me forget! You know who you are, my dears!) The reading frenzy and frantic searches for all the Brothers' at every bookstore (new and used) began, all the while getting crazy looks not so cleverly hidden from my husband. And I read the rest in order. (Kinda proud of myself!)

Vampires who were hot, hunky, and knew how to dress? Swoon! Oh, yeah, the ink and such didn't hurt the fan yourself factor, either.

I even spread the insanity to the girls at work. Yep, I'm officially a book pimp, as well. Sometimes I worry I may be corrupting them all too well. Then I laugh evilly.

And, my favorite Brother...sigh...that's between me, and him! Mostly because I can't always choose just one.

So, really, there are two final thoughts I'd like to impart with you.

The first, maybe its not always the right time for us to meet our favorite vampire (or Barrons, but that's another story *grin*). The stars need to sometimes align and then, it just works,

And the final (which is a two parter) is it is okay to not always start at the beginning. Because, as you may or may not know, it can be sometimes a tad trying to get the correct reading order. (Insert pout here.)

Did someone say prize?! (Looks around) Wait. That was me!

To win some yummy series goodness, just leave a witty comment below featuring your favorite buzzed about series that you fell under the spell of and why. Please be sure to leave your email (or send it privately, if you prefer). Winner gets the choice of either Dark Challenge by Christine Feehan or Lover Revealed (Oh, Butch!). You get an extra entry for following, as well! Contest ends July 30th.

And if I reach 50 followers, double your pleasure...two winners. Thanks for stopping by and joining me! I can't wait to read your thoughts and maybe find myself a new addiction...

Now I must be off to play with the puppy and her (whispers) B-A-L-L while shimmy drills ensue!!!