Book Review: Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

From Sherrilyn Kenyon's website:

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed every life had a price. Until the day he finally found a reason to live. In a single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he'd spend eternity protecting the humans he once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abbigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief: Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day she meets the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

Like most of my favorite series, I discovered Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter novels right smack dab in the middle (surprise, surprise). Usually, with a series this long running, there is always the fear of the same old story creeping in, making each story sound somewhat familiar.

Not so with the Dark-Hunters...

One complaint I have is that Retribution seemed the most distant to the Dark-Hunter lore that has been previously introduced. Sundown and Abby's story sets itself in another pantheon with it's roots in Native American lore, with the introduction of the Cherokee 2012 prophecy of Time and Untime. (Which personally, I really enjoy because it reminds me of good memories...but that's another story!) Whether or not the details are true to the actual mythos, I lend to creative story telling. (Think of it like telephone. The details can get changed around depending on how you hear it!)

More sympathetic to the Apollites, we get into Abby's mind and see her perspective on Dark-Hunters. Seen as lethally evil murderers of the family she has been raised by, she sets out to take out as many as she can, with the the help of some demon enhanced abilities.

Until things go from bad to worse. As with most things, it's really all about perspective. You know, that whole there's three sides to every story. One side, the other, and the truth...

Sundown is a sexy cowboy stuck in his ways (gotta love a man who rides a horse. Save a horse, ride a...you get the picture.) to the extent that every syllable that falls from his lips drips with that cowboy way of his...which is addicting, if I do say so myself. Honestly, I worried that I might get a tad annoyed with it, but just the opposite happened. It only added to his character.

As they battled evil and we discover their mysterious past, Sundown and Abby become more and more what I have come to expected from a Dark-Hunter novel. It took a bit for me to warm up to Abby, mostly because she just seemed to flip flop a little too much for me. But, in the end, girlfriend kinda won me over.

At the end of the book, we get a little Acheron action. And of course, Simi. Because, really, a Dark-Hunter novel without Simi (and Ash) is like dinner without barbecue!

While not my favorite Dark-Hunter addition, Retribution definitely filled the hole I've had waiting for some bow and arrow tattoos to show up. (For more Dark-Hunter fun and games, check out the website...)

Tuesday Musings...Dreams

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

Oscar Wilde

Tuesday Musing...Thanksgiving Style

I decided to make this one pretty simple (which means I may complicate things just a bit, so bear with with me.)

When I began this journey, boy oh boy, never did I realize where I would end up. Books, dance, and whatever else I had going on in my crazy life. Easy, right?

Then, everything went literally crazy. From an ankle injury (that almost completely took away my ability to walk let alone dance), to the passing of my beloved kitty (which broke my heart), to the personal circus we won't even get started on...and then, to the thing I am most thankful for in the world.

My family and its new addition.

So, my words to you today are simple.


Be thankful...and thank you!

Tuesday Musings...Much Ado

"If it prove so, then loving goes by haps.

Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps."

Hero (from Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare)

One of my favorites (and not just because I love the movie version with Keanu Reeves...sigh). And truly, who hasn't fallen into the trap?

Tuesday Musings...Puppies and Sunshine

"Love isn't all puppies and sunshine. It makes you scared as hell."

Anya Bast, from Dark Enchantment

Just a sneek peak of my next review ;-)....

Five Things I Love...Tribal Fusion Bellydance

First, if you have no idea what Tribal Fusion Bellydance is, be sure to visit the page link to get a mini course (not all inclusive, and no pop quizzes!).

1.) Tribal Fusion Bellydance is a style that originated in California. Why is this on my list? Creativity and explosions of art are always to be celebrated! In a time when most schools are struggling with budgets and the arts are the first to be cut, it's a beautiful thing to know that art still has relevance and that this ever evolving art is inspiring dancers to create and explore.

2.) Bellydance celebrates all types of women! Young, old, any and every body type and ethnicity. Anyone can do it! (Don't roll your eyes! If everyone was perfect at something the first time they tried something, how boring would that be? Ugh!) Tattoos, piercings, Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, tall, short...it doesn't matter. All women are beautiful in their own way...I'm not a skinny girl. Curves are celebrated. I'm proud to say I look better in my bellydance wardrobe than most of my everyday and work clothes.

3.) I've to learned to take joy in learning. Especially the first few times..ok, maybe more like the first ten to twenty times...I tried to make my body do what I thought was impossible. I giggled. A lot. Which made it even more fun and enjoyable. There is so much we beat ourselves up over that having this outlook has expanded into other areas in my life.

4.) I dance with the most beautiful, generous, and loving women. The cattiness that is usually so prevalent when some women spend time together is not an issue. It has renewed my faith in so many ways! We help one another, whether its with making our stubborn hips and obliques make that crazy bumblebee walk work, fix a wayward costume piece, or just get a hug when you need it.

5.) Sharing...not only can I share my dance with an audience, students, and even you in some ways, I can share my interpretation and fusion of the style. New music, costumes, influences...there are no rules here.

To Read, Or Not To Read

It's still there, lurking and waiting. Sometimes, it looks at me with longing. Other times, the feeling generates guilt. I know it's mad at me or feels abandoned.
The It? My TO BE READ pile. Or, as my husband calls it, the collect dust while everything else speeds on by pile.
Truly, I'm not sure the culprit is as simple as a reading slump or as complicated as I have a life changing event coming in a little over two months.
I have a feeling it's a bit of both.
To be honest, I'm overwhelmed with everything I have to do to get ready for my lil bundle of chaotic joy. Even the everyday simple mundane tasks seem overwhelming. (Don't even get me started on the kitchen remodel that keeps getting stalled. Oy.)
So, to get myself out of my slump, I pulled out an oldie but a goodie. Okay, maybe not that oldie.
If you've visited me in the past, you know the love I have for Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series. After a few months of overwhelming (are you sensing a theme here?) feelings, I knew the only thing that could pull me out of this funk was Irial. And Niall. And Seth. And Ash..and Donia...and I hope you get the point.
So, five books later, I've finally picked up something new...partially to help my brain take a break every now and then. I'll let you know how it works!
And, I've decided to let the parts of the brain that can't seem to let go have its own voice on a lil blog I've started. If you want to check it out, great. If not, that's cool. But I hope you'll stop back.

Five Things I Love...Chicagoland Vampires

Having joined the Chicagoland Vampires train a little late in the game isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, it fills that insatiable need for the next book in the series that most people who have discovered these little gems since their inception.

Me, I get instant gratification.

Okay, well, almost.

Because four books in and I am chomping at the neck (or nibbling, depending on whose neck it is) for the next one. Which is out (but, my local bookstore isn't cooperating. Oh, but it will.). And that would be book number four. Yep, still a bit behind. Do you hear me, Borders?!?

So, until I get my hot little hands on it, here are five reasons I love the Chicagoland Vampires and Chloe Neill.

1.) I adore Chicago. Not just because of Wizard World Chicago, which is one of my favorite comic cons...I mean, where else can you hear Joss Whedon tell a room full of people (that your husband illegally snuck you in to...the panel, not the con.) a sniff sniff wipe a tear away little story about an unaired Buffy epi about boots, saving the world, and the one thing you would give your best best Wiccan friend. From the museums to my fave deep dish to the lake front and even the transportation, I feel like I'm there every time I turn the page.

2.) Ethan. Just imagine Beckham with a little Eric from TB. Enough said. Feel free to pause and appreciate...

3.) Story element that makes me keep reading...normally, we don't get choices on the big things that change our lives forever. These moments come up unexpectedly and everything is different, and no matter how hard you try things will never be the same. And then, we have to deal with them. Sometimes, not well. And even then, the emotional roller coaster gives you the ride you'll never forget. Merit's journey usually has me going right along with her...

Most authors don't give this journey enough credit. And I love how Merit deals or doesn't.

4.) The toys. I've always wanted to learn how to use a katana. And drive a sleek sports car. Plus, the wardrobe is to die for (pun? Maybe. Maybe not.)

5.) Did I mention Ethan? Because the sexual steamy tension mixed with those seriously yummy moments of sincerity...oh my...

What do you think?

(For more Chicagoland and Cadogan House, visit Chloe Neill here.)

Tuesday Musings...Graveminder Style

"Memories. Love. Letting go."

from Graveminder by Melissa Marr

There is something I've always loved about the pacing and wording that Melissa Marr uses in her writing. Anytime I've been in a reading slump, or my brain is on multi-tasking insane mode, I just pick up a little Wicked Lovely, and then everything seems to slow down and get back to, well, not normal, but some semblance of normal...

So far, Graveminder seems to be doing the trick.

Finally, the WINNER of Alien In The Family!

Sorry for the drawn out anticipation...as many of you may or may not know, I've been slowly recovering from an ankle injury (great for a bellydancer, let me tell ya) while expecting. A family illness pushed everything a little over the edge...

But, on a happier note, the winner is....

Jen B! I'll be emailing you to get your info!

Thanks for all of you who entered! It makes me happy to know that books still make us all turn into silly messes in a bookstore, or that a little Sam and Dean makes our day, and that a good ol comic book still does a little something!!

Here's to all of the Fan Girls out there, no matter what your passion may be!!!!!!

Virtual Book Tour...Review Alien In The Family by Gini Koch

From Amazon.com:

Super-being Exterminator Kitty Katt and the Alpha Centuri she loves, Jeff Martini, should be finalizing their wedding plans. But that was before she discovered Jeff is in line to become Emperor back on his home world. Kitty knows she is everything a royal family wouldn't approve of, and is bracing herself for the worst. As it turns out, the royal family is just the beginning. Especially when extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists are determined to start and end Kitty and Jeff's nuptial festivities with a bang.

Not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but I am a true and tried geek girl. And, there are few things that ever give me the chance to voice this little quirk of mine. It's always there, lurking under the surface, waiting to jump up and be noticed. Imagine my giddiness when asked to participate in this virtual blog tour!! I may have blushed....seriously, after I squealed. This book is one of those reads that will kick start your reading rut, at least it did for me!

(Quick note...I'd like to thank a few tweeties, Bells and Collette...for the Martini addiction.)

In the third book of this series, it still seems Kitty can't keep away from the fugliness that seems attracted non-stop to her. From the Wonder Woman wanna be's, to emissaries from other planets, and even royal family members ready to put her to the test (yikes). Thank goodness she has Martini to distract her when she most needs it! (Um, in case you hadn't noticed, maybe just maybe she might get a nice distraction from Chuckie...or Christopher...or Kevin...you get the idea. This works because, hey we are all human *!* enough that we notice others hotness or something we find drool worthy. The key, however, is what you get to take home, ya know?)

Who knew getting engaged would cause intergalactic subterfuge and deadly girl power assassins plus a really colorful light show? (And with all the hoopla surrounding royal weddings, let's just say the timing worked well for me *wink*.)

Just like real life, one things most definitely leads to another. Extraterrestrial Amazonian terrorists leads to intergalactic emissaries of all, er, types, leads to the grandma's and all that family drama, which inevitably should end up in Vegas with all the craziness and twists and turns you can get while not being the Hangover. Which, sadly, didn't really enjoy (the Hangover, not the book!). I can't even imagine the in-law situation...shudders. Also, I want a poof...however, my lil kit and caboodles would most def get jealous.

Love how well Kitty either handles a situation, or, as we all would, doesn't. And to complicate matters even more her best friend, and not so bad on the eyes himself, Chuckie may have the upper hand, in at least a few situations. Which, as imagined, may not go over as smoothly as one would hope.

As much as in the previous two books from this series, this girl got her geek on (see post here) as well as her shop envy on (have you been to Vegas? Window shopping takes on a whole new meaning. However, I prefer Cesar's...just saying.) and her hotness quotient filled. (Screaming orgasms have me rethinking remodeling my bathroom. Shh, don't tell...) Gini Koch has the ability to make cute (I use this term lightly, only because normally the term applies differently in my mind but I credit A Buckeye Girl Reads!) sexy, smart, geek chic all at once.

There was a deeper message hidden in there, as well, and just as in the story telling the message hits, stays with you unconsciously through out all the action packed mayhem that kept piling on. You'll just have to pick up for yourself and take what you will...There was a a few moments that left me thinking, well, heck, what's next...

Martini, you'll always be Martini to me. Just as like Kitty, I may take a look around but always come back to you...(Is it just me, but are some men more like a girl than you are *wink*?)

To celebrate the virtual blog tour, I have been graciously given a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky person. Click here to enter the geekiness!!!!!!

(Reviewer's note...copy of Alien In The Family provided for review.)

Alien In The Family Giveaway, Comic Geek Girl Style!

"Never piss off the comic geeks-girl."

If there's anything a comic geek girl loves, it's the ability to happily geek out while enjoying one of her other loves. The two collide, and geeking out occurs...This phenomenon, while rare, is truly an interesting sight to see...or hear.

So, imagine my utter happiness when my favorite amazonian warrior had a reference in one of my new favorite series, "Alien In The Family" by Gini Koch. (Yep, squealing that some might say only my gorgeous golden retriever could hear. But, what can I say?) What can I say, I totally had Wonder Woman Underoos. TMI, anyone? Anywho, in true geek girl fashion, the reference is used and corrected by the other secretly (or not) geek characters to truly embrace the true nature that is Wonder Woman. (Go fan boys and girls!!!!!) Now, where did I leave my lasso? Never mind...

(Side note, the picture above is beautifully rendered by Michael Turner, and is undoubtedly of my favorites...no copyright infringement intended! Check out Aspen comics and get inspired to geek out, too.)

Now, I've always had a thing for Iceman from Top Gun..and Goose...and Slider...and I could go on and on. Hmm...*shakes head* Thanks, Gini *grin* for all the fun times! (Hello, beach volleyball, anyone?)

Down to the business at hand. Up for grabs...a copy of Alien In The Family for one lucky winner, thanks to KLB Virtual Events.

To enter, answer one easy peasy little question...

What makes you geek out? Be it comics, a movie, your favorite new pair of shoes...Leave a comment below, contest ends May 18th.

Good luck, y'all! Open to U.S. and Canada only...

New Review...Dreams Of A Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

From the back cover:

He vowed to come for her...

Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

She awaits his return...

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals-unaware that he belongs to their world.

To sate a desire more powerful than death...

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan's torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared-even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Kresley Cole is the genius who has discovered how to utilize the wonderful mind spinning element I like to call the flash sideways. To be able to completely understand exactly what it is to flash sideways, I sincerely hope (and no doubt you have!) had the chance to devour the previous books in the Immortals After Dark Series. Imagine be able to see all the juicy details, going on simultaneously like a picture in picture. (Now, I see the appeal of the whole sport split screen...you know the one, where every single game in the NFL can be seen all at dizzying once detail.) But, this is far better. And more enjoyable!

Starting out, I was a little bit worried. Regin, courageous yet young (!) Valkyrie she is, barges in demanding aid (not just for herself, but she must save her sister Lucia...flash sideways moment!) from the handsome yet dangerous Berserker Warlord Aidan the Fierce. Aidan sees the promise in her, and knows she must be his...but not quite yet. Thank goodness.

As time goes on, the two meet once again, and fall for one another. Just as happily ever after seems in sight, a immortal takes his revenge and Aidan loses his life, but not before promising to come back for her. Then, we get to the nitty gritty.

Someone has been capturing immortals of all kinds, studying and doing unthinkable things...and now, they have Regin. (Hmm, Buffy, anyone? Which is probably why I saw a bit of Riley in Declan!)

And her jailer, is none other than her fierce bersereker, but in this reincarnation, he hates her and all her kind (which he groups together as all evil, no matter their race nor inclination) and would like nothing better than to destroy her will and steal her secrets.

If only her knew what one of those secrets was, hmm?

The key to the flash sideways is to give just enough detail of the other stories to (and this is a deviously delicious plan!) to make you want to go back once your finished for more. I adore Nix and her crazy zany ways, so that is always a fun time!

Declan's inner struggle added to his tortured past lives, making his decisions and actions a constant struggle, while Regin sought only to protect him at the cost of her own heart.

While not my favorite of the series (mostly because it's incredibly hard to pick one over another), I loved Regin's gorgeous hot messiness (her room would give me a heart attack...or serious envy) and the fierceness and dare I say the hotness in which the relationship developed, not only between Aidan and Regin, but also the glimpses we catch of the others in the Lore.

An action packed flash sideways is just what a girl needs every now and then...especially with sparkly goodness thrown in.

Alien in the Family Tour!

I know, it's not my turn, but there are some other places we can go to join in on the fun!!! Also, I can tell you not only will I have a review but a giveaway!! (And I'm sure you'll want to enter!) So, while I deviously ponder the details, check out these fabuolous stops along the way!!


May 1st with Drens B Spot
May 2nd over at Larissa's Life
May 3rd with Nikki Brandyberry
May 4th at the Order
May 5th with Nancy McGregor
May 6th there's a party going on over Hanging With Bells
May 7th it's time to head over to with Deanna and Chena
May 8th, come hang with comic geek girl (me!)
May 9th go check out Mark of the Stars and see what's going on!
May 10th, the host of our fab tour, KLB has something you'll want to check out,
as well as a little something with Love To Read For Fun

Have a great time checking these wonderful blogs out, and can't wait to see you here!!

(P.S. To any bloggers, if there is a change or anything you'd like to add, just email me!)

Tuesday Musings...with a bit of sweetness

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

From my Dove dark chocolate Easter basket candy...

(Just a little sweetness and words of wisdom...don't worry, the chocolate was celebrated!)

Tuesday Musing...Alien In The Family

"If the packaging was decent to look at, that was a bonus, but it wasn't what mattered."

Gini Koch, "Alien In The Family"

Alien In The Family Blog Tour!!!

Okay, seriously excited about this!!!!!



If there is one thing that I adore it's the opportunity to go full on Fan Girl. Unabashedly, I love Wednesdays almost as much as Tuesdays just so I can get my comics. Comic cons, I'm there (especially if Sam Witwer is in attendance. Or a few of the Final Five...or even a life size Wolverine).

So imagine how much I drool over Martini and wish I were Kitty? Oh yeah...(Singing "Danger Zone" out loud...and in key.)

I'll be posting the details of the blog tour soon, so stay tuned y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where Oh Where Have I Been?

Ever have a moment when you, in the blink of a moment, say "How in the world did I end up here?" (Mostly because you don't remember getting on the super duper fast train that has led you to this spot in a loud screeching stop!!!!)

That's been my life...in a blur of sorts, in the last few months.

My whining, you've no doubt, seen on my Twitter. The ankle. Yep, it's still there. My advice to y'all...if you ever get a boo boo, don't put off getting it looked at. Sucking it up works well in some situations, but in one such as this, it can seriously mess up your life...almost permanently. (I've been told a break would have been better.)

Because, I have a complication. A happy one, yet still a complication.

Yep, I'm expecting a little pumpkin! Now, this may be the only mention you'll see around these parts...but, the little one complicated the whole healing process. Not to mention the insanity of the day job. Nine hours on your feet five days a week on marble sucks, as I'm sure some of you know. Add to the whole shebang doctors telling you about the weight that you will be gaining (happily, but still...), and not being able to have any sort of meds save tylenol. Might as well give me just a glass of water and a sugar cube...And frozen ankle syndrome? *Shudders*

But, finally the healing has begun...the sleepless nights, morning sickness (stupid name, by the way!), the aches, the tears are becoming a memory. Not quite distant, but soon, I hope! With hard work and little faith in myself. And maybe chocolate. Or strawberries. Both?!

And with that, even as I haven't danced in such a long time or even logged on here, I'm slowly coming around.

So I look forward to seeing you all again...

New Review...Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

From Amazon.com:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark King is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark king and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and the final conflict, some will win...some will lose everything.

My love for the Wicked Lovely Series has sadly reached its end. Not in a bad way, mind you...and it most definitely does not mean that old memories can't be revisited at any time that the itch needs to be scratched. With Darkest Mercy, once again, Melissa Marr had me riding the emotional roller coaster that began all those books ago (that have been lent out and well loved many a time).

Here's a link to an Amazon vid with Melissa Marr discussing the series here...

First off, the admiration I have for an author who knows and respects her reader by not dumbing down or pulling punches is reinforced whenever I discover someone who resides on the opposite end of the spectrum. (Case in point, you don't need to necessarily remind me with specific terms what genre your work is...especially in the midst of the action. It makes me sad.) This, however, doesn't preclude the fact that I will make inarticulate sounds, gasp, sob, or even (yes) yell as I read. Which, I seem to do far more with this series (and Carolyn Crane's Mind Games, etc.) than any other. Exhausting...

Side note: I would love to send some love to my local Borders...with all the craziness surrounding my fave big box bookstore (there aren't many indie shops in my neck of the woods), I have been just a little skeered about my book browsing future. And so, I headed in on Tuesday on my second stop to search for Darkest Mercy. I am one of those browsers who feels like the finding is the best part of the journey. However, tears threatened (I had just come from physical therapy, and was feeling it) as I searched fruitlessly... it was nowhere to be found. So, I ferreted out a headset clad Borders employee, who headed for the handy dandy terminal. Where it wasn't listed as in the store. So, off he went to the back, and came out brandishing a cold, never opened treasure. Sigh...

Okay, enough blabbering...


SPOILER ALERT! I try not to put too much on here, but, if you're reading this, you may just infer a few things. Just warning you!


Keenan, the Summer King, has left Aislinn (the girl's whose life he sent into utter upheaval to strengthen his court), Seth is missing in Faerie, the Dark Court is entrenched in chaos (whoa!), the new Winter Queen is struggling admirably with her own feelings towards Keenan and his new queen (that's a whole new ball of yarn that lil kittens will love to play with). Added to the fact that War has gained her feathers and is becoming more powerful while taking out one of the Gabriel's pups and the gravely injure the former Dark King - and we have the storm of the century. Because, according to Faerie Law, to destroy War would in fact, destroy Faerie.

And that is just the beginning...


Faerie is based, partially, on the concept of balance. Dark has Light (or, in this case, the High Court), Summer has Winter, Order has Discord. But when Discord becomes War, a Shadow Court emerges to balance the High Court, and Faerie itself is sealed, everything comes to a head.


Destroy War and possibly Faerie, or perish in the battle...


Each time I read one of the Wicked Lovely books, I fall a little more in love with each character. Donia for her strength and vulnerability as she protects those she considers hers (even if they are of her court). Seth, whose ability to love no matter what and protect those he cares for even as it puts him between a rock and a hard place. Irial (sigh..) the Dark King, er, Former Dark King whose heart makes him fierce and frightening as well as the guy willing to do the things no one else is. I love him beyond. Niall...the reluctant yet fitting Dark King who once was Summer's advisor whose passions and emotions come to the forefront even as he tries to do what he believes is right to strengthen his Court. The Summer King, whose ways aren't always clear to everyone around him, even as he struggles with the cards he's been dealt. We all try to do the right things the way we think they should be done.


Sometimes, it just takes longer to see the bigger picture.

A fitting end *sobs* to a masterful and emotionally crazy roller coaster of a series.

Tuesday Musing...(yes, I know it's Friday)

Since I've had to take a "break" from this little activity (and heal the hurt that seems to be more stubborn than I ever thought!), I figured it was well within my right (since I am indeed the one typing merrily along) to do a Tuesday thing on this snowy sideways blizzardy Friday.



"There are always choices."

Melissa Marr, from Darkest Mercy

Sigh...that's all I have for this moment.

(Oh, and you can bet that I will, in fact, reviewing Darkest Mercy...mostly because I can't really explain the odd looks my husband gives me. Really...the crying, the squeeing, the WTF moments - whiskey tango foxtrot the delicate ears, er, eyes)

Tuesday Musings...Hope is a good thing.

"Watch our words spread hope like fire..."

Angels and Airwaves

That sounds like a very good thing, doesn't it?

Book Review...Touched By An Alien by Gini Koch

Relating to a character in a book, or a situation that a heroine has suddenly found herself placed (precariously or not) should be a key component when you really connect with a book. And by that, I mean really good, squeal in glee moment. Unfortunately, this moment happens less often than not (or, rather in the low end of the spectrum). Which, all in all, doesn't diminish the moment. I just don't make the kind of noises that make puppy dogs ears perk or husband's eyebrow quirk. And most of the time, I am perfectly okay with this.

Seriously, I'm not necessarily a faery hiding my dark side (though, there are times I feel a dark side want to peak out) or a lonely girl investigating the death of my sister with the help of a devastatingly darkly handsome mysterious bookstore owner.

What I am, besides book obsessed and tribal bellydancer (even though its a couch show at this moment), is a fan girl. With an extensive comic book collection, and yes even a few statues. Oh, did I mention I absolutely love the volleyball scene in Top Gun (Slider...sigh. And remember when Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise were drool worthy?)? My ipod, alas, has over 5,000 songs on it, and I routinely program with the help of Genius a playlist for the day.

(All of this wasn't very relevant at the time...but I think some of you may get the idea, huh?)

You see, a few months ago, one of my favorite book bloggers had a new review. Eh, I thought, not so in to the whole alien thing, but I'll check it out anywho. I liked Men In Black. Will Smith hangs a good suit. But, the only draw back was it sounded, well, cheesy? (I use this word with a cringe because one person's cute is another person's yummy.) I wasn't sure it was the book for me. But, as it happens, the snow ball effect began and everywhere I turned, there it was.

From the back of the book:

Marketing manager Katherine "Kitty" Katt had just finished a day on jury duty. When she stepped out of the Pueblo Caliente courthouse, all she was thinking about was the work she had to get caught up on. then her attention was caught by a fight between a couple-a domestic dispute that looked like it was about to turn ugly. But ugly didn't even begin to cover it when the "man" suddenly transformed into a huge, winged monster right out of a grade Z science fiction movie and went on a deadly killing spree. In hindsight, Kitty realized why she probably should have panicked and run screaming the way everyone around her was doing. Instead, she got mad, searched her purse for a weapon, and, armed with a Mont Blanc pen, sprinted into action to take down the alien.

In the middle of all the screeching and the ensuing chaos, a tall handsome hunk of a guy in an Armani suit suddenly appeared beside her, examined the body, introduced himself as Jeff Martini with "the agency," called out to an Armani-clad colleague to perform crowd control, and then insisted on leading her to a nearby limo to talk to his "boss."

And that was how Kitty's new life among the aliens began...

Aliens? Yep, there's the sticky ewy gooey aliens bent on taking over the earth type...but, hello ARMANI? Sigh...if only all men had the body to hang a good Armani. Gini Koch takes every fan girl's science fiction dream and makes it reality, throwing in what every girl also wants...a devastatingly handsome witty powerful man who adores her. (With maybe a little of that Top Gun fantasy thrown in... I mean, seriously!!!) What really hit the spot for me was how seamlessly it all stuck together with just the right amount of smarts, tongue in cheek sauciness, and good old fashion flirting and fight for the universe-we-all-share-the-same-things-in-common that made it entirely too difficult to put down.

Kitty is the kind of heroine a girl wants to be...smart, confident, and creative, all while rocking her jeans and kicking a little alien booty. And, let's just say the A-C's (that's the hot Armani clad aliens, btw) could use a girl like her....

Now, if you'll excuse me...I have playlist to get going. Hmmm, what would be perfect for Alien Tango?

Midnight Musings...Missing My Shimmies!

The hardest part of any injury is the healing. Its incredibly and undeniably easy to injure yourself, sometimes so much so that you haven't even realized the severity until its, well, that severe.

And it sucks even more when you're a bellydancer.

The moment the EVENT (as I call it now, and not fondly) occurred, I honestly just stood up and brushed myself off and went on with my day. Not much slows me down, and I figured it was only a tad sore.

Looking back, I was an idiot. We all do it, forgetting to put ourselves and our wealth fare first.

So, here I am. Almost two and a half months, six x-rays, tons of anti-inflammatory meds, an air cast, countless icing sessions and one cortisone shot later. Still miserable and on a slow road of physical therapy and wondering if I'll be able to actually stand in the morning or even walking by the end of the day. And, barely twenty minutes of actual bellydance activity in that entire time. (I can kinda couch bellydance...real cute, let me tell you.)

Tonight, my girls and I have a benefit for a children's hospital, which I've been to committed to since November. And I desperately want to do. it..even if I have to fake it.

Here's to the Universe...you certainly have a way of making me remember what I really truly should be worrying about. And while it may no be okay for some people to be mean or just miserable when I'm at my job, its most definitely okay to miss doing the things you love. And to work hard to get back to them.

(While break a leg might be appropriate, I'll just send out a nice loud YIEP! and positive thoughts...coupled with some kick ass couch shimmies!)

Winners...Better Late Than Never

Sigh...

Let me tell you, the Holidays were actually much easier to deal with this year than I have ever experienced. Because, it was the days after that killed me.

Sadly, I lost the first man in my life a few days after Christmas. (My kitty Drew has been in my life longer than my husband. Which, seems like there's never been a time when I haven't had him around to lovingly torture.) Tore me up.

And, to add insult to injury...literally...it seems I have an ankle issue that has made me grumpier than a certain dwarf with a huge yet adorable sniffer. Finding a good doctor is a journey I do not envy anyone.

Which brings us to today (quickly, because Shadowfever finally got left at my door!!!!!!!!! *dances giddily* The following lovies won my Holiday Celebration (chosen by my pumpkin of a niece who wishes I had more contests she could help me with!)

Ahem...

A Highlander for Christmas....Stephanie!

Christmas CD and Larissa Ione swag...Debbie!

Goddess of the Sea...Cathie!

Devil to Pay....Dren!

(Be on the lookout for an email!!)