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!!!!!!