Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Withdrawal symptoms

All right, so which girl was I?

Tada:


Yep, the shortie with the huge smile :D My dad always asks why I smile so hugely... well I don't have a choice, that's how I smile LOL :) Also, my mouth corners naturally go down, instead of up. So I really have to show my teeth in order for it to look like a smile :D Man, wouldn't the picture be much better if I was holding my diploma instead? LOL

All right, so I went book shopping on last Sunday. It was a special promotion at Chapters/Indigo and instead of saving 10% on books, I saved 20% Since I knew about this special day for quite some time, I purposely didn't buy books for about two weeks LOL :) Well with the exception of some manga and 2 books. So Sunday morning, i woke up quite early and left the house at 10 am. 20 minutes later I was at the bookstore... and I went totally crazy. I think that not buying books for 2 weeks wasn't a good idea LOL.

So here are the books I bought... are you ready?

Manga:
- Nodame Cantabile by Tomoko Ninomiya (volumes 1-3,5-7)
- Full Metal Alchemist (volume 9)
- Ultra Maniac (volume 2)

Romance books:

- Gideon by Jacquelyn Franks
- Key to Conflict by Talia Gryphon
- Minx by Julia Quinn
- An offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
- To Catch an Heiress by Julia Quinn
- It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn
- Splendid by Julia Quinn
- Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn
- Everything and the Moon by Julia Quinn
- Switched, Bothered and Bewildered by Suzanne Macpherson
- Ghosts in the Snow by Tamara Siler Jones
- Threads of Malice by Tamara Siler Jones
- Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
- Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian
- It must be Love by Rachel Gibson
- Watchers in the Night by Jenna Black
- The Scandalous Marriage by Leslie Lafoy
- The Rogue's Bride by Leslie Lafoy
- Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong (mine is falling apart and it's a signed copy!)
- Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards
- Tough Enough by Michele Albert
- Hide in Plain Sight by Michele Albert
- The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney

and finally, a phone notebook :D

So what do you think? I guess I did indeed go a bit crazy ^^; ah well, at least, I'll have stuff to read for awhile :D Did anyone of you read something on that list? Good, bad? The cashier girl was: I've never seen such a long receipt!! ^^; I know, me neither LOL :D

Nameless meme

I know, I know... you're dying to know which gal is me right? I'm at work right now, so no pics of me, but I'll post the answer tonight LOL :D

Also, I have much to tell you since I went on a book buying bing on Sunday :D Book buying binge indeed, since I think I got about 30 books :P I claim withdrawal symptoms for the madness :D

But for now, here is my answers for this nameless meme for which I got tagged by Ames :D

Two names you go by:
1. Nath
2. Nam (half of my viet name)

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. jeans
2. labcoat

Two things you would want (or have) in a relationship:
1. Honesty
2. Friendship

Two of your favorite things to do:
1. Reading
2. Blogging

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. ice cream
2. more money

Two pets you had/have:
- never had any pets and I doubt my sister counts, although in my opinion, she's a wildcat LOL

Two things you did last night:
1. read
2. play Train trax (little game at www.cbc.ca/kids/games/)

Two things you ate today:
1. graham bar (i don't know how you call in English, so that's what I think it is)
2. graham bar (I ate two)

Two people you last talked to:
1. my parents
2. a co-worker

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. working
2. going to the library

Two longest car rides:
1. VN - Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
2. Montreal to New York

Two favorite holidays:
1.Christmas
2. Chinese New Year

Two favorite beverages:
1.Lemonade
2. Coke


Four things About ME!

Things you may not have known about me:
1. I don't know what to do in the near future
2. I want a husband and kids before the age of 30
3. I'm a messy person :P but I do find my stuff
4. I have now fallen under the charm of Orlando Bloom after watching Pirates 3

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. sell clerk
2. lab research assistant
3. database entry
4. receptionist.

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Lord of the Ring
2. Pirates of the Carabbean
3. Back to the Future
4. hmmm, no idea.

Four places I have lived:
1. Montreal
2. Greenfield Park
3. LaPrairie
4. why does it ask 4? I've only live in 3 places...

Four of my favorite foods:
1. pizza
2. shish taouk with potatoes and garlic sauce
3. chinese food
4. ice cream

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. at home
2. in bed
3. somewhere else
4. bookstore

Four people I tag:
Mailyn, DC, Jennie and Kristie

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Convocation pictures!!!

Hey everyone!!

I really wanted to update yesterday and post the pictures of my convocation, but I had to wake up real early and it was quite a busy day. So, here they are, pictures!!! Try to figure out which person is me LOL :D

So, McGill has two campus, one downtown and the other, McDonald campus, is quite far away, about 35-40 min, and it's a really nice place. The McDonald campus has a lot of grenery and fields, because it's where the environmental and agriculture, parasitology and food science departments study. Anyway, our convocation was at the McDonald campus... and because it was only one convocation ceremony (downtown campus has like so many, spread on a week)... they didn't pitch the tent... and it was sunny and HOT (30°C)!!! So yeah, we were positively roasting.



So we got there in time and got our gowns :D Now, it's funny because the gowns are different if you're a bachelor, a master or Ph.D. student :P Bachelors and Masters have black gowns, but Masters don't have sleeve... and the thing you put around your shoulders is also different, Masters are more simple while Bachelors have fur on it. Now, Ph.D. gowns are the most funny and special :D as they are red and green and they get to keep their gown :P In addition, they have a special hat instead of the usual cap LOL :P They have this nice hat that looks like from the renaissance period...

So you get outside and wait till the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor say their speech. They give away the teaching awards to two teachers... and give a diploma to the honorary "person." After all that, they finally start giving away the diplomas (yeah!! because we've been waiting for 40 min already LOL). Ph.D. are given their diploma first, followed by Masters students and finally, Bachelors. If it's your first degree, you have to take out your cap and the Chancellor will gently tap on your head... If it's not your first degree, then you get to keep your cap on!!! and you shake hands with the chancellor :P Everyone is given a green ticket, so when it's finally time for the diploma, you wait at the bottom of the stage. When it's your turn, you walk up, give half of the green ticket so the person calls your name. Then, you shake hand with the Chancellor and finally, marched down the stage and get your diploma in a big rectangular envelop. Finally, when everything is done, it's party and picture time LOL!!

So some other pictures with the people from my program :











All right :D so I'm stopping here :D Figure out who is me? LOL :D Answer to come later today or perhaps tomorrow :D And I did narrow it down for you guys :D

Okay, well I'm off to buy books now :D Later!

Friday, May 25, 2007

Quick news :D

Hey everyone :D

Haven't been MIA, just haven't had much to say. Also, lots been happenined. My friend's SIL passed away :( at such a young age :(

but today is a good day :D it's my convocation day! Remember how much I stress back in November and December :D Well, it was all worth it since I'm picking my master diploma today :D I'll post some pics later when I have it :D

Otherwise, I only bought ONE book this week :D Kind of a miracle no? but that's because there's a 20% promotion in the bookstores on Sunday, so I have been saving up. I can already predict some major money splurge LOL!!! By the way, anyone has any suggestions on what to buy?!? most of the books I want are coming out on June 5, so they won't be in store yet... I guess I'll picking up what attracts me cover and blurb-wise, but it'd be fun to go in and pick up some recs. :)

By the way, the one book I've bought was Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr... it is the last of the Virgin River trilogy and one I couldn't wait to read and so i bought it :D it was good, a very nice way to end the trilogy and I hope to read more of her soon :D Review is coming!

Monday, May 21, 2007

The Little-Known Favorites Meme

Hello everyone!

So how was your week-end? Mine was relaxing :D A little of work, a little of gardening... little of reading and lot of sleeping LOL :D I've been reading some books, but I don't feel like reviewing them... so instead, here is my The Little-Known Favorites meme (I've been tagged by DanceChica)

I thought this meme was particularly hard to do ^^; I looked at my books and was: which ones are my favorites? which ones are not really well-known? I've been reading mainly romances and I guess I'm pretty mainstreamed. Anyhow, I finally came up with three books which I have read and re-read so many times.... and yeah, I know... I've raved about them so many times (or at least about the authors, but stay with me :P)

Rules: List and describe three of your favorite books that other people might not be familiar with. Then tag five people. See, easy!


Through a Crimson Veil by Patti O'Shea

This book is part of the Crimson series by different paranormal authors, but it is a stand-alone in the series. There are all new characters and it introduces the world of demons to the readers.

The story is about Mika, a half-human/half-demon, who has lived most of her life in the realm of the demons which is separated from the realm of humans by a crimson veil that no demon can cross except for halflings. Mika is given the mission to steal some magic incantation from Connor McCabe, another half-human/half-demon who has lived in the human realm all his live and is in fact a demon slayer. While Mika embraces both her demon and human culture, Connor despises his demon nature...

I simply love this story. I've always been a sucker for storylines in which a) there is a playful heroine who draws out a very stern and serious hero and b) one of the main character sacrifices him/herself for their great love. This book contains both of these elements I love so much. In addition, Mika is a great heroine :D She's a kick-ass character with a playful side to her and not at all annoying or typical :D Connor also makes a very attractive and protective hero :D As for the storyline, I thought it was great as well :D


The Perfect Lie by Dinah McCall aka Sharon Sala

I've gushed so much about Dinah McCall/Sharon Sala in my blog, so it's pretty normal that one of her books make this list :D I think The Perfect Lie is my favorite among all her books written as Dinah McCall.

Jonah Slade was once in love with a rich heiress, Felicity Blaine... however, she broke his heart by aborting his baby. To forget his pain, Jonah pours all his energy into his career, an undercover agent for the CIA. 16 years later, Macie Blaine, Felicity's younger sister, shows up on his doorstep and tells him that Felicity lied under the pressure of their father and that Jonah has a son... and his son has been kidnapped...

I have to say I'm not really a fan of those storylines where the hero or heroine later falls in love with their ex-whatever's sister/brother... but in this case, it works well and I guess that's because Jonah and Macie had very little contact with each other when Macie was young and so much time pass through. Also, Macie really loved Jonah and she gave up a lot for him. In addition, I found the storyline very interesting.... but what drew me most were the characters and their relationships.


Touching Evil by Kay Hooper

Finally, my third book is Touching Evil by Kay Hooper. I think that Kay Hooper is quite well-known as an author, but not really in the romance sphere. Me, I just love the FBI SCU series :D and it was a hard choice btw Touching Evil, Stealing Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Hunting Fear :P In the end, Touching Evil won... there is just something about this book...

There is a serial killer on the loose: he rapes, beat his victims and take away their eyes. So far, he has made 4 victims. John Garrett's sister was one of the victim and she killed herself later on... John is determined to seek justice for his sister and he is ready to do anything. If this means calling his good friend Quentin and his partner from the FBI SCU and putting faith in Maggie Barnes, a sketch artist with an extraordinary gift, he'll do it... although he doesn't believe in psychics.

Maggie's psychic ability is both a gift and a curse... She's an empath and so she feels what her victims feels. She's also an amazing artist which allows to draw such accurate sketches and she believes that she's been put in this world, been given this gift to right something she did wrong in her past life... to re-establish a balance that has been long ago disrupted... However, this case is different from all what she's been through, the feelings she gets are amplified and her powers are starting to grow stronger... scaring the hell out of her. Will she succeed to re-establish balance? or will she fail again?

Like I said, I love this series :D Yes, it is gory and there is a lot of violence, but we're talking serial killer and FBI stuff and so I don't think there's any way around it... The real world does have a lot of gratuitous violence :( I also love the author's take on psychic abilities, the explanations she gives in her books are very believable... I guess I'm more of a scientist than I thought :D This is one of the best in the series in term of plot and relationship :D and I really liked Maggie and she was going through... only someone very strong could have made it.


All right, so this post got longer than I thought it'd be :D So I'll stop here... but just before saying good night, here are the persons I'm tagging: Chantal, Kris, Isabel, Rosie and Kristie :D

Good night :D

Friday, May 18, 2007

Grey's Anatomy, pay toll and whatever I can think of...

You know, sometimes it's reall worth to check your spam... especially when they contain Maria V. Snyder's newsletter and a response email from Laura Florand!!! What were they doing in spam?!?! So... just before starting my ranting LOL, I'll give you two good news (but then, perhaps you already knew ^^; )

Both authors, Maria V. Snyder and Laura Florand are writing new books!! Yeah :D Maria is writing Book#4 of the Study series; however, main character won't be Yelena... and Laura is writing a new book, fiction this time. Ain't that great news!!! :D Well it makes my day for sure :D

Now, onto the ranting...

Grey's Anatomy - I've just started watching the show starting from February I think. Now, don't ask me why I'm watching the show when I think it's too melodramatic... but I do. I even went and rent the Season 2, cos you can't understand much without it. I didn't watch Season 1, since I basically don't care about Derek and Meredith. The only reason why I would watch Season 1 is to see the interaction btw the interns and how they came to live together... So yesterday was Season 3 Finale... and yes, there was one or two interesting twists, but otherwise, the finale was meh. All right, it was more than meh, it was frustrating. I think they've just wasted 2 years of work! You're basically back at square 1. And Addison got her spin-off so she's gone for sure and that sucks in my opinion... she makes the show interesting... cos otherwise, all you have is Izzy in love with Georges who's being wishy-washy, while his wife, Callie, is sending killer stares at Izzy. Yang is not made to be a wife, all she wants in life is to be a surgeon. Then by god, let her be a surgeon and makes her shut up. Meredith and Derek are the two most immature persons I've ever seen, particularly Meredith. I think they deserve each other... oh and I don't care about Alex. So yeah, the scriptwriters will have to come up big next season to salvage the show... otherwise, I don't think it'll last long.

Now, pay tolls. Montreal is a rather nice city... quiet... and perhaps a tad boring. It's also on an island and so that means, I have to cross a bridge to get to Montreal... My dad, he's a saint, crosses 2 bridges to get to work... and what did I read in the newspapers yesterday? That the mayor of Montreal want to put back pay tolls!!!! (okay, I might have the wrong word, it may not be pay tolls, but it's those stations where you have to pay to continue on the road)... Apparently, it'd be 1$ to cross the freaking bridges!!!!!! Can you imagine?!?! The worst is that the money wouldn't be put in our roads! (and oh God, do we need new roads... I bet Quebeckers are the one with the highest numbers of potholes/person.) No, the money would go to the city of Montreal, especially downtown, so they can improve public transport and install tramways. Euh... tramways?!?! Who needs tramways?!? So our public transport isn't that great compare to other cities (I'm thinking London, Tokyo, etc), but in North America, it is quite decent. So why would we need to waste money in tramways?!?! Also, don't you find it unfair? I mean, the heart of everything is on the island. I have to cross the bridge 2x/day to go to work and get home!!! My dad has to cross 2 bridges only to get to work! Anyway, I'm sorry, but I'm just totally angry. I think it's unfair to make us pay just because the city doesn't have enough money. In comparison, I guess i'd be more willing to pay a "downtown" taxes, but I find it useless to pay just to cross a bridge when I don't even go to downtown Montreal. I think the public park-o-meters are expensive enough... It was 1.50$/hour 2 years ago... now, it's 3$/hour!!! That only makes the private parkings richer.

All right, I'm going to stop here... I think that covers it all...

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Review: The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy

Finally, a book to review LOL :D You know, it's really fun to be part of a group blog, but it does decrease the number of posts here ^^; especially since I'm a big fan of paranormal romance... All right, so one of the book I've read during the past week-end was The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy. I got this book because Ames was interested in it :D LOL Yeah, I know, I'm that easy! No, but seriously, I was quite bored and wanted to read something...


The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy: 2.75/5
published in May 2007

Ian Cabott is Duke Dunsford as well as a surgeon. His task this season is to find a bride, marry and produce a heir which shouldn't be difficult as his is the best prospect on the marriage mart. Then, one night, while he is still in the processus of choosing, Fiona Turnbridge appears on his doorstep asking for him to use his medical skills to save her beloved cat. At first, Dunsford refuses... until Fiona points a gun at him ^^; It is only the next morning that Fiona leaves Ian's house and so, out of duty, Ian has decided to ask for her hand.

Fiona and her two older sisters were by-blows of the previous Duke of Ryland. All three have had quite a scandalous past and her older sisters, scandalous relationships before leading to marriage. In truth, Fiona does not expect anyone to be interested in marrying her, because there is a rumor in the society that she
a bit "odd" and that she "sees/feels" things. However, once Ian proposes, she doesn't want to settle for a marriage of convenance... she wants it all.
Genre: historical romance
Series: The Turnbridge sisters, Book 3

Review: This book was okay... The whole story was focused on Fiona and Ian's relationship and Ian discovering the whole depth of Fiona's person. I thought something was missing and the author seemed to forget to finalize some details, but on a whole, the book was interesting enough to make me curious about the two previous books... and so I'll probably hunt them down.

The Characters - Both characters were a bit bland in my opinion. Apparently, Fiona had some kind of psychic abilities either premonition or clairvoyance, which set her apart in society. However, it seems that the author forgot this little detail at some point in the book and it was never mentionned again. Now, this is something I've seen happening in a couple of books already and it annoys me. Don't make your characters to have something "special" and just forget about it! And it wasn't just with her psychic abilities, but her handicap as well. Even her love of animals and rescuing them! Basically, I thought that Fiona wasn't well developed. It was as if the author had all those great ideas, introduced them, but didn't develop :( As for Ian, I thought he was a bit insensitive... and basically, very man as in, he didn't listen to what Fiona had to say. I think he's actually a forgettable hero, but perfect for the purpose of this book. However, I have to say that I liked the secondary characters - Caroline and Simone, the two sisters, as well as the current Duke Ryland.

The Story & Writing - Although I seem to have many complains, the book wasn't that bad... and I think it's due to the storyline. It is a simple one and perhaps not very original, but it was enjoyable. Perhaps it was a bit superficial, as in, the author didn't go very deep in some of the issues, but it's all right if all you want is read and not think too deeply :P As for the writing, my only real complaint was really the author starting with some ideas and never giving suite to them.

The Cover - Okay... could be better.

Am I keeping this book? Not sure yet. i think it's going to depend on the two other books. Right now, I'd say I wouldn't keep this book for long-term.

Anything else? Yes, if you're expecting hot sex scenes, just skip this book. There are some sexual tension (although the heroine can't recognize it), but no sex scenes. Even when she loses her virginity...

Hello!

Hi everyone!

sorry for the lack of posts! It's really haven't been my intentions to neglect my blog... and I've been telling myself since Monday to update it... it's just that I'm in a weird mood - no books in my TBR pile is screaming at me to be read and so, instead, I've been re-reading books... most of them are books taht I've already reviewed ^^; so yeah, not much to say LOL :)

I got an answer for optometry school which was also a NO... so now, yeah... well I was expecting it, since it's harder to get into optometry than pharmacy... so let see, I have wasted approx. 250$ on applications this year... is it me only, but I find it hella expensive! Ah well, it was probably my last time applying anyway. Now, I'm going to concentrate on my career - which means finding a better job and perhaps take some evening classes of some kind. Life sucks LOL :)

Aside from that, my life has been pretty normal and boring :P I think I'm going to have to find some activities to do, aside from reading ^^; By the way, my new obsession du jour is: Nodame Cantabile!!! It is an ongoing manga in Japan, which has been adapted into an 11-episodes Live Action Dorama (i.e. tv series) and also, into an anime. It's very funny! Basically, it's the story of Chiaki Shinishi, who's a talented music student, whose dream is to become an orchestra conductor. Only problem is that he's afraid of both planes and boats, so that means he's pretty much stuck in Japan... which is not the greatest place to learn music or become a professional. His latest piano teacher has given up on Chiaki and now, he's stuck with a new teacher who already has a weird student: Nodame. Nodame has a lot of talent, but lack discipline... and the story is about how both come to make their dreams come true. It's really funny and entertaining... so fans of manga, you should try it out. If you want, the live action has been subbed in english... just send me a message and I'll send you the link (you can watch it on the net).

I've actually lied earlier ^^; I have read some new books in addition to my re-read. I've read: Legacy of Lies by JoAnn Ross (an oldie), The Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy and Jacob by Jacquelyn Franks. I'll be reviewing Legacy of Lies and The Duke's Proposal very soon... while Jacob's review will be a buddy review with Ames, posted on Twisted Kingdom. Aside from that, I have been re-reading a lot... went through: Slave to Sensation and Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh, Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks, re-read Jacob ^^; and I'm in the process of re-reading the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. So yeah, there'll be some reviews.

by the way, I have a favor to ask from everyone!!!! I've been looking for this book: Down By the River by Robyn Carr! It's part of a trilogy... and I was able to hunt the first book down, Ames found book 2... but neither of us can find this last book. I was wondering if someone could look at their UBS... cos I can't order it and can't even find on ebay! I would be really appreciated!

Finally, but not last:

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Friday, May 11, 2007

8 Random Things about Me...

Well I was going to do a random post about myself (some updates), but I got tagged by Kristie! :D Isn't coincidence great? So, here are the rules for the newbies:

- you need to state 8 random things/facts about yourself if you're tagged
- don't forget to include these rules in your post!
- you need to tag 8 other persons
- comment on the blog of your 8 tagged persons, so they know they've been tagged

Not clear? it doesn't matter, almost everyone's on blogosphere has been tagged in the past few days, so just go to another blog for clearer rules LOL


1 - I got my answer for both pharmacy schools: got refused :( I'm a bit disappointed, but not crushed. After all, I have a bachelor and master degree already... still waiting for answer from optometry school... which will come next Tuesday. Although, I'm not getting any illusions...

2 - I've really been eating too much junk food lately. My eating habits are all screwed up actually. I guess I should do something about it... and try to lose some weight... just a tiny bit.

3 - I want to go to Japan someday soon. It'd be fun to go to Japan with some friends. I also want to go on a trip with my parents and sister - been so long. My sister wants to go to Australia, so perhaps next year I'll bring her there.... since apparently, I'm going to be working for the next year and making money :D

4 - I've been so sleepy lately! and bored! So yeah, haven't been reading much - but you knew this already. Which means I have urges to go buy books... but there's nothing to buy! By the way, anyone has suggestions of books? Did I mention I'm bored? :P Luckily, there's Ames to order me not to buy books. Although I actually think it's because she wants to limit herself and so, find it easier if she has a friend that does the same LOL :)

5 - Actually, I've just been in a mood of spending money... which I shouldn't... but I am. I want to buy more notebooks, but I mean, how many book journal can you have? Especially since I have difficulty keeping the current one up-to-date!

6 - I really don't have 8 things to say about me... All right, I thought of something. You know, the more I study and see the education system in North America, I wonder why we value studies and college and university so much. I mean, can you do well without having gone to college? Sure. So why are we puhings ourselves and the younger generations so much to attend to college? Seriously, I have a bachelor in biochemistry, but that didn't help me looking for a job afterwards. I seriously think there's something wrong with our believes in school and education... but I'm too lazy to do something about it.

7 - I'm going crazy waiting for June's releases. I'm going to pre-order Demon Moon by Meljean Brooks and Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason next week. Other books that I'm looking forward too are Up close and Dangerous by Linda Howard and Exit Strategy by Kelley Armstrong.

8- If Max ever has puppies, I want one... but then, I think that Ames has taken away his ability to make puppies LOL :P

Oh! the people I tag are the following:

Ames
Jennie
Cindy
Chantal
Kailana
Kris
Mailyn

Review: The McKettricks by Linda Lael Miller

I've been having the reading blues lately, but it seems that my reading mojo is slowly coming back. Now, if I could only find a great book to read, it would really cheer me up :D I bought the McKettricks books at the end of April, because I was bored... I was waiting for all my books to come from my online order and well, I've been seeing them everywhere... and I wanted to read a bit about ranchers...

so basically, the plot is you have 3 McKettricks cousin: Jesse, Rance and Keegan and the three books (McKettrick's Luck, McKettrick's Pride and McKettrick's Heart) show how they fell in love and their life became better ^^;


McKettrick's Luck: DNF
published by Mira in February 2007
Cheyenne Bridges left Indian Rocks with no intention of coming back; however, now she must face the man who she had a crush on when she was younger and convince him to sell her his lands. Jesse McKettrick is the laid-back McKettricks... instead of working at McKettrickCo, he enjoys his dividend checks, fool around, seduce women and play pocker.
Review: For this book, that's all I can say. Obviously, it was a DNF. I didn't connect with the characters and what annoyed me was the plot... He's a McKettricks from Indian Rocks... she's a Bridges from nowhere. Pluuuhse. Over-used plot! Cheyenne was annoying, because although she wanted to appear all independant, she didn't have that much confidence in herself. Add in a flimsy, forever optomistic mother, and a paraplegic teenager brother and Cheyenne is playing the martyr. I basically stopped reading after Cheyenne blew off Jesse for whatever reason, but immediately went to ask him if he would still take her and her family to a gathering, because her family was so looking forward it. Euh, yeah... could you show some backbone? Or at least, think before acting? So yeah, definitively not my favorite.


McKettrick's Pride: 1.75/5
published by Mira in March 2007
Rance McKettrick is a widower as well as an workalcoholic... most of the time, he'll be across the globe, making deals with foreign countries for expansion, while leaving his two daughters to his mother-in-law, Cora. The thing is, he still haven't let go of his "love" for his deceased wife and finds it hard to look at his daughters when they remind so much of her. Then, enters Echo Wells, new bookstore owner, right next to Cora's shop. Attraction flares up between them, but Echo has been burnt once already...
Review: this one was a bit better... but I thought there was a lot of unnecessary plotlines that didn't interest me... The dog and the break-in to steal the dog? Euh, a bit far-fetched in my opinion. I liked Echo well enough, but Rance didn't impress me, especially not as a father figure.


McKettrick's Heart: 2/5
published by Mira in April 2007
Psyche Ryans is a widow and is terminally ill. She invites Molly Shields, her deceased husband's mistress, to Indian Rocks and gives Molly the opportunity to adopt Lucas, Molly's baby with Psyche's husband. All Molly was waiting for was a second chance at being a mother to Lucas and readily accepts all the conditions... although she's not keen at the idea of marrying Keegan McKettrick - Psyche's high school sweetheart who obviously is still sweet on Psyche, even if she's dying. Keegan is not fond of Molly either; however, he wants to have rights on Lucas and so, doesn't have a choice. At the same time, Keegan is having a lot of troubles in his own life: McKettrickCo is about to go public and his ex-wife is determined to go live in Paris with their daughter... unless Keegan is ready to pay the right price.
Review: This book gets point for a somewhat original plotline. The dying wife calling the mistress to take care of her son, which turns out to be the mistress' biological child is interesting... Too bad Ms Miller can't keep up with good idea... My problem with this book is I didn't believe the love between Molly and Keegan... You have Psyche who keeps saying: I should have married you, Keegan... and Keegan saying: let's consider Lucas like the baby we had together... urgh. Also, Keegan was very harsh with Molly. i know, I know... Molly is the mistress (well, she didn't know the guy was married) and she hurt Psyche (although I don't think that the husband was a great loss)... but did he have to turn the knife everytimes he saw Molly? Seriously, before saying that Molly was after the money that Lucas would inherited, did he think of checking Molly's background? As in Molly was also rich?!? So yeah, I found it really unbelievable that Molly and Keegan fell in love and so fast... is Molly a glutton for punishment? Also, I found it exaggerated that Psyche makes it a condition that Molly and Keegan have to marry each other in order to adopt Lucas... anyway... Book start out okay, and then, went downhill.

The Writing Style - this was my first time reading Linda Lael Miller. I thought I did once, several years ago, but turns out it was LaViryle Spencer... not the same person ^^; although both names start with "L." Anyway, what I wanted to say was that I felt that all three books were incomplete. Ms Miller leaves out details - she either starts off something and doesn't finish it, or doesn't give the background necessary to understand. Some of the events really come out of the blue for readers... If the plots would have been better constructed, i think it'd had been better. Also, I thought I was going to read about ranchers... but turns out they're businessmen! well except for Jesse, who's a gambler. So yeah, I thought her writing was incomplete and evasive :( Oh and by the end, I was starting to get annoyed at the "They're McKettricks! You will be a McKettrick!" They were a bit too into their own lineage story - it's great, but it was overdone.

Am I keeping these books? Probably not.

Anything else? It's funny... I kept getting their names wrong... I wrote an email to Ames and I swear, it went: The McTricks, McMavericks, McRettricks, McKattricks... LOL :D it just wouldn't stick in my mind!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Review: He Loves Me, He Loves Me Hot by Stephanie Rowe

Sigh, last week has really been a slow reading week for me, but I did manage to read one book! Yes, one book only... well I guess it's better than nothing and at least, I have something to blog about right?

The book I've managed to read is He Loves Me, He Loves Me Hot (HLMHLMH) by Stephanie Rowe, the 3rd book in the Immortal Sexy series. I like both previous books, Date Me Baby One More Time (DMBOMT) and Must Love Dragons (MLD)... but I think this one is the best, especially if you like Satan.


He Loves Me, He Loves Me Hot by Stephanie Rowe: 4/5
published by Warners Books in May 2007

About a hundred years ago, Satan's demons, the Markku, rebelled against Hell in order to gain their freedom. To punish and exterminate them, Satan created a new race of demons, the Rikva, and this time, made sure they wouldn't have a way to break the energy link between him and the demons, that maintained them alive.

Becca is Satan's right-handed woman, his number 1 Rikva. She's different from other demons as in, although she is Satan's servant, she doesn't obey him completely. Instead, she's able to defy him and most of the time, find loopholes to the orders. However, she's fed up and wants to be free, thus she tries to find a way to do the impossible: break the link between her boss and her.

Nick Rawlings is half-healer, half-Markku. His best friend, Jerome - part of the Council, has asked him to guard the melted Satan Jr... Unfortunately for Nick, someone uses his little sister to blackmail him and she ends up caught in one of Satan's torture tool. As a result, Nick doesn't have a choice, he needs Becca's help to save his sister...
Genre: paranormal romance, comedy, demons, Hell, Satan
Series: Immortal Sexy series, Book 3

Review: It's only been 2 weeks and already, I feel my reviewer's skills are rusty! LOL :) So that synopsis wasn't the best, sorry ^^; All in all, I enjoyed this book, mainly because it was funny and because of Satan... the man is so ridiculously funny. Storyline-wise, it is ridiculous and a bit too much; however, that's the style of this series... so readers know what to expect. All in all, a pretty funny book :D

The Characters - Main characters are Becca and Nick. I thought there would be rivalry between them, after all, Rikva killed Markku, but no. I felt for Becca - she doesn't like her job and Satan can be hard to tolerate, but she cares for him. She understands Satan very well and I think that it's understandable why Satan wants to keep her by his side so much. As for Nick, well he was okay in the overprotective, possessive way. The attraction between Becca and Nick happened really rapidly and actually, I think the timeline of the book was a few days (2 or 3 days)... So what am I saying? That there was a lack of characterization, that the characters were a bit cliche and one-dimensional... but that the storyline and dialogue saved this book.

Oh, and I think one of the most interesting character was Satan :D I wonder how it is for Ms Rowe to have him in her head... must be tiring :D

The Story & Writing Style - Same as in the two previous books. My problem is that everything happens too fast and there's a lot of thing happening... but I was still able to follow. The funniest thing I think is that the one who has evolved the most is actually Satan :D I like how he stood up and decided to "break-up" with Iris... personally, Iris annoys me :P As for writing style, not much to say really.

The Cover - I liked the cover :D Although I have to say, the titles are a bit long ^^;

Am I keeping this book? Yeah.

Anything else? A funny read, without much content, but still funny :D

Friday, May 04, 2007

My birthday...

Hello everyone!

First I'd like to thank Ames and Zeek for their post for my b-day :D Also, thank you to everyone who posted and wished my Happy birthday! :D I really appreciate and it's always special to have someone wishing you the best on your birthday :D

Still no reviews.... I think I'm having the reading blues. I've been anticipating some books so much and read them as fast as I could and as soon as they showed up at my doorstep that now... I don't feel like reading and actually, don't know what to read :( I mean, sure I have some books and have bought books, but do they appeal to me as much as those I was anticipating? Not really LOL... so I'm taking my time. Plus, I've been tired and sleepy lately... so when I try to read, I ended up falling asleep to my sister great dismay (cos that means she has to close my light and apparently, I'm very incoherent when half-asleep LOL).

Anyway, hopefully, I'll get my reading mojo back. I'm already making my list of pre-orders for June LOL! Meanwhile, I went out with some friends yesterday for my b-day. I usually spend the night of my birthday with my parents and sister, but my parents are on a trip... So I went out with friends. Had a lot of fun, since we went shopping. They bought me a dress... LOL. Now, it was my first time shopping with my friend Karin and it was great :) She has great taste and she chose stuff and handed them to me to go try out... see, I didn't have to think about it! So while she was looking at clothes for me, I was talking to her boyfriend, Sam... then, I'd go try out the clothes and they'd decided... I'm a casual dresser... jeans, t-shirt and sweater or hoodie over to keep my warm (it's still a bit chilly). In the summer, all my t-shirts are sleeveless! LOL :) I wear sneakers, have two pairs of relative nice/clean shoes and one pair of high heels shoes that I've bought, oh, 6-7 years ago! So yeah, at 24 years old, I think it's time for me to update my wardrobe a little bit, something a bit more mature and nicer. You know last week, for my interview for optometry school, I had to borrow clothes from my YOUNGER sister? LOL... Can't really go interview with sporty/casual clothes on... Oh well, so yeah, I had lots of fun :D They bought me a dress... that I'd never buy if I was alone... it looked funneh, but they said it looked nice. It wasn't a fancy dress, just one that you can wear every day to go out... but not a sundress. I also got a nice shirt... so now, all I need is "fancy" pants... The thing is, clothings are so expensive nowadays... especially for the quality you get.

After shopping, we went to eat to this "fancy" restaurant. You know, the fusion kind... where they offer a lot of food - pasta, meat, sandwhichs - not completely North American, but North Americanized. So yeah, the atmosphere was nice, a bit noisy, but the food wasn't great :( and the service sooo long. So it ruined a bit the evening (cos we all love to eat so much)...

Ah well, that's all for me right now :D Have a nice day!

ps - anyone has plans for the week-end?

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Just bought books :)

Hey everyone!

I really don't have much to say and this time, it's true :D I thought I had many reviews to catch up and turns out... not really. I do have one or two reviews, but they're all fantasy/paranormal books and so I'm going to keep them for Twisted Kingdom LOL... although, there's a line-up to post your review over at TK!!! (that's a first... usually, I have to email the other gals and ask if they have reviews LOL)... so here I am... I want to blog, but have no review to post (I haven't really read this week, just re-read Demon Angel! It's so good!! LOL) . My life is pretty standard and boring and you've heard it all already ^^;

First I'd like to thank everyone who comment over on Kelley Armstrong interview!!! I'm really glad it work out so well, that it was interesting and enjoyable. I had to admit I was quite worried, especially after last Friday... Kelley was a guest blogger, but the blogosphere was sooo quiet ^^; Anyway, all is good :D

So although I haven't been reading, I have been buying books LOL! So here is my list :D if you've read them, let me know what you thought of it!

- the three McKettrick's brothers by Linda Lael Miller
- the Duke's Proposal by Leslie Lafoy (Ames was going to get it, so I did too :)
- Dark Need by Lynn Viehl (someone was looking forward to the newest book... I thought it was probably worth a try)
- Raintree: Inferno by Linda Howard
- He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Stephanie Rowe
- Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep

and finally, I want to congratulate Holly!!!!! She and MM are engaged! Congrats!!!

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Kelley Armstrong Interview

Yes, I'm pimping my own blog, but hey, it's worth it :D

For those who are interested, I have interviewed Kelley Armstrong, author of the Women of the Otherworld series!!! The interview has been posted up this morning! Head over to Twisted Kingdom to read it! Plus, if you're a fan, you probably want to drop a few words in the comment section to win the 2007 Pack Prize that Kelley is giving away!