Friday, February 29, 2008

I leave...

If I die from hypothermia at work (it's freaking 14 degrees with -X degree of air drafts... if you think it's not cold, I'll gladly switch place, preferably if you are somewhere warm), I leave the following behind:

all my money to my parents and sister
all my clothes to my sister (i know, you probably won't wear most of them, but some are nice)
all my anime and manga collection to Vannie
all my tv series collection to hmmm... whoever wants to claim it
all my books to my blogger friends and Vivou - just email what you want to my sister and she'll sort it out.

So far, I have a numbed arm, my hunched shoulders hurt pretty much... and I don't think I can feel my toes anymore.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Lightening Reviews

Quick question - do you review all the books you read? I know that many of you do or try to, but I never manage. Between reading, working, reading, sleeping, reading, blog-hopping, reading, surfing the net, reading and everything else, I don't have time to review all my reads. I'll usually review the ones that inspire me or what's hot on blogland :P and that's why I'm having lightening reviews today.

Bedded for Diamonds by Kelly Hunter
published by Harlequin Presents in February 2008

The Plot: Tristan Bennett is a burn-out Interpol cop who returns to his home country, Australia. He meets curious and talkative taxi driver, Erin Sinclair, who's actually a jewel designer. Erin needs to buy stones for the designs she planned to enter in a competition and has prepared a trip with her brother... In the end, her brother can't and none of her friends or relatives either. Without a choice, she turns to Tristan who has offered his help.

Genre: contemporary romance

Why? I picked this book up because I read the first book by this author, Wife for a Week, but didn't realize that she had a second out until Rosie blogged about it.

My Opinion: I really enjoyed this one, even more than Wife for a Week. I thought that the storyline was a bit more believable. The story was interesting, the chemistry between Tristan and Erin, sizzling and I enjoyed the characters. I like Erin's type :P If you want to read a good Harlequin Presents, this is one :)

My Grade: B+


Once in Every Life by Kristin Hannah
published by Ballantine Books in 1992

The Plot: Tess Gregory has overcome the odds. Although raised in forster homes where she never felt like she fit and becoming deaf after having meningitis, Tess has a great career as a cancer research scientist. Unfortunately, Tess' life comes to an end in an accident; however, she is given a second chance and begins a new life in post-Civil War America as Amarylis Rafferty, wife and mother of three. Only problem, her children are afraid of her and Jack, her husband, doesn't seem to love her very much.

Genre: Historical romance, time travel

Why? This book was the reason why I went back to the library. Dev has read When There is Hope by Jane Goodger recently and liked it. In the comment section, Kristie recommended Once in Every Life. I couldn't find When There is Hope, so I picked up Once in Every Life instead.

My Opinion: This was an okay book. I thought the storyline was okay, but the romance aspect, a bit bland. Tess arrives in post-Civil War America unprepared, but she seemed to adapt way too quickly. Not just to the time period, but also to her surroundings and new family. So the transition wasn't too believeable. Also, I didn't see why she would be in love with Jack. Of course, that's necessary in order for this book to be romance, but Jack... I guess Jack was a beta hero. He has come back from the Civil War changed and because of some events happening, he was disinherited by his father and his wife, Amaralys' behavior towards him completely changed. He wasn't really an hero I would root for... Also, I thought it'd be harder for Tess to draw out the family, to make people like her, but it didn't happen. The only person that was resistant to her was Jack, with good reasons... but otherwise, everything went too smoothly. To be honest, I'd have preferred if it was only Tess and Jack, without the children.

My Grade: C


All or Nothing by Claire Cross
published by Berkley Trade in March 2007

The Plot: Zach Coxwell is the black sheep of his family and has made many mistakes in the past. After the suicide of his father, it's time for Zach to grow up and assume some of his responsibilities and prove himself to his family... Jen Maitland is a waitress at a pub whose life has stopped 2 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she is now in remission, she doesn't enjoy and see life as she used to. For Thanksgivings, her mother and grandmother insist that she brings someone to dinner or else, they'll start matchmaking her. Wanting to be left alone, Jen and her sister come up with a plan - Jen has to bring someone that her family will hate, who will be totally incompatible with her... someone like Zach.

Genre: contemporary romance
Series: Coxwell siblings, book #4

Why? I read the 2nd book in this series and really enjoyed it. I had this in my TBR pile, but I didn't feel like reading it till I saw that it was one of Jill's best read in 2007.

My Opinion: I enjoyed the book, but not as much as Jill. I like how these two who are so different on the surface come together and fall in love... I had a few laughs as well, especially from Jen's family. They are quite special. I liked finding out what happened to the other Coxwells and also, to see Zach grows and his family's reluctance to believe in him. What annoyed me though was Jen's attitude because she didn't want to fall in love with Zach. I understand her situation... she doesn't know how long she's going to live, she's afraid of relationship, especially after her ex-boyfriend dumped her. The thing however is that you started it all Jen. You invited Zach into your life and "used" him for your plan. It didn't work out as you expected, but you can't just tell him to get out of your life when you want. All do end well though... and perhaps, that's why I didn't enjoy this book as much. Also, I think that Zach's past should have been more elaborated... It would have been interesting to see why he made those choices in his youth.

My Grade: B


Freefall by JoAnn Ross
published by Signet in February 2008

The Plot: Sabrina Swann and Zacharah Tremayne both come back to Swann Island after events have changed their life; for Sabrina, it was a terrorist bombing, and Zach, a SEAL mission gone wrong. Both have come back to Swann Island to relax, recover and put their life back together... and they help each other on this journey. However, there is danger on the island... namely, a serial killer.
Genre: contemporary romance
Series: High Risk, book #1

Why? I usually enjoy JoAnn Ross.
My Opinion: This book didn't work for me... I can't really put my finger on why exactly, but there were a few things I dislike: I didn't feel the chemistry between Sabrina and Zach. Granted, they have a past - which consists of Sabrina throwing herself at Zach and him turning her down. In their situation, I don't know, I didn't feel like they were ready to get into a relationship. Sure, love heals... but I'm not even sure they really love each other. I mean, I'm not sure they knew each other well enough. The plot was okay, but could have been more focused on Zach and Sabrina. Instead, you had too much of the other characters - the villain, his victims and the secondary couples. Also, I didn't like the ending about the serial killer... the way his identity was revealed. I think it'd be better if his identity was revealed to the readers at the same time Sabrina discovered it. Anyway, I have the feelings the author didn't know what to develop - the romance or the serial killer storyline... and in the end, she missed the boat for both.

My Grade: C-

Friday, February 22, 2008

Library and comments - some updates

Hello everyone :)

how is life? It's Friday!! Yay! I guess if I'm looking forward to the week-end so much, I don't enjoy my job as I should right? LOL :)

Anyway, no plans for the week-end. I wanted to hang out with my friends, but nobody is available :( However, we have a friend whose birthday is on the 26th, so I guess we'll catch up at that moment.

I went to the library last Tuesday... I was a bit disappointed. The romance section hasn't grown that much. Sure, I could find some new books it didn't have before, but still not that great. Also, they stopped "hardening" the covers of the paperbacks and tradesize paperbacks. Now they just protect the books with plastic :( The good news however is that all the books I wanted it (and check on the catalogue before going) were there. So I got Once in Every Life by Kristin Hannah, a couple of Barbara Michaels, 1 Erin McCarthy vampire series...

By the way, have any of you experiencing trouble with your comments and gmail? I mean, usually, when someone comments on my blog or BT, I get an email sent to my gmail address. However, since yesterday, it doesn't seem like the feature is working. This morning, I tried adding my hotmail address and I got email to the hotmail one, but not gmail. So I'm just wondering if anyone has been experiencing the same problem?

*EDIT: They were all in my spam box!! Why were they there when every other day, they are in my inbox, I have no idea!! Stupid gmail sometimes. Speaking of spam box, anyone has received Maria V. Snyder's newsletter recently (it happened once that it went directly to my spam box @!^&%$@). It's been a while since I got one.

By the way, reading-wise, I've been doing really good... 1 book/night... except for yesterday night where I just crashed and slept... LOL, I guess I've been reading too much instead of sleeping :) Later today, I'm going to cut my hair... must do it. It's long - well at least, for me... I'm cutting it this week to see if I like it or not... if I don't like it, I'll have time to go get a second haircut before Holly's wedding :P speaking of wedding, Ames and I finally chose a hotel to stay at in Las Vegas: Luxor. I'm getting all excited. We have everything booked - plane tickets, hotels in Las Vegas and Laughlin, tickets for "O" and etc. All that's missing is car rental... So I think I'm going to start a list of what I need to bring for the trip this week-end.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Review: Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches

Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches
published by Simon and Schuster in February 2008 (Tradesize paperback)



WELCOME TO HEAVEN

Welcome to Heaven. Use your Wishberry to hustle up whatever you want. Have an online chat with God. Visit the attractions such as Retail Rapture, Wrath of God miniature golf and Nocturnal Theater, where your nightly dreams are translated to film.

Your greeter might just be Skye Sebring who will advises her newly dead clients on what to expect now that they’re expired. “Heaven is like a Corona Beer commercial” she assures her clients. “It’s all about contentment.” So different than Earth where chaos reigns. Unfortunately for Skye, she’s been chosen to live her first life. She’s required to attend Earth 101 classes, which teach all of the world’s greatest philosophies through five Beatle songs.

Skye has no interest in Earthly pursuits, until lawyer Ryan Blaine briefly becomes her client after a motorcycle accident. Just as they are getting to know each other, he is revived and sent back to Earth. She follows his life via the TV channel “Earthly Pleasures” but discovers he has a wife as well as a big secret. Why then does he call a show for the lovelorn to talk about the lost love of his life?

Genre: Fiction, contemporary
Series: ---

The Story: Skye Sebring is a greeter in Heaven and has been chosen to go down and start a new life on Earth. Skye isn’t thrilled about this opportunity and tries to find out why she was chosen by SB (Supreme Being)… but she hits a wall, as it turns out her case is classified.

Meanwhile, Ryan Blaine, son of ex-president Blaine and lawyer, is having a trouble with his marriage. He married his fiancée in the hospital after she was in a car accident and between life and death; however, now that she has recovered, she is not the same woman anymore.

My Opinion
: Basically, put the back blurb and my little summary together and I think you’ll be able to guess a bit about the storyline. I have to admit I was surprised about the Ryan’s wife storyline, but I didn’t read the back blurb… I picked up this book because of the author’s interview over at Laura Florand’s blog.

This novel is fiction with a love story in it, not a romance novel. I think that knowing this, I was able to enjoy the novel more as I wasn’t expecting a HEA ending (but there is one… sort of). So what did I think of the book? I enjoyed it, I like the author’s voice. The ideas were good and I loved Ryan. His love for Susan… it was incredible, in my opinion. It’s unfortunately we didn’t get to know Skye/Susan bit more… I think it would have been interesting.

As much as I enjoyed the book, there were flaws. First, the book too short and therefore, the author didn’t have time to develop the storyline and the characters fully. Also, the book was kept simple, but this kind of plot is not simple, it’s complex. You can’t make it simple… if you try, you end up missing something… which is what happened in this book. The book was well thought, but in the end, when the story is told and parts are connected together, it’s a bit of a stretch. If I would have been the author, I would have made a choice: either focus on Skye coming down to Earth from Heaven and falling in love with Ryan or the plot about Ryan’s marriage. Finally, the ending was a bit too open for my taste. Granted, it was “happy,” but still too open.

If there was a sequel to this book so the author could tie up the loose ends, I think it’d be perfect and I would for sure read it.

My Grade
: B-

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Second Chances...

Do you believe in 2nd chances? I guess I do because guess where I'm going tonight?

...

...

The LIBRARY!!!

Yep, I'm going to the library tonight. It's been what, a year since I last went... perhaps a bit longer? You've all heard me complain about the libraries in Quebec... and most of what I say is true. However, the good thing of this library is that they have some oldies that are hard to find and buy. So I'll be taking a chance tonight. I'm going to renew my card and see if their romance sections have improved. I've already used the online catalogue this morning and I have to say, I was a bit impressed... but at the same time, not.

I know that many of you have awesome libraries. I know that Ames and Kris do. Ames live in Canada and Kris, in the States... So let's play a game.... People, what are romance books that I should absolutely find in my library in order to say that they have a good romance section?

So far, I can tell you this:

Library has...

Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, book 1 to 3 - that was a wowzer! I never expected them to have this series... However, there is no mention of Mine to Possess anywhere.
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Once in Every Life by Kristin Hannah

It doesn't have...

Any books by Lisa Kleypas except Mine till Midnight and Sugar Daddy
Meljean Brook, Maria V. Snyder, Colleen Gleason books

On order...

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunters series. So far, they only have Devil May Cry if I'm not wrong, which was the lastest.

Okay, keep in mind, the library was opened in January 2005. So it's been 3 years. It took 3 years for the library to start stocking up on the romance section... and what you'll find is mostly "new" releases, but not even the "hot" ones. Good or bad? Was I right to be disappointed in my library last year?

Monday, February 18, 2008

Review: Snowfall at Willow Lake

Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
published by Mira in January 2008

International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most - the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.

There Sophie discovers the surprising rewards of small-town life - including an unexpected passion for Noah Shepherd, the local veterinarian. Noah has a healing touch for anything with four legs, but he's never had any luck with women - until Sophie. Snowfall at Willow Lake speaks from the heart about all the loves that fill a woman's life, and all the ways that love is tested and made to grow. It's the story of what comes after a woman survives an unspeakable horror and finds her way home, to healing and redemption and a new chance at happiness.
Genre: contemporary, women's fiction
Series: The Lakeshore Chronicles, book #4

The Story: The story is as described in the back blurb. I don't think I have anything else to add.

My Opinion: I dislike Sophie Bellamy and have disliked her since Book 1 of the series. I just can't stand her and was quite disappointed when I learnt she would have her own book. Ugh. She's a modern woman with an important career. Okay, I get it. I also understand why she would have difficulty to conciliate family and career. In her case, she couldn't handle family and career, so she chose her career and in exchange, she had to give up her marriage. In a way, it wasn't a bad decision, considering that the love between George and her was long gone.What annoys me about her is that she made her choice, so stops whining, stops complaining that you're misunderstood... it makes you annoying.

As for her children, perhaps I think she's a bad mother, perhaps not, I'm not even sure and that's not important... what's important is what she thinks or how she thinks and that's what makes me dislike her soooo much. 1) The way she belittles people because they don't understand the fact that she chose her career. She's all like: my work is important, why can't people understand... Because people have different priorities. 2) The way she's so reluctant to say her kids chose to live with their father over her... all because usually, mothers are the ones who have custody and she assumes that people will think she's a bad mother. Is that really important what other people think? Does the fact that your son lives with his father makes you automatically a bad mother? No, I don't think so. Actually, I think that the fact that she wanted the kids to live with her, uprooting them and making them live in a foreign country where they didn't even understand the language, that made her a bad mother. Someone so selfish that she would put her needs and her image before the happiness of her kids.

So as you can see, I didn't come in this book, liking Sophie and I surely didn't fall in love with her either. It might sound like all small details, but she just rubbed me the wrong way. The romance story? Forgettable. I don't get why Nathan was attracted to her. Sure, she's pretty, but that's about it... Also, I think that at first, all Sophie wanted was sex... not even a relationship... and I don't get how they ended up together. I mean, readers didn't really get to see the relationship develops and become more. So I think that the ending was quite unbelievable to me.

Aside from Sophie and Nathan, the book mainly focuses on Sophie becoming a mother and Sophie's kids - Daily, the single mother, and Max, the teenager. We actually saw more of these two than Sophie and Nathan's relationship...

So all in all, I wouldn't say this is really a romance... more like women's fiction instead. Also, the author is taking a break from the series, but she says she'll come back to it later... I'm going to have to see who are going to be the main characters before buying the next book.

My Grade: C-

6 unimportant facts about me Meme

Kristie tagged me.

The rules are:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your blog entry.
5. Let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Soooo, 6 unimportant things about me... You sure you wanna know?

1. I'm addicted to blogland LOL :) I blog-hop almost every 2 or 3 hours and that's not counting the number of times I check my Google Reader.

2. On Saturday evenings, I work at the Fathers' House as a receptionist. Basically, it's like a dorm for Fathers who were all missionaries in Africa... The oldest Father there, Father Vincent (94 y.o.), now considers me as his own secretaries because I now take care of his emails correspondance LOL :)

3. I still haven't book a hotel in Las Vegas for our trip, which is 3 weeks away - I'm not sure if this is unimportant though LOL.

4. I've been having lots of craving lately. Libanese food, greek food, chinese food, sweets... you name it.

5. I don't have space for books anymore in my room and I don't want to store my books in the basement, so I've been buying boxes. I already have 5 of them ^^; and now, I'm running out of space for the boxes. They don't fit under the bed and there's no space in the closet.

6. Lately, I've been bored. I don't know what to read. I went through my TBR pile and was meh at every book I pulled out :( The thing is, I don't have anything to buy before the end of the month... and most of what I want, I've already pre-ordered :(

I'm tagging: Kris, Chantal, Holly, Isabel, Samantha and Vivou

Friday, February 15, 2008

Review: Strangers in Death by J.D.Robb

Strangers in Death by J.D.Robb (aka Nora Roberts)
published by Putnam in February 2008 (HC)

The new novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series.

Technology may be different in 2060 New York, yet the city is still a place of many cultures and great divides. But as ever, some murders receive more attention than others-especially those in which the victim is a prominent businessman, found in his Park Avenue apartment, tied to the bed-and strangled-with cords of black velvet.

It doesn't surprise Lieutenant Eve Dallas that Thomas Anders's scandalous death is a source of titillation and speculation to the public-and of humiliation to his family. But while people in the city are talking about it, those close to Anders aren't so anxious to do the same. With some help from her billionaire husband, Roarke, Eve's soon knocking on doors-or barging through them-to find answers.

But the facts don't add up. Physical evidence suggests that the victim didn't struggle. The security breach in the apartment indicates that the killer was someone known to the family, but everyone's alibi checks out. Was this a crime of passion in a kinky game gone wrong-or a meticulously planned execution? It's up to Dallas to solve a case in which strangers may be connected in unexpected, and deadly, ways.

Genre: mystery, futuristic
Series: In Death series, Book #26 (?)

The Storyline: The back blurb does half its job. It tells you a bit about the story, but it's also a bit misleading. Basically, Lieutenant Dallas has caught another hot case, Thomas Ander's death. The very wealthy man was found naked, tied up to his bed with velvet ropes and lots of kinky toys by his bedside. Cause of death: suffocation. Everything indicates a night of sex gone wrong; however, it doesn't fit with the victim's nature and reputation. Eve knows very early who the murderer is, the problem is proving it.

My Opinion: Another great book. Seriously, la Nora did it again :) I'd say the book was a bit tame, but in a good way. I mean, so many events had happened in the last few books that a simple case and a bit less drama is welcomed.

As I said earlier, Eve quickly figures out who the culprit is and most of the book is digging up information and linking the dots. Roarke didn't help that much, except for giving his opinions on the victim, his entourage and the suspects as well as help digging up some financials... which is, again, welcomed. I don't know about you, but sometimes, I think that Roarke gets involved too much in the case and although it's understandable given his background and talents, I find it overboard. In any case, Roarke is back serving breakfast and being friendly :) This book is also a catch up with many of the characters, that have kind of been neglected. We continue to see Peabody's career moving up and greatest of all, Louise and Charles are taking their relationship to the next step. There's also a new kid in the story that will probably become another fixture in the series. But best of all, Eve is as bitchy as ever :) There's just something about Eve and her attitude. In other heroines, it'd probably be annoying, but in Eve, it's just right. Just the ways she acts and talks - it's fun, it fits her perfectly and it makes you laugh.

One thing that I'd have liked to see... Eve and Mrs Feeney's interaction. I often wonder about these two. We all know that Eve looks up at Feeney as a father figure... so what about Mrs Feeney? Does Eve squirm in front of Mrs Feeney? Does Mrs Feeney resent Eve for being such a part of Feeney's life?

So final say? Get this book. It's not a wowzer, but it's a solid and enjoyable addition to the series.

My Grade: B+

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Breezing Through!!

Guess what?

Well if you've been to Ames' blog, you already know... New blog!!! LOL :) So Ames and I finally started this new blog... with Chantal!! :)

All you have to do is follow the link (press on the banner)...



So yep, that's what I've been doing since Monday. Working on the template! I hate code and HTML... it really drove me nuts! Add in we're three girls with different tastes... LOL :) By the way, I did the background pic and banner.. and yes, I am very proud of myself. Which reminds me, I should probably add some credits. Anyway, let me know what you think of the look... please be honest, like Holly who hates the black LOL. She was my beta tester, LOL...

I didn't forget Strangers in Death... it's just, I had some tweaking to do with Breezing Through. In case you're wondering, I'll still be reviewing books here... at Book Binge and now at Breezing Through. Yes, I know, I'm all over the place :)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Still Alive!

Hey everyone! I can't believe it's already Wednesday! Time goes by soooo quickly.

I might not have been blogging, but I've been doing some blog-related stuff. If you've been at Ames' blog, you'll know that we're, along with Chantal, are working on something :) Yes, I'm a tease! but you won't have to wait for long to know what it is!

Book-wise, I had a great week-end... I finished Rumble on the Bayou, read Snowfall at Willow Lake and All or Nothing too... with a quick re-read of Double Trouble :) Now I'm on Freefall by JoAnn Ross. Hopefully, I'll be done with it tonight :)

For those who are still wondering, the book I'll review next is Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb. I was waiting to get closer to the release date :) So that'll be up either later tonight or tomorrow morning :)

Finally, I don't know about you, but here, the weather sucks. It was quite cold the previous days... and today, it's snowing again. Another 15cm. Ugh... I can't wait till I fly to Holly's wedding... I'm sure it'll be warmer. The worst, besides the snow, is that they have difficulty heating the lab in which we're working... So some days, it's really cold!

Anyway, I hope everyone's doing well :) I have been blog-hopping! I just didn't have time to blog :)

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Review: Wife for a Week by Kelly Hunter

I rarely read Harlequin books... I never did, even when I started reading romance. So I don't really know how they should be or what to expect. I remember buying one last year and I finished it, but it was totally forgettable. However, this one sounded interesting. I can't remember which blog gave it a favorable review... however, it caught my attention enough for me to order it.


Wife for a Week by Kelly Hunter
published by Harlequin Presents in August 2007


Nicholas Cooper must produce a wife for his business deal, and Hallie Bennett is beautiful and intelligent enough to pull it off. She needs the money, and Nicholas has determined some strict rules for their week together.

Rule No. 1: Displays of affection in public only

Keeping their hands on each other in public turns out to be surprisingly easy. It's keeping them off in private that's the problem. Hallie is falling for Nicholas, but will Nicholas make his contract wife his real-life bride?

The Story: Hallie is selling shoes in order to help pay her studies when this dark stranger comes in and proposes this insane deal. The money could help her finish her studies; however, she might lose her heart to him.

Nick needs to go to Hong Kong and close a deal with John Tey. However, the last time he went, John's daughter, 18 years old Jasmine, threw herself in his arms... not knowing how to turn her down gently, Nick invented himself a wife. Now, he has to produce said wife...

My Opinion: When I first read a review of this book, two things made me buy it - 1) the "marriage of convenience" plot and 2) Hong Kong. The fact that the title wasn't too embarrassing helped too. LOL. I love Hong Kong and so any romance story that'll take place there, then I'm most likely to give it a try.

So I have to say, it was a good read :P I love Hallie and Nick's chemistry. Hallie is kind of hard to follow, LOL, but Nick is able to keep track with her. She's very witty and having 4 brothers, she doesn't take crap from men. Some of their conversations were very funny... as well as some of the situations... like Hallie ordering Nick's assassination without knowing it, LOL :P

In addition, I read this book during the Lunar New Year, which is the same period as the story was happening, so that really helped me being in the mood.

Two things that bothered me however... 1 - why would Nick asks a complete stranger to be his wife for the week? I mean, why not ask someone he knew... if it's just for a week? Okay, so the explanation he gave kind of made sense; but at the same time, he didn't even investigate Hallie before proposing the contract to her. I mean, that just doesn't make sense! My second issue is when they had sex for the first time. It was a bit awkward... it's hard to say, but it seems to me it was too early. A man like Nick should have more control. I guess, part of it was probably due to the length of the story... Also, didn't she need to be a virgin?

Otherwise, I really enjoyed the book. The witty conversations and the funny storyline.

My Grade: B

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Happy Lunar New Year!


Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!!!
This year is the year of the Rat :)


The cute rat is from a manga called Fruits Basket by Takaya Natsuki... If you're interested in manga, you should give this one a try. It's really cute and funny. Basically, the Souma family is cursed and 12 of its members are inhabited by the spirits of the chinese astrology animals. Whenever they get hugged by persons from the opposite sex, they transform into their animals... which is why you get this very little cute rat :)

Anyway, just a quick update about me... I have been reading. I've finished 2 books, one that I won't name... I'm going to write a review of it; however, this book is supposed to be released only on the 19th and I want to wait a little. I don't want Indigo to get in trouble for shipping it to me way early... LOL. The other is a Harlequin Presents, Wife for a Week by Kelly Hunter. I don't usually read Harlequin Presents, but this one was interesting :) Review to come as well LOL!



Monday, February 04, 2008

Nath's fashion show...

LOL, I definitively won't be modeling the dresses, you'll have to wait for the wedding's pics for that, but here are pics of the dresses and shoes I bought for Holly's wedding.

First dress:



Personally, I'd have preferred if the dress was a tiny more vibrant... colorful. However, this is cute too :) I actually had to try 3 sizes on ^_^; Finally, I figured I would want to be comfortable and be able to move... and not have my stomach bulging out after the dinner :P

Second dress:


I actually pick this dress up in the dressing rooms... One of the customer didn't like it and I thought it was worth a try. I think it's a nice dress... the fabric is stretchy and clingy.


Finally, the shoes...




I'm kind of a tomboy, so I don't usually have such fancy or cute shoes. I mean, in the summer, I wear flip flops and running shoes. I actually think that men are really lucky because they have a nice selection of shoes... like the non-feminine ones. But these were just wayyyy tooo cute to pass. Okay, so I'm not used of wearing high heels like that... and I'm sure my feet are going to hurt... but seriously LOL :) I'm just worried that they're a tad too big and maybe I should have taken a size smaller. Anyway, girls, if you see me walking strangely, you know why!


Off topic... about books :) I got a couple of books through the mail, there's a couple more I want to go buy and some in my TBR pile.. and I don't know what to read!! So excited!

Dresses and Ice

So I mentioned that we were having a snowstorm on Friday right? Well it was a ewwwww snowstorm... or should I call it ice storm? Anyway, we ended up having some snow, some ice pellets, some freezing rain and snow to cover the whole thing up again. Luckily, I left work early... but it still took me 2 hours to get home... but the worst was probably on saturday morning, when we (my dad, my sister and I) had to clean the cars... took us an hour. I swear, the ice was soooo thick!! It was about 5cm thick...

My week-end was very quiet... I went to work on Saturday night and when I came back, played cards with my mom and her friends. I won 10$ :P not bad... at least, I didn't lose. It kind of sucks though when they keep saying how easier it is to play with 3 persons only and how there's more action and blablabla. Hey, I'm here... I'm playing, I'm the 4th player... I only play once every 1.5 month, so would it be too hard to suck it up a bit? but I have to agree that there was little action during the game... I think that everyone was too tired. I know I was and my mom was too. Hopefully, it'll be more fun next time.

Then yesterday, I went shopping... for a dress. Yup, Holly's wedding is in a month, so I figured that I should start looking right now. Especially after Isabel sounded so frustrated after her shopping trip. I had two friends and my sister with me... and I have to say, I love shopping with Karin, one of my friend. She's the shopaholic in the group and when I go with her, I don't have to look for stuff, she just hands it to me and all I have to do is go in the cabin and try it on. So that's what I did yesterday... and I ended up buying 2 dresses. Yes, TWO dresses :P and also a cute pair of shoes! LOL :) I actually really like the shoes... but the high heels are going to kill me ^_^; but they're really cute. Maybe I'll take a picture of them when I get home. Anyway, Karin told me to bring a pair of flip flop as well LOL :) I tried to look up for pics of the dresses on the net, but I couldn't find them. They're kind of summer-y dress... the one I plan to wear actually have colors very similar to my blog template, but it's not as cheery, because the background is a mix of beige and brown. As for the other dress, it's black, grey and yellow and stretchy. Anyhow, I'm just very, very glad to have found the dresses and shoes on the same and only shopping trip. I'll borrow a clutch or bag from my friend and a jacket, from my sister :) So basically, I'm all set for the wedding :) Except perhaps for jewelry, but that's not as hard to shop as :) hmmm... I think.

Oh, speaking of the trip... Ames and I are almost all set. I bought tickets to "O" on Saturday :P I'm looking forward to the show... and I hope it was worth the price :) but then, it'll be my first Cirque du Soleil show... so I think it will be... anyway... All we need now is to rent a car and reserve a hotel in Las Vegas... I asked for Holly's recommendation and she gave me New York New York and Treasure Islands... not that I don't trust Holly's recs, but I was wondering, what was yours?

Finally, reading-wise, I finished Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh and Demon Night by Meljean Brook :) Both books were great :P and I'm happy to own 2 copies of each, it's worth it :P

Friday, February 01, 2008

January Reads

The first month of the year is over. So what do you think? Did it go by quickly or slowly? I thought January was loooong. Although long, it's been quite a good month, both reading-wise and reviewing-wise.

So here are my reads for the month of January:

1) Silk and Stone by Deborah Smith: B-
2) On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts: B+
3) Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner: B-
4) Trick my Truck, but Don't Mess with my Heart by LuAnn McClane: DNF
5)Betrayed by Jamie Leigh Hansen: B-
6) Hello Doggy! by Elaine Fox: DNF
7) Stalked by Kelley Armstrong (part of My Big, Fat, Supernatural Honeymoon): B+
8) Confessions at Midnight by Jaquie D'Alessandro: B+
9) Sleepless at Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandro: B/B+
10) A Gentle Rain by Deborah Smith: B
11) Unlucky by Jana DeLeon: B+
12) Hot by Julia Harper: B
13) Driven by Eve Kenin: C+
14) Off Limits by Michele Albert: C
15) Some Enchanted Season by Marilyn Pappano: B
16) First Kiss by Marilyn Pappano: B-
17) Crimson Moon by Rebecca York: B-

So voila, 17 books read. Two of them were DNF unfortunately... A few were quite good and entertaining, but there were a lot of meh books too. I've also been reading in spurt... meaning I'll read two or three books in a few days, then it'll take me a week to read another book. That's new. I'm usually a consistent reader, but I guess work is making me tired.

Review-wise, I also did good. 6 reviews here and 3 at Book Binge :P I'm happy, it's been a while since I've last reviewed that many books. My archives have all been updated, so you can check it there... or you can use my monthly sidebar archives too :P

by the way, if you are wondering, I did go buy Demon Night... and as a bonus, I got Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke. I blame that one on Ames though :P I had to dig through the boxes of new releases and one of the clerks looked at me crossly. Well I'm sorry, you shouldn't have left the boxes there if you didn't want customers going through them. As I predicted, I didn't get the books in my mail yet and I don't think I'll get them before Monday. So good thing I bought them...

Oh and I've started keeping track of the books I buy... but that perhaps, is not a good thing LOL...