Booking through Thursday

Which is worse?

Finding a book you love and then hating everything else you try by that author, or

Reading a completely disappointing book by an author that you love?

For more Answers go here


First of all I was spammed...a lot, by someone named Ed who seems to plague blogger. So word verification is up, and that I approve comments before they can be shown.

Now to something else and fun to get my mind of having to erase a lot of spam.

This is a hard one, I think I will go with reading a disappointing book by an author I love. I love the author, perhaps I have all or his books, and I am waiting for the next one, and it just sucks. No that is never fun.

I do love Elizabeth Chadwick but so far I have read 2 books by her that I didn't like that much. One was ok, the other one was a pain to get through. Same with Jeanette Winterson, she has such lovely books, but then I came across one I couldn't get through. Same thing with Raymond E.Feist, I love, love did I say love, Magician. But this new series of his was rather boring and not the same magic about it.

Finding a book I love is always fun, and then I might try more. If those disappoint then they do, at least that author had one great book. Big yay for that.

Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Alessandra
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

Yes I wanted some Kinsella books so yesterday I chased down the book-mobile, went to the main library and had my bf drive me to the library from where I am from. All so I could get these. What we do for books :)

Chick-lit just makes me happy.


Shopaholic takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella

Shopaholic ties the knot

Shopaholic and Sister

Confessions of a shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella

Confessions of a shopaholic

I have been meaning to read this one for years, I even think I started it and wasn't that into it. But now I loved it. After I had seen the movie I knew I had to go back and read these books. By the way, the movie was funny, Isla Fisher was great and the clothes were gorgeous.

Rebecca Bloomwood has a boring job at a small financial magazine. But she has plenty of trendy clothes, she lives in a fun part of London, and she has great friends. And she loves to go shopping.

But her jobs doesn't give her much money, the Endwich bank has been after her for months, her Visa bills keeps on coming, and she tries to cut back. She comes up with schemes that ends up costing more than it was supposed to and she is up to her ears in bills.

Then something shows up that could change it all, but give up shopping, perhaps not....

I started on this book yesterday and finished it this morning. Maybe it wasn't haha out loud all the time, but it was funny, the pace was great, it made me giggle and go oh no! It also made me check out the libraries homepage for the next book, it's in the book mobile and I want to read it. And I suck at street names, lol, I am so gonna call my mum to figure out where on earth those streets are, and if they are near me today ;) I wanna know more about Rebecca's adventures.

If the movie made me want to go shopping than this one makes me want to hide from the stores. It makes me fear I am a shopaholic, which I am not. Sure I love clothes, but I have this nose for 70 %, I even found something at 90 % once. While Rebecca hits the stores for 20 % or if she gets a free lip gloss with it. She buys everything from slippers to skin products to kitchen supplies. And those bills keep on coming.

There is also the love interests, maybe her flatmates Scottish cousin that's a bit strange, or perhaps Luke that gives her 20 pounds for her sick grandmother. Or that is so she can get that cute scarf.

It give me laughs, comical situations, and a warm hearted book about a heroine that just needs that one more sweater. In certain situations I can see myself if I didn't have that self-control, and it makes me love Rebecca.

And there was the Finland angle too, 2 letters in the book in Finnish and that made me smile. of course wouldn't it have been better if they had been translated too cos we got it, but what about the rest...

If you want some fun chick-lit then check out this series. I will go and hunt for A shopacolic takes Manhattan.

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!

This was a YA and e-book week.

Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker.

I won it from Read this Book

Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a woman tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.

This e-book, Mirage by Monica Burns, I won over at Samhellions spring fling week. Go and check out their free short stories.

An ancient prophecy. A sheikh’s passion. One woman will ignite the flame that fulfills them both.






Invisible by Kimberly Chin, an e-book which she was nice enough to send me to read.

Antique collector Hagen Rayner has fourteen business days to find the deed to his Great-Uncle-s house or he risks losing the estate to his devious cousin. Should be easy enough for the self-made billionaire to accomplish, except for one small detail, his only source of help is to be from a woman who doesn't exist.





Extreme Kissing by Luisa Playa

I won this cute YA book over at Amanda Ashbys blog

Carlota and Bethany are best friends. Bethany is the sensible one with a long-term boyfriend, Carlota is the crazy one with a wild past and rebellious nature. All is fine in their world - apart from Carlota hating her stepdad and longing for a old flame. And apart from Bethany thinking her boyfriend is about to dump her and that her period is late...

Award time

I am so grateful and honoured by my awards. It's more fun to have others comment on the books I am reading, and for me to go and see what you all are reading and thinking. I have been lucky to have discovered some wonderful bloggers during my blogging days. By these awards I want to spread the love to some new blogs I have found in April. And to you all that I visit daily, these are all for you too. I haven't forgotten about you :)

So here I go trying to spread the love between these awards

I got the Friendly blogger award from DeSeRt RoSe BoOkLoGuE
and from Serena @ Savvy Verse & Wit

I give it to:
Teddyree @ The Eclectic Reader
Alaine @ Queen of Happy Endings


The Lemonade Award I got from Teddyree @ The eclectic Reader









1) Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post.
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
3) Link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5) Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

This one I give to:

Desert Rose
Missy @ Missy's Book Nook


The Let's be friends award I got from Amy C @ Romance Book wyrm and
Barbara @ Happily Forever After


These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

This one I give to:

Fleur Fisher @ Fleur Fisher reads
Outlandish Dreaming
Mandi @Smexy Books


One lovely Blog award I got from Fleur Fisher @ Fleur Fisher reads

1.Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

This one I give to:
Sumthinblue @ Bookmarked
Scattie @ In my Head
Scrap Girl @ Serendipity

An Angel for Emily - Jude Deveraux

An Angel for Emily by Jude Deveraux

1998, 320 pages

Emily Jane Todd is a small town librarian who in her spare time delivers books to libraries in need around the Appalachians. She loves her work, and she loves her town. On one of those trips she by mistake runs over a man with her car. He seems to be ok and he claims that he is an angel and that his name is Michael. He is very sexy and even though she has a fiance she offers him a room over the night. Just to see that the poor man isn't totally insane.

But Micheal is something different, she feels calm and beautiful around him. He makes her laugh and he knows things about her that he shouldn't know. He claims that he is there to save her from a great evil, but she has no idea what that could be. He says that her soul is a rare beauty, and she can't help fall for the strange man. She is willing to risk heaven in his arms.


I spent most of the book wondering of the poor guy has had his brain fried out, or if he really was an angel. He sure had a lot of guys after him, FBI, one crazy woman and the mob. This was then a real hard book to place, it's contemporary romance but with this hint of paramormal in it. She has written it in a way that just makes you wonder.

Emily was a nice enough heroine, plain and thought herself as somewhat boring. Maybe cos that was what her ass of a fiancé told her. But Michael saw to just more than her outside, which was beautiful too, but also her inside and loved her for her pure soul.

Still this book is no where near as good as her historicals. Those make me ache while this one was cute enough for the ride. Nothing to cheer over, but could be read cos I do like her style and I sure wanted to know if he actually was an angel. And not that it had any heavy religious inputs but it did have the vibes that just made it too sweet and wholesome. It could have been more, better, cos nothing wrong with the story.

Never did think Michael was sexy either, never got a feel for him, I just wondered if he was insane. But I wanted them together, I wanted a HEA, and could it happen?

But if you want a cute book, with some danger and romance in it then go for it. If you never have read Deveraux then don't start with this one. Start with the lovely historicals and then come back to this one because you will enjoy it more then. *hinthint* Velvet Song ;)

Have a nice weekend :) I sure will, we are having some lovely weather here.

The King's Daughter by MC Halliday

The King's Daughter by MC Halliday

In a medieval Eire where the Druid legacy survives, the bartered daughter of a clan king struggles in a web of dark spells to save herself ~ and her beloved knight ~ while under the watchful eye of a lough wizard.
- The King's Daughter

Magaith is the daughter of the King of Munster. It's a troublesome time with vikings in Ireland, and her father has arranged a married with the mighty warrior king Borda of Connacht. She is a dutiful daughter and this will be of a great help for he clan.

But Magaith is in love with her knight protector Sygaith. He could never betray his king in that way, not even for the love of her. It is his duty to bring her to Connacht, and that is what he will do even if it breaks him. After that he will never look upon her ever again.

But not all is right in the kingdom of Connacht. Dark spells are being woven all around them, and she and Sygaith must hold together against the darkness that gathers.

Their journey will take them on a pathway of the Druids, they will encounter a dragon and secrets will be revealed to her. And the secret inside of her, magic. She must risk everything, even his love to save all of Eire against the dark wizard who wants her.

This is a fantasy romance, though there is sure a bit more than romance in it too. I am kind of hazy on where one genre starts and another one ends. It's also a historical when it takes place in Ireland 900 AD. But there is a lot of magic around therefore the fantasy element.

I do love good old Eire, so sure fun to read a story set there. I believe in the magic, the spells, wizards and witches. They belong there, and it feels right. It doesn't feel like she just came up with it but like the magic was lost to us as we evolved. Makes me want to go back to the days of magic.

Not to my confession, for some reason I had the hots for Borda who she was to be married to, he was so nice and sweet, and really wanted to be with her. Go figure, I fall for someone else than the hero. Sure Sygaith was nice, but he was a bit cold in the beginning. Which is understandable since he couldn't betray his king, clan and country. He has to see her married to someone else. And even no I like poor Borda, where is the love for him. I sure never know who I will fall for.

The story had it's share of twists and turns. She made some foolish choices that made me want to slap her, while he was ever steadfast. And poor Sygaith too, he got his fair share of magic. I am glad that worked out.

Sygtryg bowed and held his elbow to her. “Shall we walk in the fortress yard?”
Her chest pounded as she put her arm through his. The mere presence of her knight protector caused a stirring that made her near faint.

Then there is the evil dark wizard, he was a perfect disgusting bad guy. He wanted it all, and then he sets her sights on her. It makes me shiver in a very bad way. No hate for him, just grossed me out.

Negative things would be in the way it was written, very polite, formal and "oldish", does that make any sense. Not that I say there is anything wrong with that, but readers should know. Some will surely love it, and for me it made no difference at all.
Excerpt time I guess.

“Hush now, we are not yet to part,” his daughter said as she patted his arm. “The journey is a few days hence and we shall ride together to Castlestrange fortress. The wed vow cannot be spoken until the month to come and then we shall say farewell. All told, it is long off yet.”

If you want to see who she ends up with then here are some links. Her beloved knight, the great king or perhaps the dark wizard who can spell an entire kingdom to like him.

But some of the sex scenes were a bit strange at times, and made me annoyed at the heroine. But that happens

received a copy for a review

Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Alessandra
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

Confessions of a shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

I saw the movie and wanted to read the book so I went out and got this from the library. Some funny chick-lit is never wrong.

What is about, well the title says it all :)

The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
When I found this one I had to get it because I loved his book The Long Long Way, that one was pure poetry.

Roseanne McNulty is near her 100th birthday. The Roscommon Mental Hospital -- her home for so many years of her life -- is on the point of closing. As the fateful hour approaches, Roseanne spends her time of talking to her psychiatrist of many years, Dr Grene. Taking her back to her youth in Sligo in the 30's



Red Seas under Red Skies by Scott Lynch.

Book 2 in a fantasy series about the thief Locke Lamora, he has now fled his home town and ventures out on new adventures while someone wants him back, dead or alive.

White Star by Elizabeth Vaughan

White Star by Elizabeth Vaughan

White Star is the sequel to Dagger-star that came out last year. It's fantasy romance set in a world she described in an earlier trilogy.

The Lady High Priestess Evelyn is virtuous and loved. She is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the usurper who has claimed the throne. She is a healer who helps the injured and the sick.

Orrin Blackheart, the scourge of the Palins is despised and hated. He is known as an evil man who stands at his Duchess side against those who rebel. He has killed many, and he stood by his Duchess and Sorceress as she created an army of the dead. An army that plagues the countryside and claims more for their ranks.

Orrin takes Evelyn prisoner during the war and takes her to the castle at Black Hills. Here she knows what she will face, death and torture, but instead they both find something in each other that they didn't expect, passion, but can it withstand?


I liked this book, it was cute and I do love my fantasy so what better than romance and fantasy. And it had zombies, I am not a fan of zombies, they can give me nightmares. What more horrific than something that just keep coming at you. And yes these zombies keep coming. But that is jsut what this book needs.

This is then book 2, I didn't know that, and you can read the book without reading the first one. Of course where did elves come from? I did wonder about red gloves and queen Gloriana, and the obession with a lord called Josiah. Still she explained vital things in the beginning and what I wondered about I got answers to in the end, well except where those 2 elves came from.

Early in Evelyns capture Orrin learns that his Duchess is dead, and he lets Evelyn go, and negotiates a truce for his men. Then he must stand trial for the crimes he has commited. I will not say more, but their love doesn't have an easy road to take.

Evelyn seems to be a good hearted heroine, but she does have past too with darkness. There is nothing that makes me dislike her. Orrin, oh he has been wicked, truly evil, I have to like him. Because even though he has done horrific things in the past and he wants redemption, he wants to change, he wants his men to have their freedom. He is a good man who sure took the wrong way, but love makes fools of all of us. He wants her, but he don't wants to spoil her purity with his evil past and ways.


Can there be a HEA, and even if there is one, he will always be hated. They are such opposites and that shows too in how they look. Evelyn always in white with white hair. A beacon of light to his own darkness. I do want their happy ending, they both deserve to be that. And I have a soft spot for the bad guys.

I did wonder about those elves in the beginning and I do want to know more about this world, or at least see a map. That would help to build it better. But the story is more focused on romance, and wiping out those zombies. The war behind them, and politics is not focused on. If the lands are rebuilt I do not know. But in the end I don't care, I get romance and action and can be happy with that.

A third book is on its way and there we will see two characters from both previous books.

Thank you Lea! :)

Look, 3 columns :D And all thanks to Lea and her magical fingers. I appreciate this so much, it was so sweet of you do make my blog look so much better. Rather professional looking don't you think. There is just something about 3 columns.

You truly are one of the sweetest bloggers I have ever met, and I know that many agree. So thanks again!!

As for the banner, Lea was kind and said she would fix it for me, but now I decided to go out and hunt for a new one and put that on there. You did plenty already :)

Yes me playing with paint there...sure wish I had better software ;)
And had to stay with my pre Raphaelite theme, guess a crystal ball would equal a computer ;)

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!

Lovely week again :)
The King's Daughter sent to me by the author MC Halliday, thank you.

Historic fantasy romance (e-book)

Magaith is resigned to fulfilling her father's command that she marry the King of Connacht, even though she harbors a secret love for her knight protector, Sygtryg.





Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick sent to me by the author, thanks so much.

Celebrity chef and infamous ladies’ man Bryce Ryder can’t believe the thoughts he’s having about his old friend Jenna McCabe. She’s always been the shy girlnext- door, but when some bad publicity threatens everything he’s built, Jenna gets down to business— and shows a side of herself that is take-charge and totally irresistible.
(e-book)



The Witch's Grave by Shirley Daamsgard.

An Ophelia and Abby mystery. Book 6

Both from the author blog Something Wicked






Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Daamsgard
The first Ophelia & Abby Mystery

Meet Ophelia Jensen, small town librarian and reluctant psychic, and her grandmother Abby, a witch. Soon the must put their spells together and protect themselves and those they care about.





Nothing to Fear by Lacey Savage (e-book)

Won over at Beth Kery's Blog. Check it out, still more contests to come.

The Magical Christmas Cat

Stories from Lora Leigh, Nalini Sing and others.
Won over at Amanda Asbys Blog


How was your week? Did anything fun turn up in your mailbox?

More lovely awards :D

I really should be sleeping but I have been cheering along at the Dewey-read-athon :)

And now to some lovely awars from wonderful bloggers.

This one I got from Teddyree at The Eclectic Reader

and from DeSeRt RoSe @ DeSeRt BoOkLoGuE

"We give and get awards for having a great blog and being a good friend. What I want to award is those people whose comments have meant THE WORLD to me. It takes time to visit a blog and leave a comment ... I wanted to recognize some special bloggers whose comments have made such an impact on me. The “You Don’t Say?” Award is awarded to these special bloggers in hopes that they will pass the award along to 5-10 of their best commenters!"

This one I gor from Missy @ Missy's Book Nook

Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

This on from Bev @ Merry Weather

And I was splashed by Cecile at All I want and more

The Rules:
1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.

I have given way this one before, and I will hold by those bloggers :)


Thank you all so much :D These awards always warms my heart and makes me so happy. I am so flattered by them. Big hugs to you all.

Now I should give them to bloggers again, but, well I love all my comments. If you comment once or if you comment more. So I want to dedicate this to you all. Not as fun I know, but hey, if you comment on thsi then you deserve the award :D It's yours.

The friednly blogger award and let's be friends goes out to you all who have made me feel so welcome here. It wouldn't be any fun without you all. These awars sure goes out to all my blogging friends :D

Too sleepy now, need my beauty sleep :)

Mucho Caliente! by Francesca Prescott

"Wish upon a Latin Superstar"
BookStrand Publishing (2008), Paperback, 344 pages

Mucho Caliente! is author Francesca Prescott's first book, and she got the idea while staying in Ibiza. The result was a romantic comedy.

Thirty-seven year old Gemma is leaving Geneva, and her cheating husband. She has dismissed a generous divorce settlement, and wants to start a new life. Being financially independent, and working with what she wants to do on a Spanish Island in the sun. What she hadn't reckoned with was being seated to famous Latin heartthrob Emilo Caliente on her way to Ibiza.

Falling in love with an twenty-nine year old pop superstar was not part of her plan to start a new life for herself. Everything tells her to stay away from Emilio and his oh so lovely cinnamon kisses. His life is in turmoil, his single hit rock bottom and his manager seems to be crazy.

But fate brought them together, and does she dare to risk her heart on a star when is seems to be the opposite with what she wanted to achieve?


They (bf's family) must have thought I was crazy because while reading this book I sat with a stupid grin on my face and giggled every minute. But I couldn't help it, this book was hilarious, a pure giggle feast.

I love Gemma, I feel like I am her, well younger, but still. She is insecure, she thinks like me, and oh so many other women out there. She is normal which is perfect. And she is funny, maybe it's because it's reality and she has the same thoughts that may wander through my head when I wake up with bed hair, when I so need a shower, or when I wonder if my pores show.

Emilio, well he is a hot one. I can't help falling for him and every bone in my body is wishing them luck and saying you go girl ;) I am holding my breath and wishing for a HEA. Because she deserves to be happy and loved. And as the book progresses I learn more about him, he is not just some superstar, he is a normal guy who wants to be loved like the rest of us.

"I don't like olives," whispers Emilio, kissing my eyelids." And from what I gather, neither do you. But I like stars, I believe in stars. And you, amor, you shine!".

There is a lot of funny situations in this book, and there is a lot of things to make you giggle and make you go weak in the knees.

Besides it's not something I am particularly proud of - I once spent an entire afternoon watching certain sequences of his video clips frame by frame, just to see whether the rather frightening bulge in his leather trousers was an optical illusion, or something Guinness Book of Records should be made aware of.

The love affair has its ups and downs, everything can't go right all the time now can it. I feel with them, and I hope with them, oh and laugh at them (and with them of course), all between my grins and smiles. It has a bit of everything put in, and it goes so well. It's a smooth ride to the end.

This book is a keeper, it will make you giggle, and make you feel all warm and tingly inside, I highly recommend it.

4,5/5

received a copy for a review

My Hunky Hero Post

The Royal Reviews Hunky Hero needs a bit of help in learning how to be a leading man!

So I've agreed to help him out with some pointers from my favourite hero

I was tagged by Alaine @ Alaine's reading Blog

My Favourite Hero:
I thought about Clay from Bitten cos he is yummy, Z from BDB, Morelli from the Stephanie Plum novels, my fav fantasy heroes, but then I couldn't stop thinking about my anti-hero, and I needed to pick him;

Haplo from The Death Gate Cycle by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.
Fantasy at its best


Why he stole my heart:
He didn't at first, but at my second read of the book years later I was smitten beyond words. He was manipulative, and wicked. But then after more books he showed his heart, and his soul. Not to mention that I pictured him as this rough drop dead gorgeous man. And he loves his dog over anything else, and can't stop thinking about a woman he met long ago. He becomes more "human" after meeting a lot of of different races and people, and gives up the idea of world wide conquest and godlike status. I love how he changes through out the series.

Favourite Quote/Excerpt:I honestly don't know, but I have an idea. wait ;)

The captain of the guard leaned down, grabbed the dog up in strong arms, before haplo could prevent it, the cadaver hurled the animal into a pit of bubbling hot mud.

The dog gave a wild, painful scream. It's front paws scrabbled frantically, liquid eyes fixed in desperation in desperate pleading on its master.
Haplo leapt toward it, but the mud was thick and viscous and scalding hot. Before the Patryn could save it, the animal was sucked down beneath the surface and vanished without a trace.
Haplo went berserk. Runes on his body flared into brilliant life, glowing bright blue and crimson read. The vivid light could be seen through his clothing, welling beneath the fabric oh his skirt, showing clearly the runes on his arms.

Don't worry, the dog is safe cos it's his...find out ;)

Who would play Haplo in a movie:

Another hard one, but then my eye fell on Richard Armitage, the look fits, just put on a lot of sexy tattoos.

I tag
DD03
Cecile at All I want and More
Lea at Closetwriter
Barbara @ Happily Forever After
Dottie @ My Blog 2.0

Visit Royal Reviews if you get tagged by the Hunky Hero.

So be free to do it if you want to, and that goes to anyone reading this :)

Totally Relentless Contest

The Loner's Guarded Heart by Michelle Douglas

Harlequin Mills & Bonns 2008
186 pages

Josie was touched that her brothers had arranged a holiday for her--she certainly needed one. Only, the location isn't the lively resort she'd expected, but a rustic cabin in a beautiful but isolated Australian idyll....

Her only neighbour for miles is the taciturn, if incredibly attractive, Kent Black. Following a family tragedy, Kent cut himself off from the world. Josie can't help but be intrigued by this solitary man, and with her bubbly, warm personality, she's determined to pick away at the iron padlock around his heart.

- blurb from the back (yes I was lazy today)

I wanted something sweet, and what better to pick up than a book with the word sweet on the cover. A total promise for a HEA.

And it sure was, I started the book this morning and finished it a while later. Not that many pages, and it was so easy to read. You just went with the lovely flow if it. Totally adorable and heart warming.

A nice normal sweet heroine, who could sure bake. I so need chocolate cake now and all the other yummy things she made. A guarded hero, and of course I knew he would let his guard down and let her in. And a cute dog, and I am not really a dog person but they all went together so nicely.

So if you are looking for an easy book, with a full promise of a happy ever after then this is that kind of book.

Dancer by Collum McCann

It's a fictional story about Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nurejev. From his humble and poor Tatar upbringing, to when he studied at the famous Kirov in St Petersburg, to his jump to the west where he was adored by royalty and celebrities. And to his ultimate fall, his love affairs which brings him to his deathbed in Aids.

My problem with real characters is that I always have to google them, so yes I knew that he defected (not like I wouldn't have otherwise, he was too big for Soviet), and that he would die of Aids. )


I loved this book, ask me to explain and I don't know why. It just took me by surprise, McCann is a master with words and he knows how to spin a story. It all begins with soldiers coming home from WWII, and how they are bathed in Rudolfs home town of Ufa. It's glimpses out to the real world and they are shown through out the book.

"They looked out over the steppe and saw the bodies of fellow soldiers, a hand in the air, a knee in a stretch, beards frozen with frost, and they leaned to steal the dead man's clothes before he became stiffened in them, and they leaned in to whisper, Sorry comrade thanks for the tobacco."

Rather then seeing the world through his eyes, we see the world around him through those of his friends, family, and strangers. And in the beginning through his eyes the sentences are short, like thoughts sometimes. He is so busy so he only thinks of the things he must do to get better. The thing I then love is the fact that we see the world though the eyes of others, not only what they think about him, but how they are feeling. Hungry, tired, loved, everything that is crucial in life. I truly enjoy these glimpses into their lives. Some are fictional and some of them are real. McCann is not afraid to show the real world, and not some glamour bubble around one of the worlds greatest dancers.

Even though I do love this book, the end of the 3rd part and the 4th part gets tiresome. There is a lot of how he screwed everything that moved through out the 60's to the 80's. He really should be in sex addicts anonymous. Not to mention that is what killed him. Not explicit sex scenes no this is not that kind of book. But it's just so much, and it's so depressing.

Still it's a lovely portrait of a man loved by ballet fans. McCann waves the fabric of his life into a wonderful tapestry which I highly recommend to all. He shows him to be what he was, arrogant and temperamental, still loved by all. They couldn't help it.


And since he was so beautiful that everyone wanted him I do have to leave you with a photo since I didn't know how he looked either.

Nurejev and Fonteyn:

4/5

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!

I had such a lovely week :)

First up was Mucho Caliente! which was sent to me by the author Francesca Prescott. I have already started it and I can promise, it's a giggle party. I will be reviewing it this week.

Does Gemma dare wish upon a Latino superstar? Thirty-seven year old Gemma hadn't reckoned on being seated next to Latino heartthrob Emilio Caliente on the flight to Ibiza. She's bravely dismissed her cheating husband's generous divorce settlement, opting instead for a creatively satisfying, financially independent, bohemian lifestyle on a Spanish island in the sun. Falling in love with a pop music superstar eight years her junior was definitely not part of her plan. Common sense dictates staying away from Emilio Caliente and his cinnamon kisses: his life is in turmoil, his latest single has bombed, and his manager seems increasingly deranged...


Next up was Fireproof, a book I won from Bev over at Merry Weather

Inside burning buildings, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner. Yet at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for. His job is to rescue others. Now Captain Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever . . . rescuing his wife's heart.



And then there was Bond of Darkness by Diane Whiteside, a book about Texas Vampires. I won it over at Bitten By Books
For 150 years, Ethan Templeton has happily followed Don Rafael Perez, vampire patron of Texas. But now Ethan has fallen in love with Stephanie Darling—known as Steve—a Texas Ranger and mere mortal. Unfortunately, a future with Steve is impossible. Because if Ethan turns her into a vampire, the price is execution by Don Rafael—the only one allowed to create vampires in Texas...




This was my week, how was yours? Anything fun in your mailbox?

Thank you Cecile, Dottie, Anna and Desertrose!!!!

Award time again :) I do love all the blogs I follow, and sure would like to have all here.


Thanks Cecile for this lovely award!! :D Not to mention yummy ;)

Award this to a Chocolate Chip Cookie person ~ one who is kind, thoughtful, warm, sharing, and nice!!!

Lea at Closetwriter


This award is from Dottie, and it is sure too cute and wonderful.

The only requirement for this award is that you shared it with whomever you like, sharing the love is always a good thing. The blog has to show only one characteristic, caring. So, start sharing this enchanted award with five other bloggers. Let your bloggers know they have received this enchanted award. (Remember, fairies are fickle wee things, don't incur their displeasure by ignoring their gift.)

Yvonne at Socrates Book Reviews
Lilly at reading Extravaganza
Staci at Life in the Thumb
Danielle
DeSeRt RoSe

Thanks to Anna for this award, just bring on those zombie chickens :D

I have given out the zombie chickens before so I will stand by those bloggers, they still are wonderful and you can fidn them here.


DeSeRt RoSe BoOkLoGuE gave me this sweet award.

I want to give this one to Teddy Rose because, even though I am a lurker there, her blog was actually the first I found and the one that made me create my own blog. Even if she doesn't know this :)


Thank you so much for these wonderful awards, they truly warm my heart every time.

And then the Splash award which I haven't given out yet. This from Yvonne over at Socrate's Book Rewiews.

The Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.


Anna from Anna's Book Blog
Dottie from my Blog 2.0
Cecile from All I want and more
VampFangirl at Lovin' me some romance
Alyce at At home with Books
E.H at Erotic Horizon

Happy Easter :) from my mini vacation

Happy Easter :)

Not that I actually celebrate in a way, except for eating a ton of chocolate. But it had me tied up all day today, and tomorrow we are going to my bf's parents.

But had to check out blogland for a few seconds. Had time to see Ceciles lovely award :D and that I got one from Desertrose, thank you so much :D I am truly flattered

Let's see if I can sneak some major internet time tomorrow over at the island to post them, and a certain Tink award ;)

All for me now, blodeuedd out :)

Booking through Thursday

Some people read one book at a time. Some people have a number of them on the go at any given time, perhaps a reading in bed book, a breakfast table book, a bathroom book, and so on, which leads me to…

1. Are you currently reading more than one book?
2. If so, how many books are you currently reading?
3. Is this normal for you?
4. Where do you keep your current reads?

For more answers go here

For once I am actually just reading one book at the moment, a strange thing for me. Because usually I can be reading a couple of books. I can't say how many are normal but 2-3. That way I can choose the one that fits my mood the most. But in the end I do focus mostly on one book, and then when that one is finished I move on to the next one. And might start a new one in between. Then there are the times like this when I only read one book.

My books can be found on my night stand, at the other end of the bed. Floor...yes the might sometime end up there too, it all centres around my bed. Maybe cos I have a small flat and the bed is where I sit, well I could leave something in the living room but since I am not living alone I wont.

And of course there is my bad, yes if I am leaving the house there is a book there.

How about you then? 1 book or more?

Uptown Girl by Olivia Goldsmith

Kate left her Brooklyn roots and made it to Manhattan. She has a good job and great friends there. But then one of her old Brooklyn friends shows up heartbroken, Bina has fallen apart after her boyfriend left to explore his "singleness". What to do in a situation like this? Well there is always the enigmatic Billy Nolan, all Brooklyn and all gorgeous. Not to mention that when ever he dumps a girl that girls marries the next guy that comes along, and it doesn't take that long either. Could he be the answer to Bina's problem? She can date Billy, get dumped and wait for Jacks return. But the problem might be what Billy feels about the whole thing.


This book got me thinking because I honestly didn't care for Kate, early on she mentions how glad she is to be out of Brooklyn, and how much better she is because of it, and this cos she dress better. That comes back later on when she thinks that even if she has the most "simple" dress she still looks so much better than the rest at the wedding she is on. I did recent that only because she lives in Manhattan she is so much better, more worth than those not living in the real big city. All this because of the expensive and fine clothes she wears. What kind of message is that? Or perhaps she only wants to diss Brooklyn, but I took it in too, and it means me too then.

And what is with this obsession to get married. Sure I love it in a book, but it was like they couldn't live without it, it defined them. And why marry someone you haven't known for long? Can that really tun out great, it wasn't like they showed in great emotions either, like it was kismet.

Oh and I am really tearing at the book now. It wasn't that bad actually. Yes it never did have me laughing or smiling, first once at the end. I was never that interested, and I quickly understood how everything would turn out. But I am sure others could love this book, well at least like it. I guess that because of what Kate said early on I never warmed up to her, and she was bitchy throughout the book, in a way.

I think I will stop giving ratings, it is so hard. But since I didn't like the book in the end, I can't recommend it. I rather say that it's up to each to make their own impression of it., but..

Books I don't like others love. That is life. Maybe others can laugh at it, if it seems to be something for you.

Though I can say that I give most of my books 3, because it's so hard to choose, and this book wasn't a 3 even if it was an easy read that didn't take much out of you.

Award time

I got this lovely Splash Award from Yvonne at Socrate's Book Reviews. Thank you so much, it's such a wonderful award, I am again truly honoured.
So everyone go and check out her lovely blog too :)

The Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.

5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.




The Premio Dardos award:

This award is for bloggers who distinguish themselves for showing cultural values, ethics, great and fun writing skills, as well individual values, through their creative writing.

The rules are:

1. To accept and show the distinct image
2. Show the link to the blog from which you were given the award
3. Choose 15 blogs to give the Dards Award (Premio Dardos)

I got this one back from Fantagiro over at Coffeespoons
Thank you so much, awards do make me feel appreciated, and they are so fun to get. I couldn't be happier.
And remember stopping by her blog to see what she is up too :)

As for the Premio award, I have seen that after some get an award twice they don't post nominees again so here are the previous posts with well deserved bloggers.
First round since I split the post, and the second one

Tuesday Thinger

Questions: Do you have a LT widget on your blog? If so, what is your favorite thing about it? Have you had a chance to go see the all new widget building page, and if so, have you built a new widget? If so, what do you like about it?

It appears that Library Thing has added an all-new widget building page, with more options than ever, including the ability to customize your widget, chose colors, animate your books so they change every 5, 10, 15, etc seconds, add your Amazon Associates ID, have your widget show a portion of your review and/or your rating, and much more!!

You can visit the LT blog to learn even more with their Widgets Get a Lot Better post!! OR . . . you can run over and play with your widget now by going here!!

I meant to participate for 2 weeks now, but my mind was blank so here I go, my first Tuesday Thinger.

My Answer: I tried a widget, but then I decided on using a Good Reads widget instead. I had a Shelfari too, but when it came up a virus warning at their site once I changed it. I think at the time when I tried it I wasn't satisfied with how it looked or something. I do like things to fit on my page. Too thin, too big.

But I had no idea at all that there was a new widget building page. I just checked it out and saw the coolest thing. I really think I need to go and play with widgets one day and get me the one I saw.

Not to mention put some more books in my library.

For more answers visit Wendi at Wendi's Book Corner

Daring Time Contest

Join this fun contest for great prizes, and also daily prizes each day

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired!

I was getting worried last week because Friday came, last chance to get mail for the week and so far nothing. But then the mail came :) I recently joined bookmooch and this was the first book I got

.

Mychael ab Arawn had forsaken all things of the world- until fiery visions drew him into the victorious battle to reclaim his ancestral home. Yet peace still eludes him, for the visions of mystical dragons and mysterious caverns linger. Armed as a warrior once more, Mychael prepares for his quest-to seek out the images that haunt him.

Only the beautiful Llynya, with her lavender scent and lightning-fast blade, joins him on his path. But Mychael may have little chance to taste the sensual power that draws him to the maiden. For soon his visions will lead them to a crossroads of destiny, where danger awaits in every cavern-and friends and ancient enemies of man threaten to destroy them.

I have read Mcreynolds The Chalice and the Blade, and I really like that one so we'll see that this one is like.

This was my week, how was yours? Anything fun in your mailbox?

Contest to check out

Check it out

Zombie chicken award

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all...

I got a zombie chicken award from The Kool-Aid Mum at In the Shadow of Mt. TBR
I am so honored :) Thank you for this award and your kind words. It really brightened my day. I can only say that bring on the zombie chickens if I am getting a cool award like this.

And now to pass this award on, and the rest of the premio Dardos Award award from last week :)

The Zombie chicken goes to:

Yvonne at Socrates´book reviews
Lea at Closet writer
E.H. at Erotic Horizon
Jo-Jo at Jo-Jo loves to read!!!
Alyce at Kittling: Books

I like these blogs for different reason, they are fun to read, they review great books, and they make you feel welcome. All things a great blog and blogger should have and do.


Premio dardos Award goes to:


The Kool-Aid Mum at In the Shadow of Mt. TBR
JenClair at A garden carried in the pocket

Fantaghiro at Coffeespoons
Anna at Anna's Book Blog

Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit
Barbara at Happily Forver After

Bev at Merry Weather
Dottie at My Blog 2.0

Marcia at The Printed Page
Marie at The Boston Bibliophile
Dot at Scribbles

This award is for bloggers who distinguish themselves for showing cultural values, ethics, great and fun writing skills, as well individual values, through their creative writing.

The rules are:
1. To accept and show the distinct image
2. Show the link to the blog from which you were given the award
3. Choose 15 blogs to give the Dards Award (Premio Dardos)

These blogs include new to me blogs and old blogs I have followed. They are fun to read, have always something to say and are always a nice place to stop by.

Congrats to all :D

And thanks again to Yvonne from Socrates' Book Reviews for the Premio award.

Now what are you witing for, check out these great blogs and have fun.

Book Binge

I'll be taking part in another challenge in April, it’s called Book Binge and here are the rules.

1. For the month of April, keep track of the books you read.

2. On May 1, post your list on your blog.

Easy, no? You can write a review or reader response if you wish, but a list of titles and authors is also perfectly acceptable.

Three other points:

1. You may include books you re-read, so long as you re-read them in between April 1 and 30.

2. You may also include books you start but don’t finish, just note the page at which you gave it up. Something like, “Quit, page 47 of 322″.

3. Children’s books must be at least 125 pages long to be counted. (Books you read to your children, if they are at least 125 pages, would also count.)

The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies

The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies

It seems this book wasn't what I thought it was about, but that was just fun.

It's a book about 3 people, even though it focuses mostly on 2 of them. First there is a Jewish captain who is sent to see if Rudolf Hess is crazy or not. He is being held prisoner in Welsh. Then there is the main focus of the story, Esther, a 17 year old Welsh girl. She works in the local pub, and she longs to see more of the world outside. She meets a soldier, Colin, an English soldier who is there building a POW camp.

It's also the story of a German soldier, we meet him before he was capture and learns why he went to war. And then he end up in a Welsh POW camp.

Rooted in the story is the word cynefin, it has no English meaning. It has to do with the sheep, they know where to stay on the hill and never venture further. The know where they belong. It's seen through out the novel, Esther wants to escape, the Jewish captain who's mother is Lutheran and he is too, still he had to flee. And he keeps saying he is not Jewish. And at last, Karsten, the POW, who ordered his men to surrender to save them, and is troubled by this.

There is also the nationalistic angle in this book, the Welsh frown upon the English that is everywhere and they can't even write letters in Welsh cos the censures can't understand it.

It's a good book, I read it easily and I wanted to know what would happen. It was very well-written, but even if I didn't love the book it was worth reading

Not that I so much about Rotheram, the Jewish captain but he was an interesting character. He started and ended the book. I did like Esther, I felt that I could understand her and her doubts. And I even liked Karsten. It's not a book that points and says he is the bad guy, no they all have faults, and they all have those things that make you understand them. He has managed to capture something genuine in this book.

I will give the book a 3/5, because even if it was a great book, I felt it was just ok. Worth reading yes, but that all depends on the person reading.

Booking through Thursday

"I saw that National Library week is coming up in April, and that led to some questions. How often do you use your public library and how do you use it? Has the coffeehouse/bookstore replaced the library? Did you go to the library as a child? Do you have any particular memories of the library? Do you like sleek, modern, active libraries or the older, darker, quiet, cozy libraries?"

I love the library, and I am sure to go once a week, and of course I have been known to go more. I go in, have a look around, and borrows something. Other times I go in looking for something particular in mind. But mostly I just like to see where my steps take me. Not so often I visit my "old library". That is mostly in the summer, or if we happen to be in the area. I am actually planning to go there soon because there is this book I want. And then there is the library that is actually closest to me, but it's smaller than the main one so I don't go that often. Only if I am going in that direction.

Sure I love the book store, and if I am in town I go in, but mostly to look and get ideas what to borrow from the library. I don't buy that many books in the end.

As a child I loved the library. Every Thursday I was happy because we went to the school library. Every Monday the library bus aka bookmobile, came to school and I always ran to it. Every Tuesday the library bus came again, this time on it's round around all the villages. And of course I was there again. I still go if I happen to visit my parents on that day. And the driver sure knows me. A trip to the big library was always exciting, and I loved the place. It was so big and white. And the rows of books went on forever. It is still my fav library and if I dream about a library I dream of that one. I was very happy when I began high school because the school is located near the library.

My first time to the library in town came when I was something between 16 and 18. And I loved it, so many books I hadn't read. Then they moved it to another building, but no, this library gets to hot in the summer.

When I was young I often had dreams of the library, that I found a book, and when I went there for real I found the book. I loved to find a book I had been looking for, I got really happy. I always have warm feelings from the library. Like when I first crossed over to the grown up side, so many books! I even dreamed in the nights that I got married in a library, my friends were very amused by that.

I love all libraries so they can come in all shapes and sizes, and looks. iI's the books I am there for.

For more entries look here
How to you feel about libraries?