Wishing You All a fab 2013

So it's the end of 2012 and here comes 2013. A New Year, a New you maybe?

Whatever you all have planned tonight I wish you all safe partying, and happy times with your loved ones.

May you and your family have the best luck in 2013.

So here's to my other half, my children, my family, my friends, and my readers, who without you I wouldn't be the person I am. Wishing you all a good night and a fantastic New Year!

All the best, and thanks for keep reading!

Dee xx

The Mammoth Book of Tattoos by Lal Hardy

I read this yesterday.

There's not a lot of writing in here, but enough for you to have a nice introduction, anda  s small bio about each tattoo artist.

There are some amazing artists in this book, and some absolutely fantastic tattoos. I was glad to see Chris Garver in there as i have loved him ever since first setting eyes on Miami Ink. To be honest, I don't know many famous tattoo artists, so was glad to be able to see some of  their artwork and learn a little about them in this book.

I got this on the kindle and it was perfect size etc, but because of the beautiful pictures, I think I may still have to get it in hardback anyway!

Sorry I've not been around much

I've not been around much, I know, naughty me. But to be honest I've not been able to keep my head in a book for very long. I had a bad headache or a good few days though which probably wasn't helping at all.

At the minute I'm reading 5 books!

•  
• The End of Your Life book club by Will Schwalbe
• The Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley
• Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews
• Vanilla-Free Christmas by Doris O'Connor, Raven McAllan, R Brennan and more
• A Most Unusual Mistress by Raven McAllan

The End of Your Life Book Club I seem to be struggling with so haven't picked it up in a while.

I need to get my reading mo-jo back!!!!!!

The Christmas Bake-off by Abby Clements

The Christmas Bake-off by Abby Clements

Just read this lovely short story I found free on kindle. A nice little book about a bake-off in a small country village. 2 of the cakes entered are sabotaged,  but who is the culprit and why? And will love blossom for the village cake maker?

A nice short to read in the run up to Christmas!

Sucking Santas Candy Cane by Angelina Rain

 

Noelle has always been a good girl, but when she meets a man named Santa Claus, her naughty side is unleashed. She indulges in her sexual desires with this handsome stranger with the very bizarre name. 
Santa Claus isn't real—is he? Will Noelle learn to believe in magic and miracles while in the arms of her handsome lover?

I bought this yesterday from Evernight Publishing and was really pleased with it! Angelina thrilled me with her book 'Flames of Desire' and now I'm loving Santa!!

I actually liked the bit of storyline behind all the sex in this book, the story of Santa Jr, the mysterious man at the Gas Station and the metal sleigh in the park.

But I loved the fact that Noelle went out of her comfort zone, had sex with a stranger (even if she was suspicious that he was a bit of a nutter!), and actually enjoyed herself!

Again, Well done Angelina!

Phantom Lovers by Marie Medina

Lynsay never believed in ghosts and always nodded indulgently when the old timers in the theater tried to convince her otherwise. But two sexy ghosts have been watching her, and waiting. When they appear to her, she hesitates despite the desire that immediately burns in her veins. At first she wonders how she can trust the two mysterious men, but soon she convinces herself how foolish it would be to resist them. Yet even as she indulges in all the pleasures they offer her, she doesn’t confess her true feelings. She never imagined giving her heart to more than one man in the first place, so how can she give it to two men who aren’t even alive?

Wow, this was fantastic.

A great short read about 2 ghosts trapped in a theatre who fall for Lindsay.  Amazing sex scenes, but a lovely story there too. I loved it!!

:D

Great Author: Torey Hayden

Another Great Author post today, and it's Torey Hayden.

I remember first finding Torey at a charity shop, Ghost Girl was around 20p there so I thought, hey why not give it a try. That book has stayed with me ever since. I can't see the TV show 'Dallas' without thinking of this book (if you've read it you'll know why). I have read every one of Torey's books, fiction and non-fiction. The most recent one I read was 'Innocent Foxes', her latest novel, which I really enjoyed (You can find my review here).

Her non-fiction works are traumatizing, sad, upsetting, wonderful, happy, heartbreaking reads. I say all this as at the start of each book you are so upset and concerned for the child in question (or children), but by the end when you see what has happened and what they have become, and how they have overcome all of the awful and horrendous stuff they have encountered in life, you are filled with joy, happiness and extreme pleasure that these children are doing well.

I remember being part of Torey Hayden's community online years ago, chatting to an array of different people who liked her books, and chatting to Torey once in a while too, but unfortunately it is no longer. I may have to try to get in contact with Torey again if I can. Anyway, on her site I found the poem, the poem Torey received from Sheila (One Child), and it really hit me, these stories aren't just stories, they are so damn real, and this poem made the books not just books, but real people. I guess sometimes you can read a non-fiction book, and forget that its not made up, this stuff did really happen. Check out the poem here.

As I said, I have read all of Toreys books now.

Her fictions:
The Sunflower Forest
Overheard in a Dream
Innocent Foxes

Her non-fictions:
One Child
The Tigers Child
Somebody Else's Kids
Silent Boy (Also known in America as Murphys Boy)
Ghost Girl
Just Another Kid
Beautiful Child
Twilight Children

They truly are amazing books, and after you've read them you do have to check out her site and see the messages from the children from her books.  I've made links of all the above books so click them and it will take you to the books page on Toreys site, that is where you can also see the messages.

So there we go. Torey is a great Author!! Check her out here!

http://www.torey-hayden.com/index.html

We've hit 1000 views!!

So we've hit 1000 views through the night!!!

Thank You!!!!!

My blog is getting more known now and a lot more people are viewing on a daily basis. Thank you to all who keep coming to look, and please feel free to comment!!

Where There's a Will by Raven McAllen

Today I read 'Where There's a Will' by Raven McAllen. Check out the blurb:

When William Lord Barlow gets lost in a snowstorm he does not expect his rescuer to ambush him in the stable, even less to realize his tormentor seems familiar.

Blindfolded and helpless, he soon accepts that the only way out is to submit. Will the Dom manage to turn into a Sub for one night?

I loved this!!

I loved the secrecy in the story, and it was interesting to see how Will coped with the change on roles from Dom to Sub. Very sexy scenes.

Well done Raven!!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I actually really enjoyed this! I didn't think i would with it being a classic as I can never seem to get into 'classic' books, but I honestly enjoyed it.

I didn't realize it was as short as what it was, I thought it would have been longer.

I knew the story from seeing the movies, as a lot of people have, and found it taking me back to watching the film when I was younger.

I love the story of the 3 spirits visiting 'Old Scrooge' and showing him Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future, and changing him because of what he is shown.

A wonderful story, and a great thing to read near Christmas time!

The Blood Bar Chronicles Book 1: The Alphas

The Blood Bar Chronicles Book 1: The Alphas

This book is an anthology of 4 stories from 4 different authors:(the blurb from Goodreads)

'In Her Element'
By Jorja Lovett

Ana Chapman is ready for a little excitement in her life. She gets more than she bargains for when she steps foot in the Blood Bar in Edinburgh to meet her writer friends. Spontaneous orgies and the supernatural are nothing compared to one ex-Fire Elemental, Zanaan, who stops at nothing to show her the time of her life.
When a surprise visit from his father, Djin, predicts an all-out supernatural war, it has him wondering how can he prevent it now he’s a human?

'The Alpha’s Vixen'
By Cherie Nicholls

Dora "Dizzy" Williamson is a busy lady, but she finally made time to meet some of her writing group in a new bar. Surely a couple of hours with the ladies wouldn't be too bad, right?
Xander Di Rista is CEO and Alpha to his pack, so being drawn to a new bar that prickled his fur didn't sit too well with him. Tonight felt different, there were too many Supernatural’s in one place, but only one human stood out to him. One he intends to claim and protect because hell wasn’t just breaking loose, it was coming to town.  

'Saving Hope'
By Doris O'Connor

Noelle has only one thing on her mind — how to save her sick daughter from a mysterious illness. The night out with the girls ought to be a distraction, but it turns out to change her life forever.
Fate is not something Henri, a two thousand year old vampire, takes lightly. When he steps into the bar teeming with Supernaturals, there is only one scent he finds. Noelle was the one woman he’d never forgotten. She held a secret that could cause a war. With time finally ticking in his ear, there is only one decision he can make — he has to protect her or die trying.

'Perfect Timing'
By Arya Grey

Josie McNair may be all fire on the outside, but her lack of self confidence had her insides twisted over meeting her writing group. She begins to realize there are more creatures in the world than she first suspected and finds herself thrown into a life where time has no meaning.
Time Traveling peace-keeper David Malm could never believe in love again. When a future Henri instructed him to look in at the Blood Bar on this particular night, he didn’t envision it turning into a Supernatural disaster let alone be in the throws of passion with a beautiful stranger. Josie re-ignited something in him he'd thought he lost forever and he would do anything to keep her safe.  

You all know by now I am a massive fan of Ms O'Connor, and I am loving the erotic genre stories since finding them. But this was one book I just couldn't get into at all. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't for me.

I loved the way all 4 stories linked into each other, but I think it got a little confusing with who was who etc. The whole supernatural part was what I wasn't too keen on really. I like supernatural stuff, I do, but this just didn't capture my attention.

I have also bought book 2, I will give it a go. Hopefully I might enjoy that one more than the first.

Flames of Desire by Angelina Rain

Flames of Desire by Angelina Rain

Wow!! Just Wow!!

I found this book courtesy of another writer of this Genre and I'm so glad I did! Check out the blurb:

Ginelle Jinx, recently single, heartbroken, and unemployed, decides to cast an impotency spell on her cheating ex. She doesn't expect the spell to have consequences, but her house catches on fire.

Five hunky firemen come to Ginelle’s rescue, one of them being Seth Tompson, her high school sweetheart. With one fire out, she finds old flames and new ones mingling as she indulges the pleasures her five firemen have on offer. But what will happen when she realizes she still loves Seth? Does he feel the same? Can an old flame become a raging inferno?

Now, having fun with a Firefighter, great. Having fun with 5... at once... well that's just plain hot!

the sex scenes were great, When I realized all 5 firefighters were going to take Ginelle at the same time, I worried it would all be a bit of a muddle, but actually Angelina has written it very well.

Well done! And I'd highly recommend this one!!

I forgot to share this!!

It was my birthday last month, and my fantastic other half gave me a great gift. Here it is:

Check out the inside cover!!!!!!!!

The fabuluous Doris signed it for me!!!!

Very thankful for this, both an excellent gift from my other half, and a fab message from Doris!

Masks of a Tiger by Doris O'Connor

Ah, the book I've been waiting for!!

I read the first 2 of Doris Club Ink series, and loved them. I kind of fell for one of the characters, Grisha. And the third in the Club Ink series, 'Masks of a Tiger', was all about him!

I fully expected to love this book, and I did. It was great. I really seen a different side (kind of) to Grisha, and I love him, love him, LOVE HIM!! Also, the guy on the cover is rather hot too!!

In real life, the whole BDSM thing isn't for me (but I'm sure if Grisha demanded me over his knee, I'd do as he told lol), but I love Doris book!

The Sex scenes were hot, and there were parts where I really felt for Grisha and Neeve, when you read it you will know what I mean.

Another fab one, you go girl!!!! And hopefully not the last in the series?

World Book Night 2013!!!

World Book Night 2013 is coming people!!!! Giver application has opened.

http://www.worldbooknight.org/become-a-giver

These are the book choices:

* The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
* Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
* Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
* The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
* Casino Royale by Ian Fleming
* The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
* A Little History of the World by E.H Gombrich
* Little Face by Sophie Hannah
* Damage by Josephine Hart
* The Island by Victoria Hislop
* Red Dust Road by Jackie Kay
* Last Night Another Soldier... by Andy McNab
* Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
* The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
* The Reader by Bernard Schlink
* No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
* Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
* The Road Home by Rose Tremain
* Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
* Judge Dredd: The Dark Judges by John Wagner

I have applied today. I did it last year for the first time and I loved it!Last year I gave out copies of 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy.

My 3 choices this year were:

1.  The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
2. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
3. The Reader by Bernard Schlink

Are you going to apply to be a giver? Which book will you choose? Have you read any of the chosen titles?

Innocent Foxes by Torey Hayden

Abundance, Montana, once a lively mining town in the days of the wild west, is now not much more than a ghost town. Local girl, Dixie, a struggling single mother who has just lost her baby, tries to make ends meet while her feckless boyfriend Billy drifts from one job to another, always believing his next moneymaking scheme will be the winner. Above them in the magnificent mountains surrounding Abundance, jaded Hollywood actor Spencer Scott conceals himself from the paparazzi on the ranch that has been his pristine sanctuary until the arrival of his obnoxious, nine-year-old son. Then Billy puts into motion a plan almost too appalling to contemplate, and from which there is no escape. As all four are forced to confront the brutal reality of the Montana mountains, so too are they forced to face their damaged lives in this poignant new novel



I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

I have been a big Tory Hayden fan for a long time and have read all of her other books, her 2 other Novels were big favorites of mine. But since Tory hadn't released anything fora while, I was a little skeptical, even more so when I saw the cover. Torey's name is splayed across the front cover in massive letters, whilst the books name is underneath in small writing. This made me worry she was having to get her name so big on there to get people interested in the book.

But....

I actually really enjoyed this! Took a while to get through it at first as i was busy reading other stuff, but once I picked this up properly, I loved every minute of it.

I loved the relationship between Dixie and Tennessee (or 'Joker' as she calls him), you could tell she wanted to take care of him and try her damned hardest to keep him safe. Billy was an ass, I would have killed him long ago if I was Dixie!

The bit I particularity likes was the scene between Spencer and Guff in the forest. If you've read it you'll know what bit I mean. The conversation was beautiful, the apologies and the love you felt between the 2 were great. This was my favorite bit of the book.

All in all this was another great book from Ms Hayden!

A good few erotic shorts

Lately I'm really getting into the erotic story genre. So I picked up a few freebies from breathlesspress.com and Amazon. All of which were some great reads (exception of Fifty Shades of Red Riding Hood which was nothing special). I'd recommend you head off to grab them while they're free!!!

Hot and Dangerous by Rebecca York
What's more dangerous--terrorists or a hot and sexy werewolf?
She's on vacation, hoping for some romance.  He's a werewolf, trying to outrun his destiny.  When they flee from a terrorist attack on their island resort, they end up in each other's arms.  What happens when she discovers her lover is more than a man?








Fifty Shades of Red Riding Hood by R.R Hood
It was a romance that the world would never understand. He was a big bad wolf; she was just a young woman with no self-respect.
Little Red Riding Hood knows it’s wrong. She knows their needs would never match. Yet she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Mr Wolf and his ‘specific tastes’.
Repetitive, badly written and poorly edited, ‘Fifty Shades of Red Riding Hood’ has all the ingredients necessary to become a runaway success.

Freaky Flashes by Lee Brazil and others Authors
Death Day Anniversary by Lee Brazil
A newcomer to town follows urban legend to the cemetery- is he a willing sacrifice, or an unfortunate dupe?

The Sum of His Parts by Hank Edwards
Scott Tallow awakens in a hospital, stitches holding him together. As a handsome doctor helps him heal, Scott comes to realize he's not quite himself.

Writing is a Socially Acceptable Form of Schizophrenia by Havan Fellows
Almost everyone has an interesting story to tell. I've got numerous—and they've declared war against me.

That Special Feeling by Raven McAllan
Can you carve your future happiness in a pumpkin?

Andrew Calls the Dead by Dianne Hartsock
Love is powerful, but is it strong enough to raise the dead?

Make me a Sandwich by Lee Brazil
When his roommate is away, distraction is just a horror movie away for Gregory...until the things that go bump in the night take over.

Destiny by Doris O'Connor
Can Arabella reach sanctuary, or will her dreams become reality?

Spin the Bottle by Raven McAllan
Aeons ago, Attric had been banished in disgrace. Halloween gave him the chance to redeem himself. Would he? Or was he doomed to live in a bottle forever?

The Birthday by Dianne Hartsock
Every birthday Cyrus visits the dance clubs with a surprise for the young men. This year, the tables are turned.

Strength's Curse by S.J. Thomas
Hunted through the night by a terrifying creature a young girl refuses to give up, but her strength will be her curse.

Reaping Darkness by Jamieson Wolf
As a new Reaper of Souls, Kale knows who Death is. He just isn't used to Death showing up in his dreams. When he does, Kale learns that attraction, even in dreams, can be very real indeed...

The Fog by Lee Brazil
Starting afresh in a new home in the valley should have helped Jeff leave memories of his lost love behind. Instead his dreams are filled with a passion that is terrifying in the light of day.

In the Shadows by Dianne Hartsock
He waits in the shadows; silent, hungry. Careful! He might be watching you


Ana, Do You Hear Me by Raven McAllen
Hot dreams are all well and good—until you wake up alone. Ana has decided enough is enough, one last time, and no more. However, does she have a choice?













A Birthday Wish by Doris O'Connor
Andy has one wish for his birthday, to see his wife. Work, kids, life, is threatening to tear them apart. Can they bridge the chasm between them, or is it all too late?












Damons Touch by Dianne Hartstock
Damon's hunger gnaws at him. He needs to feed soon before desire overrides caution and he enters the village. For Lacey, the sight of Damon drinking from his brother's throat should repulse him. Instead, he's oddly aroused. Damon is all his fantasies come true. Lovely and dangerous. As Damon's prisoner, Lacey's love for his beautiful captor grows, but will love be enough to set them both free?












Morning Star by Kayla Jameth
What would you do if you met Adonis? Mark spends one night with him and is never the same again.














Lady Luck by Gayl Taylor
A successful man, a beautiful woman, and a chance encounter at a craps table in Reno. With one roll of the dice, luck runs out for one of them—or does it?
From the moment he laid eyes on her, Tyler Connell was convinced the beautiful stranger at the opposite end of the craps table was his "Lady Luck". Although Tyler couldn't lose at the table, he'd definitely lost his heart. He was a man who got what he wanted and Tyler wanted her.
After placing a bet with incredible odds and winning, Anya was convinced the gorgeous hunk rolling the dice had a Midas touch. He'd won her heart with his mesmerizing dark eyes and dazzling smile and Anya imagined doing a little touching of her own. When she places an ill-advised bet and loses everything, he proposes one last outrageous wager.
With both their hearts on the line, the stakes are high. Is it worth the risk?

Nothing to Forgive by Lee Brazil

Vic comes back from a business trip and is shocked to find a hot young thing hanging on to his lover. Sure, he and Marc had a fight, but Vic figured they'd work things out. And how could Marc's new someone special be so young, when their fight had been about their age difference...?

Great Author: Doris O'Connor

I thought I'd do a blog post about an author I like every once in a while.

Today its Doris O'Connor.

After reading the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, I'd asked on my good and faithful Babycentre for books similar. 2 friends (Ali and Jackie I will be forever grateful!) recommended Doris books. Doris had been a member of Babycentre a while back, and is good friends with both above mentioned. So I checked out her books on kindle. These are her books I've read so far:

Goldie and Her Bears
'If you come down to the club tonight, you're sure to get a surprise'
3 shifters who run a BDSM club, make Goldie their submissive. You don't find out they are shifters until near the end, and yes of course they shift into bears. Jason, his brother Jacob and his sister Cat 'play' with Goldie and take her to places she'd never dreamed.

Awakening
Astrid gets a great birthday present from her friend Lynn, she doesn't realise how good of a present it really is though. She is sent off to a little island, and meets Prince Rashid, he's basically an XXX aladdin! Astrid is there to have her needs taken care of in everyway possible by the prince, her very own fairytale.

The Last of his Kind
Another great erotic take on a fairytale. Penelope is having a quiet time in her family holiday home at Loch Ness, and comes across a naked, very sexy man who seems hurt. She takes him home to help him with his wounds. She feels something stir inside when she looks at him, and they have some extremely hot sex, and lots of mind blowing orgasms. Little does she know, he's not just a wounded man, but a very mysterious creature from whom she's known a long time.








Mr Satisfaction Guaranteed
Anna needs to get laid, and finds out about an escort service. She pays a lot of money, and meets Mr Satisfaction Guaranteed. And satisfaction guaranteed he is indeed. A good twist at the end which I never seen coming. And the ice! All I will say is the ice is good!

Riding her Tiger
Estelle meets Ink online. It soon turns into meeting in person, and what she finds is something she's not done before. Another great tale of shifters, and a brilliant Erotic take on The paranormal. Mistaken identity? Will things turn out as they should?












Tiger Scars
This is the second in the Ink series. Amazing, sexy, and very very hot. This one focuses more on Ink, which I liked. And I love the character of Grisha. I even think I may have a Little crush on him. I think the third book should be focused on him.












Doris seems to capture your attention brilliantly in her books. And even though they're short, I think they're the perfect size for the story they hold. The only one I've read so far which I think could have been longer, is Riding her Tiger, but I guess that's why its a series! I love the way Doris leaves you wanting more at the end of each book, which is the reason I've went straight back to amazon to buy another after finishing one. I hope she releases more stories, and I'm very happy she was recommend to me, otherwise I may not have found her.

I also think its fantastic that she can write such addictive and great books, whilst raising (with her husband) their 9 children!! She must be a very busy woman, and good at multi-tasking! She seems a lovely person too, accepting my friend request on Goodreads, and chatting with me from time to time.
I think Doris has introduced me very nicely into the genre of erotic fiction, and has me begging for more!!

Thank you Doris!!

You can find out all about Doris here: http://www.dorisoconnor.com/

Amazon kindle lending library launched in the UK

Just read this in the news.


Amazon have today announced the launch  of their Kindle Lending Library. Customers can lend from loads of different titles like the Harry Potter books and more.






Great I thought! Until I read on. You have to sign up to Amazons Prime account which costs £49 per year.
So now I'm not so sure, is this a good deal? Would I spend more than £49 a year on kindle books anyway? I'm not sure as I tend to buy the cheaper books (or just get free ones) on kindle, and lend others from my library as E-books. Is it worth buying them yourself then you have them forever?

Hmm, this will be something to think about.

Lullaby by Claire Seeber

What should have been a happy family day out quickly turns into a nightmare for Jess Finnegan. One minute she is thankful for a few minutes' peace away from the demands of motherhood. The next she is frantically searching for husband Mickey and 8-month old Louis.They have disappeared, nowhere to be seen. As the police launch a massive manhunt, Jess's panic intensifies.
Then Mickey is found, badly beaten – and alone. Where is Louis? Is he still alive? Could he be the victim of child trafficking or something much closer to home? Just how well does Jess know her new husband? And when her wayward brother turns up out of the blue, what is he after? As the investigation unravels, Jess discovers that the people closest to you are not always what they seem…


I read this a couple of weeks ago and forgot to review it. Took me a while to read it actually, as I just didn't enjoy it. 

I honestly didn't enjoy this, and was trying my best to get on with I so I could just get it finished. The main character Jess just seemed too happy throughout the book, even though her husband was in ICU and her baby son was missing. The other characters got on My nerves too. The book drones on so much, that by the end you don't seem to particularly care who kidnapped her son.

Wouldn't recommend this one

The All American Family e series by Brook Syers

I recently found a kindle book free called 'The All American Family: Facebook Therapy. Episode 1' by Brook Syers, and thought it looked alright. Here's the blurb from Amazon:

Bob and Susan Evans are drowning in debt, addicted to Facebook, short on time, juggling four kids, too tired for sex, and getting on each other’s nerves. In other words, they’re the typical American family.
In this groundbreaking eSitcom, author Brook Syers takes you deep inside the family dynamic while keeping the laughs going at a breakneck pace. Whether it’s a grandfather attempting to buy an iPhone or a teenager failing a driver’s test, you will LOL and shout OMG as you identify with the situations and characters.

In Episode 1, Bob and Susan drag the family to an aggressive Facebook therapist. Bob promises to buy Connor a car without consulting Susan, who manages the finances. Bob’s father (Bill) shows up with a date from the nursing home and reveals some shocking family secrets.


It was free, so I thought 'what the hell, let's give I a try'. I'm so glad I did!

I downloaded Episode 2 'The $82,000 Camry' straight after and loved it. So today I purchased and read both episode 3 'Fifty Shades of Role Play' and episode 4 'The Double-Fisted Reverse Rodeo Hole' both for 77p each.

In Episode 2, Grandpa gets a day pass from the nursing home and tries to buy an iPhone. Bob attempts to sell insurance to the meanest Indian in America. A car salesman talks Bob into buying extra coverage.

In Episode 3, Bob's coworkers give him advice on sex. Susan gets into a political argument with her mother. Bob and Susan get away for the weekend to do some Twilight role playing.

In Episode 4, Bob and Susan rush home to stop the party at their house, Susan gets busted using an illegal coupon scheme, Bob talks to Carly about sex, Susan bribes Bob to come to a Twilight Rewatch Party.

I am not joking, I have not laughed out loud at a book in ages like I have with this series. I won't give too much away, but let's just say Carly driving exam is hilarious in book 1, I almost wet myself laughing at the poo incident in book 2, the role playing in book 3 seemed fun, and the parent to child sex talk in book 4 was cringe-worthy!

Ch-ch-check out Brook Syers other books and his blog right here:

http://brooksyers.blogspot.co.uk/

Fifty shades of Mel and Barry by Mel Dutton

I read this yesterday in the space of about 20 minutes.

I think I only bought this as it had been in our local newspaper a couple of times as she's from my neck of the woods.

I wish I hadn't of bothered. What a pile of tosh!

I'll give her one thing, she does say at the start of the book that she isn't a writer and knows that the book will not be well written. She was right, it wasn't well written at all.

The newspapers made it out to be like 'Fifty shades', which it wasn't.

To be honest, it was just a short story, with little comments about her 'chav' life (I know it was orignally called 'Fifty Shades of Chav', that should have given me a clue lol), and how her 'Barry' was a shoplifter, serial cheater and an all around stupid dude.

There had been comments that this was going to be a rather raunchy book, again like 'Fifty Shades', which really it wasn't. I think I can remember a few bits about stuff like that which included Mel 'flicking her bean' a couple of times, and doing something rude with a banana.

Honestly I wish I hadn't have bought it. £2 I would rather have spent on something else. The only good thing is that 5% of the sales go to Samuel's Childrens Charity, dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families.
I did give it 2*'s instead of 1* as I give her her dues for trying.

Mr Satisfaction Guaranteed by Doris O'Connor

Amazing book!

I was desperate to read this after reading the sneak peak on Doris's blog. And it was great!

The part with the ice was brilliant, very sexy.

***SPOILER***

I never seen the ending coming, that they were married. I think the whole thing of acting out the first time they met on each anniversary is sweet, and kind of hot lol.

Definitely another fab read from Doris. Well done!

'Banned Books Week'

So I heard from a good BC friend (thanks Laura :D) that next week is banned books week. The American Library Association will celebrate “Banned Book Week,” a week dedicated to non-censorship and the anniversary of the freedom to read.

Check out The lists of 'banned' books over the last 10 years here:

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged#2011

What do you think?

I'm quite surprised that some of these books are there.
I mean To Kill a Mockingbird is a book everyone should read. I read it in school when I was about 12, and it has stuck with me ever since and is now one of my all time favourite books.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is on there too which is another great book.

And come on, twilight and Harry Potter! Why are these on the list?!

I have to say, some of them I haven't read so I can't comment. But this list has given me some incentive to read more of these 'banned' books and see for myself what's going on.

The Playdate by Louise Millar

I recently read The Playdate by Louise Millar.
I really enjoyed it and found it rather hard to put down. It's the first full book I've read on my new kindle.

This is The synopsis:
Single mother Callie has come to rely heavily on her best friend Suzy. But Callie suspects Suzy's life isn't as simple as it seems. It's time she pulled away - going back to work is just the first step towards rediscovering her old confidence. So why does she keep putting off telling Suzy about her new job? Suzy and Callie live close to each other on a typical cramped, anonymous London street. Neighbours seem to move in, and move on, before you have even learned their names. Callie's increased sense of alienation leads her to try to befriend a new resident on her street, Debs. But Debs is anxious, odd. You wouldn't trust her with your child - especially not if you knew anything about her past. A brilliant and chilling evocation of modern life, The Playdate is a real talking-point book for mothers everywhere.

I honestly thought I had it all worked out, and kept telling my other half I knew what was going to happen. I was wrong, I didn't see it coming!

***SPOILER***

I really thought Debs was going to kidnap Rae. It was the things she was saying like she knew how to stop kids like her from whining. She was a bit crazy though wasn't she bless her! The noises she kept hearing I thought were going to all be in her imagination. But no, it was Suzy!!! I mean, yeah her husband was having an affair with her best friend, but was there any need to kidnap Rae and try to hurt her? Wasn't the kid's fault was it?! I didn't see it coming that Callie was having an affair with Jez, or that Jez was Rae's father. The part where a man walks back into the room and take Callie upstairs, Callie said it wasn't wrong as he is her child's father, which made me think it was Tom. I never for one minute imagined it was Jez.

And Poor Callie, brainwashed by her best mate, trying to get back to work, and having all this stuff happen. Rae being knocked over, back in hospital, then the car crash! That kid has been through some ups and downs hasn't she.

I really really enjoyed this, and will definitely look out for more of Louise Millar's stuff!

I have my kindle!

I now have joined the rest of the world and have a kindle!
I have always been a 'real' book lover, but started to use the kindle app on my android phone, and fell in love :D
The only problem with the phone app, is it eats away at your battery, and I Was having to charge it mid day, and at night. So my lovely other half decided to buy me a kindle touch as an early Christmas present. It's charging now, but I can't wait to add all of my books to it and get reading!
I have a lovely pink case with a light on its way in the post too, and it stands up so I'll be able to read while I'm having lunch!

The Hunger Games Trilogy

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Well, the first 2 really as I gave up on the last one! I can't really get into it at all for some reason. I will carry on with it at some point.

I actually loved the first two books in this series. I found them very hard to put down. Which is why I'm really disspointed in the third one.

I remember crying at one part of the first book, I'll say no more.

I can't comment on how it will end either as I obviously haven't read the last book yet, so I will continue this when it's read. I don't know who I want Katniss to end up with, Peeta or Gale. Peeta on one hand is amazing and has saved her life, and really seems to love her. Gale though has been her only friend for a long time, and I think she holds real feelings for him. Oh, I can't decide!

Have you read this trilogy? What did you think?

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

This is the third Stephen King book I've read, the first of his 'horror' books.

I actually quite enjoyed it. The first night I sat down with it, I read 29%, then didn't pick it up for a few days. Then read to 74% yesterday, and finished it this morning.

For those of you who haven't read it, here's the synopsis:

On a six-mile hike on the Maine-New Hampshire branch of the Appalachian Trail, nine-year-old Trisha McFarland quickly tires of the constant bickering between her older brother, Pete, and her recently divorced mother. But when she wanders off by herself, and then tries to catch up by attempting a shortcut, she becomes lost in a wilderness maze full of peril and terror.
As night falls, Trisha has only her ingenuity as a defense against the elements, and only her courage and faith to withstand her mounting fears. For solace she tunes her Walkman to broadcasts of Boston Red Sox baseball games and follows the gritty performances of her hero, relief pitcher Tom Gordon. And when her radio's reception begins to fade, Trisha imagines that Tom Gordon is with her -- protecting her from an all-too-real enemy who has left a trail of slaughtered animals and mangled trees in the dense, dark woods....

I loved the way Trisha kept Tom Gordon with her. I felt anyway, that you could really understand just how much she adores him. I thought the woods were pretty well described, and the parts in the marshy woodlands really had me feeling the eeriness of the place. I wasn't sure what I thought the 'thing' was going to be, but I don't think I imagined it the way it ended up being. All in all I thought this was a pretty good book, and a nice easy read for my first SK horror. I'll definitely be reading more of his stuff.

Movies of books...

Movies of books.

I've had a few conversations on this topic lately, especially on BabyCentre. Personally, I prefer the books, and usually I'm rather disappointed in the movie.

I've been trying to think of which books I've read and also seen the movie.

• Fried Green Tomatoes (loved this movie and loved the book, can't believe I'd seen the movie so many times before reading the book!)
• Hearts in Atlantis (was very disappointed in the movie after falling in love with the book)
• To Kill a Mockingbird (amazing book, and was adapted to the big screen brilliantly)
• Harry Potter 1 & 2 (I saw the movies before reading any of the books, and I have to say love both. although there are some parts of the books which aren't in the movies, which would have been good to have been included)
• The Green Mile (my all time favorite book, and an amazing movie too, always makes me cry)
• Twilight (now I loved, loved loved these books, and was utterly disappointed in the movie. In fact, I watched the first 2 movies, then haven't bothered with the others)
• The Road (I saw this movie before reading the book too, and remember being in total shock after watching it. Then I read it and was left in even more shock by the book)
• The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (this book was brilliant, very moving and very sad. I recently watched the movie, and was rather disappointed by the ending and how it was different)
• The Color Purple (Another movie I saw before reading the book, and loved both)
• The Witches (I saw this movie lots when I was younger, and read the book a few times too, so I#m not sure which one came first for me, but they're both good)
• Peter Pan (OK I didn't get on so well with this book for some reason, but the movie is a Disney classic, therefore it's brilliant)
• Alice in Wonderland (another great Disney movie, and a  book which I only read last year. Managed quite well with the book)

And to be honest, I'm realizing that I've pretty much seen either the movie or read the book, but not done both! And most of them that I have done both, I tend to have seen the movie first.

I have so many books on my to read list of which I've seen the movie:

• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
• The rest of the Harry Potter series
• The Virgin Suicides
• The Shawshank redemption
• The Narnia books
• The Cider House Rules
• Interview with a vampire
• Schindlers List
• Misery
• Philip Pullmans dark Materials series

I think I need to get reading some of these!

Do you prefer the book or the movie?

You're either a reader or you're not?

'You're either a reader or you're not'

Someone said this to me the other day. I agreed at the time, but its had me thinking. Do you have to be one or the other? Are non readers people who don't read at all?

I love to read, and always have a book on the go, sometimes 2. Chris (my other half) on the other hand, can pick up a book, but it will take him a long time to read it. Although I'll give him his dues, he read the first Halo book quicker than I expected : )

My sister can read quickly, but also can give up quickly. She recently borrowed Fifty Shades of Grey from me and was really into it, but hasn't picked it up again in ages. She loved the Twilight Books but gave up about 2/3 of the way into Breaking Dawn.

My Dad has read about 5 books in his life, he's definitely a non reader.

There are readers, and non readers, so what are the people in between? Part-time readers? There's no right or wrong answer, its just had me thinking :D

Books read so far in 2012

These are all of the books I've read so far in 2012. Since I've just started this blog, I will only review books I read from now onwards.

• The Vampire Diaries #1 by L J Smith
• Cuckoo by Julia Crouch
• Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone By J K Rowling
• Leaving Home - Short Stories by Jodi Picoult
• The Vampire Diaries #2 by L J Smith
• Forgetting Zoe by Ray Robinson
• Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson
• Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
• My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher
• Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling
• The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
• Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult
• In Search of Adam by Caroline Smailes
• Confessions of a GP by Benjamin Daniels
• Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
• Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
• Mum on the Run by Fiona Gibson
• The Undercover Cook by Katie Fford
• The Secret Diary of a Demented Housewife by Niamh Greene
• The Butterfly Effect by Scott Semegran
• Six Geese-A-Laying by Sophie Kinsella
• The Radleys by Matt Haig
• The Magic Touch by Dara England
• Babies in Waiting by Rosie Fiore
• MummyDaddy by Jeremy Howe
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Uncle Montagues Tales of Terror by Chris Preistley 
• Holes by Louis Sachar
• Old Before My Time by Hayley Okines
• Just Another Manic Mum-Day by Mink Elliot
• Cat Calls by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• No Way Out and other Short Stories by M.J.A Ware
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
• For One More Day by Mitch Albom
• Tinsel Town by Victoria Fox
• All Fall Down by Megan Hart
• The Funniest Facebook Statuses of all Time by Steve Slater
• The Stolen Child by Brian McGilloway
• Chicken Soup for the Little Souls by Jack Canfield
• The Craigslist Killer by Aaron Patterson
• The Black Sheep by Julie Cohen
• Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
• Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable
• Second Son (Jack Reacher 0.5) by Lee Child
• Harry Potter (the prequel 0.5) by J K Rowling
• Snatched by Karin Slaughter
• Fifty Shades Darker by E L James
• Goldie and her Bears by Doris O'Connor
• Awakening by Doris O'Connor
• Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder
• Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins
• Bump by Kate Hewitt
• The Auschwitz Violin by Maria Angels Anglada
• Fifty Shades Freed by E L James
• One Moment One Morning by Sarah Rayner
• Freaks by Tess Gerritsen 
• James Penneys New Identity by Lee Child
• Fifty Shades of Garbage by Allie Beck
• The Last of his Kind by Doris O'Connor
•  A Little Girl in my Room and other Stories by Claire Farrel
• The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaarberbol 
• Lighter Shades of Grey by Cassandra Parkin
• Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
•  Deep Down by Lee Child
• Autism by Hand by Lorca Damon
• The Witches by Roald Dhal
• An A to Z of Pregnancy by Ann Abrams
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• Strangeness on a Train by Julia Crouch
• An idiot Abroad by Karl Pilkington
• Nineteen Minutes by jodi Picoult
• Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon

So have you guys read any of these? What did you think?

My Favourite Books

So I thought I'd start off with telling you about some of my favorite books. In no particular order by the way!

BE WARNED!!!!!!!!! There may be spoilers if you haven't read any of them.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett 

I honestly couldn't put this book down and read it rather quickly. I loved the characters and often found myself reading the book in a  deep southern American accent. Aibileen was a fantastic main character, and I loved her. Minny too, and loved her strength and courage throughout the book.

I knew that racism was a big thing back then, much worse than it is now, but I never realized how bad things were. A black person not being able to walk down a white persons street, the police seemingly not being bothered (or joining in) when a black person was beaten just for looking at a white person, a black maid not being able to use a toilet in the house they worked for. 

I have recommended this book many times, and I've not had negative feedback from any of the people who have read it. Brilliant book which ~I'm sure will stay with me for a long time.

Fried Green Tomatoes at The Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

I read this book after The Help as I was looking for something similar. And this book hit the spot, big style. I absolutly loved it. I had watched the movie quite a few times a long time ago, much longer before ever reading the book, and liked the film a lot.

The book went into much more depth than the film in my opinion. The characters were well written and really made you understand what they were feeling. 

The bit I always remember from the movie is Buddy's death near the start. I always remember it makeing me so sad, and really feeling for Idgie watching her brother die. She loved him very much. 

I was rather disappointed in the movie not portraying the relationship between Idgie and Ruth as the book does. As I said, I'd watched the movie a lot when I was younger and knew they had a great friendly relationship. But after reading the book I now know it was much more than that, they were in love. The book, for me, made their relationship a lot deeper, and made a better story. Oh how I wish I had read the book first!!

And how many people have asked me "So what is the meat they are eating at the BBQ later in the book!!!". I always reply with "Just think about it  :) " 

 House Rules By Jodi Picoult

I am a massive Jodi Picoult fan. And House Rules is my favourite of Jodi's books by far. 

I think this book has a lot more meaning for me than any other for one reason. I was reading the book while we were thinking that Chloe may have Autism. And reading the book, reading all of Jacob's little quirks, just made things seem more real to me. This, and I will always say this, is the book that made me push forward in getting a help for Chloe.

I liked the story in House Rules. Jodi obviously goes into a lot of research when writing her books, which is well received. I was really into this, and I think I was more interested on seeing how Jacob was going to cope in Jail, and how the legal system can change or adapt to someone who has a condition like this, where they can't bear to be touched, things need to be in order, routine is such a big thing. The best Jodi Picoult novel I have read.

The Green Mile by Stephen King 

When People ask me what my all time favorite book is, I have to say The Green Mile.I don't know why, no specific reason other than I loved it, and still do. I remember being rather intimidated by it's size (as I read the full collection in one book), and thinking to myself that I'd probably not finish it, or get bored after the first 50 pages. But I didn't give up, or get bored. In fact, I couldn't put it down! I loved it, and every available chance I had I would pick it up.

The movie is amazing, and again this was another movie I'd seen before reading the book, therefore I often found myself reading in the voice of Tom Hanks in my head! This spoilt it a little for me, but not enough for me not to love the book.I think the book was very heartfelt. Poor John Coffey, Poor Del. There were a lot of sad parts in The Green Mile, and I shed quite a few tears (cried hysterically at the movie!).

The Green Mile is a an amazing story of love, courage, trust, magic and overall friendship. Everyone should read this

 Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James

I know there are a lot of different views on these books, but personally, and I'm not ashamed to say it, I liked them!

For some reason I took to pronouncing Anastasia as Ana-star-zia, not entirely sure why! I liked the relationship between Ana and Christian. Yes I know, he was into some weird stuff, but deep down they loved each other more than anything they'd loved before, and I thought you could feel this throughout the books. You have to read them all though, you can't just read the first one then give up! In my opinion the third was the better one of the three, but from reading the first 50 pages of Fifty Shades of Grey, I was hooked! I loved Christian and his strange sexual habits. I also have a good picture of him in my head, and Alexandar Skarsgard fits the bill completely. I think he would make a fabulous Mr Grey, and I'd let him tie me to the bed any day!

I would say the book was a bit same-y if you know what I mean, and the whole 'I'm going to take you now' from Christian got on my nerves a little. I mean, doesn't a  girl like to be surprised now and again! All in all though, I liked them.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

This is another book I read after The Help and Fried Green Tomatoes, as I think it fits into the same kind of Genre. Loved it, and it's another book which is high on my recommendation list to people.

When reading the start, I remember feeling rather spooked with all the bees flying around Lily's room. The relationship between Lily and Rosaleen was brilliant. The Boatwright sisters August, May and June were great characters too, and I was really sad at Mays death.

Another book which delved deep into the Racism and the Civil rights Movement at the time.

A great book of Loss, Betrayal, Love, Friendship and honour I thought.

The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

A Brilliant and very well written book. The Main character Christopher I think, has Aspergers Syndrome (although Mark Haddon has said that the book is not about Aspergers, but about being an outsider. And you really feel this with Christopher. He knows he is an outsider, but it doesn't matter to him. He says what he feels and thinks, as to him this is the right thing to do.

I loved this book. The part where Christopher hits the police man, made me giggle, because it's true. Funny things in this book, and most of them, when you really think about it, wouldn't make sense at all to someone on the Autistic Spectrum. Idioms they are. This is a good quote:

The word "metaphor" means carrying something from one place to another . . . and it is when you describe something by using a word for something that it isn't. This means that the word "metaphor" is a metaphor.

I think it should be called a lie because a pig is not like a day and people people do not have skeletons in their cupboards. And when I try and make a picture of the phrase in my head it just confuses me because imagining and apple in someone's eye doesn't have anything to do with liking someone a lot and it makes you forget what the person was talking about. ” 

I loved Curious Incident. I'm glad it was recommended to me by my children's Speech and Language Therapist.

Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson

I really got on well with this book.To be honest, at first I thought it was gong to be like the Movie '50 First Dates', but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't.

Bit of a strange one though wasn't it, I mean if you can't trust your Other Half, who the hell can you trust?!

I liked the mystery in the novel, and it really had me thinking and guessing what was going on. I liked the idea of the diary keeping, and I kept willing Christine to find it every day. At one point I remember being really frustrated and shouting "Just go in the wardrobe and find the damn book!!!"

I can never imagine being in this kind of situation, it must be awful getting up every day and not knowing who the person sleeping next to you is, where you are, who the people in these photographs on your bedside table are. And when you add into the mix some lies, deceit, lost friends and a whole load of confusion, well it makes one damn good read!

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

This is one great book.

It made me feel a whole load of emotions while reading it, and I'm so glad I read the book first beofre seeing the movie. The book has much more in it, and the ending was the most memorable ending of any book I've ever read.

I remember feeling so angry at Bruno's father during the book, and at the end my heart absolutely broke into pieces and I sobbed and sobbed. I knew which way the end was going to go, and I could feel the knot in my stomach getting tighter and tighter as I read nearer to the end, my eyes never ever leaving the page. It really did upset me, and I found myself thinking about it afterwards and trying not to cry.

The victory for me in this book was Bruno's father being carted off by The Red Army at the end, he was evil, and he deserved to be the one who...well you know... not Bruno.

I found humor in the book too, how Bruno called the Fuhrer 'The Fury', and Auschwitz 'Out-With'. This made clear the innocence in Bruno, after all he was a child and had no idea what was gong on.

The Friendship between Bruno and Schmuel was beautiful.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

I read this book at the start of this year, and by gosh is it deep. A totally deep, dark, sad and bleak book, but amazing.

I liked the way the characters didn't have names, only 'the man' and 'the boy'. The book doesn't have chapters either, and is written in a very different way to any other book I've read. This all added to the darkness of the book.

The part where 'the man' shows 'the boy' how to use the gun to commit suicide if anything ever happened, was so sad. After reading this book I remember looking at my children and thinking 'Thank God it's not real'. I can't imagine being in any situation like that.

The book is so well written that it stayed with me for days after, played on my mind. It's strange to say that it's such an amazing book, as it is not happy at all, and I cried a lot reading it. But it really is amazing.

To Kill a Mockingbird By Harper Lee

 To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the only 'Classic' books I have ever read, I just don't get the 'classics' for some reason. I think it's the language. But I remember reading this in school, and came home wanting to watch the movie. It is one of my all time favourite movies ever. 

Atticus Finch has always been one of my Literary heroes, I mean give him a cape and teach him to fly, and he's save the world.

Every time I think of Boo Radley, I picture Micheal Clarke Duncan who played John Coffey in The Green Mile movie. I'm not sure why, I just do.

Everyone should read To Kill a Mockingbird, and everyone should see the movie too.