closetwriter

Seriously!!!???

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:53:00 +0000

Cute eh?? *Shakes Head* This is "Lady GaGa", purportedly a singer? I've never heard of her but when I saw this picture on one of celeb sites, I at first laughed and then there was this whole "yikes" reaction. In the old days we called the shorts "hot pants". lol

I have no idea what that is on her head, she looks like one of the aliens from the old movie "Mars Attacks".

Well, I guess whatever turns your crank (or *scratches netting with bee hive on head*) right? (ack)

I'm dusting off the blog today, and probably won't be back online until next week. I've been enjoying (not) numerous computer problems over the past week or so along with Sprouts blowing up. I also have another fun project underway, which I am enjoying.

And, I've been reading. I know, novel concept for a "book blogger". lol

The good news is that I'm on the brink of getting my new MacBook so hopefully things will improve. Right now, it is just too frustrating to try and blog when getting booted out every 5 to 10 minutes. So I hope everyone will be around when I manage to get everything sorted out.

Anyway I hope everyone is well and enjoying a great week!

Watch Out For, "Dragon Slayer", by Fiona Jayde

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:13:00 +0000

Watch for Fiona Jayde's new e-book "Dragon Slayer", coming from Noble Romance Publishing this month!

I LOVE this video! I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend. :)

"Hard To Hold", by Stephanie Tyler - ARC Review

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

If you stop by Stephanie Tyler’s blog you will see a picture of a very pretty lady with long dark hair hugging ‘Gus’, her big Weimaraner dog. Appearances can be deceiving and I cannot believe this sweet affectionate appearing lady could craft such a gritty, action packed, thrilling novel about total Alpha military heroes, and yet, she has.

I first came to know of Stephanie Tyler’s work through author Larissa Ione when I followed the breadcrumbs after reading her books to the ACRO series, which they co-author under the pseudonym Sydney Croft. I had also read “Night Vision” a novella written by Ms. Tyler as part of the anthology “Hot Nights, Dark Desires”, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wasn’t aware that she was writing a series about a tight knit trio of Navy SEALs until I happened by her website one day and read about, “Jake and Co.” And I have to say, I’m damn glad I did.

Hard To Hold

The story opens in the jungles of Africa where Navy SEAL Lieutenant Junior Grade Jake Hansen and his team have been forced to scatter to complete their mission to secure missing equipment and the intel it contains. Under the cloak of darkness with rebel gunfire erupting all around a wounded Jake and his best friend and teammate Ensign Nick Devane are making their way silently through the jungle to the rendezvous point. They receive a call through their communication devices that the rebels have reported a female hostage north of their location. The woman, Dr. Isabelle Markham is believed to have been kidnapped 72 hours previously and is Senator Cresswell’s daughter. Dr. Markham’s reported location requires the SEALs to retrace their steps and takes them back toward the line of fire. They do find Isabelle inside an abandoned hut naked, bound and gagged, lying face down on the dirt floor, very badly injured.

After stabilizing Isabelle to the best of their ability Nick is forced to go ahead to bring back help as their communication devices have failed. Isabelle is conscious and as the rebel forces move closer Jake carries her into the jungle to hide and await help. Terrified and in shock, Isabelle turns to Jake for comfort and shares a dark secret with him. Jake, uncharacteristically, tells her something about his past that has haunted him since his youth, after all, he never expects to see Isabelle again. During that brief time lying in the jungle hidden and waiting for the rest of the SEAL team to arrive and unlikely bond is forged between these two people.

Dr. Isabelle “Izzie” Markham is a Harvard educated reconstructive plastic surgeon, and instead of staying safely in America, setting up a practice and marrying her former fiancé, she chose to volunteer with Médecins Sans Frontières a.k.a. Doctors Without Borders. This is one feisty, strong, brilliant and stubborn heroine who despite being betrayed and brutalized by her bodyguard in Africa, prevails. All had been well during Izzie's previous stints serving with Médecins Sans Frontières until her strong willed and controlling mother was elected to the Senate. Then threats against her life started and Izzie was forced to accept “security” while volunteering in Africa.

Jake Hansen (like all highly trained men who serve on SEAL teams) is focused, stubborn, deadly in combat, fiercely loyal to his teammates, and accustomed to assuming control under the worst of circumstances. He is, however a tortured hero, having endured extreme hardship and abuse as a youngster until he was taken in by the Waldron’s. Jake lives in a big house off base with fellow teammates Nick Devane and Chris Waldron. These men share the special bond that is inherent as SEAL teammates, however they are also brothers, not biological but Chris’s father and mother adopted Jake and Nick and raised all three boys. Each one of these men knows the other better then they know themselves and Ms. Tyler wrote subtle sarcasm into the dialogue shared between the guys that had me chortling with laughter on a number of occasions. Let me tell you, these guys are hot, drip charisma, just magnetic.

It takes 2 months for Isabelle to recover from her ordeal to the point that she can consider resuming practice again. At that point, with the help of her “Uncle Cal”, who is an Admiral, signs on as a civilian consultant for the Navy and is assigned to the same base where Jake and Co. hail from. Isabelle needs to see Jake again to thank him for saving her life. There is however more to what she feels for him than just gratitude.

Jake is none to happy to see the stubborn and irascible Dr. Markham again. He fights his attraction to Isabelle because of his position as a SEAL. He also believes that she is attracted to him as a result of the harrowing circumstances when they met. In addition, Isabelle was brutalized and violated and is dealing with the aftermath of that horrific experience.

However, when Admiral Callahan approaches Jake and orders him to guard Isabelle because the man who kidnapped her is still at large, and has threatened to take her again he has no choice but to agree. Jake handles things his way, first by enlisting the help of a mercenary in Africa to track the infamous “Rafe”, Isabelle’s previous bodyguard turned tormentor. Then, against his better judgment, he offers her an apartment in the upper story of the guy’s house so he can keep a close eye on her.

What I loved about this story is not only the characters, which are well developed, and complex, but also the progression of the relationship between Izzie and Jake. Their emotional connection grows over the course of the story and is believable. Jake knows Izzie is not ready for a physical relationship even though there is a powerful sexual attraction between them. In a setting of danger, intrigue, and an underlying conspiracy that involves people closest to Isabelle a smoldering attraction ignites into a bond fire of passion that smokes up the pages of this novel.

Readers are given insight into the rigors of SEAL training and what is required of these men to stay at the peak of physical shape and adept at the variety of skills that are required of them to complete their missions in the worst of circumstances. It was quite an eye opener for me and I think well researched.

Ms. Tyler wove a romantic sub-plot into the narrative involving Sarah Cameron, an African photographer who is essentially a lost soul, and ‘Clutch’, a mercenary who works for a mysterious clandestine group in Africa. Theirs is a harrowing tale as they travel through the jungle in search of the ‘ghostly’ and deadly Rafe at Jake’s request.

The climax to Isabelle and Jake’s story is heart in the mouth riveting. Ms. Tyler infused a number of plot twists and turns, and surprises into the narrative.

The best way I can describe “Hard To Hold”, is a total RUSH. I read this book over the span of 2 days and could barely put it down. I can say without hesitation that “Hard To Hold”, will be one of my favorite reads of this year. If you enjoy romantic military suspense, you may like to give it a try.

My Rating: Desert Island Keeper

A special thank you to Stephanie Tyler who submitted this novel for review. "Hard To Hold" will be published on November 24, 2009, and I’m delighted to say Ms. Tyler has been contracted to write Nick and Chris’s stories.

"Too Hot To Hold" will be published January 5, 2010

"Hold On Tight" will be published January 26, 2010

Because I'm a Dweeb

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Somehow I created a post at Desert Island Keepers that shouldn't have been there. Anyway, it is deleted now and please note Beth Kery has a great post over there today and you could have up to 3 chances to win a copy of "Paradise Rules". And, Beth has some pressing questions to be answered with polls for voting!

Okay, the Dweeb slinks off into blogging cyber space now.. Wait, no, Tori and I are on a Desert Island sipping Koa mai-tais.. (If only...)

Click Here...

Tori and I Are Over At The Island Chatting With Beth Kery !

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Come On By DIK and Say Hi!

Beth Kery, Tori and I are there for the next 3 days enjoying conversation, those drinks with little umbrellas in them, sun, the menz and surf.

And, you could have up to 3 chances to win a copy of "Paradise Rules"!

Happy Birthday Amy C. and Cecile!!!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Amy and Cecile!

Many Happy Returns On Your Birthday!!

Have a wonderful day, Tori and I send you happy thoughts for the year ahead.. :)

Horoscope for People born on October 30th:

October 30 Scorpios have an adventuresome spirit that manifests itself in a love of travel and distant cultures. These people seek knowledge to gain wisdom. They understand that in order to progress they must have new experiences. To trust instinct over intelligence can be a challenge for them but is a sound goal.

You should embrace: Self-discipline, aptitude, benevolence

You should avoid: Pretense, ambivalence, insensitivity to others

Friends and Lovers

October 30 individuals are about the least demanding and most fun friends on earth. Not only can they make friends with virtually anyone, they are able to build the self-esteem of others. They make equally engaging romantic partners. They aren't strictly marriage-minded and may prefer a relationship that is less constricting.

Children and Family

People born on this date embrace their growing-up years, forgiving parents for mistakes. They usually retain close ties with family. As parents, they are loving, affectionate, and full of fun. They know how to get into a child's world of imaginative fantasy.

Health

People born on this date adapt easily to an organic, low-fat diet. These men and women understand the need to cut out harmful toxins and additives. Although they pursue a generally active lifestyle, they are not interested in exercise unless it's an extension of their daily routine.

Career and Finances

People born on this date are happy in professions that allow them to travel. They aren't foolish with money, but they do like to spend it. They have a good head for investments and may make a great deal of money.

Dreams and Goals

People born on this date want to learn as much as they can. Although not academically inclined, they think of themselves as life-long students. October 30 natives are too broad-minded to think that they can have a successful personal life only if they have a spouse and children.

Once again, have a great day ladies!!

It's A Wrap! A.K.A. The Winner Of The Kissing Scene Contest Is.....

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:30:00 +0000

No surprise here. LOL The "Buffy and Angel" scene won the last vote in the kissing scene contest with 29 votes or 69% of the total. The "Rory and Dean" kissing scene received 13 votes or 30% of the total.

So for the last time here is Buffy and Angel smooching it up from the television series.

Just as a recap, last spring the winner of the "Kissing Scene Contest", was from the BBC Production "North and South", so here are "Margaret and John", engaging in that gentle smooch in the train station. (This one won by a landslide in the spring - lol)

Finally, my personal favorite is this one again from the spring contest.

This is the
scene from the movie "Catch and Release", staring Timothy Olyphant as 'Fritz' and Jennifer Garner as 'Gray'. The scene was originally suggested by VampFanGirl.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out and voted and I hope you had fun!

Did you have a favorite of the kissing scene videos?

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful weekend. :)

"A Highlander Christmas", by Dawn Halliday, Sophie Renwick and Cindy Miles - Review

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: November 3, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451228723
ISBN-13: 978-0451228727

It’s not often that I enjoy all three novellas in an anthology equally, however this was the case with “A Highlander Christmas”. As it’s title indicates each story takes place over the Yuletide season and has a larger than life ‘Highlander’ hero. Also each of the heroines is of Scottish heritage and is of the ‘MacDonald’ clan. What I really liked though was each tale had a fantasy element that was in it’s own way unique. I had the impression these authors must have collaborated extensively and worked well together.

Winter Heat by Dawn Halliday

On a bitterly cold winter’s night “Maggie MacDonald”, is kidnapped at knifepoint by the brutal, drunken, and cruel “Innes Munroe”. A blizzard is approaching and Maggie knows not where they are headed this feisty heroine is intent on escaping before Innes beats her and most certainly rapes here. With her bound hands Maggie manages to dislodge her special clan brooch, a gift from her mother and uses it to stab the drunkard in a particularly sensitive area and make her escape. However, now she is lost in the wood, the blizzard has moved in and she is wandering, and surely will freeze to death.

Meanwhile “Logan Douglas”, a Highland soldier returning from the battle of Sheriffmuir is trudging across the Highlands making his way north to his brother’s home. His brother died at Sheriffmuir and Logan is now the eldest and duty bound to care for his brother’s widow and children. Logan himself suffered a bayonet wound to his leg in the battle. He finds a small cabin, which is well stocked with wood and food, and so with the storm raging he takes shelter in the little cabin for the night.

At dawn Logan leaves the cabin as he found it and begins to make his way downhill when a shimmering object catches his eye, as he approaches he sees a small bauble in the snow with a cascade of color glittering around it. Logan then hears a moan and finds Maggie nearly frozen to death curled up in the snow.

Logan takes Maggie back to the cabin and cares for her until she regains consciousness and her health. The signs of abuse on her face and body from Innes’ ill treatment enrage him. Once Maggie is stronger and she discovers Logan’s wound, which is now festering, she takes care of him. As another blizzard moves in shrouding the little cabin in swirling snow, Maggie and Logan at first share stories of their lives and what has happened to them. Maggie, a widow is inexorably drawn to the handsome Highlander and he desires her, their relationship quickly turns passionate. It is also the Yule so they spend this special time of year together.

Maggie is most distraught because she lost her broach, a family heirloom and unknown to her holds a touch of magic that you will have to learn about by reading the story. They search but are unable to find it, at least initialy. Logan too has a special possession and it was foretold it would guide him to his special someone.

They stay longer in the mountain cabin then necessary but do make their way down to Maggie’s home and uncertainty. You see young Torean, Maggie’s cousin is Laird of their clan and he has promised her to Innes as a means to bind the families together. While Logan is intent to continue home and assume his responsibilities to his brother’s family and land, he isn’t about to leave Maggie to be subjected to more of Innes’ brutality.

Ms. Halliday penned a plot twist to this story involving Torean and Logan. Torean actually turns out to be quite a clever character. The question is can Maggie and Logan overcome family obstacles to be together? And, will Maggie be spared the horrors of a life with Innes?

I’ve read paranormal and contemporary stories penned by Dawn Halliday and always liked her voice. “Winter Heat”, is no exception.

Yuletide Enchantment by Sophie Renwick

Isobel first saw the ‘White Hart’ (a giant white stag) at the young age of 6 when he was drinking from the loch on a midsummer’s day. He then appeared again when she was 13, on the day of her mother’s funeral. The stag stood on a hilltop and watched them through the thick mist that shrouded the graveyard. When Isobel was 16 she raced on her new mount and had taken a fall. He was there then too and she had always felt a mystical connection to him.

It is December 20, 1869, and “Isobel MacDonald”, has returned to MacDonald Hall with her family to celebrate the Christmas season. Her brother Ewan sees the Hart watching them from a distance and decides he is going to hunt the great stag down and kill him to be mounted on their father’s wall. Despite advice from their retainer Alistair that the Sidhe (pronounced Shee) from the Otherworld (Annwyn) were in abundance in the woodlands, and the Hart was a warning, Ewan, Stuart and the Earl of St. Clair go off to hunt him down. Isobel chases after her brother and following a harrowing scene, the great Hart is wounded and thunders back into the woods. It is during a heated exchange with her brother that Isobel learns she is betrothed to the Earl of St. Clair, a man she has no interest in.

Daegan Prince of the Sidhe, makes the swift change from stag to man, he is writhing in agony, clutching the iron tipped arrow that is spreading poison into his blood. Cailleach, the supreme goddess, though frothing at the mouth angry, uses her magic to save him. Daegan is the next in line to be King of the Sidhe and he is Cailleach’s consort. Daegan has loved Isobel for all her life, waiting for her to grow to a woman. She is now 21 and he is determined to have her as his own. Cailleach makes it clear there is no room in the Sidhe world of Annwyn for a mortal, and there will be dire consequences if he disregards her warning. The Sidhe of this story wield a great magical power and while Daegan is a force to be reckoned with, Cailleach has the ability to take a Sidhe’s power away and punish them.

Isobel is able to escape her family’s festivities and seeks out Daegan who is in form of the stag in the forest. They have an enchanted exchange and even though it is winter and cold outside, Isobel feels warm air wafting against her face and hears Daegan’s gentle voice on the wind asking her to stay with him. He then visits her in a dream and gradually draws her into his world where they make love. Ms. Renwick has a very sensuous voice that swirls around a reader. The magic wielded by the handsome hero of this story made me think of a fairy tale.

Readers are also introduced to the enigmatic cynical Bran who shifts into a raven. Bran is of Unseelie blood a descendent of the mighty warriors of the race. Bran, like Daegan, is magnificent, however he is quite a different character in that he is quite dark and brooding. He also has heterchromia or two different colored irises making his stare appear even more intense. Daegan knows what Bran's Achilles heel is and strikes a bargain to help him if he will see Isobel home safely when she leaves the forest that first time.

Isobel and Daegan seem to have almost insurmountable obstacles keeping them from their HEA. However at the end of the day, Ms Renwick does pen quite an intresting climax to their story as both Daegan and Bran must make a significant sacrifice.

I am really looking forward to reading Bran’s story “Velvet Haven”, to be released March 2, 2010.

A Christmas Spirit Cindy Miles

Paige MacDonald, a lonely American tourist misses the turnoff to Inverness, Scotland. It is December present day and she decided she didn’t want to spend another Christmas alone. Paige is caught in a snowstorm and the rental car she is driving is about to sigh its last breath. Just as she is about to hit the panic button she sees a sign for the Gorloch B&B and turns up the lane where the car does die. At first no one answers her knock at what is an ancient stone fortress. Then a rather abrupt surely voice with a heavy Scottish brogue, at first tells her there is no vacancy, however he then concedes when it is obvious she is about to freeze to death.

“Gabriel Munro”, is impossibly tall, broad, and muscular with long dark hair pulled back at the nape, and he is a ghost. Gabriel masks his actual appearance initially but when Paige sees him wearing a kilt, boots and a sword, and she falls through him, she runs in fear from the house. He chases her, but she trips and falls through him. It really is a comedy of errors and I have to say Gabriel, despite his ‘state’ is quite humorous. Paige is dazed for a few minutes but Gabriel does manage to rouse her and get her back to the house so she can tend to her bleeding nose and come to grips with his ghostly form.

It turns out Gabriel Munro was murdered, he believes by a member of the Gorloch Clan MacDonald in the very house he haunts in the 12th century. Gabriel’s hatred for that clan runs deep, however he doesn’t think or believe the lovely Paige is one of “those MacDonald’s”, when in reality she is a descendent and wears the clan pin on a necklace.

Paige and Gabriel spend a wonderful, happy few days together and he conjures a beautiful Christmas setting for her. Both of them feel happier then ever before in their lives. Then Gabriel discovers the clan pin and in his anger sends poor Paige packing, she is desolate. However, when visiting the shops in Inverness Paige meets a remarkable man who is the image of Gabriel. It seems there is more than one Munro living in Inverness and this is when things really get interesting.

Cindy Miles is a new to me author; however this will not be the last story penned by her that I read. I would love to read more about the clan Munro, maybe she will write a sequel.

My Rating: For All Three Stories: Excellent

A special thank you to Sophie Renwick who hosted an ARC Giveaway at her blog allowing me to win "A Highlander Christmas". :)

"To Desire A Devil", by Elizabeth Hoyt - Review

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Available: (October 27, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0446406945
ISBN-13: 978-0446406949
Pre-Order: Amazon

I have to admit to being a little concerned when I picked up “To Desire A Devil”, because it clearly indicates on the front cover (which is beautiful by the way) that it is “The Final Book in The Legend of the Four Soldiers Series”. However, I need not have been concerned because I was able to follow this wonderful story without difficulty and did not feel disadvantaged having not read the previous novels in the series. I am now keen to read the other novels linked to Reynaud’s story and that IMHO, is indication that Ms. Hoyt is an exceptional writer. This comment is supported by the number of rave reviews of Ms. Hoyt’s work I have read over the past year or more since I began visiting blogs with any regularity.

To Desire A Devil

The year is 1765 and “Beatrice Corning”, a proper English lady lives with her “Uncle Reggie”, the Earl of Blanchard in a London townhouse where she assists as hostess and administrates the running of the household. During a dull political tea being held at the Blanchard townhouse a seemingly insane man, raving in French with a facial tattoo and dangling earring staggers in and collapses amongst the proper bewigged gentlemen and their ladies.

As it turns out the “lunatic” is “Reynaud St. Aubyn”, the blood heir to the Blanchard name, monies and estates and thought dead when burned at the steak by Indians in the colonies 7 years previously. It is Beatrice who recognizes the “savage”, lying on the parlor room floor, for before he passes out she glimpses his distinctive black eyes. The same obsidian eyes that stare back at her from his portrait as a young man hanging in the room.

Reynaud is a complex tortured hero. After enduring 7 years of captivity, slavery, torture and starvation he is a changed man from the young Aristocrat who bought his commission and left to serve and fight for Britain in the colonies. Through sheer strength of will and determination to return to England, his family and his Earldom he survived unspeakable hardship and horror. When he does awaken in “his home” to find his father has passed 5 years previously and a “usurper” (Uncle Reggie) has claimed the Earldom he becomes obsessed with reclaiming what is rightfully his.

Despite her uncle's misgivings, Beatrice takes matters in hand and tends to Reynaud, nursing him back to health dealing with his surly disposition and cutting sarcastic manner. She is determined to find out what has happened to the passionate young man whose vision in the portrait she has desired and dreamed of for many years. Beatrice is “four and twenty”, and while she has had suitors has never had an offer of marriage. She wants passion in her life and to be loved. She thought she saw that passion in the eyes of the Reynaud in the portrait, however being confronted with this angry, bitter, sarcastic, and seeming self obsessed man is, needless to say not what she expected.

Reynaud also suffers from posttraumatic stress and when he feels threatened he has flash backs and envisions himself to be back in the colonies fighting for his very survival. By the same token, when there is an attempt on his life, which also puts Beatrice in peril, he takes charge and shows that he is, at heart a brave and honorable man.

Reynaud’s family and friends gradually rally around him and as he is reintroduced to life as an English gentleman he is encouraged by his supportive feisty “Tante Cristelle” (his French aunt) to take a “pretty” and proper English wife to reinforce his respectability and enhance his chances to regain his title. By this time Beatrice and Reynaud have established a relationship and rapport. He, in fact, feels quite protective of her and decides that she is to be his.

Ms. Hoyt has a beautiful voice, her prose IMHO literally sings. The love scenes penned between Reynaud and Beatrice are sensuous and special. Reynaud, with Beatrice’s gentle encouragement gradually shares the horrors of the last 7 years. He does find peace and comfort in her arms and begins to emotionally heal. He in turn, helps her grieve when she loses someone very close to her. I loved both these characters and Reynaud’s story tugged at my heartstrings. They do marry but Beatrice does not believe he truly loves her, which causes strife between them. She is, after all a means for him to regain his title and respectability as rumors still swirl that he is quite mad.

There is also an undercurrent of political intrigue and the involvement of a wartime traitor in their midst that isn’t revealed until the closing chapters. The supporting characters are extremely well developed, and each play a role in advancing what for me was a fascinating plot. Historically, this story is very well researched.

I especially like “Vale”, Reynaud’s oldest and dearest friend. The guy has a subtle sense of humor that had me chortling with laughter and he wastes no chance in poking fun at his serious and seemingly humorless friend. Vale is absolutely brilliant.

If you are a lover of historical romance, I think, “To Desire A Devil”, may be a novel for you to put on your list. If you have read the previous books in Ms. Hoyt’s “The Legend of the Four Soldiers Series”, and have been anticipating this novel I don’t think you will be disappointed.

My Rating: Desert Island Keeper

Many thanks to Hatchett Book Group for submitting this novel for review.

It's The Final Vote.. "Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene"?

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Thank you everyone who came out and voted for the Second Week Semi-Final choices in our "Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene Contest". There were 36 votes which is great!

Option #2 "Rory and Dean", in the scene from the Television Show, "Gilmore Girls" won, receiving 22 votes or 61% of the total. "Guinevere and Lancelot" in the scene from the movie, "First Knight", was second with 14 votes or 38%.

Therefore, the kissing scenes from "Angel" and "Gilmore Girls" are in the finale.

Welcome to the Final vote and thanks again for joining in. :)

Option #1: Here, once again is Alexis Bledel as "Rory", and Jared Padalecki as "Dean", from the 'Gilmore Girls'. The episode aired on May 10, 2001, and is called "Love, Daisies & Troubadours". It will be interesting to see what happens in this vote because I remember this show and 'Angel' aired at the same time on the WB network a number of years ago!!

Option#2: And, once again, we have Sarah Michelle Gellar as "Buffy Summers" (vampire slayer), and David Boreanaz as "Angel" (vampire), from the television show "Angel". The original scene from the episode called "I will Remember You", was disabled because of copyright issues. So I found this sort of montage of Buffy and Angel kissing in various episodes. The one we originally voted on is included. I liked the song so much from this vid that I downloaded it from iTunes.. lol

Thank you again everyone and have a great weekend. :)

Cool Giveaway

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Donna from Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings is hosting a cool giveaway starting today. I've not heard of "Lenore" comics because, well I don't read them. However, I love the art on this graphic novel. It is kind of Tim Burtonesk don't you think? Or maybe Mr. Burton got his idea for the animated characters in "Nightmare Before Christmas", from "Lenore"?

Here are the details for Donna's Giveaway:

Lenore : Noogies Color Edition by Roman Dirge is a newly released graphic novel, which is a collection of the original Lenore comics in color for the first time.

Thanks to Titan Books, Donna has three copies of Lenore : Noogies Color Edition (Hardcover) to giveaway.

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only.
Contest ends on Saturday, October 24th at Midnight CST.
Lenore : Noogies will be mailed from Titan Books to the winners.

Head on over to Donna's Blog to throw you wig in the ring...

"Sins of the Flesh", by Caridad Piñeiro - Review

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Publisher: Forever
ISBN-10: 0446543837
ISBN-13: 978-0446543835
Available: October 27, 2009
Pre-Order: Amazon

USA Today Bestselling author Caridad Piñeiro is new to me and I found “Sins of the Flesh”, to be a great introduction to her work. While it is published as a paranormal romance, I found it really to read as a romantic suspense thriller with paranormal elements.

“Sins of the Flesh”, is well researched with respect to the medical, technological and ethical issues involving heroine “Caterina Shaw”. A visit to Ms. Piñeiro’s website allows readers to see pictures of the various locales where the story takes place.

Sins of the Flesh

World famous cellist “Caterina ‘Cat’ Shaw” consents to undergo risky experimental gene therapy at “Wardwell Biotech”, to treat an inoperable brain tumor. She is considered a terminal case. Caterina is under the care of physicians “Dr. Raymond Edwards” and “Dr. Rudy Wells”, co-founders of the Wardwell program. When Dr. Wells is found brutally murdered in the Wardwell laboratory, and Caterina is nowhere to be found she becomes the number one suspect and is hunted by authorities.

Dr. Edwards hires mercenary “Miguel ‘Mick’Carrera”, well known for his success in solving client’s ‘problems’ by completing assignments discretely through whatever means necessary. Mick has developed a thick skin, the eldest son of a close Hispanic family who endured tough times; he honed his special skills through years of military training and experience providing private security. Despite the nature of his current work, as a reader I knew early on that Mick possesses an inner sense of integrity and honor. When something doesn’t quite ring true for Mick with respect to Edwards’ story about Caterina Shaw, a seeming delicate, demure cellist being a cold-blooded murderer, the red flags begin to fall.

Caterina Shaw is terrified, weak, and desperate. She has escaped confinement and her tormentors but her thoughts are muddled, she is experiencing difficulty focusing, remembering. Lost in a forest, naked and alone, one memory does surface, a place where her music brought her peace of mind. With what little reserve she has left she strikes out for this destination.

Through careful investigative work Mick tracks Caterina to the Academy of Music and what he finds completely unnerves him. Another mercenary hired by Edwards has found Caterina first and wounds her. Mick discovers bright droplets of yellow-green phosphoresced liquid along a corridor in his search for her. Further inspection reveals the liquid is blood, and when he does find Caterina, all that is visible is the clothing she is wearing, and her eyes when she opens them. Caterina, you see, is like a chameleon, in times of stress, her skin turns the same color and texture as whatever she is next to.

Mick takes the wounded, obviously abused and malnourished woman to his ‘safe house’ and enlists the help of his physician sister “Liliana” to treat her. Liliana is an orthopedic resident at the local hospital and through connections is able to have Caterina’s unusual blood secretly analyzed.

Along with the obvious signs of abuse on her body it is also discovered that Cat has a significant genetic DNA abnormality, and she has been pumped full of medication that induces disassociative behavior, hallucinations etc. At this point the alarm bells are screaming in Mick’s mind with respect to the good Dr. Edwards and Wardwell Biotech.

Mick is a strong, handsome man with an air of danger that attracts the kind of woman who enjoys a quick affair and moves on. He has never been involved in a long-term relationship and given his line of work, he compensates by telling himself it’s probably a good thing.

Mick convinces himself that Cat is his mission, captive, target, even to point of subconsciously referring to her as “Shaw”. However, as the days go on and the drugs wear off enabling Caterina’s true personality to emerge, Mick cannot deny his developing feelings for her. Caterina Shaw is a beautiful, sensitive, delicate, refined musician who has been used in a medical experiment which has given her unusual “powers”, at a huge cost. She also possesses a determination and strength that belie her other qualities.

In the setting of danger and suspense Caterina and Mick’s unusual relationship develops into a deep love. The love scenes in this story are special and sensuous but not erotically graphic.

“Sins of the Flesh”, is a fast paced page-turner, the narrative is packed full of action and suspense with number of surprising plot twists. Ms. Piñeiro also developed strong supporting characters including some pretty nasty antagonists.

The one thing that niggled me is Liliana, Mick’s sister. There is a sub-plot written into the story concerning her abusive relationship with staff physician “Harrison Edgar Williams”. While it showed Liliana’s strength of character in her management of Harrison’s abuse, and reinforced Mick’s love of his sister I didn’t quite understand its necessity. I also felt Liliana being a physician was a little too convenient. However, the story was riveting and I was therefore able to overlook these small issues.

“Sins of the Flesh”, is the first of a series Ms. Piñeiro is writing and I will look forward to reading her next book “Stone Cold Sins”.

My rating: Excellent – Page Turner

Many thanks to the Hatchett Book Group for submitting this novel for review.

Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene? Semi-Finals Week #2!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Thank you everyone who came out and voted for the First Week Semi-Final choices in our "Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene Contest". There were 53 votes which is awesome!

It was a squeaker again this week!! However, Option #1 "Buffy and Angel", in the scene from the Television Show, "Angel" won by 1 vote, receiving 27 votes or 50% of the total. "Meredeth and McDreamy" in the scene from the television show, "Grey's Anatomy", was second with 26 votes or 49%. Therefore, the kissing scene from "Buffy and Angel", will move on to Final, to be held one week from today on October 16th.

Welcome to the second week of the semi-finals! I know the voting is going to be tight again this week to decide which is the best of the two scenes.

Option #1: This is Julia Ormond as "Guinevere", and Richard Gere as "Lancelot", (forbidden lovers / triangle re King Arthur) in the 1995 movie "First Knight". I loved this movie and this kissing scene as the attraction between Guinevere and Lancelot builds through the entire movie to this moment. And, Lancelot thinks he is never going to see the fair Guinevere again so he puts his all into the kiss. Despite this one winning the first round of voting there were mixed reactions with respect to the scene. It was interesting!

Option #2: Here is Alexis Bledel as "Rory", and Jared Padalecki as "Dean", from the initially extremely popular television show 'Gilmore Girls'. The episode aired on May 10, 2001, and is called "Love, Daisies & Troubadours". There are a lot of "GG", fans out there so it will be fun to see which scene wins to go on to the final next week!! lol

As always the poll is placed at the top of the page, voting will conclude one week today (Friday October 16th) when the choices for the "Finals" will be posted for voter consideration!

Please see my previous post for a couple of contest announcements and also note Chris from "Stumbling Over Chaos", has a giveaway going on of 5 copies of a really cool book - be sure to check it out!!!

It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada so those of us here north of the border who celebrate will be giving thanks with our families over a meal this weekend. :)

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my Canadian Blogger friends a Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead everyone!

A Shout Out About A Couple Of Contests!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:25:00 +0000

I am WAY behind with these announcements, but what can I say? I've been down very low with flu this week, so, better late then never... Yikes...

As a side note for you Buffy / Angel lovers the countdown is on in the first semi for the Kissing Scene Contest and if something isn't done real quick Meredith and McDreamy are going to win by 1 POINT!!! lol Just letting you know - less than 4 hours to go and voting will conclude!!

Okay, Teddyree has an exciting October long contest going on to celebrate her Blog Anniversary so be sure to throw your wig in the ring! Look above at the choices of books she has this month!!

Dottie has special guest Dakota Banks giving away a copy of her new Paranormal book which sounds amazing so be sure to stop by and throw your wig in the ring. Ms. Banks' post is wonderful!

Cecile is hosting Amanda McIntyre at her blog as part of her ongoing birthday celebration and there is a giveaway!!

Winners Of Anniversary Week Giveaways!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Good Day Everyone!! I know I said I'd have this posted in the morning but it has taken me all morning to check all the lists from last week's Giveaways. Then there was the Santa thing - "checking them twice".

The good old randomizer did the choosing for me again today and the winners are noted below. As for the lists - please note I only posted the one for the Gift Certificate on Day #1. There are 4 lists with a large number of names and I would have a post going on to the end of the block if I noted them all. So, please trust, everyone who entered has been accounted for. :)

However, first and foremost Tori and I want to thank EVERYONE who came by Closetwriter and helped us celebrate a year of blogging by throwing their wigs in the ring for a chance to win a prize each day. I am truly grateful and overwhelmed.

Second, a HUGE thank you to Beth Kery for donating her wonderful books which made this week all the more special.

I really hope everyone had as much fun this week as I did... :)

Pre-order:

Click on Cover Art above for information with respect to these novels from Ms. Kery's Website. :)

Tori Is Announcing The Winners Today!

Winner Day #1 - $25.00 Amazon Gift Certificate!Congratulations: Dottie!!
Winner Day #2 - Copy of "Paradise Rules", by Beth KeryCongratulations: Bella!!
Winner Day #3 - Copy of "Paradise Rules", by Beth KeryCongratulations: Joder!!
Winner Day #4 - Choice of "Wicked Burn", "Daring Time", or "Sweet Restraint", by Beth KeryCongratulations: Jane!!
I will be contacting the winners via e-mail if you left your contact information. Dottie, I will be sending your GC directly from Amazon.com via e-mail. :) Bella and Joder, I will require your snail mail addresses to forward to Ms. Kery. Jane, in addition to your snail mail, please let me know which of the 3 books you would like! If you did not leave your e-mail please contact me at i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca. Winners will have until Tuesday October 6th to respond or the runner up will receive the prize for that day. Thank you.
Don't forget to vote in the first Semi-final of the "Kissing Scene Contest", if you would like to and haven't already!! You can view the post here and the poll is posted above as always!!
Thanks again everyone and have a great weekend and week ahead!

There were 95 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

Dottie
Sharon
Joy
Mandi
Throuthehaze
Cybercliper
Virginia
Jamie
Beth
Sarabelle
BunnyB
Robyn1
Patti
EvaS
Cherie J
Beleth
Kristine
Kh
Lexie
The BookVixen
The Book Queen
Ikkinlala
Christine
Mari
BuddyT
Razlover
MaryG
Judy
CJ
Rachie G
Amelia
Renee
Shannon Carman
LisaF
VampFanGirl
Tracy
Teddyree
I Heart Book Gossip
Leontine
Kimmy1
Loretta Canton
Blodeudd
Edmontonjb
JennyN
Jenn
Erotic Horizon
Deidre (ddurance)
Maija P
Flchen1
CrystalGB
Karin
Blanche
Jane
Aymless
Host
Estella
PamK
Marueen
PamP
LoriT
AmyM
Armenia
DIK Tracy
TraceyD (booklover0226)
Jeanette8042
KimberlyB
Allison
HeatherD
Ann Marie
Melissa
SusiSunshine
Amy S
Tetewa
SiNn
Lyoness2009
CherylC
Witchy Woman
CathyM
Lusty Reader
Calcamanin
Joder
RK Charron
Chris
etirv
Booklover1335
Cecile
LindaH
Book Junkie
KatC
Cindy W
Elaing8
Donna
Teresa
Anna
Bella
Timestamp: 2009-10-03 16:37:06 UTC

It's The Semi-Finals Week #1 - "Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene?"

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Thank you everyone who came out and voted for the Week #4 choices in our "Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene Contest". There were 45 votes which is awesome!

It was a squeaker!! However, Option #1 "Rory and Dean", in the scene from the Television Show, "Gilmore Girls" won by 2 votes, receiving 20 or 44% of the total. "Ariel and Eric" in the scene from the animated movie, "The Little Mermaid", was second with 18 votes or 40%. "Karen and Milton", in the beach scene from "From Here to Eternity", received 7 votes or 18%. So, the kissing scene from "Gilmore Girls" will move on to Semi-Final #2, to be held one week from today on October 9th.

I've been talking about Beth's Kery's books this week in my "Blogging Anniversary" posts. I have many favorite kissing scenes from Beth's special love stories, however this one from "Sweet Restraint", is one of the most memorable for me. :)

“He saw her eyes go wide but he didn’t give her a chance to respond to his totally irrational proclamation before he covered her mouth with his own.

He drank from her furiously. Pain vibrated through his flesh. Not the discomfort of a wound or an injury, but the raw, searing pain that came from exposing a desire that had long been denied.

At that moment he needed Laura Vasquez just like he needed to breathe.

Later he wouldn’t be able to say at what point she stopped struggling, precisely when her tongue began to tangle with his, or when her hands rose to caress his neck and her fingers delved through his hair. She pressed against him almost frantically, the abrupt appearance of her need shocking him. . .and nearly blinding him with lust.”

Sweet Restraint © Beth Kery

Welcome to the first week of the semi-finals! I know the voting is going to be tight to decide which is the best of the two scenes.

Option#1: This is Sarah Michelle Gellar as "Buffy Summers" (vampire slayer), and David Boreanaz as "Angel" (vampire), from the television show "Angel". The original scene from the episode called "I will Remember You", was disabled because of copyright issues. So I found this sort of montage of Buffy and Angel kissing in various episodes. The one we originally voted on is included. Theirs was always the "ill fated kissage", between star crossed lovers.

Option #2: This is Ellen Pompeo as "Meredith Grey", and Patrick Dempsey as "Derek (McDreamy) Shepherd", (both doctors) from the extremely popular television show, "Grey's Anatomy". This episode aired on May 15, 2006, and is called "Losing My Religion". After months of pent up sexual tension and arguments these two engage in some naughty kissage in an examining room. Tisk.. Tisk... "McDreamy", was still married at the time as he states prior the naughty lip action, which turned into a thorough 'examination'. lol

As always the poll is placed at the top of the page, voting will conclude one week today (Friday October 9th) when Semi-Final Week #2 choices will be posted for voter consideration!

Contests going on that I know about:

Fantasy Dreamer's blog: click here.

Stumbling Over Chaos: click here.

There's No Such Thing As Too Many Books: click here.

Seductive Musings: click here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

"Closetwriter's", One Year Anniversary Party - Day #4 - "Beth Kery", Book Giveaway!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the final day of "Closetwriter's", One Year Anniversary celebration. Again a HUGE thank you to Beth Kery, as I have one winner's choice of a copy of either "Wicked Burn", "Daring Time", or "Sweet Restraint", up for grabs today.

This Giveaway is open to all and the lucky winner will be chosen randomly on Saturday October 3, 2009.

Click on Cover Art above for information with respect to these novels from Ms. Kery's Website. :)

As you can see from the countdown widget in my right sidebar, October 6th, is release day for "Paradise Rules". If you would like to read my thoughts with respect to what IMHO is an awesome read click here and don't forget to enter the Tuesday and Wednesday posts for a chance to win a copy of "paradise rules".

Pre-order:

*All Giveaways Are Now Closed To Entries*

Winners Will Be Announced Soon!

One prize per winner. If a winner is first on the list more than once for the duration of the contest the runner up for that day will win the prize.

Good Luck Everyone! :)

"Closetwriter's", One Year Anniversary Party - Day #3 - "Paradise Rules", Giveaway!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Day #3 of "Closetwriter's", One Year Anniversary celebration. Today, again thanks to Beth Kery's generosity, I have a copy of "Paradise Rules", (I'm told there will be a little goodie in the winner's package too) up for grabs.

This Giveaway is open to all and the lucky winner will be chosen randomly on Saturday October 3, 2009.

Paradise Rules

Berkley Heat (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0425230120
ISBN-13: 978-0425230121

She didn’t believe in paradise…

To most people Hawaii’s crystal blue shores are an inviting opportunity to escape reality. But for Lana Rodriguez who grew up there, the picture-perfect vacation getaway disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without some emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki with a different outlook on the past, and a bold defiance when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.

Until she found it in him.

Local celebrity, businessman and island god, Jason Koa, may be every woman’s dream. For Lana, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though their start is rocky, they can’t deny the passions they arouse in each other. Jason refuses to become Lana’s pawn. It’s time to show her who makes the rules on this island—and in the bedroom. But will Jason’s attempt at breaking Lana’s shell reveal secrets that neither are prepared to face, or will they allow themselves to get swept away by a tidal wave of desire?

Pre-order:

*All Giveaways Are Now Closed To Entries*

Winners Will Be Announced Soon!

One prize per winner. If a winner is first on the list more than once for the duration of the contest the runner up for that day will win the prize.

Good Luck Everyone! :)

"Paradise Rules" by Beth Kery, ARC Review

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to have spent a couple of weeks vacationing in Hawaii and while reading “Paradise Rules”, memories came rushing back of the ocean breezes, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, pounding surf and the lush foliage. It is evident that Beth Kery puts considerable effort, care, and time into researching the demographics, history and geography in preparation for choreographing her novels. “Paradise Rules” is no exception, her knowledge of the Hawaiian Islands is exemplary, and her descriptive prose is beautiful, which amplifies the sensuality of the novel.

Ms. Kery published an article called “Musing the Muse”, for Romance Novel TV on August 17, 2008, and she interviewed other authors and discussed how and where the impetus comes to them for their work.

This is what Ms. Kery noted about “Paradise Rules”:

“For my own part, my stories also often come from real-life experiences. When I was in Waikiki recently, I observed something briefly that struck a deep emotional chord. On the crowded, glitzy Kalakaua Avenue I saw a young, pre-adolescent girl singing to a rapt audience of tourists. Her voice was amazing, but I was filled with so much sadness and concern at her sober, weary expression. And when she tried to indicate to her father she didn’t want to perform for another song, he insisted. And the coins and dollar bills in the proffered container mounted.

That brief observation is the tiny, central core of my upcoming Berkley Heat book, PARADISE RULES.”

Paradise Rules

Successful blues singer Ailana “Lana” Rodriguez has accompanied her friend and personal assistant, Melanie, on a vacation to Waikiki. Melanie is weathering a very acrimonious divorce and as much as Lana hates the island, (that was once her home) she wasn’t about to let her friend go alone. Melanie books a surfing lesson for the two of them and when the instructor for the school is unfashionably late, Lana (not known for patience) goes to seek him out. She finds their instructor, whom she later discovers is Jason Koa, in a very compromising position with a young blonde tourist. After a terse exchange where sparks fly between Lana and Jason, he does meet his commitment and give the women a surfing lesson. Lana had herself well camouflaged to avoid recognition, however in order to take the lesson she has to remove her big hat and cover-up. It is at this point that Jason discovers she is the famous blues singer whose music he has enjoyed for years.

Lana Rodriguez is a complex heroine. She is beautiful, sexy, has a razor sharp tongue and while she keeps and outward appearance of perfect calm, she is inwardly vulnerable and insecure doing battle with many past demons. Lana is sexually experienced and has always assumed the control with her past liaisons never allowing a man to get too close. That is until Jason….

Jason “Jace” Koa, Olympian swimmer, surfing champion, local legend, restaurateur and entrepreneur, lives on a luxury houseboat moored in a private lagoon on the island. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Jace is strong minded and completely comfortable in his own skin. He is secure and happy with his upbringing and very involved with his large, tight knit extended family. Jace also likes control and is a dominant in the bedroom. Jace has enjoyed his pick of any female he has wanted over the years but has never considered settling down or committing himself to one woman. Then along comes the prickly and seemingly cold hearted Lana Rodriguez….

After admiring their ‘surfing instructor’, Melanie makes a joke about enjoying some male ‘companionship’ while on the island. Lana decides that is just what the doctor ordered and arranges for male escorts for herself and her friend through what is supposed to be a ‘reputable’ agency that is known to be very discreet with respect to its clientele’s privacy.

Meanwhile, Jason is at his popular restaurant “Jace’s” and his cousin Ipo “Po” Koa, pays a visit. Po is a slimy little cretin who just so happens to own “Hawaiian Nights”, which is the same escort service (and strip club) that Lana has called for her and Melanie’s ‘dates’. Po brags about a ‘celebrity’ booking an escort and Jason puts two and two together. At first he tries to ignore his desire to see Lana again, however, since the opportunity has presented itself, he decides to approach Po with an offer to step in as her ‘escort’.

When Lana opens her hotel room door to find her paid escort is none other than the surfing instructor who she had words with earlier in the day, surprise is an understatement to describe her reaction. Jason will not be pushed around or patronized by Lana and she quickly learns he isn’t about to be controlled, in fact, it is exactly the opposite.

There are a number of passages of sensual prose in the narrative of this novel hot enough to boil your blood. I chose one from Jason and Lana’s initial sexual encounter just as an example to titillate.

“He seized her mouth in a hard kiss. His male essence flooded her awareness, leaving room for nothing but a hot, erupting desire. She clutched onto his shoulders then desperately sank her hand into his hair, holding on for dear life as a tsunami of lust pounded through her. He penetrated her lips and made free with her mouth. She found herself striking out hungrily with her own tongue, ravenous for more of his flavor.

She was so overwhelmed with the power of his kiss she didn’t realize he’d untied the halter of her dress until he lowered the material to her waist. He sealed their lips. She trembled. The man’s kiss could more accurately be called an attack. That’s how it seemed to her jangled nerves and screaming senses.”

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Lana is a victim of childhood neglect and abuse and continues to suffer the after effects of that trauma. I found her to be quite fearful of the passion Jason arouses in her when he takes control during their sensual encounter, but at the same time she experiences a sense of awe at the magnitude of her response. In reaction to these unaccustomed feelings she patronizes Jason and pushes him away and he leaves angry never expecting to see her again. Then Lana discovers who he really is and finds herself unable to ignore her desire to see him again while she is still visiting the island. It is, after all, just sex.

Lana seeks Jason out at his houseboat:

“She distantly heard the sound of water splashing. She walked over to the window and watched, her breath burning in her lungs, as Jason arose out of the ocean with a flex and bulge of defined muscle. He’d obviously taken an afternoon swim. He used his fingers to wipe water out of his face, and then casually swiped his hand over a ridged abdomen, making a stream of water splash off taut, sun-bronzed skin. Lana stood rigid, paralyzed by the sight of him glittering and flashing in the bright sunlight like an ancient Polynesian god.”

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Ms. Kery brought these characters to life for me, I could literally hear the dialogue between Jace and Lana, visualize their special moments together as well as the beauty of the various settings.

Jace Koa, simply ROCKS. He knows Lana is struggling with relinquishing control to him, but certainly flourishes and responds. Lana is not sexually naïve and despite allowing Jason to take the reins, gives as good as she gets.

Jason finds Lana captivating, but at the same time it becomes evident fairly quickly that she has major issues with commitment and tells himself that she is “not his type”. So, when tempers flare again and they part ways, he leaves the decision up to Lana as to whether they see each other again. Which, of course, they do….

“He tapped at the ice in his glass with a straw, his eyes glued to her curving mouth. He couldn’t believe she’d just walked into his place looking hot enough to ramp up the testosterone in the room to record-breaking levels, and cool enough to care less.”

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Jason is stunned Lana has again chosen to seek him out and convinces her to spend a night and a day with him, with the condition that she follows, “his rules”. These two are “volcanic” together and the narrative is laced, but not overburdened with what I have come to know as Ms. Kery’s signature emotional, sexually charged love scenes. As I mentioned, the backdrop of the beautiful lush island makes the scenes all the more special. There is an especially endearing scene as Jason helps Lana through one of her fears which enables her to enjoy snorkeling and the wonder of the lagoon's underwater life. He also sees her vulnerable side and insecurities and gradually begins to peel back her defenses. Lana, in turn, draws strength from Jason.

I also enjoyed some of the dry wit incorporated in the dialogue, both of these characters manage to slip some pretty good “shots” that had me snickering and laughing out loud.

Trouble peeks over the horizon however, when a press leak with provocative pictures of Lana and Jason “playing” on the beach in his private lagoon are broadcast all over the local television station. The news story also intimates Jace is involved in the escort service. This leads to family strife with Jason’s name being tarnished and he assumes Poe has leaked the information.

Lana doesn’t just see red, it is scarlet and she not only goes after Poe, but also blames Jason. It is not a pretty scene.

There are a number of great supporting characters which all have a small role in Lana and Jace’s story. Especially memorable is Lily Koa, the grand matriarch of the family who lays eyes on Lana and reveals startling information about her past which leads to an emotional climax.

Melanie, who knows Lana as well as she will allow anyone to, also plays a pivotal role in the dénouement of the story.

I also want to comment that while this is a completely different story, I found the tone of “Paradise Rules” had the most in common “Wicked Burn”, Ms. Kery’s 2008 novel.

“Her Island, His Rules.” With Jason’s strength, nurturing and eventual love, Lana comes to accept both him and her island, and as a reader, I was happy she did.

Paradise Rules, along with Ms. Kery's other novels, is definitly one of my "Desert Island Keepers"..

"Closetwriter's", One Year Anniversary Party - Day #1 - Gift Card Giveaway!

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:00:00 +0000

What better reason to have a week of Daily Giveaways then to celebrate a year of blogging? My blog anniversary isn't until October 9th, but because of work demands I'm hosting a little party this week. :P

In reality, bloggers and authors alike have been very good to me over the last year and I wanted to give something back.

Once again, Beth Kery, has been very generous and donated books therefore the Giveaways will continue for the next three days so watch for the daily posts!

To kick the party off a $25.00 Amazon Gift Certificate is up for grabs today..:)

This is an international contest, please see entry rules below.

If the lucky winner is from the USA the prize will be a $25.00 (USD) Gift Certificate from Amazon.com.

If the lucky winner is a Canadian the prize will be a $25.00 (Cnd) Gift Certificate from Amazon.ca.

If the winner is from outside the USA or Canada the prize will be a $25.00 (USD) Gift Certificate from Amazon.com.

To enter today's giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment. If you haven't already voted for your favorite video in this week's "Kissing Scene Contest", and would like to you can view the vid post here, the poll is very visible above.

Also, I would ask that you please leave your e-mail.

*All Giveaways Are Now Closed To Entries*

Winners Will Be Announced Soon!

One prize per winner. If a winner is first on the list more than once for the duration of the contest the runner up for that day will win the prize.

Good Luck Everyone! :)

Heads-up - A Couple Of Great Giveaways

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:44:00 +0000

Jenn from Sapphire Romance Realm is hosting Sue-Ellen Welfonder. There is a wonderful interview posted and Ms. Welfonder has kindly offered 5 copies of her book in a giveaway!

Beth Kery is hosting Samhain Publishing's Executive Editor, Laurie Rauch, today and has an excellent interview posted along with a wonderful giveaway of Samhain's publications. :)

Which Television Show or Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene? - Week #4 - A.K.A. "Kiss The Girl"... :P

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to week four and the final week of regular voting for “Which Television Show / Movie Has The Best Kissing Scene”! Thank you everyone who took time to come by, and vote for the week one through three choices.

We had an great turn out last week at 30 votes and "Guinivere and Lancelot", from the movie "First Knight" won with 15 votes or 50%. "Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy", from 'Pride and Prejudice' were second with 10 votes or 33%, and last but not least was "Jo Anne and Nick", from 'Tequila Sunrise' with 5 votes or 16%.

Therefore the scene with "Guinivere and Lancelot", will be in the second semi-final on October 9th, and square off against whichever scene wins this week! ;)

Once again, I pulled a kissing scene from one of my "Desert Island Keeper", romance novels. This week the passage is from "Snowbound", by Larissa Ione:

“He closed the gap between them, and his warm hand came up to cup her cheek. His touch scorched her, left her breathless. “What does you gut tell you?”

“It tells me to run,” she whispered, trying to look away, but his broad shoulders blocked everything but him.

His finger brushed along her jaw and down her throat to the top of her cowl-neck sweater, and her blood heated, pooled in all the places it mattered. “Why?”

“Because it might not be an act.”

He leaned fractionally closer, and she bumped up against the rear door. He followed, his body touching but not pressing. “And that’s a bad thing?”

If he only knew. She could deal with come-ons and blatant attempts to get her into bed if she recognized the efforts for what they were. She could prepare her heart and mind for shallow relationships. And yes, Sean obviously wanted to get physical, but unlike many men of her past, he didn’t look at her like she was good for only one thing. Sean seemed genuinely interested in her, not just her body.

And that was the danger. As a teen she’d been so desperate for acceptance that she’d fallen for every nice thing people said, only to be crushed later when the nice thing proved to be a joke. Growing up fat and homely had taught her some harsh lessons. Lessons reinforced by her work in the media world, where sincerity and depth were facades, and she had no defense against the real thing.

“It can be a bad thing.” She sucked in an icy breath as he placed his hands on the roof of the car, one on each side of her, caging her in, bringing to mind thoughts of being beneath him like this. “When I’m trying to resist you.”

“Why would you want to do that?” He nuzzled her ear and her mind turned to mush.

Why? She suddenly had no idea. She couldn’t think when his lips were kissing a trail from her ear to her mouth. Then his mouth met hers and the battle was lost. Surrender had never felt so good.

A needy moan escaped her as she welcomed the taste of him, welcomed the insatiable hunger that consumed her at the first flick of his tongue against hers. His kiss was hot and deep and wet, and so skillful that she couldn’t help but wonder about—and anticipate—his other talents.

She slid her hands under his jacket, partly for warmth, partly so she cold feel the muscles of his back leap under her palms. Sean shifted, his hard thigh parting her legs as he pressed closer, and oh, it felt nice to have him there between her legs again.

His hands still on the roof of the car, he surrounded her with his taut body and his blistering warmth and his light, clean scent. She moved her palms up to his shoulder blades and pulled him closer so her belly encountered the heavy bulge at his groin. A ragged breath shuddered from his lungs.

“You feel good,” he murmured against her lips, “and you taste incredible.”

Snowbound © Larissa Ione

This is an "eclectic" week in that there is a mixture of television and movie kissage scenes to choose from.... ;)

Option #1: Here is Alexis Bledel as "Rory", and Jared Padalecki as "Dean", from the initially extremely popular television show 'Gilmore Girls'. The episode aired on May 10, 2001, and is called "Love, Daisies & Troubadours". I so enjoyed the early seasons of "GG", and this scene is one of my favorites. Rory finally says those three special words to Dean and nice hawt teen kissage results. Poor Tristan gives up all hope of earning Rory's affection... lol

Option #2: This is the famous beach scene from the 1953 movie, "From Here To Eternity", starring Deborah Kerr as "Karen Holmes", and Burt Lancaster as "Sergeant Milton Warden". This kissing scene is considered one of the all time classics and I have to agree. The movie is based on the James Jones' novel by the same name and is a story about the troubles of soldiers during the days leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbour. Karen is married to Warden's superior - they are therefore engaged in some very naughty but hawt kissage as the waves lap over and around them...

Option#3: And, last but not least is a special "Movie Kissing Scene", finale. I decided no "Kissing Scene Contest", could do without this brilliant animated water dance - almost kissage from the Disney film, "The Little Mermaid". You can even all sing along to "Kiss The Girl"... I just LOVE it... lol ;) This is the not quite kiss between sweet little mermaid Ariel (voice of Jodi Benson) and Eric (voice of Christopher Daniel Barnes)....

There you have the choices for this week! Like I said, eclectic..

Thank you again for voting. :)

The Semi-finals start next week on October 2nd.. :)

Don't forget Closetwriter's one year anniversary party starts on Monday so be sure to stop by and join in on the fun! Details are posted in my left sidebar.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

"Taming The Shrew", John Wayne Style...

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Finding a couple of scenes for the "kissing contest" was a bit of a challenge and required some sifting through Youtube videos. However, during the 'sifting', I found one of my all time FAVORITE scenes from "McLintock"!

Dayum, I love this movie and the final scene is "The Duke", and Maureen O'Hara at their best!

Enjoy if you have a few minutes. :)

Feelin Mellow....

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:45:00 +0000

"Pitch Black", by Fiona Jayde Releases Today As Part Of The "Ellora's Cavemen", Anthology :)

i_love_my_kiera@yahoo.ca (Lea) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Ellora's Cavemen Anthology
"Flavors of Ecstasy"

Excerpt

"Pitch Black", by Fiona Jayde

Breathless seduction in a glass elevator above a darkened Kiev covers up deactivation of Katherine Belaya’s implanted GPS tracker.

Nicholai Rostov may have just saved her life or led her into a trap set by the Russians. Her lust for him is simple nerves, adrenaline pumped high by threat of bullets. As they fight for survival, Kate’s trust in Nick may be the only thing that’s keeping them alive.

I heard about Fiona Jayde's new romantic suspense "Pitch Black", a while back through a Yahoo Readers Group I frequent and have been looking forward to it's release. I'm happy to say, you can order the "Ellora's Cavemen Anthology" - "Flavors of Ecstasy", which includes "Pitch Black" through Ellora's Cave as of today.

Man, I could look (no I don't lick cover art - sorry) at the guy pictured on this cover art for hours and not tire of him! It is so nice to actually see his whole upper body, face and head! lol

I've said this before but I like anthologies because it gives readers an opportunity to 'taste' an author's work you may not have previously been familiar with and then decide an entire 'meal' is something you might like to savour. lol

I already 'tasted' Fiona Jayde's short story "Booty Call", and loved it. I can't wait to enjoy some "fine dining" reading, "Pitch Black". :)