The Drama Of Owning a Kitten

I had quite the scare this past weekend. My five month old kitten, Kiko ended up throwing up on Saturday morning. She kept shaking her head and at one point it looked like she had a seizure. My mother and I have joint custody of her, so as parents, we did what any good parent would do when their child is sick and take them to the doctor.

When I first got Kiko, it was back in July. She was a very sick kitten, born on a farm with a bad case of ear mites, a broken leg and a very bad respiratory problem. The vet said she wouldn’t live through the night. My brother-in-law nursed this very sick kitten for 48 hours straight. She survived. My mother and I decided to take her much to the moaning of my father.

I never thought I would become a cat person. I’ve had a dog, multiple gold fish (they always ended up committing fishacide by jumping out of their bowl), and a guinea pig that lived to be almost 10 years old. I really do think my guinea pig Snickers was the oldest living guinea pig in the world. Too bad I didn’t have the Guinness Book of World Records people come out to document about him.

Having a kitten is a great responsibility. They are also adorable and tend to get into trouble. When Kiko threw up, I thought for a moment I was to blame, that I was a bad parent. A week ago Kiko pushed over a plant in my kitchen. Dirt went all over the place. I was not happy. Let’s just say I had to walk away for a moment and breathe. Punting a kitten out the kitchen window would be a no-no. Finally, when I started cleaning up the mess, Kiko had her face in the dirt, eating it.

Could the first be the reason she was so sick?

Off we went to the vet. My vet has a better office then my own doctor. They have coffee while you wait! My doctor has didley squat.

We were a bit early, so while we waited, I read some magazines. I find it pretty funny that there are magazines for cat and dog owners. They are called Cat Fancy and Dog Fancy. Because I didn’t bring any other reading material with me, I flipped through them.

I couldn’t believe what I read! Cat Fancy and Dog Fancy is like Playboy for pet owners! Do you know that there are centerfolds of these animals that you can take out and put on your walls just like the teen magazines have? The cats and dogs are posed in such a way that was a bit strange to say the least! Who would have though it? I was a bit uncomfortable after seeing that.

I am happy to say that Kiko only had an ear infection. The reason she threw up is that something just didn’t agree with her. And it wasn’t the dirt. I found out my sister the night before let Kiko have a bit of pumpkin ice cream.

She is a very healthy kitten. In cat years she is 15 years old. Each year she ages, you tack on 4 years to the age. For dogs each year is actually 7 years

What I learned from this is:
A- Do not feed your animals ice cream.
B- Cats can live a very, very long time. In the Cat Fancy porn magazine there was a picture of cat that is 30 years old.
C- Magazines for animal owners have centerfolds of animals posing in ways just like those models in Playboy. Shocking? Perhaps for some.
.

D- Kittens no matter how cute will always get into trouble, but the love the have for you is well worth it.

My Thoughts On My Favorite Book for 2009

By the end of 2009, I will have read over 200 books. From these 200 plus books, I will try and decide which one I consider to be the best book of the year. For a book to be given this coveted place, it must astound me in ways all the other books didn’t. I will be shocked, with my mouth hanging open, on the edge of my seat shaking in anticipation at what comes next. When I finish that last page, I will think over what I had read and decide if all my emotions were engaged. Usually I stare off into the distance, stunned or where I can’t sit still and want to tell everyone about the book I read.

Back in May I was given a book from an author I respect and admire. Every single one of her books have been winners in my eyes. She is one of those authors who constantly delivers the goods. She is an author most should aspire to be.

I wasn't ready to read this book so far in advance, but when I opened the package and saw the book, there was no way I could make myself wait. I made sure to take this book with me on an eight hour plane ride across the ocean to England. And it was a good thing my plane was half full because the sounds that came out of my mouth while I read were a bit embarrassing. I had such a visceral reaction while reading, unlike with any other book this year. And unless another book came along out of left field, this book that helped me through an eight hour flight would be my favorite book of the year.

That book is Demon Forged by Meljean Brook.



Demon Forged is the eighth book in Meljean's Guardian series and will absolutely, positively blow your mind. Where as Demon Bound was a bit restrained, Demon Forged explodes with such rich dialogue, descriptions and remarkable characters we have all grown to love.

The two main characters here are Guardians Irena and Alejandro who I first met in Demon Night. They really didn’t make much of an impression on me at first. But after reading their story, they have become my second favorite couple behind Hugh and Lilith. Irena and Alejandro have a relationship much like the one Hugh and Lilith have. Alejandro loves Irena so much, but because of a very horrible event from their past, Irena keeps him at arms length. Alejandro will do whatever he can to have any type of relationship with Irena. She knows that she is his weakness and flaunts it to the point where he is at the breaking point. He thinks he knows why Irena can’t love him and be with him, but how so very wrong he is. When he finds out why, he is shocked to his core. I certainly was.

The other side of Demon Forged deals with the ongoing fight between the Guardians and those various creatures of pure evil. The prophecy that has been foretold since the beginning is about to come to a head and the Guardians, as well as their allies, need to take up arms because what is about to happen is quite the doozy.

Now this doozy, as I call it, is in regards to a certain character and his reaction to his future told by Khavi, who has the Gift of foresight. When Michael figures out some very important things in regards to the prophecy, his part in it, and the one he is meant to love and be with, will send a tidal wave of shock and awe like you wouldn’t believe. The way Meljan ends Demon Forged takes us in a direction no one would have expected. Meljean could have gone a different way with this book, an ending that would have been just as good, but perhaps not as profound. It’s a big chance she takes and it works in so many ways.

**I urge you NOT to read ahead or even think of reading the last few chapters. If you do, it will ruin your reading experience. I myself, one who proclaims to read the endings to all books left and right, held back after Meljean recommended (threatened) that I shouldn’t*

Everything in Demon Forged seems more intense. The action and suspense will have you clutching the pages. Your heart will race. There is a great deal of suffering and a few deaths you won’t see coming. (Meljean also made me care for Colin, that slick SOB vampire, as I call him. I am not a big fan of Colin, but that all changes because of one scene where he shows his deep love for Savi.)

There is also some freaky stuff Irena does with one of her statues she has created. This goes down as my favorite sex scene I have read in any book this year and it's very eye popping and so very naughty. If you were disappointed in the lack of sex scenes in Demon Bound, Meljean has delivered and more so. What Irena and Alejandro share starts out as a bit kinky and then transforms into something so very special. These scenes will not disappoint.

I can say hands down that Demon Forged is a well written near perfect read. This is the second book I give an A+ to and my number one pick this year. (Berkley)

**This isn’t really a traditional review on my part. I would say this is more of my thoughts on the whole reading experience. Reading Demon Forged was a very emotional experience for me. One of the reasons is because Meljean has given me a very special gift indeed. Not only has she written a book that I can’t stop talking about, but when I opened the package with Demon Forged inside and saw the acknowledgments, I was stunned:

**For another great review and your chance to win Demon Forged, stop over at The Book Smugglers for their thoughts. They really liked it also**

The Glamour Picture Dare

Today Meljean Brook has special guest author LB Gregg also known as Lisabea over at her blog.

LB's next release, Cover Me is the third book in her Men of Smithfield series that comes out October 2nd from Aspen Mountain Press.

LB has posted top ten list of how to be a successful writer. One step is taking a nice professional glamour picture for a book jacket. Meljean took it one stop further and posted a few of her own glamour pictures for fun.

I was dared to do also, and I don't back down from dares...

So I give you KB from over 20 years ago!

The first picture is me at 12 years old wearing my mother's fugly gold earrings. The second picture is my 8th grade graduation picture.

I went through a stage of getting perms. As a pre-teen girl from New Jersey it was expected you get a perm!

So, anyone else brave enough to post their own "glamour" shots?

Guest Post: 19th Century Slang by Kathryn Smith

When Katie asked me to write a blog about Victorian sexual slang I immediately jumped at the chance. You see, I’m a bit of a perv. Over the years I’ve begun to amass quite the collection of 19th century pornography, both in picture and written form. I guess you could say it’s a hobby. I really don’t think we’ve invented anything that the Victorians themselves didn’t try – and I rather doubt they came up with anything new either, although they did seem to have a rather unhealthy fascination with spanking. S&M abounded as well. The only thing we do that’s new is dress it up differently.

Anyway, the following are a few of my favorite slang words/phrases. I’ve gotten these from various web searches, historical texts and other reference materials. Please feel free to comment and add your own slang to the list. I’m always looking for new words.

Bawbles – testicles. Other names are: gingambobs and whirlygigs.
Blind cupid – buttocks, apparently. I don’t want to know why.
Bubbies – breasts. This makes me think of a kid with a speech impediment talking about his friends.
Cock Alley – a woman’s privates. Other terms are: fanny, dumb glutton, money, muff, notch, crinkum-crankum (my favorite, I think!) and madge. Someone ought to tell Madonna.
Dirty Puzzle – a nasty slut. A bangtail. I don’t get it.
Gamahuching – cunnilingus, and word Rose asks Grey the meaning of in When Seducing a Duke.
Having a buttered bun – having sex with someone who has just ‘been’ with someone else. Eww.
Joining giblets – having sex. Also known as frigging, prigging, tupping, grinding, knocking, and occupying. Swiving is another favorite. Also, screwing is historically accurate.
Merkin – a pubic wig. I’ve heard (Wikipedia) they’re used by actors to prevent accidental displays of genitalia. Historically, women shaved to prevent pubic lice and wore merkins instead. I guess because bald pubes were considered bad form? Also, prostitutes would use them to disguise signs of disease. Yummy.
Methodist – apparently code for homosexual. I had an ancestor that was a Methodist minister. Makes me wonder. Another term is mandrake.
Nebuchadnezzar – the male member. The arbor vitae, the plug-tail, the whore-pipe. Often turgid.
Rent Boy – pretty much as it sounds. A male prostitute. I love this term. It sounds so saucy.
Three-Penny Upright – An unfortunate who will oblige her client up against a wall. Whether or not she cost three pennies, I do not know.
Tipping the Velvet – tonguing a woman’s mouth or madge. Someone said this was a made up term by writer Sarah Waters (for her book with the same name), but I’ve stumbled upon it in Victorian erotic literature.
Tom – a lesbian. I’m guess a rather mannish one at that, given the name.
Toss off – Exactly what it sounds like. Also known as fetching mettle. Mettle being a term for sperm.
Unfortunate – a lady of the evening, a pinchcock, laced muffin.
.

What's your favorite naughty 19th century slang?

.

And don't forget to get your own copy of When Seducing A Duke when it comes out tomorrow from Avon!

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

From September 26- October 2 is Banned Books Week. This is an annual event from the American Library Association celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Did you know? Over the past eight years, American libraries were faced with 3,736 challenges.

1,225 challenges due to “sexually explicit” material;
1,008 challenges due to “offensive language”;
720 challenges due to material deemed “unsuited to age group”;
458 challenges due to “violence”
269 challenges due to “homosexuality”; and further, 103 materials were challenged because they were “anti-family,” and an additional 233 were challenged because of their “religious viewpoints.”

And the top 10 most challenged books last year were:

And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Reasons: anti-ethnic, anti-family, homosexuality, religious viewpoint, and unsuited to age group
His Dark Materials trilogy, by Philip Pullman

Reasons: political viewpoint, religious viewpoint, and violence
TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Lauren Myracle

Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz

Reasons: occult/satanism, religious viewpoint, and violence
Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya

Reasons: occult/satanism, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, and violence
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons: drugs, homosexuality, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit, suicide, and unsuited to age group
Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar

Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
Uncle Bobby's Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen

Reasons: homosexuality and unsuited to age group
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Reasons: offensive language, sexually explicit, and unsuited to age group
Flashcards of My Life, by Charise Mericle Harper

Reasons: sexually explicit and unsuited to age group
.

Can you imagine if you were told what books you could and couldn't read? Once when I was a teeanger in high school I was almost forced through shame and ridicule to stop reading certain books because others thought they were graphic or too dirty. I defied these opinions and stood up for my right to read whatever I want.

.

You do the same! Read a banned book this week or another book that others may frown upon. Stand up for your freedom to read what you like.

.

The ALA created this video with muppets to teach why banning such classic books is so very wrong.

.

How can you not love muppets?

.

I can't believe Alvin Schwrtz's Scary Stories is still a challenged book! I read this series over 15 years ago. And I think I turned out pretty okay.

.

What's your favorite challenged/banned book to read?

KB's Pimping Cookie Book Covers

Why do I call these cookies? Because these future books releases have covers that make you crave them!

And I have many to share...

Any fans of Julie Kenner? She has a new series coming out in October from Ace called The Blood Lily Chronicles. She has three back to back releases from Oct-Dec.

Tainted coming in October:

Synosis:

When Lily Carlyle dies trying to murder the man who raped her sister, she's offered a chance to atone for her many sins by returning to earth to fight the forces of darkness. It's a job Lily thinks she can really get into. Trouble is, she may not be able to get out.

Raise your hand if you're a big Kresely Cole Fan! Coming in January from Pocket is the next book in Cole's Immortals After Dark Series.

.

Pleasures of a Dark Prince *Sexy manttity bondage cover!*

Synopsis:

Lucia the Huntress: as mysterious as she is exquisite, she harbors secrets that threaten to destroy her—and those she loves. Gareth MacRieve, Prince of the Lykae: the brutal Highland warrior who burns to finally claim this maddeningly sensual creature as his own. From the shadows, Garreth has long watched over Lucia. Now, the only way to keep the proud huntress safe from harm is to convince her to accept him as her guardian. To do this, Garreth will ruthlessly exploit Lucia’s greatest weakness—her wanton desire for him. . .
.

Lovely naked back cover coming at you. To Be Seduced by Ann Stephens. Coming in February from Zebra:

Synopsis:
Lord Richard Harcourt has devised a master plan for ridding himself of debt. The notorious rake will abduct a wealthy heiress. But beneath her meek, prim exterior, Richard discovers a shrewd and exciting temptress he can’t resist touching…
After a night alone in a coach with her captor, Bethany Dallison knows she must wed him if she wishes to keep her reputation intact. Though she cannot control her fate, Bethany can control her impulses. She refuses to yield her body to Richard—no matter how seductive his kisses. But as their nuptials approach, Bethany finds her resolve quickly melting under his caress—while Richard finds that fortune is the last thing on his mind…

Demonfire: Book 1 of The Demonslayers series by Kate Douglas. Coming from Kensington in March:

Synopsis:

It's the battle of good vs. evil~~and the demon's the good guy.

Jennifer Estep also has a new series called the Elemental Assassins. Heroine works part in at a BBQ Joint! YUM. Spider's Bite Coming in January from Pocket:

*The cover reminds me of a horror movie poster*
.

Synopsis:

My name is Gin Blanco. They call me the Spider — the most feared assassin in the South (and a part-time cook at the Pork Pit BBQ joint.) As a Stone elemental, I can hear the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet and feel the vibrations of the soaring mountains above me, though I don't use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.After a ruthless Air elemental double-crossed me and killed my handler, I'm out for revenge. And I'll exterminate anyone who gets in my way. I may look hot in a miniskirt, but I'm still one of the bad guys. Which is why I'm in trouble when irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine agrees to help. The last thing a coldhearted killer needs when she's battling a magic more powerful than her own is a sexy distraction ... especially when he wants her dead just as much as the enemy.

This is a new to me author. Erica Ridley's Too Wicked To Kiss comes out in March from Zebra:

Synopsis:
From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows andd secret passageways, danger lies in wait. Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have murdered his parents. Initially, Gavin's towering presence and brusque manner instill fear in Evangeline...until his rakish features and seductive attentions profoundly arouse her. But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

Can I get a a WOOT? Linnea Sinclair's next book in her DOC 5 series from Bantam comes out at the end of March. This is book number 4 called Rebels and Lovers and is about Philip's (Hero from Hope's Folly) brother:

Synopsis:

Devin Guthrie can’t forget Captain Makaiden Griggs even though it’s been two years since she was in his family’s employ. A Guthrie does not fall in love with a mere shuttle pilot. Going against his wealthy family’s wishes isn’t an option—not with the Empire in political upheaval, much of it caused by Devin’s renegade older brother, Admiral Philip Guthrie. The Guthries must solidify their standing—financially, politically and socially—or risk losing it all. But when the Guthrie heir—Devin’s nineteen-year old nephew— goes missing, Devin’s loyalty to his family’s values is put to the test. And suddenly the unthinkable becomes the only option available: Devin must break the rules and risk allying himself with the one woman he could never forget—and was forbidden to love.
.

I loves me some historical romance and Kate Noble writes really good ones! The Summer of You comes out in April from Berkley.

Synopsis:

Lady Jane Cummings is certain that her summer is ruined when she is forced to reside at isolated Merrymere Lake with her reckless brother and ailing father. Her fast-paced London society is replaced with a small town grapevine. But one bit of gossip catches Jane's attention-rumors that the lake's brooding new resident is also an elusive highwayman. Jane must face the much discussed mysterioso after he saves her brother from a pub brawl. She immediately recognizes him from London: Byrne Worth, war hero and apparent hermit-who she finds strangely charming. The two build a fast friendship, and soon nothing can keep this Lady away from Merrymere's most wanted. Convinced of his innocence' Jane is determined to clear Byrne's name-and maybe have a little fun this summer after all...

.

Considered yourself cookie book pimped!

Mega Book Giveaway Contest Winner

The winner has been chosen from my One Year Blog Anniversary Mega Book Giveaway!

The winner is:

FALLING OFF THE SHELF!!!

Please email me your mailing address at KatiebabsgATgmailDOT.com for your prize pack of 11 books.

As always, I am so grateful to those who entered and visit my blog. This calls for some dancing!

This too cute for words video is making the rounds where a baby in a diaper is bopping to some Beyonce's "All The Single Ladies".

You will be in stitches...

Advice From Love Doctor Mho Fho *Heartbroken in Chicago*

Welcome to the latest Saturday Edition of Love Letters to Mho! The Love Doctor is in!

Dear Demon King Mho,

I’m married to a man I adore with every sense of my being. But now I have doubts because I think he’s cheating on me. I also think he needs medical help. He disappears from time to time and when he returns, he is always naked. He tells me it’s because he has this genetic disorder that causes him to time travel. I never know when and where he will end up next.

I have loved him for what seems like forever. I knew the moment when I was six years old when we first met that he was the one. I’m going crazy because he leaves for such long periods of time. What if he has another family somewhere? Could my husband be a polygamist?

And advice would be greatly appreciative

Heartbroken in Chicago,

C.



Dear Heartbroken in Chicago,

Your husband is a wack a doo. Place him in a mental hospital as soon as his naked ass comes back to you. Better yet, I recommend you see a therapist also. Your husband sounds like he is off his rocker. He has invented a fantasy world where you can’t reach him.

And you’ve loved him since you’ve been six? Sorry lady, unless your husband was Elmo on Sesame Street, you didn’t know what the meaning of true love was at that age.

Sincerely,

King Mho Fho

Those Critiques On BBAW

It has been a week since Book Blogger Appreciation Week ended and I can’t help but still be on this high about all the new blogs I have discovered as well as the massive amount of blogs that came together to share in the fun. The shear magnitude of putting this event together also amazed me.

The majority of book blogs involved had many great things to say about BBAW. But then there were others, for some reason, who pointed their nose up in the air and turned away from it. For the life of me I couldn’t figure out why. Some were vocal about their decision not to take part, while others felt it was just yet another lame “meme” event. I simply don’t understand some of these elitist attitudes being thrown around.

What if say, Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal Book Reviews, New York Times or the Wall Street Journal decided to give out awards for the best in book blogs? I wonder what would be people’s opinions then? I bet you many would shout out how honored they were for being nominated or winning a coveted award by these very respected publications and organizations.

I don’t know why I had such a strong effect over this. Perhaps I felt the BBAWs was more than just being given an award where it shows you are the best or receiving validation that you’re doing something correct. Validation comes in so many forms. You don’t need a ribbon or even the community at large to stand up and applaud you. The only validation you need is your own belief that you are doing a great thing. That is the one that matters most.

Perhaps I’m making this a bigger issue than it is. Perhaps someone can explain to me why some were so critical over this event? What did they find so lacking about it that they didn’t want to part?

I hope next year, those who didn’t take part in BBAW this year, will do so and see why it was so great. I can’t help but still have a big smile on my face when I think of BBAW week and the wonderful discussions I had about it on blogs and in individual emails.

After reading a few of these critique blog posts and comments, I contacted Amy from My Friend Amy who founded BBAW and asked her if she would like to say a few words on why she started the BBAW and why it has become so important to her.

Amy has become a very big part in the book blogging community. Just check the amount of followers she has on Twitter. And I know for a fact she gets a great deal of traffic on her blog, more so than most book blogs out there.

With that being said, I hand over the “mic” to Amy and her final thoughts on BBAW…

When I first dreamed up Book Blogger Appreciation Week it was really just an idea to celebrate book bloggers. I was thrilled to have found such a fantastic group of people on the internet that loved books as much as I do! Additionally, I knew it took a lot of work to maintain a book blog and I wanted a way to say thank you.

The idea really took off way more than I was expecting! I remember thinking I'd be lucky to have 40 bloggers participate, but it ended up being around 400. It was a lot of fun, a lot of work, and I made a lot of mistakes. But I think a lot of good came from it as well, and once I recovered from the work and had time to process the experience, I felt like it was something I could do again.

This year I had help! I am very thankful to every one who helped out with BBAW this year. We made some changes most significantly in the awards department. Because last year some blogs shortlisted in so many categories, we decided not to run it based on number of nomination but have panels look over nominations based on a set of criteria and shortlist the blogs. What we never expected was the sheer number of nominations we received. This turned it into a labor intensive project where we were racing against the clock to get every aspect done. Unfortunately, that meant some things didn't get done (such as posting a detailed score sheet in advance) which led to a lot of misunderstanding and hurt. For that I truly apologize. Our intent was never to hurt book bloggers but to celebrate them.

Having said that, it's been suggested that awards should not be a part of BBAW. I really disagree. I now have two main goals with BBAW--exposure and affirmation. The truth, while it may be disappointing for some, is that the Awards bring the greatest amount of exposure to BBAW, and therefore, to book blogs. Every participant has their own favorite part of BBAW and for some that's the giveaways, others enjoy the memes, some like the games, and still others the awards. While most other aspects of BBAW are community building and affirming, the awards welcome outsiders to our door and say look at what we've got!

I know the awards process was not perfect this year. We are already discussing many ways we can change it so that each of the smaller niche communities within BBAW feel that they are being well-represented. In return, I ask your understanding and your patience as we work to make BBAW something every book blogger can feel is for them.

You are welcome to email me any concerns or ideas at bookbloggerappreciationweekATgmailDOTcom I may not be able to respond to every email, but I will read them all.

Before signing off, though, I'd like to comment on what BBAW can do...awards aside. I wouldn't know Katie if she hadn't been involved in BBAW last year! And now I feel like she's a genuine blogging friend. I've bought books she's recommended and then turned around and reviewed them on my own blog....and that's really what BBAW is all about...making new friends, finding new books, and having a great time!

Let's Hear it For the Cougars and Coffeemaker Update

It looks like being a Cougar is all the rage!

Emmy Miss Kitteh linked an article from MercuryNews.com on Twitter about the National Single Cougars Convention in Palo Alto, CA:

The National Single Cougars Convention, billed as the first of its kind, is coming to the Peninsula. Inspired by the bestselling book, "Cougar: A Guide for Older Women Dating Younger Men," the conference invites all women who are at least 40, fabulous (natch) and looking for younger men to vie for the title of Miss Cougar America. The honor will be bestowed by a panel of judges known as "cubs," i.e., younger men highly prized by the aforementioned older women.

.

Interviewed was a woman named Jools (WTF is up with that name?) who loves being called a cougar!

"The 42-year-old Santa Cruz resident has dated four cubs, men aged 18 to 24, in the past year alone. She's definitely planning to compete for the crown, which she sees as a badge of courage for women who aren't afraid to go on the hunt for what they want."

"I think the term cougar is empowering and it is about time that women in my age range feel that empowerment," says Krueger, who prefers younger men not just because of their physical attributes (stamina is a big plus!) but also because they don't come with baggage. "We are powerful women. We are financially independent. We don't need men to take care of us, we can take care of ourselves," she says. "It's not about wearing leopard print pants and having bleached blonde hair."

A 42 year old woman dating at 18 year old boy does make make me go "ick". The same would go if the roles were reversed and a 42 year old man was dating an 18 year old girl. Sorry, being 18 is still very much a child in my eyes. *grumble, I sound like an old biddy!*

So is being a cougar all that it's cracked up to be? I must admit it's nice for older women to be appreciated by younger men.

Broken Coffee Maker Update: I am on day 2 of drinking instant coffee and this sludge is horrid. The third mysterious phantom coffee maker I thought was down in my basement isn't there. I found a toaster and sheets that must be over 30 years old.

.

Tomorrow I am off to buy a new coffee maker. I have the shakes and it isn't because of the caffeine.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre Book Review *Amanda Grange*

I must be upfront. I haven’t read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I have seen the novel brought to the screen, most famously with Colin Firth playing Mr. Darcy and the latest version with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett. When I heard Amanda Grange wrote a sequel to this classic novel and gave it a paranormal slant with Darcy possibly being a vampire, I was both wary and intrigued. I will also admit I’m not big on present day authors taking such novels from deceased authors and writing a sequel.

With that in mind, I decided to read Mr. Darcy, Vampyre and see what type of job Amanda has done with two of the most beloved literary couples of all time. I really wanted to see what happens between Darcy and his Lizzy of the beautiful eyes as a married couple.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre begins with Elizabeth and her sister Jane on the morning they’re to be married. They are both excited and happy to marry such wonderful men. Their weddings go off without a hitch and Elizabeth expects to honeymoon at the Lake District. Darcy surprises Elizabeth and will take her to Dover where they will have a Grand Tour and travel the Continent and visit his relatives in Paris, Switzerland and Italy. Elizabeth is a bit cautious about going to France because of the impending war there but Darcy puts her at ease because the peace there should last awhile and there are so many friends and family he wants her to meet. Elizabeth is open to the adventure since she has never been out of England.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy travel in comfort. Elizabeth can’t wait for Darcy to make her his wife in every sense. But as they travel father away from everything she knows, Darcy becomes more silent and distant, much like the man she first found him to be. She expresses her feelings and Darcy’s excuse is that he is just preoccupied and anxious to see his relatives. But as the days go by and Darcy still hasn’t come to Elizabeth’s bedroom at night to engage in husband and wife activities that are expected in marriage, her concern grows. She comes to the conclusion that Darcy doesn’t want her to get with child because traveling like they are doing could be dangerous for an unborn child. For the time being Elizabeth is settled with the idea, even though she longs for Darcy’s touch.

Elizabeth feels awkward around Darcy’s relatives, especially when they are in Paris and meet his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam who she overhears arguing with Darcy about marrying her. Elizabeth continues to question if marrying Darcy was the right thing and raises these concerns to him. He acts surprised and expresses his love and devotion to his wife. As they continue on their adventure, things become even stranger. They stay at Count Polidori’s castle in the Alps. He is Darcy’s uncle and a very much a hermit. And when the castle is stormed by a group of angry villagers, Elizabeth and Darcy barely make their escape.

As the newlyweds travel onward, Elizabeth can’t help but feel that her husband is keeping something from her. She shares her concerns with Jane in letters. And then finally Darcy tells Elizabeth a secret he has kept from her, one that could destroy their and possibly his life.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre fell flat. The Darcy and Elizabeth I thought I knew where not the ones Amanda has written. Both these characters come across as copies of what Amanda thinks they would be if Austen had written a sequel. Elizabeth was not engaging as she should have been, especially because Mr. Darcy, Vampyre is from her point of view. Darcy is so one dimensional and distant. He barely makes a ripple on the page even when he is in a scene.

There are some other instances that irked me such as Elizabeth never calling Darcy by his first name or even thinking it in her head. She continually calls him Darcy, just like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City calls Mr. Big by Big when she talks about him. Also the whole, I can’t have sex with you because I have no reason, was another pet peeve of mine. You would think if Darcy was a vampire he could use his powers to make Elizabeth think they have been intimate as man and wife. Because Amanda was trying to keep the same tone and writing of the time period, I wouldn’t expect an in depth description of love making between Elizabeth and Darcy, but at least a fade to black scene or a subtle reference in regards to the love shared between these two.

The action and suspense didn’t make an impression at all and I found myself speed reading, especially towards the end of the book. Many of the scenes felt contrived and are lackluster. I also found myself bored about Darcy’s curse and his search of the cure so he and Elizabeth could go back to Pemberley and finally make some babies.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre did not have the “sparkle” I was expecting and failed to deliver. (Sourcebooks)

Grade: C

Something Horrible Has Happened!

One of the most beloved things I own broke today. It was my coffee pot!

I had to drink instant coffee this morning. *shudder*

Those who are addicted to coffee understand my suffering.

Thank you.

PS. I even have a spare pot for just in case. Guess what? It doesn't work either!!

What did I do in a past life to deserve this?

When Seducing a Duke Advanced Book Review *Kathryn Smith*

When I heard Kathryn Smith was going to write a straight up historical romance and it would be a Victorian one at that, I did a little jig. I do believe it has been almost five years since she has written a non-paranormal historical romance.

When Seducing a Duke takes place in London, 1877. Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton is a very rich and privileged man. He has lived a very debauched life where he has seduced both mothers and daughters alike, enjoyed taking the virginities of young innocent misses and has “frigged” more than his own share of widows. Then an event three years ago changed his life forever. One night while he was enjoying himself and had too much to drink, he was attacked and given a six-inch scar on his face. He turned his back on his friends and the London society who came to despise him. Because Grey’s beautiful face was ruined, he hid, literally behind a mask he know wears to hide his scar.

Grey still has wants and desires and for some reason he joins his younger, equally rakish brother Archer to Saint’s Row, a club that gives the appearance of propriety and good manners, but beneath it all many are able to act out their most scandalous desires. This night the Kane brothers enjoy a masked ball where many anonymous women are open to having a few hours in a secluded room with the men of their choosing. Grey doesn’t want just any woman. He lusts for Rose Danvers, a woman ten years his junior. Rose’s deceased father helped Grey in so many ways. And as Danvers lay dying, he made Grey promise that he wouldn’t touch Rose or ruin her. Grey makes that promise even though he yearns for Rose to the point where it hurts. As Grey is watching the orgy like events below him, he spots a masked lady in the distance who robs him of all breath. She reminds him so much like Rose. He will have one night with this mysterious lady. She welcomes his attentions and they engage in amazing sex in one of the special rooms.

The masked woman is Rose and she knows what she has done is beyond foolish. But she has always loved Grey and wants to belong to him, even with his past. She wonders if Grey really has no clue she was the masked woman he so wonderfully loved. Grey acts towards Rose with kindness as much as a brother would. Because he feels he owes the Danvers a world of gratitude, he will pay for Rose to go out into society so she can find herself a husband. This eats at Grey away inside, but since he can’t stand to attend balls and the parties where he would be ostracized, he stays at home hungering for Rose. He even goes back the Saint’s Row where he sees his mysterious lady again. And then he is able to put two and two together, especially one night when Rose, who has too much to drink tells Grey her feelings for him.

When Seducing the Duke is a luscious and sizzling historical with a hero who aches for his heroine. Grey has much to atone for because of his shocking past. He lives up to the Duke of Slut many times over. His redemption comes in the form of Rose who shows Grey that through love, that he has been forgiven. Grey’s guilt over the night he was scarred and the death of Rose’s father eats away at him. He battles the demons inside because he wants Rose so deeply. He lusts for her to the point he is ready to go mad but denies himself because of all the wrongs he has done to other women.

Rose is a bit of a saucy wench. She loves to read dirty magazines that no women of her station should know about. She enjoys her sexuality and wants Grey to enjoy it with her. The language these two share is very spicy, as well as the love scenes between them. Kathryn can sure write some hot love making!

I found the beginning of When Seducing a Duke to be reminiscent of a past Elizabeth Hoyt novel. Some may find it a bit unbelievable with Rose being plundered by Gray where he doesn’t know that it is she right away. Kathryn quickly nips that in the bud. The next step is watching these two try to decide what their future holds. It isn’t that hard to figure out but watching Grey try to stay away from Rose was great to because his eventual downfall, that will lead into Rose’s arms, will be all the more sweeter.

The relationship between Grey and Archer is wonderful. These are two brothers who would die for one another if there came a time. Archer is a rascal and I can’t wait for his own story. Kathryn gives you an idea who his heroine may be, but keeps you guessing. She puts some possibilities out there, but the fun in reading is trying to figure out who will be his luck lady.

Spicy, hot, steamy and passionate are only a few words that come to mind while reading When Seducing a Duke. Historical romance fans are not going to want to miss out on this one. (Avon)

Final Grade: B+

Expanding the Vocabulary!

I am so proud of myself because while I was reading Kathryn Smith's When Seducing a Duke (Oct, Avon), I added a new word to my vocabulary.

The heroine, Rose Danvers, likes to read a racy publication called Volumptuous that is filled with erotic stories and articles about sexual relationships. I liken it to a 19th century Penthouse Forum Letters. The hero comes upon Rose reading the magazine and she asks him about a certain act she has learned from Voluptuous:

"Would you by chance know what gamahuching is?"

As soon as I read this, I also wondered what the word gamahuching is, because I have never heard it before. Instead of reading ahead to see what the hero would say, I decided to look the word up.

.

The meaning is very naughty: More rarely: gamahuching , an obsolete word from the 19th century for cunnilingus, based on gam, a slang term for leg.

O.O

Thank you Kathryn for expanding my vocabulary!

.

Has anyone else had a familar experience while reading a book where you read a word and had no idea what it was and when you looked up the meaning, it came as a shock?

Pride and Prejudice Has been Twilightfied

First it was Wuthering Heights:

Now it looks like Pride and Prejudice has been "Twilightfied" with their cover. From B&N:

What do you think about these classic romances with their Twilight like covers? Will teens go out of their way to read these books because they have been "Twilightfied"?

.

I'm all for any marketing that can get anyone to read classics such as these. But then I think it may get out of control.

.

What's next? Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham or The Cat in The Hat? The cat wearing his red and stripped hat holds an apple? Thing One and Thing Two will wear blood red roses in their hair, where you will be able to scratch and sniff sparkles on them?

The Outlander Cease and Desist Letter

9/22/09

From: The law offices of Heathcliff, Roarke, Rehvenge & Darcy Esq.
To: Kmont from Lurve Ala Mode

Dear Ms. Kmont,

Our client, the admirable and Katiebabs, who has a great head of hair and superior speed reading skills, has hired us to bring a cease and desist letter against you, Miss Kmont in regards to your post titled, I Didn’t Like Outlander- Whackadoo or Just Swell? Her concern is that she simply cannot understand how you have turned your back on Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series that is loved by thousands if not millions?

With a very much popular book series that again is beloved so many, it simply doesn’t make sense why you wouldn’t join the majority? Hello, over 1100 reviews on Amazon are 5 stars for Outlander! Why not join these ranks of being a much coveted Amazon reviewer?

Yes, Claire Randall, a woman from the 21st century falling through a bunch of stones and ending up in the Scottish Highlands in 1743 may be a bit strange, as well as the incredible, over the top drama and action can be a bit too much at times. And let's not forget these important facts:

-The small controversy about Jamie punishing Claire by spanking her with a belt because she places herself in danger.

-The abuse and rape of Jamie Fraser is cringe worthy as well as heartbreaking.

-And don’t get us started on all the hot, smoldering, aching sex the Claire and Jamie have, all the way into their mid-fifties.

-And what’s the deal with Jamie calling Claire Sassenach? When we see the word Sassenach we think of:

How can you deny yourself a hero like Jamie who is not only a redhead but a virgin whose love for Claire is one of the greatest all time love stories ever?

But we digress. We have hard facts that support out case because of the documentated conversation on Twitter:
.

@KMont Jamie didn't get you all hot and bothered?10:57 AM Sep 3rd from web in reply to KMont- katiebabs

@KMont how could you not find Jamie to be oh so sexy?11:19 AM Sep 3rd from web in reply to KMont- katiebabs

@katiebabs Hmmm, well, the book was just boring, but I've also heard he hit Clare, things like that. Not interested in cavemen. 11:26 AM Sep 3rd from web in reply to katiebabs -KMont
@katiebabs PLUS - I was so bored I skipped to end and read what happened to Jaime. Scarred for life with that damn book.11:26 AM Sep 3rd from web in reply to katiebabs- KMont

This really shows that you and Miss Katiebabs are twitter addicts. This “blahblahed” discussion, as you call it, between our client and yourself has forced our client to bring forth a reading challenge! Because today is the release date of the much anticipated An Echo in the Bone, Katiebabs is not only anxious to begin reading all 832 pages that will have her reading even in the bathroom, but wants you to rethink your bias against Outlander.

You as well as others *coughanafrombooksmugglerscough* have expressed your dismay over Katiebabs not reading J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. For the longest time she has not succumbed to the Rowling masses! She in turn will read the first four books in the Harry Potter series. All she asks of you is to read Outlander and the second book, Dragonfly in Amber. This deal is in your favor since the amount of pages Katiebabs will be reading is more.

Example:
Total of Harry Potter pages Katiebabs will read: 1843
Total of Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber pages Kmont will read: 1308

As you can see Katiebabs has more words to read than you do. She will even allow you as much time as you would like to read these two books that will have you aching for the rest by the end.

You have 24 hours to respond to this letter and reading challenge. Failure to do so will cause us to raid your home and take possession of all your precious books and your much coveted shamwows.

.

In regards,

Heathcliff, Roarke, Rehvenge & Darcy Esq.

Catching Fire Book Review *Suzanne Collins*

A word of warning to those who haven’t read The Hunger Games: There will be some spoilers here since I will mention some events from the first book that tie into Catching Fire, the second book in this series.

Suzanne Collins' Catching Fire leads off where The Hunger Games end. Katniss Evergreen and Peeta Mellark of District 12 are the winners of the seventy-forth Hunger Games. They almost decided to commit suicide by eating poisoned berries because at the last minute the Capitol changed the rules on them where there could be only one winner. Instead of fighting to the death, their last rebellious act would be where they both die holding hands. Peeta wanted Katniss to live because he loved her so. Katniss couldn’t live with the guilt of Peeta dying and her living. They decide to go out with a bang. But because the television audience, who watched them in the arena became their biggest fans, the outpouring of support for them both was too strong. The Capitol calls them both the winner and allows them to go back to their homes in District 12 where they will have a life fit for a king. Katniss thinks all will be well. She can do her final duty on the Victory Tour beside Peeta where they pretend that they are deeply in love and then vanish into a life of peace and quiet.

But it isn’t that easy. Because of Katniss and Peeta’s act of defiance, the other Districts are ready to rebel. President Snow who rules over the Capitol despises Katniss and knows that she is faking her feelings for Peeta. It is a rouse to keep her safe and continue to be the much loved girl of the people. President Snow holds her responsible for these rumblings of rebellion and if she can’t stop it, he will lash out. He will strike with vengeance against everything she holds dear. He can’t kill her or Peeta, so instead he will look towards Gale, the young man Katniss has grown to love.

Poor Katniss was only thinking of surviving while play the games. Now she must squash the spirit of those in the districts who want to go against the Capitol. And because the Capitol is all ruling and they like to change the rules, they decide on another game. The talk of rebellion coincides with the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Hunger Games, also know as the Quarter Quell. Now all the winners of the past Hunger Games will compete against each other to the death until there is only one winner. This time it is not just children, but adults also. Katniss and Peeta are sent back into the games, knowing they may have to kill each other once again in order to make it out alive.

Catching Fire is very much a survival of the fittest book, much like The Hunger Games was, but this time the twist is that not only are the young people thrown into the fire, so to speak, but the adults who have as much to loose as they do. You can’t help but be on the edge of your seat as you read wondering if the Capitol will go as far as to annihilate certain Districts that will no longer be quiet or beaten into submission. This sequel has much more of a desolate feel than the first because even though Katniss has come out the winner, she has so much to lose. The stakes have risen for Katniss in ways she could have never imagined.

Even though this is an action packed, nail biting suspense story, I felt something was a bit lacking. The fact that the Capitol can do whatever they want at a moment’s notice didn’t sit well with me. All of a sudden the President and the ones who make the rules decide to change them so suddenly because they are annoyed by one girl who got the better of them. It reeks too much of manipulation on Suzanne’s part, to keep the reader engaged. I would have preferred more about the uprising of the Districts rather than another Hunger Games where everything goes. Yes, I know the Capitol is not fair in its thinking and their point is to destroy freedom and free will, but by having all the past winners come together and fight to the death just seems too much and doesn’t shock as it should. And the way things work out in such a way for Katniss was too unbelievable. Katniss is a bright girl, but this time around, everything seems to fall into her lap. We know she will survive come the end no matter what happens. That suspense factor has been dulled down in regards to her.

Even with that in mind, Katniss is still very much a strong and awe inspiring character. Her dedication and sacrifice keeps the reader hooked. She is a bit lost in the world with her new found fame and her feelings between Peeta and Gale. Readers will be torn by whom they think Katniss should be with because both men are wonderful in their characterizations, even though Peeta sticks out a bit more for me. Perhaps it is all due to the kissing he and Katniss shared together in The Hunger Games?

The last chapter is a bit shocking because I didn’t expect it. And when you read the last sentence, your mouth will drop and you may be at a loss for words. It’s quite the cliff hanger that will have people clenching their fists wanting the next book.

Catching Fire does have much to recommend about it, but it didn’t affect me as strongly as The Hunger Games did. Katniss is an incredibly written heroine that most young female readers should aspire to be. She is the hope of a better tomorrow and the one who can turn the Capitol on its ear. The third book in this series will surely have a conclusion that many will talk about for years. (Scholastic)

Final Grade: B

Hunger Games Book Review *Suzanne Collins*

Suzanne Collins’ post apocalyptic world in The Hunger Games and the sequel, Catching Fire is a combination of Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game, George Orwell’s 1984 and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The main reason these two books by Collins had such a strong affect as I read is because children are the victims here and it all comes down to survival of the fitness for these poor innocents. Only the strong will survive and it doesn’t matter what age you are. If you are weak and can’t kill off your attacker before they do you, then you will become their prey, unless you can become the predator instead.

This first post will be my thoughts on The Hunger Games and then I will have another post with my thoughts on Catching Fire. Because I am so wordy, I had to break up both reviews.

These books are not comfortable reads. In part it has to do because of children killing one another due to a society that suffers under the Capitol, a force no one wants to go against. The Hunger Games begins in the distant future where the United States has been eradicated because of countless natural disasters and war. This end of day scenario leads to a new, darker world where out of the ashes comes even more famine, sickness and poverty. The US is now known as Panem, ruled by the Capitol that in turn rules over the twelve districts. Originally there were thirteen of these districts but because they rose up against the Capitol, they were defeated and the thirteenth was obliterated. Each year there is an event called the Hunger Games as punishment against the districts.

The Hunger Games goes as follows: each of the twelve districts, through a lottery chosen, will send one girl and one boy between the ages of twelve to eighteen to participate. They are called tributes and these twenty-four will be in an outdoor arena over an unlimited period where they must fight to the death. The last one standing wins. They also have to put up with harsh weather conditions and killer animals controlled by the Capitol. This is the Capitol’s way of stopping rebellion. Instead of making the adults suffer, stick them where it hurts and make their children suffer instead. And the really messed up thing is that this is broadcasted on television, much like the reality shows we watch and enjoy so much. The ultimate prize is that the victor of the Hunger Games will have a life of luxury for them and their family.

In District 12 lives sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen with her younger sister Prim and their fragile mother who is a healer. Katniss is the glue that keeps her family together ever since their father died. Because food is so scarce, Katniss toned her hunting and gathering skills. If she is found hunting in the woods, beyond the electric fence that surrounds District 12, she will be punished. She also has a hunting buddy in the eighteen year old Gale, who works in the coal mines and is very popular with the girls.

Katniss and Gale’s chances at being picked are very strong because they made sure to add their names multiple times in exchange for tessetae, which is a small amount of grain and oil given to a person for a year. Katniss and Gale have done this to keep their families from starving. As the reaping commences, Prim is one of the children picked. Katniss knows Prim doesn’t have a chance in winning and volunteers as a tribute. And when the other tribute is announced, Katniss is in for another shock. It is Peeta Mellark, the baker’s son. Katniss and Peeta have a history together, one that Katniss wants to forget. Peeta is a strong and muscular young man. Her odds are not in her favor.

Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol and treated like VIP’s. They are given food, clothes, and servants to wait on their every need. They also train and learn about their competitors. They are watched almost every minute of the day, under a microscope due to television cameras that follow their every move. They are interviewed and must act as if this is their greatest moment. Perhaps the Capitol gives these children some joy in their final moments because they know that twenty-three of these individuals won’t be going home? During this time, Peeta figures out how to manipulate the public. You want to gain sponsors while you are in the games, because they will send you things to help you survive. He admits his undying love for Katniss. It seems he has always loved her. Katniss is appalled because she doesn’t feel that way about him. Is he lying to gain sympathy or is he telling the truth?

And then the games are on. If there is not enough killing going on between the competitors, the Capitol will rig it so they are not only fighting each other but mother nature and technically advanced creatures the Capitol has created. Katniss is a very skilled girl and is able to keep one step, or rather above (she hides in trees) everyone else. She expects at one point she will have to engage in combat with Peeta. But then the Captiol changes the rules. Under the new rule, both tributes from the same district will be declared winners if they are the last two alive. Now Katniss has hope that if she and Peeta can team up together, they both can be the winners of the seventy-forth Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is a chilling read. The desperation and horrors that these children and their families go through is sickening. To think that there could be a future like this really made for difficult reading. Every emotion was engaged while I read and I have to hand it to Suzanne Collins for writing a complex world. There are so many lessons to be learned from reading The Hunger Games.

Suzanne’s world building skills are simple amazing. I could visualize the sights and sounds of District 12 and the Capitol. She also makes sure to show how the family unit and basic human needs are so very important. Most importantly the questions of one’s morals comes into play here. Katniss and Peeta are essentially very moral and caring people. But what does one do when it comes down to you and the person you care about? Knowing there can only be one victor and you alone are the one to make this heavy life altering decision can bring many consequences. When backed into a corner where you have to kill others to protect yourself and come out alive, would you be able to do it? Would you be able to live with the guilt of taking an innocent life because of an evil and vindictive higher power that forces you to?

The Hunger Games is very violent. We actually see the children in the games being killed. We see them being tortured. There were a few times I had to put this book down because the descriptive passages were too much to handle. You end up rooting for Katniss and those she ends up protecting in the games. A few tears will find their way down your cheeks. Katniss and Peeta’s relationship is a very strange one. Peeta knows what he wants from Katniss, but she is so unsure. Watching these two try and remain strong for each other is very powerful, and not because of the romantic aspect.

Suzanne raises these questions and more. The Hunger Games is a book that brings to light so many issues and places it in the hands of the next generation, the children who look at life with an open mind, but through the way society and the world around them acts, they learn some harsh realities. I strongly recommend that parents read The Hunger Games with their children because both can learn so much from this story. Suzanne Collins shows a different side of human nature and works it in such a way where after you finish reading the last page, you will be questioning your own actions and morals. (Scholastic)

Final Grade: B+