The Reason I Adore Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake was on Jimmy Fallon's Late Night Show last night to promote his new movie The Social Network (that's getting rave reviews) where they did something so adorable and full of awesome that has me to crushing on them both.

"The History of Rap performed by Jimmy Fallon, Justin Timberlake and The Roots."
Maybe Jimmy and Justin will record an album together because it's about time JT got back in the studio and bring us some Sexy Back, Cry Me a River tunes.

Guest Post: How Mho Saved a Marriage From Courtney Milan

She cannot forget the fire he ignited... In the three years since her husband left her, Lady Kathleen Carhart has managed to forge a fulfilling life for herself. But when Ned Carhart unexpectedly returns, she finds her tranquility uprooted--and her deepest secrets threatened. Though she has no intention of falling for Ned's charms, Kate can no longer deny the desire that still burns in her heart.

Or the promise of his love... Ned is determined to regain his wife's trust by using unbridled seduction. But just as Kate surrenders to Ned's passion, her carefully guarded past threatens to destroy her. Now Kate must place her faith in the only man she's ever loved, and the only one who has ever betrayed her...


Yo peeps! Mho Fho here, your lovable demon sheep coming to you at a top secret location. I've take over KB's blog for the day. One of my favorite authors gave me the inside scoop on a top secret deleted scene from her book! Since Courtney Milan and I had those wonderful three days together in Denver this past July, where we gave into our passions for one another (the woman sure knows how to snuggle with a sheep the correct way) she wanted me to be the only one anywhere across the internet to post this naughty deleted scene from her just released, Trial by Desire (KB wrote an awesome review this week about the book). And if you haven't bought your copy of Trial by Desire yet, what are you waiting for? Because I'm a the king of all the demon sheep, you must do what I say, and I order all my slaves... erm, loving fans to buy this book. Now go shimmy on over to your latest bookstore or on-line store and buy Trial by Desire. But only after you read this scene... there's a special surprise at the end!

Courtney and Mho sharing their love in public

I'm here to speak a terrible, ugly truth. One of those publishing secrets that everyone in the business knows, but nobody wants made public. It's one that you'll hear talked about in hushed whispers, if you go to meetings of Romance Writers of America, and eavesdrop. But you won't see anyone spilling the beans on this dastardly secret in public... at least not, until today, on this blog.

The truth--one that has been silently edited into nonexistence by authors everywhere, is that in every romance novel, there is always one unsung hero--a character who helps the hero and heroine out in their darkest hour, guaranteeing their happy ending.

That would be Mho. I am here to recant my former sheep-bigotry, to apologize for what I have done before, and to give Mho the credit and the glory he so richly deserves.

Mho is too humble to say it himself, and now that TRIAL BY DESIRE is published, I feel so ashamed at having removed all mention of his contribution from the pages that I have to come clean.

Those of you who have read the first chapter of my book on my website know that my hero and heroine, Kate and Ned, do not start off in a good place. They were married several years before, but Ned left to go to China, and Kate--rather peeved at this course of action--has done her best to get over him.

In a crucial moment fairly early in the book, Ned needs to decide to enter a building. Before he does so, he calls out a handful of names, to see if anyone else is around.

“Draven?” he tried.

No answer.

“Stevens? Darrow?” He cudgeled his brain, trying to remember more of the shepherds who worked this land. “Dobbin?” he tried at last. Desperation, that; Dobbin was a sheep dog.

Because he gets no answer, he proceeds to do something that eventually helps to bridge the gap between Ned and his wife. But the published story does not include a paragraph that came after this in my original draft. I reveal this deleted content now so that you may see the extent of my sins.

Dobbin, however, was unable to come when called. He was off chasing down a sheep that had purposefully gone astray, so as to facilitate Ned's entry. Risking life and sheep-limb, Mho had clambered to the top of a neighboring hill, leaving behind bits of his own wool so that Dobbin could track him down. Sadly, he'd forgotten to pack a picnic lunch for this travels, and his four-chambered stomach gave him a quartet growl.

Wow. Look at that heroism. I'm ashamed of myself, for having removed his part. But this isn't the only part where Mho matters. At the very end of the book, when it seems that Kate and Ned will be unable to resolve their differences at all, Kate discovers a way around what is otherwise an empasse when she is confronted with... oh, no. I can't tell you. That would be a spoiler.

But when you get to that point--when you realize just what role someone's wool might have played in the resolution of the story--just remember who it was who suffered the ultimate indignity of shearing.

Thank you, Mho, for your sacrifice. And I'm sorry.

Curious about how Mho might have played a role in TRIAL BY DESIRE? One lucky commenter will win a copy! All you have to do is give credit where credit is due: list another book where it's obvious that Mho's central role was left unspoken. This is open for everyone, including their sheep! Leave a comment here by Monday October 4th to win.

KB Pimpin' Future Releases

Some future releases I be pimpin....

This one came out on September 1st, but I had to promote it here because it looks adorable. (and I love the model's hair) Hope Undaunted: A Novel (Winds of Change) by Julie Lessman from Revell.

Synopsis: The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Cluny McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever? A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the WINDS OF CHANGE series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story.

I will read anything by Lauren Dane. The blurb called to me to read it. Second Chances coming from Carina Press on October 25th.

Synopsis: Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she's back, older, stronger and finally loving herself-and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams...and her adult fantasies.

Jude can't believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She's gotten under his skin like no other woman has...and she brings out secret desires he can't resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his.

Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she's in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he's lost his chance forever...

M/M authors, LB Gregg and Josh Lanyon have teamed up! Double Feature coming from Aspen Mountain Press on October 29th.

Synopsis: From LB Gregg: College sophomore Alexander Strauss has one rule: no messing around with straight guys. Especially not his mouthwatering roommate, Shannon. When their ride share drives off the side of a mountain, the two young men find themselves deep in an uninhabited forest searching for their missing friend. Wandering the famously cursed grounds of Dudleytown, Alex figures something truly unholy must be at play, because only insanity could tempt him to break his cardinal rule.

And the blurb for Mummy Dearest by Josh Lanyon: Every Halloween the mummified Egyptian princess Merneith supposedly rises from her resting place at the Lasse Dime Museum in Wyoming to walk the earth once more -- or at least shuffle around a little. Professor of Archeology Drew Lawson doesn’t believe in curses. But he does believe he has only twenty-four hours to get information on the princess for an article he needs to write, then fly back to LA in time for his boyfriend’s mother’s garden party. Or else. Drew wasn’t counting on brash TV show host Fraser Fortune. Fraser has plans of his own for the princess -- and for Drew.

Some nice horror reading here. The Remains by Vincent Zandri coming from Stonehouse Ink on November 30th.

Synopsis: Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape. Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead. Now, it s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year. But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Deiling coming from Forver on January 3rd.

Synopsis: Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

For the Elizabeth Hoyt fans. Notorious Pleasures (Maiden Lane #2) coming from Grand Central on February 1st.

Synopsis: Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn’t bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect – and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire – desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero’s wedding nears, and Griffin’s enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Visions of Magic (Awakening #1) by Regan Hastings coming from Signet on February 1st.

Synopsis: In the ten years since magic has reemerged in the world, witches have become feared and hunted. For weeks Shea Jameson has been haunted by visions of fire. When she unintentionally performs a spell in public, she becomes one of the hunted. Her only hope is Torin, a dangerously sensual man who claims to be her eternal mate.

This book has to be one of my most anticipated books ever from Kresley Cole's Immortal After Dark series.  Finally we get Regin and the crazed warlock, Aidan's story! After the events that went down in Demon From the Dark, this is going to be one dark book! Dreams of a Dark Warrior coming from Pocket on February 15th.

Synopsis: He vowed he'd come for her. . . Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives—only an endless yearning.

She awaits his return. . . When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals, unaware that he belongs to their world.

To sate a desire more powerful than death. . . Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan's torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

Hurrah! A new Jill Sorenson novel coming our way! The Edge of Night coming from Dell on March 2011. The cover is bright, smufy blue.

Synopsis: In a sultry California city on the Mexican border, a brutal crime pushes a struggling young mother and an idealistic cop to the edge of passion—and beyond.

To support her small daughter, April Ortiz does what she has to do—waiting tables in a skimpy outfit at a popular nightclub in a gang-infested area of Chula Vista. When one of her co-workers is raped and murdered, April does what she knows she shouldn’t—defying the neighborhood code by giving the police a hardcore gang member’s name.

Clean-cut cop Noah Young wants a shot at breaking this case more than anything in the world—that is, until he meets the unforgettable April Ortiz. When April gives Noah the tip, a spark ignites. As the fire between them threatens to blaze out of control, the two are dragged down further into the dark mysteries of the graffiti-lined streets, taunted by a crazed killer who could strike again at any time.

Maggie Stiefvater just posted her cover for Forever, the third book (and possible final) in her Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Coming from Scholastic in July. *no synopsis yet*

Le nom man titty. Breaking Point (Book #5 in the I-Team series) by Pamela Clare coming in 2011. Looks to be a trade also. But, I'm so not a fan of trade. We shall see though...

Synopsis: While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.

Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.

Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.

But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them.

Assassin's Heart Book Review *Monica Burns*

Assassin’s Heart (Book 2 in the Order of the Sicari) by Monica Burns is filled with incredible world building, strong, warrior type characters and an amazing romance. Assassin’s Heart stars Lysander, a facially scarred and brooding Sicari fighter. The beginning of Assassin’s Heart takes place a year before the events of the first book, Assassin’s Honor. Lysander has been taken captive by his enemy, the Praetorian. He is tortured horribly by one of the Praetorian who scrapes away the skin on part of his face and blinds him in one eye. Even though Lysander is in incredible pain and expects to die, he has no regrets, especially since he had an amazing night of lovemaking with the healer Phaedra (Sister to Ares, the hero in Assassin’s Honor). He loves Phaedra with everything he has inside him, but his torturer tells him something that will destroy him. Lysander’s mother was raped by the Praetorian torturer and from that violent act, Lysander was conceived. Everything Lysander thought he knew was a lie, and now he feels dirty and less of a man. He is saved by his fellow Sicari, and Phaedra wants to heal his face, but he rejects her healing powers and her help. He wants to live with the scars his father has given him as punishment. And he knows if Phaedra finds out he is part Praetorian, she will hate him because the Praetorians murdered her parents.

Now a year later, the Praetorians are still out to get the Sicari. Phaedra suffers silently because of Lysander’s harsh rejection, while Lysander longs for Phaedra, but turns way from her because of what he is. Phaedra wants to get to the bottom of Lysander’s grief. And even though he acts cold and uncaring towards her, she notices the heated stares he gives her. Also, both are having strange dreams where they come to the conclusion that Lysander is the first Sicari Lord and Phaedra is his wife that have been reincarnated. Not only do they have to deal with the Praetorians upping their attacks, but they must learn to work with one another no matter how hard it is. Phaedra is not one to have a man like Lysander walk away from her. She refuses to let him wallow in his despair, and won’t rest until he tells her the truth. And when he does, it’s just as explosive as the passion they have for one another

Monica really knows how to bring out the yearning, angst and smoldering lust two people can have for one another. Assassin’s Heart has wicked fighting scenes with nasty, powerful villains and more than enough hot love between Lysander and Phaedra that almost had me grasping for air. Everything is explained in such detail that I’m simply amazed by how Monica could do it all.

I’m usually not one for flashback scenes, but the ones with Maximus and Cassiopeia, both Lysander and Phaedra dream about are very well written and fit in the story. I also loved how Monica had me aching for two characters whose story must be written because they made such an impact on me. This deals with Atia, one of the heads of the Sicari Order. She is the mother of Cleo, another Sicari. Atia hides many secrets. One being of Cleo’s father who has no idea that Atia gave birth to her. He is Marcus, a Sicari Lord, who had to give up Atia decades ago because of his important role. Now he’s back and wants Atia. He won’t allow her to walk away from him as he did before. But there’s another man who protects both Cleo and Atia, who also wants her as much as Marcus does. Their relationship is filled with mistrust and hurt. And there’s a major shocking twist with their son that Marcus took away who could possible destroy the Sicari after all these centuries. At times I was more interested in Atia and Marcus, versus Lysander and Phaedra, and can’t wait to see what Monica has in store for them.

Assassin’s Heart is very rich and descriptive. The men are full of smoldering sexiness and their women are their equals in every sense of the word. If you’re lacking an action packed, swoon worthy type romance, do give Assassin’s Heart a read. You will definitely enjoy the masterful talents of Monica Burns who never fails to disappoint. (Berkley Sensaton)

Final Grade: B+

A few other Assassin's Heart reviews:
Blog with Bite
Fiction Vixen
Novel Thoughts

How Some Banned Books Ruined My Life

The Blog- Forever Young Adult has this awesome and very funny post up called The True Story of How Books Ruined Our Lives. In the post, they discuss the "horrible impact" that several of the top banned books of the 1990s had on them.

I decided to play along and picked a few books on this list that ruined my life beause of their shocking explicit material that still haunts me to this day. They go as follows...

I blame Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight for making me cover my body in glitter and getting a bad rash because I wanted to sparkle like Edward. I’ve also broken the law because I stole those Burger King cardboard cutouts of Edward to stand in the corner of my bedroom while I slept, feeling safe because Edward was watching over me. (I know this book isn't from the 90's but I just had to list it)

I blame Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird for me going crazy trying to make a great Ham costume to wear to my local Halloween dance just like Scout wore one. For years after I would call everyone Boo and speak in an awesome Southern accent.

I blame Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic because I learned to be a horrible child to my parents and refused to dry the dishes after dinner, as well as lashing out at my parents because I never got a pony when I was a little girl. And don’t get me started on how I befriended all those ghosts and demons who make me dress all in black and go around scaring my sister every chance I could get.

I blame Thomas Rockwell’s How to Eat Friend Worms because I became addicted to eating worms and wanting to call everyone the most evil of evil bad words- a bastard.

I blame Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind for writing Rhett Butler and wanting to be carried up a long staircase and to be ravished in anger while I wore a scandalous red dress showing off my boobies. I’m still waiting for my own Rhett Butler to ravish me! Damn you Mitchell for ruining my life since no real men can compete with the sexy ‘stache wearing Rhettt. (well, beside Roarke from the In Death series and Jamie from Outlander)

And finally I blame Stephen King's Christine because I started talking to cars, looking for my own killing car machine to love only me and kill anyone who got in its way of our love… but none would talk back to me or love me the way I wanted to them to. I ended up settling with a Saturn that squeaks instead.

So, what banned books have you read that has rotted your mind like they did mine?

Trial by Desire Book Review *Courtney Milan*

It has been three years since Lady Kathleen Carhart has last seen her husband, Ned. Their marriage was more of a polite convenience since their courtship was very brief and unconventional. The way Ned “acquired” Kate was scandalous, and really set things off on the wrong foot for both of them. Kate planned to make her marriage work, but then three months in, Ned announces that he’ll be going to China to deal with some issues that have arisen due to his holdings there. He feels neither he, or Kate is ready for marriage. And because he feels he’s lacking as both a man and husband, he wants to prove to himself, and to Kate, he’s worthy. His leaving makes Kate feel as failure as a wife.

In those three years since Ned has been away, Kate has found a way to carry on, and even though society thinks she only cares about shopping and trivial pursuits, it’s all an act. Kate helps women leave their abusive husbands. She enables them to escape and start a new life. She has just given aid to her friend Louisa and her newborn son and placed them into hiding away from Louisa’s husband, Eustace Paxton, the Earl of Harcroft. This is one of the most daring things Kate has ever done because not only is Eustace a close friend of Ned’s, but the Earl is onto Kate and will make her pay. Kate is staying at her estate in Berkshire, away from London, where she has stowed Louisa, waiting for Harcroft to come, demanding to know where his wife is. Harcoft doesn’t disappoint, but a familiar face arrives as well. Ned has finally returned and Kate isn’t happy to see him. She thinks he will ruin all her plans and side with Harcroft because of his loyalty to him. Ned left England as useless, but now has come back mature and responsible, and one he hopes Kate can respect and come to love.

Ned wasn’t sure what to expect when he comes back to Kate. She acts cold and barely civil to him, but he notices something different about her. The Kate he once knew for that short time has changed. He wants to find out who the true Kate is, and prove to her that they can begin anew and have a life full of respect, kindness and hopefully love between them. But first Ned has to figure out what Kate’s hiding.

Trial by Desire is a very character driven book, which Courtney Milan excels at. Just as with her first book, Proof of Seduction with Gareth and Jenny, Ned and Kate also have their battle of wits. Where these two should have turned to one another for guidance and help, they did the worst possible thing and walked away, only relying on themselves to find the answers they needed. Courtney shows how the support and caring of others can make a person feel valuable and important.

Ned isn’t as dark and tortured as most heroes I’ve read in historical romances, but he hurts inside and deeply, because he feels he has nothing to offer the world. He always had everything handed to him, and because of that he feels less than a man. There’s something about Kate that made him want to be a better person, even though he didn’t have to. He sacrifices not only himself, but Kate’s opinion of him. He basically wants to be Kate’s ideal man, that elusive knight in shining armor, and that perfect caretaker and husband. But Ned only had to ask Kate what she wanted of him. And now as a man who has almost slayed those internal demons, he resorts back to questioning himself and almost loses that hard warn self-esteem he found that he never thought he had in the first place. If one person can destroy Ned, it’s Kate. Ned knows this, but he’s willing to take the chance.

Kate is definitely the stronger of the two, although she hides her fears. She grins and bears it because that was what she was taught to do. Kate wants to show the world her true nature that’s bubbling below the surface, and perhaps its fate that Ned arrived right at the perfect time to help her with this.

The subject of a husband’s ownership of his wife is very important to the plot just as Ned and Kate try to heal their fragile marriage. We are shown this perfectly with Harcroft’s small minded view of women and how his wife is an object to be owned. He’s a nasty piece of work who tries to break apart Ned with self-doubt. Watching Kate handle Harcroft is just as important as how she and Ned fix their relationship.

Courtney has written a beautiful story with Trial by Desire. I soaked up every word and every piece of dialogue between Kate and Ned. These are two people who want each other’s admiration. Watching them finally come to the realization how incredible they both are is very moving. I see their relationship as two leaves flying in the breeze, barely touching, until with on final blustery push, they and come together in a perfect dance. Trial by Desire was a breathtaking romance with a very special couple who both deserve a life full of happiness and joy. (HQN)

Final Grade: B+

A few other Trial by Desire reviews:
Book Lovers Inc.
Dirty Sexy Books
Smexy Books

** Make sure to come back on Thursday where Courtney will stop by and post a top secret deleted scene from Trial by Desire that will only be shown here (it deals with a certain naughty sheep), plus one lucky commenter will win a copy**

The Replacement Book Review *Brenna Yovanoff*

From the moment I saw the cover for The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff, as well as reading the synopsis where the main protagonist is male, I had to pick this one up to read. Unfortunately, what I read inside the book was very lacking. Talk about a big disappointment. The premise is excellent about a very awkward and scared teenage boy who is from another realm. But because of the overall vague nature of the characters and very slow beginning, where again the key word is vague, I couldn’t stick with it and unfortunately this became a DNF for me.

This is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t pick a book by its cover as well as trust the blurb on the cover from a very popular and successful author who just also happens to be part of a blog with Brenna Yovanoff.

Mackie Doyle is a very strange teenager. He tries to fit in, but can’t. He’s known as a weird and creepy boy who is very pale with blond hair and dark eyes. Mackie is allergic to iron, and when he sees blood, he becomes very ill. He tries his best not to bring attention to himself for reason that are just known and not really stated. The town of Gentry, where he lives, is almost as strange as Mackie is. Mackie also hides a dark secret, one his parents and sister hides from the world, where they even keep the most important facts from him. Mackie knows he’s not normal, but no one will tell him why, until one of Mackie’s schoolmates, Tate, has a family tragedy. Tate’s little sister, Natalie, has been killed, or I think she has been killed, but again, everyone seems to dance around the situation that has occurred.

Tate knows her sister’s death was due to an evil influence, but again her finding the answers will be very difficult because everyone around her ignores the signs and pretends that nothing is wrong. A great deal of healthy infants are dying for no reason in Gentry. But Mackie is getting closer to the truth about himself and Tate’s sister, for Mackie has replaced the real Malcolm Doyle when he was only a baby. He’s known as a Castoff and was expected to die, but thrived. Now the creatures of the underground, the ones that have jagged teeth and ugly features want Mackie to join them. If he doesn’t, he will continue to weaken, and his sister Emma will also suffer, for she was the one who was able to save him from dying when he was only a baby.

The Replacement is a very dark and strange book that I had no connection to. No one wants to admit to anything, and by the time I met the freaky supernatural, “let’s wear our scariest Halloween costumes and go BOO to Mackie to make him tremble in fear tween” fairy girls, I knew then I was done. I felt no connection to Mackie, his predicament or the spooky atmosphere I guess should be feeling. I think my big problem was the way things were written. Brenna sets up the story, but does so in such a way where there is too much telling and not showing. There was no depth, no push to keep me interested. Everything was very hollow and more surface reading if anything.

Now I know because I didn’t finish The Replacement, things could have improved in the second half of the book. Unfortunately because the beginning was stale and just blah for me, I couldn’t continue. (Razor Bill)

Final Grade: DNF

I welcome those who have read The Replacement to leave their thoughts about what you may have liked or perhaps didn’t like reading.

A few other The Replacement reviews:

The Bibliophilic Book Blog
Smash Attack Reviews
YA Highway

Celebrating Banned Books Week (September 25-October 2nd)

"Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities.People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and they protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups--or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore contemporary issues and controversies to classic and beloved works of American literature."

The ALA’s Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2009 reflect a range of themes, and consist of the following titles:

1. ttyl; ttfn; l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: nudity, sexually explicit, offensive language, drugs,
and unsuited to age group

2. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: homosexuality

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: drugs, homosexuality, nudity, offensive language, sexually
explicit, suicide, and unsuited to age group

4. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee *KB read*
Reasons: racism, offensive language, unsuited to age group

5. Twilight (series), by Stephanie Meyer *KB read*
Reasons: sexually explicit, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group

6. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
Reasons: sexaully explicit, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group

7. My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
Reasons: sexism, homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group, drugs, suicide, violence

8. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group

9. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker *KB read*
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group

10. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
Reasons: nudity, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group

You can click here to see the top 100 band books from 2000-2009. The number 1 top banned book is J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

I wonder how it feels for an author to have written a book that is too sexual or violent that some want banned in schools and in libraries? The latest author to be a victim of this, is the recent event with Laurie Halse Anderson and her 1999 book, Speak.

Judith F. Krug led the campaign by libraries against efforts to ban books, including helping found Banned Books Week, then fought laws and regulations to limit children’s access to the Internet.

From the NY Times:

"Ms. Krug fought the banning of books, including “Huckleberry Finn,” “Mein Kampf,” “Little Black Sambo,” “Catcher in the Rye” and sex manuals. In 1982, she helped found Banned Books Week, an annual event that includes authors reading from prohibited books."

And you have to love this...

"Ms. Krug credited her parents as inspiring her passion for free expression. In 2002, she told The Chicago Tribune about reading a sex-education book under the covers with a flashlight when she was 12.

“It was a hot book; I was just panting,” she said, when her mother suddenly threw back the bed covers and asked what she was doing. Judith timidly held up the book.

“She said, ‘For God’s sake, turn on your bedroom light so you don’t hurt your eyes.’ And that was that,” Ms. Krug said."

How can you celebrate Banned Books Week? Why not pick up a banned book and read it? Why not read a banned book with another and discuss together what you have read? Why not go to your local library and see if a banned book is on the shelf and take it out? Or perhaps donate either money or books to your local library (why not even donate a few banned books yourself?).

The New York Times has a great article posted in their Education section on 10 ways to celebrate banned books week.

Help stop the death of libraries and lend your support. Can you imagine a world without libraries?



"This library afforded me the means of improvement by constant study, for which I set apart an hour or two each day, and thus repaired in some degree the loss of the learned education my father once intended for me. Reading was the only amusement I allowed myself. I spent no time in taverns, games, or frolics of any kind; and my industry in my business continued as indefatigable as it was necessary." - Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States who formed the first public lending library in America.

What's the most recent banned book you've read? Would you recommend it to another to read and why?

WTF Or Not? You Decide

Welcome to your Sunday WTFckery!

1. *Snicker* From Stupid Evil Bastard: "You’d think there would be at least one person attending that church who could explain to them what WTF is commonly assumed to stand for."

2. Some awesome cringeworthy cover WTFckery...

Looks like smeared lipstick on her booty

Synopsis: When an attack is confirmed against the rich and powerful Edington family, Raider’s Bodyguard Service springs into action. Jake Raider is assigned the independent but spoiled Andrea. He’s protected her before but this time he’s bringing the tools to tame her and make her his.

There are plenty of things Andrea wants to do with Jake but none of them involve business. In the past, he rejected her advances but this time he’s giving her what she wants and making her beg for more. Exploring the sexual needs they’ve denied, she’s at his mercy and loving it.

The title says it all. Thanks to Ms. Moonlight

3. Author Jill Myles tweeted about this Marie Claire article about 6 ways to turn on a guy on. Number 6 really caught my eye:

6. She Can Talk About "Boy Stuff"
Sometimes, I spout off "boy stuff" (read: sports) and unfairly expect a girl to keep up, but I do talk about my fair share of "girl stuff" — cooking, fashion, hair — to deserve a few conversations about serial killers, horror movies, and, yes, even porn.

Now ladies, instead of talking to your guy about his favorite sport's team or about cars, the latest in fun guy talk is serial killers. O.o

4. Female snails seem to be evolving because of chemicals. Now they are growing penises on their foreheads. From Gizmodo:

"Good news for homosexual male snails living off the coast of Western Australia, as the female sex of the Thais Orbita species have all grown rather large "members" on their heads. Sadly, the head-peni have formed due to chemical reactions."

5. It's a big old ham that looks like...

6. Finally, I now can become a werewolf! Maybe I can hook up with Alcide from True Blood? Thanks to Queen B!

WEREWOLF TRANSFORMATION SPELL~BECOME A WEREWOLF

From auction on Ebay: Starting bid is $99

WEREWOLF TRANSFORMATION SPELL

FINALLY A SPELL THAT IS SO POWERFUL LIKE YOU WOULD SEE IN A MOVIE IS ACTUALLY REALITY. A SPELL TO TRANSFORM INTO A WEREWOLF! YES YOU WILL BECOME A WEREWOLF.

"WHAT ARE THE WEREWOLF ABILITIES THAT ID GET OUT OF THIS SPELL"

1) STRENTGH~YOU WILL BE STRONGER THAN A VAMPIRE & DEMON
2) SPEED~THAT YOU CAN RUN AS FAST AS ABOUT 240 MPH
3) YES SHAPESHIFTING OF COURSE~YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SHAPESHIFT INTO A BEAST LIKE CREATURE
4) IMMORTALITY~YOU WILL NEVER GROW OLD AND YOU WILL NEVER DIE
5) MASSIVE SEX APPEAL
5) HUGE APPETITE FOR MEAT
6) YOUR SENSES WILL BE ENHANCED LIKE, TASTE~SMELL~HEARING~FEELING~SEEING/VISION
7) ABLE TO BREATH UNDER WATER
8) HAVING VISIONS AND LUCID DREAMS.
9) YOU WILL BE ALERTED IF DANGER IS NEAR BY
10) BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH ANIMALS AND HAVE CONTROL OVER THEM
11) ONCE SHAPESHIFTED INTO WEREWOLF FORM YOU WILL HAVE NIGHT VISION

7. Speaking of True Blood, any fan will want Stephen Moyer's (Bill) cock sock among other delightful collectables that all goes to a good cause. From Unrated Perez and EW's Pop Watch:

"Moyer’s added his “sock of destiny,” what the cast has dubbed the modesty piece some actors wear while filming their True Blood nude scenes, to the mix. There’d been 82 bids at pub time, and the sock, which has been signed by Moyer and his wife/costar Anna Paquin, was at $535.00. (“Stephen did not say whether the sock had been used or not… we’re not asking,” the eBay description notes.) I love Moyer for this, and expect his sense of humor to be rewarded. The sock has got to go for as least as much as the signed Season 3 finale script he also donated (which was at $900 following 44 bids at pub time). The eBay auctions ended Sept. 4 and raised over $1,600."

8. Can you imagine what it would feel like if this dog with what may be the longest tongue came up and licked you on your face? You just may drown in doggy slobber.



9. I do love a good cup of coffee, but I would think before drinking from this cup. I think of those long strands of dark hair you sometimes find in food in regards to this Regretsy WTFckery.

Enjoy this week's latest WTFckery...

Happy Release Day To Me! The Claiming of Suzy is Released!

The Claiming of Suzy has been unleashed into the world! This hot read can be all your for $3.99. (click here to purchase)

Synopsis: Suzy Bean is a woman who lives in the moment and doesn't mind her overabundant curves. The man she secretly loves, JC Mosino, is the only one who can make her untamed sexual fantasies a reality. After having a bit too much to drink at a party, JC drives her home, where their passions ignite. Suzy thinks that this is night where she and JC will go from being friends to lovers. Unfortunately it doesn't happen quite like that and Suzy ends up throwing JC out because of something he says in the heat of the moment that she takes the wrong way.

Now Suzy's whole world has been turned upside down because she's given up smoking and is sexually frustrated. When she meets a handsome, flirty stranger, who makes her body respond, she becomes even more frustrated. This chance meeting is one she'll never forget, for Mr. Hunk is her new boss, Xavier Marks. Suzy feels guilty because her attraction to Xavier is growing while she still pines for JC.

JC's craving for Suzy is out of control where he wants nothing more than to work things out and become her lover. He has a plan in doing so, but has to work fast as Xavier tries to seduce Suzy. JC is having no part of that, and will do whatever he can to claim this brassy, buxom beauty for his own.

Interest in reading a steamy excerpt?

I'm through playing games." JC turned Suzy in his arms and gave her a punishing kiss.

Suzy struggled as one side of her robe fell off her shoulder and slid down to her elbow. She reached for it, but JC grabbed hold of her ass cheeks, quickly distracting her from covering up.

"It's not fair—we can't do this," Suzy said against his mouth.

"Yes, it is fair. He doesn’t matter—only I do." JC inserted his leg between Suzy's thighs and rubbed up against her.

Oh, my God, I can't stop him. "Fuck me." Suzy whimpered, and wrapped her arms around JC, kissing him with everything she had in her.

JC backed her against the wall. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head as he plundered her mouth. Little whimpers escaped from her as he ground his lips against hers.

"You need to be punished for making me walk around with a cockstand." JC bit down on Suzy's tongue and sucked on it as she cried out.

"Put your money where your mouth is, Mosino," Suzy gasped. I want your mouth all over me!

"Oh baby, the sweet words you say," JC growled.

Suzy panted as JC continued to hold her wrists captive in one hand, while his other slid down the front of her body. He pulled her robe apart until it spread open, revealing her naked body to his eyes.

She watched as JC flicked each of her nipples with his fingers. The pleasure of it all was too much and she arched, wanting JC's mouth on her breasts.

He chuckled softly and slapped the sides of her breasts instead.

Suzy groaned and dropped her head down. Her eyes drifted shut, but snapped open as JC knelt in front of her. When he released her wrists, she kept them pressed high against the wall, pretending she was bound in place and at JC's mercy.

There are 2 other short excerpts on my author's site you can read as well. Also The Claiming of Suzy is up at Goodreads and another surprise in the back of Suzy is the blurb for my next book. BUT... it's bit spoilerish seeing as the scenarios in Suzy are endless...

A. Suzy ends up with JC
B. Suzy end up with Xavier
C. Suzy has a one time menage with both men and then decides which one she wants to be with
D. Suzy has a menage with both men and decides to keep them both.

Interested in finding out who Suzy ends up with? I guess you'll just have to buy the book... (inserts evil laugh)

AND... one more thing...

The lovely Carolyn Crane has a post up on her blog today dedicated to me, where you can have you chance to win The Claiming of Suzy. *Blush*. For those who have read Mind Games and are anticipating her next book, Double Cross, (EVERYONE MUST BUY DOUBLE CROSS ON TUESDAY) they know I'm on Team Cucumber because of a somewhat purple prose like phrase in Mind Games where Carolyn uses the word cucumber.

I went one step futher and placed a cucumber mention in The Claiming of Suzy in honor of Carolyn. (I wonder if she was able to find it yet. Hmmm. Just one more reason to buy my book. *wink*

Contest Winners! Monica Burns and KB's Blogoversary

It's time to announce some winner's here at Babblings. First up we have the winner of Monica Burns's Assassin's Honor. The winner is...

Abbie!

Then I have 3 winners to give prizes to in my two year blogovesary! I'm simply amazed that over 100 people commented and left their good cheer.

The winner of prize pack #1 is: Mina Wolf

The winner of prize pack #2 is: Misusedinnocence

And the winner of Lila DiPasqua's Awakened by a Kiss is: Wenji

Unfortunately Mho stole the booby prize, so until I find where he hid the red elephant thong undies, that prize is missing. *shakes fist at Mho*

Those who have won, please email me at KatiebabsgATgmailDOTcom and send me your mailing address.

And again, thanks so very much to those who keep coming back and reading my posts. Here's to another fun-filled wacky year (where I won't end up strangling a naughty sheep and be arrested for sheepacide).

Double Cross Book Review *Carolyn Crane*

*possible spoilers for those who haven't read Mind Games*

Carolyn Crane is one of my favorite debut authors to come out this year. Mind Games blew me away with the intricate world-building and unique characters. Lately, I’ve noticed that the Urban Fantasy genre has started to follow a formula. But not with Carolyn’s writing. She has written a book that throws many of those unwritten rules out the window. And with Double Cross, she had brought forth her “A” game.

Double Cross begins as Justine Jones, our lovable hypochondriac heroine, is staking out an alleged killer. Justine still works alongside her group of disillusions, under Packard, a sketchy individual who at the end of Mind Games, was released from his prison inside a Mongolian restaurant by the man who put him there in the first place, Otto Sanchez, now Mayor of Midcity. Justine has become more of a freelancing crime stopper, who has learned to control her own obsessive fears, by “zinging” a dangerous person who gets away with their crimes, and hurting innocent people while they do it. Justine is part of an acknowledged “A-Team”, who still crosses some lines, but are no long considered to be vigilantes.

Justine doesn’t really trust Packard because of his tendency to keep things quiet to suit his methods. But Justine is still attractive to him, although she tries to keep it business between them. She feels safe and whole with Otto, who is also a hypochondriac and has bonded with Justine over a brain disease they think they suffer from. Otto felt betrayed by Justine, because at one time he was one of her intended victims (this is all explained in Mind Games). But now Otto has forgiven her, and they are dating again. Midcity is being terrorized by a group called the Dorks. The Dorks are killing highcaps, those people with special abilities (much like the X-Men), and Midcity citizens are living in fear once again. Unfortunately Otto must turn to Packard, who is the most skilled person at stopping the Dorks. And because Justine works for Packard, and is close with Otto, she’s caught in between both men. But that doesn’t stop her from helping out.

Not only is Justine trying to get to the bottom of the Dorks problem, but the alleged killer, Ez a.k.a the Stationmaster, who Justine has been “zinging”, may actually be innocent. Ez was one of the criminals Otto closed up inside a room, surrounded by an invisible force field of sorts, due to his own special ability. During Ez’s so-called reign of terror, she was, and is still able to invaded people’s dreams, making them sleepwalk, and going as far as turning them into cannibalistic zombies. And because Justine has gotten too close, she begins to have disturbing dreams, where she’s linked to Packard and able to see visions of his past. Justine has now become a target as well. As Justine gets closer to the truth regarding Ez, she learns more about Packard and Otto’s relationship, and what they’re both hiding that made them enemies. But then the Dorks attacks someone very close to Justine, and it’s up to her to come to their rescue.

Whereas Mind Games had lyrical, long-winded paragraphs with a slow buildup, Double Cross is more concentrated with the action and underlying tension that again builds, but explodes in such a way that you won’t see it coming. Carolyn has such a twist, worthy of something right out of the movie, The Unusual Suspects or Se7en, that literally had my mouth dropping, where I had to re-read at least five times to realize it was truly happening. This is one move so well played, and the ultimate, rewarding reading experience.

Everything comes down to Justine and the decisions she makes. In Double Cross, Justine is more self-assured and no longer controlled by her fear. She will no longer be anyone’s fool and led around by a collar, much like Packard and Otto would like to do. These men see something very special in Justine, and won’t stop until one of them owns her heart. Whereas Justine wanted to belong to someone or something in Mind Games, in Double Cross she owns herself.

But because of Justine actions, there are consequences, and because of these consequences Double Cross ends in such a way that will have you gasping for air, and sitting there going damn, this was a truly diabolical, evil move on Carolyn’s part. The moment I finished reading Double Cross, I was already anxious for the third book.

The one problem some readers may have is that the first few chapters deal with setting up the story, and I could see a few losing interest because of that. But trust me, if you stick with Double Cross, you will not be disappointed. Personally, I would have liked more one-on-one interaction between Justine and Otto and with Packard as well. Plus, I was dying for more smoldering passion to explode with her and these two men. But then again, that’s just me and my personal preference. (I sure do enjoy reading those sexy time scenes)

Double Cross astounded me. Carolyn has written a thrilling second book in a trilogy that will surely have people talking over the next months to come. Carolyn is one author, fans of the Urban Fantasy genre must read. (Bantam, available Sept. 28th)

Final Grade: B+

*whereas “Cucumber” was the key word in Mind Games, now “Dorks” has overtaken it in Double Cross. Only Carolyn can give a group of psycho killers such a label that will first make you groan and then laugh. This is where her wonderful humor comes into play. And if you ask me if I’m still on Team Cucumber, my lips are sealed.*

Danielle Steel Denies Being a Romance Author and I Become Angry Like the Hulk

I'm channeling the Hulk inside of me tonight as I clicked on a post where Danielle Steel denies being a romance author.

After selling 113 books, Steel said during an interview on the CBS morning show that, "They're not really about romance. It's an element in life. But I think of romance novels as more of a category, and I write about the situations we all deal with. Loss and war and illness and jobs and careers, and good things, bad things, crimes, whatever. And I really write more about the human condition."

Excuse me Ms. Steel, but who was your target audience who bought those 113 books and gave you millions of dollars? Excuse me while I go hurl over your statement that romance is a category and doesn't deal with real like situations.

Shame on you as you thumb your nose at a genre and the people who love this genre that supported you and your work.

Click here to watch the video

How About Some True Mud?

I'm almost done watching season 3 of True Blood, and just like Mad Men, this show has me hooked. I can't get enough.

Now I know the majority of the female public at large are more into Eric and Bill, but for some reason, I become more excited when Sam Merlotte:

and that rough and tumble, scruffy werewolf, Alcide Hereaux appear on screen:

Lickable vs. playful Alcide. Who would you choose?

Did you know that Sam Trammell, who plays Sam, was nominated for Broadway's 1998 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for a revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Ah, Wilderness!"

And Joe Manganiello, who plats Alcide was on One Tree Hill for 2 seasons? Where has this man been hiding??

By now you may have seen the Sesame Street's skit "True Mud," which is a parody of True Blood. Sesame Street may be for the kids, but this show always has the most up to date skits on the latest in pop culture. They even spoof the opening credits of True Blood.

I want my own Bill monster to take mud baths with.

Get ready to laugh...