Purchased for My Shelf

My Fair Succubus by Jill Myles

I do enjoy good romance from time to time, but Jill has actually made it to my shelf. Yes. I'll read romance, but books have to be something special, different, or just flipping good to end up on my bookshelf, and Jill Myles is actually the first author to do it. Maybe she got the timing just right, maybe it's her smart use of vampires, angels, and succubi, or maybe it's her steaming hot sex scenes. I think it's a mix of all those things. Her books are fun to read, characters are enjoyable, and these make for great reference books when it comes to writing my own love scenes. In the end, though, they're enjoyable and a great change of pace. Kudos Jill.

Previous books:

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi

Succubi Like It Hot

Notes from the playlist: "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac

Recommended for A Merry Christmas!

The Chronicles of Narnia (Leatherbound Edition) by C.S. Lewis

Can it really be Christmas without a little Narnia magic? Perhaps, but it probably won't be the same!

Have I read all of the books yet? I admit that, no, I haven't. I'm taking my sweet time (and of course, reading them out of order). I read the first one back in college, a few weeks before the movie came out. Yeah, I'm one of those geeks that likes to compare the movies to the books. But it only takes one book before you realize that they're going to be great fun. I love Lewis's writing style - it's like a fun sort of omniscient. Aslan is always impressive, and you never know what's going to happen next or where you might go - since on occasion you do venture outside of Narnia. It's not all witches and wardrobes you know!

And yes, I totally own the leatherbound edition made by B&N. And why not? It's gorgeous, affordable, and will last a lot longer than paperbacks. Of course, if you have kids, they might be better off with something you don't expect to last for very long. Whatever the format, kids and adults all want to visit Narnia!

Notes from the playlist: "From Western Woods to Beaversdam" by Harry Gregson-Williams

December Book Giveaway Winners!

The winners have been chosen. It was a pretty tight little contest this time, with only four entries, giving each person a 25% chance of winning. This time I didn't even bother with the random number generator - I went even more random, writing names on pieces of paper, balling them up, mixing thoroughly, and then picking two with my eyes closed. So who won?

Mekaela won Gary Braunbeck's Mr. Hands!

Adriana won L.J. Smith's The Forbidden Game!

Congratulations guys! Extra Christmas presents for you this year, eh?

For those of you that didn't win, stick around - you never know when I'll have another giveaway!

Recommended for Kids and Parents Alike

I Spy Fantasy by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

Christmas is coming, so it's time for dreams and wishes to come true and for flights of fancy to sprout wings and really soar. For kids, they can dive into an I Spy book and discover all the hidden goodies throughout its pages and enjoy the fun rhymes that announce what objects to look for. Since I did I Spy Christmas last year, this year it's all about the fantasy - mystifying and magical. Sand castles besieged by knights, cities made with wooden blocks, sparkling jewels, and of course, a unicorn hidden on every page.

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Macedonian Morning" by Bill Whelan

DECEMBER BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Merry Christmas everyone! Last month I didn't do a book giveaway because I figured everyone should be grateful for what they already have. I just forgot to mention that somewhere.

But now tis the season, and I've already bought 5 books to donate to Head Start of Kansas City (and if your B&N is doing a book drive - and it probabaly is - if you can, buy some books to donate before Christmas!). I've also been feeling very generous this season. So much so that I actually purchased a book specifically for this giveaway.


The Forbidden Game Trilogy by L.J. Smith

THAT'S RIGHT! This book again! That's how much I love this trilogy (previous posts are here and here). Maybe some people think I'm over the top, but Julian kicks butt and it's just a whole lot of fun. I enjoy it so much I wanted to spread the love around by putting this brand spankin' new copy up for the giveaway. Our store is supposed to have 6 in stock as often as possible - I ordered an additional 3 because I handsell these as often as I can. So we had 9 in the store a few days ago. Now we have 7. (Told ya!) So if you want to try outwitting a Shadow Man like Julian, go right ahead.


Mr. Hands by Gary Braunbeck

For those of you who like to have something totally different for Christmas, here's a bit of horror for you. I have to say - I almost don't want to give this book away just because I freakin' love the cover so much. And it's a good book, of course. And Gary's a cool guy. But I'd like to pass it on to others so you can see for yourself. If horror is your game, then this is what you want to play. While this is my copy, trust me, I'm one of those people that keeps her books in pristine condition (or as close to as humanly possible).

If you want to join in on the giveaway, just leave a comment and some way for me to contact you in case you win. Pick one book or put your name in for both - doesn't matter to me! This contest will run until midnight December 19th - that way I have time to ship these out and you (might) get them by Christmas - or at least hopefully by the new year.

How can you say no to free books??


Notes from the playlist: "I Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap

Recently Finished (and Recommended)

Bad Kitty vs Uncle Murray by Nick Bruel

Every time I flipped through this book, I found myself giggling. I made a note to find the time to actually sit down and read it - and I did. Bad Kitty is a chapter book series by Nick Bruel. There are only a few of them right now, but with the way these are becoming more popular (and with good reason), I wouldn't be surprised to see more and more come out. Kitty is the main character of these books, but hangs out with Puppy (who is absolutely adorable and reminds me of my sister's dog with his goofy face). In this book, Uncle Murray is coming over to take care of Kitty and Puppy while their owners are away. Of course, with Kitty being the sort of cat she is, that won't be easy. It's a really funny book (I particuarly liked the bit where Kitty was in the closet with Puppy and you get diary entries from Kitty - where one day is about equivelant to 6 minutes). Kids will laugh and have a good time with this, and I highly recommend picking this up - especially if your family has a cat!

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "O Tannenbaum" by Vince Guaraldi

Recommended for Pretty Much Anyone Willing

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Contrary to popular belief, The Lord of the Rings isn't actually a trilogy. It is one novel simply split into three parts - that and many people find it easier to read three separate books rather than deal with one massive tome. Like me. Why else do you think I sprung for the 50th Anniversary Edition with it's gorgeous hardcover and gilded pages? Whatever way you prefer to read it, this is the fantasy story, the quintessential tale of the battle between good and evil...with a few Hobbits stuck in the middle of it.

If you haven't read this, but you've seen the movies, then you ought to read this (...just read it in any case). Besides, even though I'm not a naysayer of the movies (love 'em), in the book Frodo isn't a total pansy, that whole Warg thing never happened, King Theoden was always ready to rock, and Sam ruled even more of the universe. Overall? A long, albeit good, read.

Notes from the playlist: "The Bridge of Khazad Dûm" by Howard Shore