Monday's book review: On Dublin Street

because i've been doing a ton of reading lately (shocker), i decided to start a Monday's Book Review of whatever i'm reading. if i like the reviewing of books, i'll add other days too, but for now, let's just stick with monday's shall we? good. thanks.

now, to warn you, my current favorite genre is adult erotica romance, and while that might not be your cup-o-tea, it's mine and this is my blog. so there. if the book doesn't have an HEA (happily ever after) i really won't read it. it's just that simple, people. good ending yes. bad ending no. easy.

plus, i've had a dry spell with my posts and maybe writing about what i'm reading will help get me back into the swing of blogging.

so i'm going to start with On Dublin Street, recommended to me via Maryse. if you don't read her blog, she's a great resource for all things romance and paranormal. i'm beginning with this book simply because i just finished it and it's still fresh in my mind.

this particular book i listened to, but i also have it in e-reader format. 

 
On Dublin Street


by Samantha Young

now in my early forties, i find myself in a teenage wonderland of adult erotica, but after a recent running jag on that genre i thought i'd try On Dublin Street. it had great reviews from my favorite book blog, Maryse, but a lot of her reviews can be upbeat and not always my taste.

this book was so good, right from the start. i listened to it back-to-back because i just couldn't let the characters "go" -- and put them back on the shelf, so-to-speak.

jocelyn meets braden whilst sharing a cab. there's instant attraction but end up exiting the cab without exchanging any personal information. jocelyn rents a flat with ellie, who ends up being braden's sister--what a great twist to it too, because while i kinda figured it out, it was fun to watch it unfold in the story.

jocelyn has issues that she rarely, if ever, speaks of, and braden is interested in getting with jocelyn however he can. they set up a "friends with benefits" agreement to last three months. it's during those three months where we are put through the ringer of emotional turmoil with jocelyn, but oh, how i loved the ride.

braden is tender yet incredibly fun and quick-witted. i think he's my new christian grey. sigh. the chemistry between them is completely infectious, the banter fantastic. i found myself giggling all over the place and let's not forget the steamy scenes. oh my word, they were amazing. my heart was beating out of my chest.

the character development was excellent and i hear that there's a second book to come out may 7th, about one of the characters mentioned in this book. so of course, i'll be getting book two as well. also, the narration was superb and it made the book so enjoyable.

give it a try, even if you LOVED or HATED Fifty Shades, this is nothing like that (no paddling, weird sex or angry sex scenes in Dublin). it was refreshingly sweet but still had a great deal of drama.

i adored On Dublin Street and i think you will too.

updated 1.29.13: i found a "christmas edition" story from my goodreads search. here's the linky over on smexybooks' blog. i can't wait to read this. :) love joss and braden. click HERE to read the christmas short by samantha.



ps: these opinions are strictly my own, i was not paid to write my review. 

The Help by Katherine Stockett

Last week I finished The Help by Katherine Stockett. I have so much emotion when it comes to this book, that I don't exactly know where to begin.

The characters were brilliantly written and since I did the audio version, I have to tell you how beautiful the narrators were. If given the choice, I would easily choose the audio over the hardcover any day. It was like stepping into an old radio show, only so much better since there was no laugh-track to annoy you in the background. Nothing like that. It was divine.

Since beginning the book I have found out how many others have read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes when I read a book I get too involved, too wrapped up in the story and find myself worrying over things I cannot control. It was the case in this book. But really? Isn't that the best part of a book when you find yourself lost in it's words and the desire to keep the characters with you forever begins to grow? I think it is. When I talk to my Mother about my books, I think she feels that I'm silly to put so much emotional energy into a book. I can remember being a young girl and watching The Parent Trap over and over again, simply to learn each line, to know each expression and to have the ability to repeat the phrases in daily talk because? Because that is just the most awesomeness thing, that's why. :)

I found out that a new friend is in the middle of The Help and she's loving every minute. I wish I were her... the not knowing of it? The i-have-no-clue-how-this-is-going-to-turn-out excitement?

If you want to read what The Help is about, you can go here to find out more. :) Give it a try. Don't be like me who stuck her nose up to it simply because it wasn't about fluff and nonsense (ie: Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse) but really drink it in, the people will come alive and you will enjoy every word. I promise.

On Katherine's site has a clip of the audio version, please take a listen. You'll fall in love with Minny...she's a tough-natured but soft-at-heart woman (think Oprah in The Color Purple). GO HERE!  When you listen to the book, please know that the character, Ceila, is as kind as they come and wants desperately to be friends with Minny. She is sweet and precious. I fell in love with them all. (which is why I'm listening to it again...)

xoxo




ps: what am i reading now? It's called South of Broad by Pat Conroy

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Where have I been you ask? Oh wow, well here and there. Which translates to my bedroom, my mail closet and my bead room. I've been making beads and finishing orders and wishing for better lighting because I can't list any new things right now. It's just too bright and I can't get the pictures the way I want them. Oh well. I'm about ready to throw in the towel. Anyway...

So. I started a new book. For the last month I've been listening to fun things like Twilight book four (Breaking Dawn), Sookie Stackhouse (book one), Tuck Everlasting (love this book) but all the while longing for my Outlander series that I've forced myself to take a break from (at least until March). I'm sure you're thinking that's a silly idea and yes I do agree with you, but I'm just trying to make it last I guess. It's been fun to re-listen to some of my favorite series books and since I've already listened once, it's not like I have to pay close attention should someone come in and ask me a question (ie: Nathaniel). ha.

Someone told me about a book, The Help, by Stockett and I didn't think much of it at first because I knew it was a book about racial indifferences in the sixties. I tend to steer clear of controversial issues in my books and keep it easy... vampires, blood, daggers and such. But the comments on this particular book was really captivating and well, I decided to download it.

I'm now two hours in and I cannot stop listening. It's precious. It has such charm, and right from the beginning you fall in love with the first character "speaking". Aibileen. I can't wait to learn about them all. If you haven't read this one, you might want to try it out. It's a winner and I'm worried that I'll be sad when it's over. The stress...

New earrings coming. :)

Enjoy your Friday tomorrow. We're supposed to get five inches of snow. Please pray that we don't. lol

Next on my list...

While working on orders today, I finished Drums of Autumn and I must say that I'm sad. It's such a wonderful series that Diana Gabaldon has written, that it makes me want to hurry on to the next book, The Fiery Cross. However, I've decided to take a break from her books and do some more light-hearted works instead.

Now, I know you're wondering what I'm going to read next (because many of you email me, asking! hee hee) so I'll tell you. I am going to start Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris (same author as my beloved Sookie books!). Also, there's a book that my son wants me to read (something about a house and a scorpion?). He promises me that I'll love it. When he was in the middle of the book he kept wanting to tell me all about it and finally he said, "well, you're just going to have to read it because I can't tell you everything!" lol So, I'll take his advice and read that one too.

I'll miss my Jamie and Claire, but I'll get back to them after the holidays, it will give me something to look forward to.

What are you reading?



PS: I have these on special today... in honor of December 1st and all the little boys and girls waiting on Santa.

Diana Gabaldon comes to Lexington!

Ok peeps!

It was awesome! You know, I've never been to a book signing (unless you can count the children's book guy - Kevin Henkes and Jimmy Carter's signing of his book of poems), and this was really fun. :) I'm definitely doing it again...they said she would be back to Lexington. Yay!

Missy and I left my house a little after 4p to meet up with Moon who was already in Lex. We had dinner at the Bistro (always grand--they do a great chicken salad on croissant with bacon and swiss... excellent! you must try it out sometime) and then headed downstairs to wait.

Our wait wasn't terribly long, maybe an hour or so. It was pleasant chatting with other Outlander-lovers and finding out that we also had other similar loves regarding books (ie: Sookie, Twilight etc). Who knew!? lol It was giggles about this and that, fun stuff. Among the fans we saw some kilt-wearing fellas that had no resemblance to James Frazier at all, but I suppose they were just trying to do their best for Mrs. Gabaldon. It cracked me up a little, seeing all the folks in their garb. Am I not a true fan because I didn't have my "I'd leave my husband for Jamies Fraser" t-shirt on? lol Maybe I need to snag one soon... yes. Add it to My List.

Diana was a great speaker, had us laughing throughout her entire speech, if that's what you call it. She gave wonderful details about how she came up with the idea to write this book and how Jamie and Claire "exist" in her mind. I especially loved how she brought Claire to life. Shouldn't I have told her that our little Yorkie teacup is named after Claire? ::sigh:: I completely forgot. Darn. Oh well. Next time. Again with the List.

The highlight was when she began to read a particular passage from Echo and well, um, ::cough cough:: it was a tad (!!!) racy and um, ::stammers and stutters:: it was loverly. lol We all giggled like school girls when she mentioned a few bits and pieces (go with me here, won't you?) and um, ::more coughing:: it was enough to bring beads of sweat to your forehead. :) (but in a good way,of course!)

Missy, Moon and I are all anxious to get to the next book, they're both mid-way through Dragonfly in Amber while I'm nearly finished with Voyager, gearing up for Drums of Autumn. The great thing is knowing how many more we have ahead of us. Do you remember that newness you had when reading Twilight or even Sookie and you thought, "how awesome is this that I'm just at the beginning with the whole series ahead of me?" Yeah. That's where we are right now. :) Good stuff.

So, while we're waiting for our turn at signing, we chat with two sisters (they were a hoot!!!) and I think they were Erin and Amanda... (girls, if you're reading this, it was terrific meeting you!). We had a wonderful time giggling over movies and things our kids do (or shouldn't do). It's always nice to find nice folks to talk to. Moon says I can find people anywhere I go. Isn't that the best thing? To find people just to chat with (as long as they're not crazy?--altho I can handle a little crazy cuz I'm definitely not right in the head, I know that much! lol!). When we bought the book, we were given a letter to be handed in when it was our turn for signing. Anyhoo, Erin and Amanda were a letter ahead of me and I was able to poke up in line with them. Thank you tons, ladies!

Well, all in all it was a simply splendid evening and I am so glad that I was able to attend the event, never having done anything like that before. It's makes you appreciate the book even more, getting to hear how she came up with them? You know? How imaginative. I enjoyed that the most, I think. I wish you could have been there!

Have a great day tomorrow, more things coming to the shoppe. :)

Treasures found!

Today, although it is still morning, has been absolutely delightful! Let me explain.

You all know that I began the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon several months ago, taking my time with each book so as not end the series too quickly. There was also another reason for the my self-made delays. The series goes in this order...

1. Outlander


2. Dragonfly in Amber
   
3. Voyager
   
4. Drums of Autumn
   
5. The Fiery Cross
   
6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes
   
7. Echo in the Bone (yet to be released)
   

So far I had the first four books but could not seem to locate either The Fiery Cross or A Breath of Snow and Ashes anywhere in audible's library or online, for that matter. I did find the abridged version and I certainly do NOT want that since Davina Porter's narration is like butter. I've also read many reviews of the abridged narrator and they say there is no comparison, but still I don't like abridged books so that was pointless to worry about. So anyway, I decided to write to Diana myself. :) Don't you love it when an author puts their email address on their blog page and if you write to them, they actually respond? I know. Totally awesome. She told me that audible didn't have the rights to all the books and once the contract was up they would be able to purchase the final books. Okay, that's good to know, but how long would I have to wait.

Two years.

Um? No. I don't think I can wait that long to find out what happens in the world of Jamie and Claire Frazier. I'm too impatient anyway so this was torture even thinking that I might possibly have to wait that long.

I looked online for a "full compact disc" set and they were $273.00. (um. I don't think so!) There was no way I was going to pay that. Don't even think about it. After several months of searching I began to come to the conclusion that I might just have to break down and actually read. the. book. ::shudder:: lol

And then.

And then last week I thought, why not look on ebay and see what you find? So I did. And I found The Fiery Cross on cassette tape (43 of them!) for $20.00 and $3.00 shipping. Score!

And then.

And then this morning I just decided, on a whim, to check ebay for A Breath of Snow and Ashes. And low and behold there it was...on compact discs (!!!!!!) for $38.00 and free shipping. Now, I realize that this might be a waste of money to some who don't have a love for reading and/or listening to books, but considering that the new price for these books is substantially higher and the USED price for these books on CD is $132.00.... I felt I had the need to do a big WOOT WOOT!!!

So yeah, it's been a good morning, no a GREAT morning!

My plan for Echo in the Bone, the book that isn't out yet (it will be in a few days) is to purchase this on hardback. On September 25th Diana Gabaldon will be at our Jo-Beth booksellers signing copies so I plan to be there! The last time I ever had anyone sign a book was when Jeff and I stood in line for Jimmy Carter to sign our copy of his latest book of poems. :) My best friend Carie bought me a book by William Bennett that she had signed to the kids and I count that a treasure. And I do have a few signed copies of Kevin Henkes books for the kids (love Kevin!). But, my favorite book that I had signed is by Katherine Hepburn. When I was in college I was an avid autobiographical book reader (see? you didn't think I actually READ books, now did you?). Someone told me that if I mailed her my copy that she would sign it and return it, and she did. :) She was my favorite actress growing up. That book is hidden away safely with about forty of the tribute magazines to Diana, Princess of Wales on the week of her death. I don't know why I kept buying them but I did. Jeff even brought home a few. They're each sealed in plastic sleeves so as not to ruin the edges and they are kept from the light so they're as bright as the day they were taken off the shelf. :) I hope my kids will enjoy them someday. Who knows. They might end up thinking they're garage sale fodder, but I hope not.

So, it's been a rather good day. I'm now off to continue on my custom work journey. If you're still waiting, don't worry, it's coming. I'm working every day this week and will also include a few fun things too. :) The days aren't long enough, did you know? lol

Is anyone gonna watch Whitney Houston on Oprah today? I think I am. :) Have a great day, it's sunny here and I hope it is where you are too!

PS: Remember, tomorrow, September 15th is the last day in which I will receive Custom Orders. I'm moving in a new direction and would like to try different things. The 10% discount is still available until tomorrow as well. Thank you to all those who have placed your order. I will finish them as quickly as I can.

PSS: And thanks to Donna for the correction of my misspelling of Princess Diana's title. I suppose she is not the Princess of WHales but rather the Princess of Wales. oops.