tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42152745269031181182024-03-13T13:37:05.195+02:00Lauren's Reading ObsessionLauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-27094604895673310112014-02-06T09:34:00.006+02:002014-02-06T09:38:49.691+02:00Transitioning to Booklikes<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img align="middle" alt="" border="0" class="th imgthumb6" height="80" name="imgthumb6" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="display: inline-block; height: 80px; margin: 0px -4px 0px -3px; width: 160px;" title="http://blogs.technet.com/b/bizspark_featured_startups/archive/2013/08/06/featured-startup-on-booklikes.aspx" width="160" /> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"> Doing a little experiment and am consolidating my Blogger site and my Booklikes blog. Running two blogs is just too time consuming ... It might take a while to get it exactly the way that I want but hopefully it will be worth the effort. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">As such, <b>The Hottie Harem</b> can now be found at <a href="http://lauren.booklikes.com/"> The Hottie Harem at Booklikes</a> and can still be followed via Bloglovin' - </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11724569" title="Follow The Hottie Harem on Bloglovin"><img a="" alt="Follow on Bloglovin" border="0" src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/en/widget.gif?id=11724569" /></a></div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-15132120930040811772014-01-26T11:09:00.001+02:002014-01-26T11:09:03.336+02:00Sunday Post #13<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/SundayPost.jpg" height="200" /> </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Its been a busy week. My dad finally had is gallbladder out on Tuesday That was a nerve wracking hour and a half in the waiting room, let me tell you! They released him on Friday and he's recovering nicely at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The semester has finally come to an end but now its all marking all the time. My students have a tendency to write such drivel but there is occasionally that rare glimpse of brilliance from one of them *sigh*. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I missed last week's Sunday Post, so here is what I read and reviewed in the last fortnight:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/729705739" target="_blank">Bayou Moon</a> by Ilona Andrews</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/814027266" target="_blank">Embrace the Darkness</a> by Alexandra Ivy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/804813317" target="_blank">If You Deceive</a> by Kresley Cole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/794062698" target="_blank">Storm Born</a> by Richelle Mead</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/208032054" target="_blank">Stolen Fury</a> by Elisabeth Naughton </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">*Click on titles to see reviews</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also got some of books:</span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #52d017;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Embrace The Darkness (Guardians of Eternity, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388212140l/1599297.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="The Jane Yellowrock World Companion" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1381298150l/18007323.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="The Angel of Darkness (Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1331343150l/767307.jpg" width="133" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Full Moon Rising (Riley Jenson Guardian, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388347803l/172764.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="Pitch Black (Black CATs, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384193196l/6092671.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Black at Heart (Black CATs, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1384193269l/6316647.jpg" width="133" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Embrace the Darkness </b></span>by Alexandra Ivy (Kobo)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Jane Yellowrock World Companion </b></span>by Faith Hunter (Kobo)</span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Angel of Darkness </b></span>by Caleb Carr (Audible)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Full Moon Rising </b></span>by Keri Arthur (Audible)</span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Pitch Black </b></span>by Leslie A. Kelley (Amazon)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Black at Heart </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">by Leslie A. Kelley (Amazon)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-49677037720781144252014-01-17T10:01:00.002+02:002014-01-17T10:01:32.797+02:00Feature & Follow #12: Blogging BFF<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/FF_2013Button.png" height="200" width="200" /> </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Feature & Follow Friday</b></span> is a blog hop aimed at providing exposure for new bloggers and at expanding blog followers. The hop is hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/" target="_blank">Parajunkee</a> and <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/" target="_blank">Alison Can Read</a> and is a wonderful opportunity for making new friends and sharing your love for books and reading.<br />
This week's featured blogs are: <a href="http://mystifyingparanormalreviews.com/" target="_blank">Mystifying Paranormal Reads</a> and <a href="http://worndownglories.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Worn Down Glories</a><br />
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Q: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Who is your blogging BFF?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nope, no blogging BFF for me. I'm a solo blogger.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do, however, have a real life BFF. We meet in elementary school and have been friends for 28 years. Even though our paths have often taken us away from each other, whenever we do get together its as if we were never apart for long. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This reminds me that I need to give her a call :0)</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3090c7;"><b>Who is your BFF?</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-79701431851409379012014-01-12T10:37:00.001+02:002014-01-12T10:37:27.195+02:00Sunday Post #12<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/SundayPost.jpg" height="200" /> </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Its been a quiet week but I managed to read and review a few books, including:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/200723224" target="_blank">When Darkness Comes</a> by Alexandra Ivy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/412027591" target="_blank">Last Dragon Standing</a> by G.A. Aiken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/509787561" target="_blank">Like No Other Lover</a> by Julie Anne Long</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/802411463" target="_blank">To Desire a Devil</a> by Elizabeth Hoyt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/784629106" target="_blank">Turn Coat</a> by Jim Butcher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">*Click on titles to see reviews</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also got a couple of books:</span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #52d017;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="On Thin Ice (T-FLAC #6)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388192908l/183625.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Kissed by Darkness (Sunwalker Saga, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327169853l/11888618.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard (The Renegade Royals, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1371329702l/17802740.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="After the Storm (KGI, #8)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379765887l/17912980.jpg" width="124" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>On Thin Ice </b></span>by Cherry Adair (Kobo)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Kissed by Darkness </b></span>by Shea MacLeod (Audible<span style="color: #52d017;"><b>)</b></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Secrets for Seducing a Royal Bodyguard </b></span>by Vanessa Kelly (Borrowed)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>After the Storm </b></span>by Maya Banks (Borrowed)</span></span></span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-66324103675961948842014-01-10T09:19:00.000+02:002014-01-10T09:19:20.667+02:00Feature & Follow #11: Blogger Resolutions<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/FF_2013Button.png" height="200" width="200" /> </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Feature & Follow Friday</b></span> is a blog hop aimed at providing exposure for new bloggers and at expanding blog followers. The hop is hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/" target="_blank">Parajunkee</a> and <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/" target="_blank">Alison Can Read</a> and is a wonderful opportunity for making new friends and sharing your love for books and reading.<br />
This week's featured blogs are: <a href="http://dandelionnwine.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Dandelion Wine</a> and <a href="http://thelittleblogofgeek.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Little Blog of Geek</a><br />
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Q: </span><span style="font-size: small;">Resolutions: Put together your blogger resolution list for all of us to see!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A little while ago I created a blogging bucket list for the rest of 2013. Here is my updated list<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for 2014:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Abstract goals:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Enjoy blogging and make ensure it doesn't become a chore</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Work on developing interesting content</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Find great books to read and recommend</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Numbers to reach by the end of 2013:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 150 Bloglovin followers</span> <br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 200 Twitter followers</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 650 GFC Followers</span> <br />
<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Book and review related:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Receive and review a DRC from Edelweiss</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Review one NetGalley ARC per month</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Post/Event related:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Complete my Goodreads Challenge and post about it</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a street team post</span> <span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a Series Wrap up post</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a guest post for another blog</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Join a giveaway hop</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Design:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Create original blog button</span> <br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Create original blog signature<b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Miscellaneous:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Go to a book reading/blogging convention (need to start saving up)</span> <span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Make sure to comment back on blogs that visit</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3090c7;"><b>And what are your resolutions?</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-45132353262977384142014-01-05T09:23:00.001+02:002014-01-05T20:48:02.323+02:00Sunday Post #11: December Wrap Up (& 2013)<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" height="200" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/SundayPost.jpg" /> </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I am back from the Abyss!!! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My father had an acute gallbladder attack and was in hospital for 5 weeks so what with working and running backwards and forwards from the hospital, and now oodles of pre-surgery doctors appointments, I haven't had much time left over for blogging. Hopefully things will improve once he has his surgery this month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">So here is my wrap up for December and a general note on 2013:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">In December, I read <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>17</b></span> and completed my Goodreads challenge of 150 books with <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>186</b></span> read in 2013.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
My favorite book for the month was <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Now You See Me</b></span> by S.J. Bolton and the worst was <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Brighter Than The Sun</b></span> by Julia Quinn. After finishing and loving the Bridgerton's series, I've been working my way through Quinn's backlist in 2013 and all I can say is she has definitely grown as a writer. Its like her earlier books were written by a completely different person - none of the wit and charm of the Bridgertons. </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
New entrants into the Hottie Harem were <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Patrick MacCallister</b></span> in <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Two Weeks' Notice</b></span> by Rachel Caine and Marc Joesbury in </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Now You See Me</b></span> by S.J. Bolton. </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">No anti-hotties this month - happy to say :0)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
The best Kick-Ass Heroine was <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Bryn Davis</b></span> in </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Two Weeks' Notice</b></span></span></b></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The special power that caught my eye was <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Mercy's</b></span> ability to see ghosts in <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Frost Burned </b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Patricia Briggs. </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I got a few books this week as well:</span></span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #52d017;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Anatomists Apprentice" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1350325420l/13458835.jpg" width="135" /><img alt="When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388212146l/72286.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="Paradise Discovery (Passion in Paradise, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1264590014l/7649438.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Terry Spear's Wolf Bundle (Heart of the Wolf, #1-3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1333269848l/9846840.jpg" width="121" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>The Anatomist's Apprentice </b></span>by Tessa Harris (Kobo)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>When Darkness Comes</b></span> by Alexandra Ivy (Kobo)</span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Paradise Awakening </b></span>by Jaci Burton (Amazon)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Wolf Bundle</b></span> by Terry Spear (Amazon)</span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-85562115497132918732014-01-03T09:11:00.002+02:002014-01-04T08:29:46.286+02:00Feature & Follow #10: Favorite Books of 2013<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" height="200" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/FF_2013Button.png" width="200" /> </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Feature & Follow Friday</b></span> is a blog hop aimed at providing exposure for new bloggers and at expanding blog followers. The hop is hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/" target="_blank">Parajunkee</a> and <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/" target="_blank">Alison Can Read</a> and is a wonderful opportunity for making new friends and sharing your love for books and reading.<br />
This week's featured blogs are: <a href="http://www.thebookgirlreads.com/" target="_blank">The Book Girl</a> and<a href="http://www.bookishfindings.blogspot.pt/" target="_blank"> Bookish Findings</a><br />
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Q: </span><b><span style="font-size: small;">What were your favorite books of 2013?</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hmm... I read some great books in 2013 but here are my absolute favorites:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The entire <span style="color: #c45aec;"><b>Kate Daniels</b></span> series by Ilona Andrews</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c45aec;"><b>Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake</b></span> by Sarah MacLean</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #c45aec;">Die for Me</span> </b>by Cynthia Eden</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c45aec;"><b>Lethal Rider</b></span> by Larissa Ione</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #c45aec;"><b>Dream Lake</b></span> by Lisa Kleypas</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>What were your favorites of 2013?</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-14945414808180439972013-11-01T08:21:00.000+02:002013-11-01T08:23:18.459+02:00Clean Out Your e-Reader Challenge: Goals<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span><img alt="COYER Challenge Logo" class="featured-image aligncenter wp-post-image" height="146" src="http://fantasyismorefun.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/COYER-Challenge-Logo-e1383197991747.png" width="200" /></div>
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Hosted by <a href="http://fantasyismorefun.com/2013/09/clean-out-your-e-reader-challenge.html" target="_blank">Fantasy is More Fun</a> and <a href="http://love2readalways.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Because Reading is better than real life</a>,
the purpose of this challenge is to read some of the Freebies and ARCs
that have been on your e-Reader since the beginning of time...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This
challenge couldn't come at a better time as I have dozens of Kindle
Freebies just waiting to be read. I'll be going with the <span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Lightly Clean</b></span> option and of course, I have already changed my mind about what to read from my initial sign up post. Here are the new possibilities (there is no way I will read them all but maybe I can knock off a couple):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Lost in Shadow (Shadow Walkers, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367659448l/17881641.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Blood of Angels (Blood Hunters, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1358720024l/17264134.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Wait For Me" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344212446l/13282015.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Head To Head (Claire Morgan, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365393850l/1399096.jpg" width="123" /><img alt="Stolen Fury (Stolen Trilogy, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1343712930l/4810648.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Ritual Sins" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1350572367l/12825157.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="The Gingerbread Man" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1376560207l/18333010.jpg" width="133" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Looking forward to your comments and stopping by the participating blogs!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-81473624507160805582013-10-13T20:10:00.002+03:002013-10-13T20:12:47.802+03:00Sunday Post #10: September Wrap Up <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="The Sunday Post "><img alt="The Sunday Post " height="200" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/vectorstock_43821-1-1.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Haven't had much time to blog in the last couple of weeks but now that the academic year has started (and the endless meetings are over), I'm hoping to have more time :0)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">I did, however, manage a <a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/10/hunks-of-week-double-hotties.html" target="_blank">Hunk of the Week</a> post, yay! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Anyway, here is the wrap up for September - better late than never...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I read <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>11</b></span> books - mainly UF with some PNR and romantic suspense reads as well. </span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
My favorite book for the month was <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Magic Rises</b></span> by Ilona Andrews and the worst was <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Heat Stroke</b></span> by Rachel Caine although it did have its moments and David is a scrumptious hero.</span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Best hunky hotties for September were <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Curran</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Magic Rises</b></span> (despite one or two bad kitty moments) and <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Owen Grayson</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Venom</b></span> by Jennifer Estep. </span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>The Anti-Hottie Hero</b></span> award goes to <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Jonathan</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Heat Stroke</b></span>. He really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut to stop all the garbage from coming out - jerk! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
The best Kick-Ass Heroine was <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Kate Daniels</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Magic Rises</b></span> (of course) and I also loved <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Gin Blanco</b></span> in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Venom. </b></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The special power that caught my eye was <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Rose Drayton's</b></span> flash in <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>On The Edge </b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Ilona Andrews</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also got a couple of books this week:</span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="My Lady Quicksilver (London Steampunk, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1380024092l/17310126.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4; Demonica #9)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1347473255l/13574102.jpg" width="123" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>My Lady Quicksilver </b></span>by Bec McMaster (Discover a New Love)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Rogue Rider</b></span> by Larissa Ione (Borrowed)</span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-72488983973055287992013-10-08T20:31:00.000+03:002013-10-08T20:32:07.769+03:00Hunks of the Week: Double the Hotties<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>My Book Boyfriend</b></span> group over at <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Shelfari</span></b> has a monthly thread dedicated to the hotties that caught members' eyes over the course of their reading. The thread encompasses all genres from romantic suspense and contemporary romance to urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a few historical heroes thrown in. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The academic year is starting here and I've been swamped in preparation so I didn't manage to post about our hunks last week :0(</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The good news is that this week we have <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Double the Hotties</b></span>!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Always On My Mind (Lucky Harbor, #8)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1366828089l/15835932.jpg" width="123" /> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The Hunks of the Week:</span></span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ty Garrison aka Mysterious Cute Guy in<span style="color: #f660ab;"><b> Lucky in Love</b></span> by Jill Shalvis - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">I have to say Shalvis certainly knows how to create the perfect male
lead. I absolutely adored Ty. He is going in my Top 5 Male Leads for
sure".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Styxx in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>Styxx</b></b></span> by Sherrilyn Kenyon - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">I've always been an Ash girl but <b>Styxx</b> did something to me. He is just so sweet...he breaks your heart!."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Jack Harper in </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Always on My Mind</b></span> </b>by </span>Jill Shalvis - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Man, she writes great heroes</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">" AND </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"He's a good guy, even though he was a commitment phobe but never really with the heroine" </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Thanatos in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Lethal Rider</b></span> by Larissa Ione - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Loved his vulnerability not to mention the tattoos!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FBI Agent Finn McBain in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Hotshot</b></span> by Julie Garwood- </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A real hero and hot to boot!"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">David in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Heat Stroke</b></span> by Rachel Caine - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">He is so scrumptious!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vikar in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Kiss of Pride</b></span> by Sandra Hill - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">What a yummy Viking Vampire Angel he is!!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Jamie Fraser in </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Outlander</b></span> </b>by </span>Diana Gabaldon </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Declan Camarine in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>On the Edge</b></span> by Ilona Andrews</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cam Rohan in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Mine Till Midnight</b></span> by Lisa Kleypas - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes please!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quinn Braddock in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Midnight Lies</b></span> by Ella Grace - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">I alternated between hate and love with this guy, but one thing was always certain, he's a sexy, sexy man!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jackson Davies in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Wilde Child</b></span> by </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Molly O'Keefe - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">He's a great guy, almost to a fault and even skirted the edge of the
anti harem for a time. He's tall and blond with sky blue eyes and is the
town mayor.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Callahan O'Shea in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>Too Good To Be True</b></b></span> </b>by </span></span></span>Kristan Higgins - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">I loved him the first time I read the book and I absolutely ADORE him even more now!" </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Jake Caplin in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>In Too Deep</b></b></span></b></span></span></span> by Samantha Young</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;"> - "</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">This is going to make me sound somewhat creepy, but he was actually
sexier as a teenager than an adult. But we don't get to see much of him
wooing as an adult, so I'm hoping that changes in the next book. And I
don't know what it says about me, but I love a dirty talker. I can't
help myself." </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cade in </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>Faking I</b>t</b></span> by </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cora Carmack - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I don't usually go for the perfect, good boys, but Cade won me over. He
might have a heart of gold, but man, he's pretty sexy. And I liked his
teasing, playful side."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Curran in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Kate Daniels Series</b></span> by Ilona Andrews - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">Oh My God he is such a badass hottie. I loved getting to see him and Kate together again :) Sigh he's just so awesome!"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Noah McCall in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Return to Me</b></span> by Christy Reece - </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">He sexy, smart, dangerous, and Damaged with a capital D. Holy smokes, though he's hot.!" </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Whose your hunk<b> </b>for this week?</span></span></span></span> </span></span> </b></span></span> </div>
<br />Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-57272156597850949632013-09-29T19:04:00.003+03:002013-09-29T19:07:57.456+03:00Sunday Post #9<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="The Sunday Post "><img alt="The Sunday Post " height="200" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/vectorstock_43821-1-1.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The academic year is about to begin and I've been busy working on lesson plans and such, so its been quiet at the Harem. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Nevertheless, I have managed a few posts and reviews...</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday Musings - <a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/musing-mondays-7-censorship-on-goodreads.html" target="_blank">Censorship at Goodreads</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top Ten Tuesday - back again next week (I hope)</span></span><br />
<a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.co.il/2013/09/hunks-of-week-sept-18-24.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hunk of the Week</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heart to Heart - <a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/heart-to-heart-2-banned-book-week.html" target="_blank">Banned Books Week</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/covers-to-covet-7-steampunk-edition.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Covers to Covet </span></span></a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reviews:</span></span></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345667776l/17683.jpg" width="125" /><img alt="Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325328345l/11512712.jpg" width="128" /><img alt="Heat Stroke (Weather Warden, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1309206638l/157526.jpg" width="123" /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/dead-beat-by-jim-butcher.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Dead Beat </b></span></a>by Jim Butcher</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/lethal-rider-by-larissa-ione.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Lethal Rider</b></span></a> by Larissa Ione</span> </span><br />
<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/heat-stroke-by-rachel-caine.html" target="_blank">Heat Stroke</a> </span></b>by Rachel Caine</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And these are the books acquired this week:</span></span></b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Omens (Cainsville, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351111087l/16101040.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Deadly Descent (Bagram Special Ops, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1312060543l/12042790.jpg" width="129" /><img alt="Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348349023l/84183.jpg" width="123" /><img alt="Unchained (Nephilim Rising, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1364349984l/12081652.jpg" width="133" /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Omens </b></span>by Kelley Armstrong (Audible)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Deadly Descent</b></span> by Kaylea Cross (Kobo)</span> </span><br />
<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Sword of Darkness </span></b>by Kinley MacGregor (Library)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Unchained </span></b>by J. Lynn (Library)</span></span></span> </span> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-80675438781887860612013-09-29T09:58:00.003+03:002013-09-29T09:58:53.105+03:00Covers to Covet #7: Steampunk Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Covers to Covet" height="166" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/CoverLove1.png" width="400" /></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Have you ever chosen a book based solely on its cover?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes a cover is a complete turn off but other times they make me want to rush right out and buy the book immediately!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are some recent additions to my <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Covers to Covet</b></span> board on <a href="http://pinterest.com/msthestral/covers-to-covet/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Many of my recent pins seem to focus on a theme: <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Steampunk</b></span>. According to the Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that focuses on steam powered machinery set in an alternative 19th century Victorian world or a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world and includes elements of fantasy and the supernatural. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here are some of my favorites: </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Kiss of Steel (London Steampunk, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344055795l/13507512.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Heart of Iron (London Steampunk, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1366437375l/15927484.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="My Lady Quicksilver (London Steampunk, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1380024092l/17310126.jpg" width="121" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Love the Victorian feel to the covers for Bec McMaster's <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>London Steampunk</b></span> series. The backgrounds convey the smoky, foggy atmosphere of 19th century London and the juxtaposition with the models' bare legs adds an air of subtle sexuality.<br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13507512-kiss-of-steel" target="_blank">Kiss of Steel</a> by Bec McMaster</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15927484-heart-of-iron" target="_blank">Heart of Iron</a> by Bec McMaster</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17310126-my-lady-quicksilver" target="_blank">My Lady Quicksilver</a> by Bec McMaster</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The covers for A. A. Aguirre's <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Apparatus Infernum</b></span> series epitomize the best of the Steampunk genre. The streetlamps in the background and the gears and cogs in the foreground convey the genre so clearly.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1352856158l/15808271.jpg" width="123" /><img alt="Silver Mirrors (Apparatus Infernum, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379545655l/18104927.jpg" width="123" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15808271-bronze-gods" target="_blank">Bronze Gods</a> by A. A. Aguirre</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18104927-silver-mirrors?ac=1" target="_blank">Silver Mirrors</a> by A. A. Aguirre</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Ironskin (Ironskin, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1333049212l/9860837.jpg" width="134" /><img alt="Copperhead (Ironskin, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1358983561l/9860847.jpg" width="133" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The models on the covers of Tina Connolly's <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Ironskin</b></span> books have a classy, sophisticated yet exotic and dangerous air to them. The light and shading together with the inclusion of masks add another layer of mystery and intrigue. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9860837-ironskin" target="_blank">Ironskin</a> by Tina Connolly</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9860847-copperhead?from_search=true" target="_blank">Copperhead</a> by Tina Connolly</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Links to Goodreads</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-58434238982095201522013-09-27T09:49:00.000+03:002013-09-27T09:51:52.865+03:00Feature & Follow #8: My Reading Nook<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" height="200" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/FF_2013Button.png" width="200" /> </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Feature & Follow Friday</b></span> is a blog hop aimed at providing exposure for new bloggers and at expanding blog followers. The hop is hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/" target="_blank">Parajunkee</a> and <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/" target="_blank">Alison Can Read</a> and is a wonderful opportunity for making new friends and sharing your love for books and reading.<br />
This week's featured blogs are: <a href="http://www.musingsofablogder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Musings of a Blogder</a> and <a href="http://www.wordsandteabottles.com/" target="_blank">Words and Tea Bottles</a>. <br />
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Q: </span><b>Reading Nook Tour:</b> Give us a tour of your favorite reading spots.</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hmm... I used to be able to read anywhere and in any position - lying upside down was a real favorite - all the blood rushes to your head ;0). Things have changed as I've gotten older and now I prefer lying in bed with a cup of hot chocolate and my sweet Jack Russell (Tobie) cuddled up next to me.<br />
<br />
Here's my nook:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1224.photobucket.com/user/lberman1/media/Blog/ReadingNook.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ReadingNook.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/ReadingNook.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Where is your favorite reading nook?</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-54953957660237068072013-09-26T20:27:00.003+03:002013-09-26T20:29:03.588+03:00Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine<b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Heat Stroke (Weather Warden, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1309206638l/157526.jpg" width="123" /></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Title: </b></span>Heat Stroke</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Author: </span></b>Rachel Caine</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Rating: </span></b>3 Stars</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Review:</span></b><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The world building based on the use
of Djinn to control the weather and other natural phenomena is very
interesting. However, as in <b>Ill Wind</b>, the passages
focusing on these elements are overly descriptive and excessively
abstract to the point that they detract from the pacing of the book. </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The
plot is barely existent until the halfway mark and even though the
notion of Djinn being enslaved is gripping and the villainous characters
are suitably creepy, it is difficult to muster any real interest in the
outcome until the very end - if only the rest of the book were as good
as the last few pages. </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Jo
has tremendous potential as a snarky, kick-ass heroine although she
hasn't quite gotten there yet. Moreover, as a Djinn, she is compelled to
act against her free will, a concept that always makes my skin crawl,
and she also has an annoying habit of evaluating every male character
with an almost lascivious interest. </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">That
said, Jo's relationship with David is the highlight of the book. It
might be the romantic in me but their chemistry sizzles and their
emotional interactions are incredible and almost compensate for the lack
of plot and problematic writing. </span></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Hopefully
now that the world building has been established, the next installment
will focus more on the story and character development. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-72759791384810584372013-09-26T20:26:00.000+03:002013-09-26T20:29:28.184+03:00Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="clear: left; color: #e69138; float: left; font-size: x-small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1325328345l/11512712.jpg" width="128" /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="clear: left; color: orange; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><span style="clear: left; color: #e69138; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><span style="color: orange;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Title:</b></span> Lethal Rider</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Author: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Larissa Ione</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Rating: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">4.5 Stars</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Review:</span></b><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: x-small; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Best in the series so far as the Demonic Apocalypse plot reaches a climax and the romance finally lives up to its potential. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: x-small; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Fast paced and action packed from the outset, <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Lethal Rider</b></span> begins exactly where<b> <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Immortal Rider</span></b>
left off with Thanatos bent on revenge and Regan guilt ridden but
determined to protect herself and her child. Thankfully, their love-hate
relationship is relatively angst free as they slowly come to forgive,
trust and love one another. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: x-small; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The
politics and machinations of the Underworld and its denizens continue
although this installment is not as violent or gruesome as the last,
and Ione illustrates once again that morality is never black and white
and so-called good people can commit heinous atrocities supposedly in
the name of doing what is right. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: x-small; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The
only weak point involves the inclusion of the Daywalkers vs.
Nightwalkers subplot, which is insufficiently developed and contributes
little to the story or Thanatos's characterization.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: x-small; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Finally,
there are interesting developments in the Pestilence/Reseph storyline
and some intriguing hints at things to come with Reaver and Harvester.
Looking forward to what Ione has up her sleeve for the next
installments. </span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-56188126982216240142013-09-26T20:23:00.004+03:002013-09-26T20:28:47.104+03:00Dead Beat by Jim Butcher<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345667776l/17683.jpg" width="125" /></b><span style="clear: left; color: orange; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><span style="clear: left; color: #e69138; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span><span style="color: orange;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Title:</span> </b></span>Dead Beat</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Author: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jim Butcher</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Rating: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">4.5 Stars</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Synopsis:</span></b> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">In <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Dead Beat</b></span>, Harry faces some darker ethical dilemmas as he struggles to prevent a group of Necromancers from attaining godlike powers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Review:</span></b><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Despite
his questionable attitude toward women and his bad habit of getting his
ass kicked far too often, Harry has finally wormed his way into my
heart and it looks like he'll be staying there for good. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The
plot is well paced with some nerve wracking action scenes and gripping
developments in Harry's relationships with both friends and foes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Although
Murphy is absent for most of the book, her presence is keenly felt
throughout and it seems that for Harry absence might make the heart grow
fonder. Harry and Thomas also grow closer and their sibling banter
leads to numerous laugh-out-loud moments. Secrets are revealed
concerning Bob the Skull's past and Harry's contentious association with
the Wardens in general and Morgan in particular comes to a head.
However, the most endearing character is definitely Butters, the timid
little coroner with a huge heart who shows that courage can be found in
the most unlikely of packages and at the most unlikely of times. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally,
this review cannot come to an end without mention of Sue, whose
contribution to the story cannot be overstated - you just have to read
the book to find out why. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-3584544803747789552013-09-26T16:33:00.002+03:002013-09-26T20:18:50.645+03:00Heart to Heart #2: Banned Book Week<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Heart to Heart" height="166" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/HearttoHeart.png" width="400" /> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Heart to Heart</span></b> is a new feature here at <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">The Hottie Harem</span></b>. Inspired by <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Let's Discuss</span></b> hosted at <a href="http://www.ohchrys.com/" target="_blank">Oh Chrys!</a> and <a href="http://thefictionconniption.net/" target="_blank">The Fiction Conniption</a>, the purpose of these posts is to either share a book or blogging issue, controversy or even a little tidbit discovered somewhere in the blogosphere.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">September 22 to 28 is <span style="color: #38acec;"><b>Banned Book Week</b></span> and there are numerous posts on the Internet focusing on lists of banned books such as the New York Daily News, which focuses on the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/pageviews/2013/09/banned-books-week-top-10-most-challenged-books-of-2012-includes-captain-underpants" target="_blank">10 Most Challenged Books of 2012</a> or Buzzfeed.com, which talks about the <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/harpercollins/15-books-banned-for-the-most-absurd-reasons-ever-9npd" target="_blank">15 books banned for the most absurd reasons</a>. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The one question that these lists constantly evoke in me is: Why is it so difficult for certain groups or individuals to allow other people to decide for themselves what they want to read and what they want their children to read?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Freedom is something rare and precious (as anyone who watches the news can attest) so why do we want to limit or restrain those around us? And believe you me, dictating what someone can and cannot read is the epitome of restraining freedom, just take a look at the books burned by the Nazis prior to and during World War II. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, in honor of my opposition to banning books. Here are my top five favorite banned books (there are more but I decided to limit myself to 5):</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <span style="color: #38acec;"><b>Harry Potter </b></span>by J.K. Rowling (banned for its promotion of witchcraft and portrayal of evil)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. <b><span style="color: #38acec;">Black Beauty</span></b> by Anna Sewell (banned for having the words "black" and "beauty" in close proximity)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <b><span style="color: #38acec;">In Cold Blood</span></b> by Truman Capote (banned for sex, violence and profanity - can't actually remember reading any of these in the book though)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. <span style="color: #38acec;"><b>Animal Farm</b></span> by George Orwell - banned in the Soviet Union for its anti-communist stance and United Arab Emirates for depicting a talking pig</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. <b><span style="color: #38acec;">The Da Vinci Code</span></b> by Dan Brown (banned for being offensive to Christianity) </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;"><b>What's your favorite banned book?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-89832917166989468802013-09-25T16:45:00.001+03:002013-09-25T16:45:22.624+03:00Hunks of the Week: Sept 18-24<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>My Book Boyfriend</b></span> group over at <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Shelfari</span></b>
has a monthly thread dedicated to the hotties that caught members'
eyes over the course of their reading. The thread encompasses all
genres from romantic suspense and contemporary romance to urban fantasy
and paranormal romance with a few historical heroes thrown in. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Out of Control" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368605983l/17798614.jpg" width="133" /> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The Hunks of the Week:</span></span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nick Robichaud in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Out of Control</b></span> by Stephanie Feagan - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">He's Texas southern sexy and pretty mysterious. Sometimes on the
arrogant side but he has to be when he's putting out oil rig fires.
Double yum".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Marcus Marsden in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>It Happened One Autumn</b></b></span> by Lisa Kleypas - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">Even better the second time. Deceivingly uptight and unyielding, he's sexy and extremely caring."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Caleb D'Angelo in </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Storm of Visions</b></span> </b>by </span>Christina Dodd - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">H</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">e's an Italian bodyguard. As if that wasn't enough right there... I fell in love with him by the end of the book"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Roarke in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Thankless in Death</b></span> by J. D. Robb - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #38acec;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back with Roarke again ... </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">He's still... Roarke:)"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alec Kincaid in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>The Bride</b></span> by Julie Garwood </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sawyer Thompson in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Head Over Heels</b></span> by Jill Shalvis - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">OMG! I want Sheriff Hottie in human form please! Not too much to ask, is it?"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Hunt in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>The Kissing Game</b></span> by Suzanne Brockmann </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The Anti Hottie Harem:</span></span></span></span> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Max "Torment" Huntington in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Against the Ropes</b></span> by Sarah Castille</span></span> - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">His domineering ways were so over the top that he went beyond Alpha
towards psycho-stalkerish. You can bet your supply of sweet tea that I
wouldn't allow a man of mine to growl at a guy who just happened to look
at me. Of course the heroine thought all that was just adorable, so
whatever!"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Whose your hunk (or anti-hunk) for this week?</span></span></span></span> </span></span> </b></span></span> </div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-64387811540578095872013-09-23T15:36:00.000+03:002013-09-23T15:38:14.453+03:00Musing Mondays #7: Censorship on Goodreads<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Musing Mondays" height="165" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/MusingMondays.png" width="400" /></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hosted by <span style="color: #e6a9ec;"><b>MizB</b></span> at <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Should Be Reading</a>, <span style="color: #e6a9ec;"><b>Musing Mondays </b></span>asks you to muse about one of the following each week…</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="background-color: #e0b0ff; border-radius: 15px 15px 15px 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• Describe one of your reading habits.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My musing this week is ... <span style="color: #c27ba0;">a rant!</span></span></span><br />
<center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></div>
</center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbRqeN-OnBZaSwYf3LCbLlW0EAFWUo6rRkAFIX2ViTa53EwuZu" data-sz="f" name="AxImv5GNZozTrM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbRqeN-OnBZaSwYf3LCbLlW0EAFWUo6rRkAFIX2ViTa53EwuZu" style="height: 152px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 219px;" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For those of you who haven't heard, Goodreads has announced changes in their Terms of Service that include deleting reviews perceived as being an attack on the author and deleting shelves deemed denigrating to authors such as "author-behaving-badly". <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1499741-important-note-regarding-reviews" target="_blank">Click to see the Official Goodreads Announcement</a>.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Well, this is CENSORSHIP plain and simple!</span></b> </span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am very disappointed in GR! This action demonstrates that the site is moving in a highly problematic direction away from being a site for readers to one that caters to authors. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">While I can understand GR's need to react in the face of some nasty incidents between reviewers and authors, this was NOT the right choice! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It will also probably backfire on GR as well as authors who seek exposure because readers will always find a way to be heard even if it is somewhere else and authors cannot escape it. Moreover, many reviewers may decide that it is not in their best interest to review independent authors for fear of being targeted by rabid fans and/or having their review censored. Authors need to grow a thicker skin, take the criticism and move on. It is never a good idea to lash out at a reader and <span style="color: red;"><b>if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen!</b></span><br />
<br />
I have decided against leaving Goodreads, although many members are deleting their accounts, because GR suits my purposes for cataloging and discussing books and I love my groups and friends. That said, I am backing up on <a href="http://lauren.booklikes.com/" target="_blank">Booklikes</a> just in case my reviews do disappear even though that is unlikely as my reviews aren't that negative and I don't have any anti-author shelves. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What do you think of Goodreads' decision? </span></span></span></b> </div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-52792688494175369912013-09-22T12:31:00.003+03:002013-09-22T13:13:40.961+03:00The Sunday Post #8<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="The Sunday Post "><img alt="The Sunday Post " height="200" src="http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa411/kimbathecaffeinatedbookreviewer/vectorstock_43821-1-1.jpg" style="border: medium none;" width="150" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>The Sunday Post</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at <a href="http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" target="_blank">Caffeinated Book Reviewer</a>. The purpose of this meme is to showcase new book acquisitions and interesting posts from the previous week. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a quiet week at The Harem as I've spent quite a bit of my time playing with Apple's new iOS. There are some great new features and some not so great ones but you have to take the good with the bad :0)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So what's going on at <span style="color: orange;"><b>The Hottie Harem</b></span>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>New Feature</b></span> - created a new feature called <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Heart to Heart</b></span>. Inspired by <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Let's Discuss</b></span> hosted at <a href="http://www.ohchrys.com/" target="_blank">Oh Chrys!</a> and <a href="http://thefictionconniption.net/" target="_blank">The Fiction Conniption</a>, the purpose of these posts is to either share a book or blogging issue, controversy or even a little tidbit discovered somewhere in the blogosphere.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Design</b></span> - finally figured out how to add an image to the popular posts section (needed to upload to Photobucket and add image HTML). Also added a <b><span style="color: #52d017;">Twitter feed </span></b>although the widget is wonky and doesn't want to load half the time *sigh*. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Joined Booklikes</span></b> - Goodreads new TOS have encouraged me to back up my reviews by joining <a href="http://lauren.booklikes.com/" target="_blank">Booklikes</a>. While I don't write reviews that bash authors or have nasty sounding shelves, Ive decided it is better to be safe than sorry. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, no new reviews posted this week, although I've finally finished listening to <span style="color: #52d017;"><b>Dead Beat</b></span> by Jim Butcher and the review should be up today. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>Now for some other fun stuff...</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday Musings - None this week :0(</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top Ten Tuesday - <a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/top-ten-tuesday-5-falls-most-awaited.html" target="_blank">Fall's Most Awaited Books</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/hunks-of-week-6-sept-12-17.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hunk of the Week</span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heart to Heart - <a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-blogging-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">The Blogging Bucket List</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://thehottieharem.blogspot.com/2013/09/covers-to-covet-6.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Covers to Covet </span></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And these are the books acquired this week:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="Lost in Shadow (Shadow Walkers, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367659448l/17881641.jpg" width="133" /><img alt="Secrets of a Wedding Night (Secret Brides, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1330385360l/13326606.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="Stolen Chances (Stolen Series, #4)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379183057l/18488746.jpg" width="122" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Lost in Shadow </b></span>by Cynthia Luhrs (Kobo)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><b>Secrets of A Wedding Night</b></span> by Valerie Bowman (Kobo)</span> </span><br />
<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Stolen Chances</span> </b>by Elisabeth Naughton (NetGalley)</span><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: orange;"><b>So what have you been up to this week?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-40360200556405065682013-09-21T10:13:00.002+03:002013-09-21T10:13:21.563+03:00Covers to Covet #6<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Covers to Covet" height="166" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/CoverLove1.png" width="400" /> </div>
<br />
Have you ever chosen a book based solely on its cover?<br />
<br />
Sometimes a cover is a complete turn off but other times they make me want to rush right out and buy the book immediately!<br />
<br />
Here are some recent additions to my <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Covers to Covet</b></span> board on <a href="http://pinterest.com/msthestral/covers-to-covet/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Wicked Enchantment (Dark Magick, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1265439998l/6568819.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Cruel Enchantment (Dark Magick, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1264454874l/7404829.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Dark Enchantment (Dark Magick, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1343271057l/8435071.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Midnight Enchantment (Dark Magick, #4)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1313157087l/11030005.jpg" width="123" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Dark Magick</b></span> series by Anya Bast is not new and its been a while since I read it but the covers have always appealed to me. They also reflect the content of the stories so well. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/6568819-wicked-enchantment" target="_blank">Wicked Enchantment</a> by Anya Bast<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7404829-cruel-enchantment?from_search=true" target="_blank">Cruel Enchantment</a> by Anya Bast<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8435071-dark-enchantment?from_search=true" target="_blank">Dark Enchantment</a> by Anya Bast<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11030005-midnight-enchantment?from_search=true" target="_blank">Midnight Enchantment</a> by Anya Bast<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Between (The Between, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348243902l/15808380.jpg" width="123" /><img alt="Wakeworld (The Between, #2)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1378586427l/18281996.jpg" width="124" /></div>
<br />
The covers for Kerry Schaefer's <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Between</b></span> series are cleverly designed with the inclusion of scales on the heroines shoulders and the incorporation of dragons in the image - noticeable but subtle. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15808380-between" target="_blank">Between</a> by Kerry Schaefer<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18281996-wakeworld?from_search=true" target="_blank">Wakeworld</a> by Kerry Schaefer<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson, #5)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1258762890l/6587387.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, #7)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344299919l/13413589.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, #8)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1379437095l/17562900.jpg" width="132" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The much awaited cover for Patricia Briggs' latest <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>Mercy Thompson</b></span> book is also out. The covers in this series are always beautifully designed and this one is no exception. I like the way that they incorporate modern life with the natural world.<br />
<br />
The covers pictured are my favorites in the series. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6587387-silver-borne" target="_blank">Silver Borne</a> by Patricia Briggs <br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13413589-frost-burned" target="_blank">Frost Burned</a> by Patricia Briggs <br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17562900-night-broken" target="_blank">Night Broken</a> by Patricia Briggs<br />
<br />
<br />
*Links to Goodreads<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-72637039329964099362013-09-20T12:39:00.003+03:002013-09-20T12:40:11.521+03:00Feature & Follow #7: Picture Books<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Feature & Follow" height="200" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/FF_2013Button.png" width="200" /> </div>
<br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Feature & Follow Friday</b></span> is a blog hop aimed at providing exposure for new bloggers and at expanding blog followers. The hop is hosted by <a href="http://www.parajunkee.com/" target="_blank">Parajunkee</a> and <a href="http://www.alisoncanread.com/" target="_blank">Alison Can Read</a> and is a wonderful opportunity for making new friends and sharing your love for books and reading.<br />
This week's featured blogs are: <a href="http://ssbookfanatics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SS Book Fanatics</a> and <a href="http://fantasyismorefun.com/" target="_blank">Fantasy is More Fun</a>. <br />
<div style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: #e7a1b0; border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Q: </span>What were some of your favorite picture books as a kid? </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My two absolute favorite picture books as a child were <span style="color: #e0b0ff;"><b>Where The Wild Things Are</b></span> and <b><span style="color: #e0b0ff;">The Very Hungry Caterpillar</span></b>. My original copies were quickly worn out and my mother had to by me another set.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="4948" height="137" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327878225l/4948.jpg" width="200" /> <img alt="19543" height="177" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327878051l/19543.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>What are some of your favorites?</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-18666045587390730162013-09-19T12:30:00.000+03:002013-09-19T13:13:36.716+03:00Heart to Heart #1: The Blogging Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Heart to Heart" height="166" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/HearttoHeart.png" width="400" /> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Heart to Heart</span></b> is a new feature here at <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">The Hottie Harem</span></b>. Inspired by <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Let's Discuss</span></b> hosted at <a href="http://www.ohchrys.com/" target="_blank">Oh Chrys!</a> and <a href="http://thefictionconniption.net/" target="_blank">The Fiction Conniption</a>, the purpose of these posts is to either share a book or blogging issue, controversy or even a little tidbit discovered somewhere in the blogosphere.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For my first<span style="color: #e6a9ec;"><b> Heart to Heart</b></span> post, I'd like to share <span style="color: #3090c7;"><b>The Blogging Bucket List</b></span>, a novel idea offered by Kaitlin at <a href="http://readingismytreasure.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-blogging-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">Reading is My Treasure</a>, which, as the name suggests, is a list of goals specifically tailored to your blog. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Blogging Bucket" height="120" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/BucketList.png" width="320" /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a HUGE fan of lists of any kind, there was no way I couldn't participate so here are my blog related goals for 2013 and possibly 2014:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Abstract goals:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Enjoy blogging and make ensure it doesn't become a chore</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Work on developing interesting content</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Find great books to read and recommend</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Numbers to reach by the end of 2013:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 100 Bloglovin followers</span> <br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 150 Twitter followers</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* 600 GFC Followers</span> <br />
<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Book and review related:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Receive and review a DRC from Edelweiss</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Review one NetGalley ARC per month</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Post/Event related:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Complete my Goodreads Challenge and post about it</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a street team post</span> <span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a Series Wrap up post</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Write a guest post for another blog</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Join a giveaway hop</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Design:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Create original blog button</span> <br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Create original blog signature<b> </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Miscellaneous:</b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Go to a book reading/blogging convention (need to start saving up)</span> <span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">* Make sure to comment back on blogs that visit</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3090c7;"><b>Do you have a book blogging bucket list?</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-38817995108080719222013-09-18T12:34:00.000+03:002013-09-25T16:36:02.687+03:00Hunks of the Week: Sept 12-17<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The <span style="color: #d462ff;"><b>My Book Boyfriend</b></span> group over at <b><span style="color: #e6a9ec;">Shelfari</span></b> has a monthly thread dedicated to the hotties that caught members' eyes over the course of their reading. The thread encompasses all genres from romantic suspense and contemporary romance to urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a few historical heroes thrown in. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Naked Edge (I-Team, #4)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1311702979l/3711152.jpg" width="124" /> </div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The Hunks of the Week:</span></span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gabe Rossiter in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Naked Edge</b></span> by Pamela Clare - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">It took me a while to warm up to Gabe but he was so worth the wait!".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Simon Hunt in </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b><b>Secrets of a Summer Night</b></b></span> by Lisa Kleypas - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">I loved him even more the second time around."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Sebastian St. Vincent in </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Devil in Winter</b></span> </b>by </span>Lisa Kleypas - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">The best reformed rake out there! :)"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Roderick Guerrero from <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Body Heat</b></span> by Brenda Novak - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">Very sexy Ex-Navy SEAL. This book has some excellent banter between the H/h."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mencheres in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>Eternal Kiss of Darkness</b></span> by Jeaniene Frost - <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">What can I say, I went from disliking this guy in previous books to adoring him in this book!" <span style="color: #d462ff;">This hunk has reawakened the group debate regarding the appropriate length of a hottie's hair - some members are sharpening their virtual scissors!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adam Hauptman in <span style="color: #f660ab;"><b>River Marked</b></span> by Patricia Briggs - <span style="color: #38acec;">"</span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38acec;">3rd month in a row. I think he's going into the permanent Harem."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The Anti Hottie Harem:</span></span></span></span> </span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">No new additions this week :0)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #d462ff;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">Whose your hunk (or anti-hunk) for this week?</span></span></span></span> </span></span> </b></span></span> </div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4215274526903118118.post-28879439645218948092013-09-17T11:55:00.002+03:002013-09-17T14:42:28.654+03:00Top Ten Tuesday #5: Fall's Most Awaited Books<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Top Ten Tuesday" height="150" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/lberman1/Blog/TopTenTuesday3.png" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #e6a9ec;"><b>Top Ten Tuesday</b></span> is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://brokeandbookish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and The Bookish</a> for those of us who love our lists!<br />
<br />
This week's list:<br />
<div style="background-color: #e6a9ec; border-radius: 15px 15px 15px 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(8, 8, 8); color: black; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin: 25px; padding: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Top Ten Most Awaited Books for Fall 2013: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e0b0ff;">Awaiting Publication:</span></b><br />
<br />
<img alt="The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, #6)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1363444089l/12240496.jpg" width="123" /><img alt="The Sum of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356091342l/15702268.jpg" width="123" /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><img alt="Striking Distance (I-Team, #6)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1377922534l/15704285.jpg" width="123" /></span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><img alt="Shadowdance (Darkest London, #4)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368136774l/15787204.jpg" width="124" /> <b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ead1dc; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><br />
</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e0b0ff;">Need to read in September/October:</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1375699998l/17684326.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="No Proper Lady (Englefield, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342657495l/11013172.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Winterblaze (Darkest London, #3)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1352606571l/13389546.jpg" width="124" /><img alt="Biting Bad (Chicagoland Vampires, #8)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1352331754l/12958037.jpg" width="132" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e0b0ff;">Long time waiting on the TBR:</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1170871321l/75024.jpg" width="121" /><img alt="Waking Nightmare (Mindhunters, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1347287123l/6453494.jpg" width="124" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e6a9ec;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What are your most awaited books?</b></span></span></span></div>
Lauren Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05364730511377484582noreply@blogger.com16