Conformity - a TV mention

Many of the blogs I jog through have mention of a TV show at some point. I have not been among them until today hence the mention of conformity in my title.

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Last night was the premier of Moonlight, about a private investigator who happens to be a 60+ yr old vampire.

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I'm a long fan of the original Kolchak: The Night Stalker with Darrin McGavin. I don't believe there has been a show on TV for which I felt the same intrigue. I never watched Forever Knight and I'm not sure why since I'm a fan of vampire fantasy - when the vampires are anti-heroes or heroes.

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Alex O'Loughlin is the newest eye candy to be graced with fangs. I enjoyed his intensity.

I was a bit taken aback when they showed how he consumed his daily intake of liquid food. I didn't expect that.

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Believe it or not, this has shadows of a book I read by Karen Wiesner, No Ordinary Love; about a man who saves a young girl only to fall in love with her and once she grew up, realized that the love had matured into a man/woman forever type love.

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I see this happening here too because Mick St. John has done the same thing - saved a young girl from death.

I and probably every viewer last night saw hints of a love interest brewing between Mick and Beth Turner.

That is where the similarities end. The rest is all Moonlight and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

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The secondary characters certainly have provided contrast especially Josef. I'm not sure if he's a genius, a Vampire with ADD or an aged vampire on the edge but he's got me curious as to how his character is going to evolve.

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I can do without the cliche of the Vampiress bitch from hell that refuses to let her convert (Mick) go. I've seen that way too much in vampire romance novels. The conflict in this first episode also has been done before but there were a few twists that made it its own.

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What I liked? The eyes weren't glowing red. Nice to see a different take on the eye change. The scene when he was running after the car that Beth was being kidnapped in was done quite well. At no time did I hear the theme music in my head for The Six Million Dollar Man. I don't believe there was anything campy on how that was handled. I could imagine my favorite Carpathians pushing past the pain of injury to get up and continue the fight to save an innocent.

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I'll give this a go for about six episodes to see how everyone grows; the conflicts, the characters and the romance. I desperately hope that this does not fall into a boring vampire cliche.

I'd like to see a bit of freshness as much as a vampire needs fresh blood.

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Please CBS, don't ruin the potential for a good thing.

Here's the CBS Promo:

Mick St. John is a captivating, charming and immortal private investigator from Los Angeles, who defies the traditional blood-sucking norms of his vampire tendencies by using his wit and powerful supernatural abilities to help the living.

In a life-altering twist of fate, Mick was "bitten" 60 years ago by his new bride, the seductive Coraline. Forever 30 years of age, Mick's as handsome and charismatic as the day he was "turned," and he eschews others of his kind who view humans only as a source of nourishment. With only a handful of like-minded confidantes for company, including the eternally young, wealthy and mischievous Josef, a hedge fund trader who relishes his uniqueness, Mick fills his infinite days protecting the living.

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One night years ago, a single act of kindness changed Mick when he saved a young girl's life, making him want to be a better vampire. Now their paths cross again and Mick develops a distinctive bond with Beth Turner, who has grown into a beautiful, ambitious Internet investigative reporter. Reconnecting with her unleashes feelings Mick knows he can't pursue without exposing that part of him that would make him a monster in Beth's eyes. As Mick lives between two realities, fighting his adversaries among the undead and falling in love, he discovers the mysteries and pleasures that a valuable life has to offer.

See what I mean? Potential.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, are you?

Ack! Where'd the time go?

After my big 'rave', it sure seems like I clammed up, doesn't it?

Well, I've got nothing earth shatterined to disclose.

I DID finally buy a rather large dictionary. One I made sure wasn't politically correct by looking up the word F&%^ - it was there, plus the fact that it's updated with the word 'blogosphere' which, if you are reading this, are a part of.

Upon serious recommendations, I also bought the Stephen King book about writing. There have been many people whom I respect and have quoted from it. Good enough of an endorsement for me to purchase it too.

I also found the last book in the Immortal Series: The Gathering by Jennifer Ashley. I've read them all so far, so I'm looking forward to the conclusion.

I also bought Katie MacAllister's new one: Ain't Myth Behaving. I have no idea if it's going to be a good read or not; no reviews out yet ( that' I've seen or ...not seen). I usually enjoy her style and sense of humor. Let's hope this lives up to it.

I also bought some research material for a short story that I'm revamping. Nothing about 'vamps' , but there is my favorite paranormal twist to it. I'm not going to say anything except to say that over a year ago, it orignally appeared here. Since then, I've added over 1, 000 more words and I'm not done yet.

I 'thought' I was done but once some who actually KNEW about writing read it, well, I'm learning to understand why writers love and dread the word 'edit'.

Love it because if done right, the changes make magic happen. Dread it because just when you think you've figured things out and understood either the technique or where you're trying to go, it gets pointed out that you 'head hopped again, or 'told' again, or made absolutley NO sense except in the gray matter between my own ears.

Yes, I DO have something between my ears. It's only my hair that's blonde. LOL

So, research is all good, as long as I don't get lost like the last time. The good thing? I'm not trying to learn everything in one fell swoop. I have only a few pieces of information I need and not all of it can be found on Wikipedia.
Ever use that site?
Love it!

But it doesn't have everything ... but they're trying.

So, that's it in a nutshell.
Today's nutshell since I bought all those book today.

I hope you are having a productive day. And I hope that you have a book in your hands that you've always wanted.
Like me and my new Dictionary.
**sigh**

I HAVE to review this book

I've been reading a lot lately but every now and again, I come across a story that is not within the guidlines of the review site I contribute reviews for.
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I enjoy Romantica stories too and this one, this book, The Dragon Lord by Kaitlyn O'Connor , grabbed me by the heartstrings and the lust-0-meter was in the happy zone.


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I'm thinking of re-reading it almost immediately. I can not tell you the last time THAT happened. So pardon me if I wax poetic.


Here is my RAVE:








Raina had never been employed as a 'domestic', but she was gung ho to try anything once, however unnerving and 'strange' she found the occupants of the remote island estate. Foreigners, she thought, with strange eyes, unfamiliar ways, and an even more alien language …. Very alien.
As unnerving as she found the dark, devastatingly handsome, and infinitely mysterious Simon Draken, however, Raina also found him so compelling, so magnetic she could no more resist him than she could will her heart to cease to beat.
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Rating-Carnal-adult language and situations, multiple sexual partners

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Don't let the "multiple partners" scare you off. Kaitlyn handles this with grace, caring and the story ultimately appeals to the die-hard romantic in all of us.
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The above synopsis doesn't give you a hint of the rollercoaster emotional ride you're about to embark upon once you start reading. Raina is a woman who's been on her own for years, a graduate of the foster care system. She's a survivor with a plucky wit. Her coarse vocabulary lends itself to some wonderful dialogue between the cantankerous housekeeper as well as the body guards Mr. White and Mr. Green. There were even laugh out loud moments, espcially the hilarious scene with the soup on the floor. I liked Raina because she's a woman not afraid to follow her heart, no matter where it leads her.
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Simon is the perfect tortured hero. Oh my gosh, did I feel pained for him. His loss, his desperation and loneliness spoke volumes to the inner nuturer inside me. I wanted to save him, but Raina gets that honor.
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Audric is just as tortured for different reasons. Always in Simon's shadow, he's had to step aside once before because he had the misfortune to love the same woman as Simon. Is he doomed to lose Raina too?
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And what's with the strange eyes, you ask? There's an awfully good reason and you get to travel to another planet to find out all about it.
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This story has everything I love in a romantica book but the strongest element is the romance. It pulled my emotions until I experienced joy, worry, excitement, laughter, amazement, suspense and even a healthy dose of sexual appreciation for how both Simon and (yes, AND) Audric please Raina. And before you raise your eyebrows and scoff at what that sounds like, please know that Kaitlyn handled it with charm and sweetness. I appreciated how she handled the dynamics of their relationship and I think you will too.
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As for the HEA? It hit every high note and tied up all the lose ends in such a satisfying way, it had me sighing in pleasure. This is a keeper folks. Make no mistake, this is romance all the way, with the erotic kick thrown in for extra edge.
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I've read some of Kaitlyn's other stories but Dragon King is hands down the best she's written so far. And that's saying something.

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I feel SO much better after sharing this.

Have you ever read a book that had you bursting at the seams from wanting to share how good it was with someone, anyone?

At this moment, that's me.

Woot! It's Jill Monroe

Ever since Jill's first book was published, I've been following her as she's "Blazed" a trail of HEA's for our reading pleasure.

She is in the Spotlight at LASR and even more exciting , there is a CONTEST to win her latest book coming out.

Jill's a sweetheart, a fun blogger and for those in the know, bestest pal of author Gena Showalter. (Think GNOME, **gg** )

So check out all the excitement!

Friday Funny

THE ZIPPER

A MAN WALKED INTO A SUPERMARKET WITH HIS ZIPPER DOWN.

A LADY CASHIER WALKED UP TO HIM AND SAID,

"YOUR BARRACKS DOOR IS OPEN."

NOT A PHRASE THAT MEN NORMALLY USE, HE WENT ON HIS WAY LOOKING A BIT PUZZLED.

WHEN HE WAS ABOUT DONE SHOPPING A MAN CAME UP AND SAID,

"YOUR FLY IS OPEN."

HE ZIPPED UP AND FINISHED HIS SHOPPING.

AT THE CHECKOUT, HE INTENTIONALLY GOT IN THE LINE WHERE THE LADY WAS THAT TOLD HIM ABOUT HIS "BARRACKS DOOR."

HE WAS PLANNING TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN WITH HER SO WHEN HE REACHED THE COUNTER HE SAID,

"WHEN YOU SAW MY BARRACKS DOOR OPEN, DID YOU SEE A MARINE STANDING IN THERE AT ATTENTION?"

THE LADY (NATURALLY SMARTER THAN THE MAN) THOUGHT FOR A MOMENT AND SAID ,

"NO, NO I DIDN'T. ALL I SAW WAS A DISABLED VETERAN SITTING ON A COUPLE OF OLD DUFFEL BAGS."

When Insomnia Strikes

When Insomnia Strikes, I go online and pester the world.


LOL

Actually, I surf the web in ways I can't do during the day.

In QUIET Solitude!


What?!

What else did you think I was going to say? Hmmmm?

What cheek.
:-)



Anyway, you've probably noticed my site meter off to the left, somewhere. How amusing a toy it can be at times, especially during this ridiculously early 4:00AM cyber jaunt.



My blog can be Googled and I never know what search words will lead people to view my page, even if it's only for two seconds before they click their mouse, screaming off into the next link.


I was tickled pink that some posts regarding LKH( Laurell K. Hamilton), Asher and Jean Claude got a look-see.

I chuckled quite a bit when I saw that Malted Vinegar were the search words. Those of course led to my first Scottish Festival post.

The funniest one for me was Robin Miller and Navy SEALS together. Robin has published her first mystery romance,{with many more on the way} which I think ... has NOTHING to do with Navy SEALS that I know of. So putting the two together is just giving me the giggles.

I wonder what Robin'd think?

I also want to plug a new Blog I found courtesy of Dracschick on my LJ community.

It's called

BEYOND THE VEIL



If you LOVE Paranormal stories, there are some cool posts dedicated to that genre, check it out!



And remember, the Author Spotlight on LASR is Diane Craver. Check out the Contests!

NOW for your Reading pleasure and appreciation of all things Nonsense!

AN OPEN LETTER TO:
Mr. JAMES THATCHER BRAND MANAGER, PROCTER & GAMBLE CORPORATION

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your ALWAYS maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features.

Why, without the LeakGuard Core(tm) or Dri-Weave(tm) absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing?

As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo.

Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her husband's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter.

Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words:

"Have a Happy Period."

Are you kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness-actual smiling, laughing happiness-is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable?

Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? Or are you just picking on us?

Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending crap. And that's a promise I will keep.

Best Always,

Wendi Aarons Austin, TX

What did I do?

Gee, did my previous post scare everyone away?

Didn't want to touch that one with a ten foot cyber-pole?

Well, I guess I can't blame you. It is controversial. I was hoping for at least one or two recommends, but hey, no worries.

I am going to share an oldie but a goody.

A Blonde enters the store ......

A Blonde enters a store that sells curtains.

She tells the salesman

"I would like to buy a pair of pink curtains."

The salesman assures her that they have a large selection of pink curtains.

He shows her several patterns, but the blonde seems to be having a hard time choosing.

Finally she selects a lovely pink floral print.

The salesman then asks what size curtains she needs.

The blond promptly replies,

"Fifteen inches."

Fifteen inches???" asked the salesman.

"That sounds very small, what room are they for?"

The blond tells him that they aren't for a room, they are for her computer monitor.

The surprised salesman replies,

"But Miss, computers do not need curtains!"

The blonde says,

"Hellllooooooooo. I've got Windoooooows!"

A HOT controversy

I stepped in a hot steaming pile of controversy.

Remember, I'm now an official reviewer at LASR and my job is to not only review but to assist in answering questions from fellow reviewers about the reviews they do or the stories they'll read amongst the few tech questions that are inherent in any ARC position.

Did you know I have an inner prude?

I didn't.

Not really.

I figured, I'm cool. I read romantica and enjoy it and that means I'm open to different ideas.

Right?

You can laugh now.

I equated HOT with Romantica/Erotica heat levels. I was told, "WRONG!"

They are worlds different.

Romantica/Erotica can contain menages a trois, quatro and the like and BDSM and other off the beaten path pursuits. They can use blunt and/or street wise words to refer to body parts or acts, and so, is a no-no heat level for our site. Most, if not all Romantica includes a good story with an HEA but pure Erotica does not. Am I understanding that right? In any event, the path to a Romanctica HEA is unusually flexible in its idea of love's expressions and interpretations.

I guess Hot books can have sex all over the place, even upside down in a tool shed or in a chocolate pudding puddle - as many times as they want as long as there is a HEA, as long as it's monogamous, as long as the kink is vanilla with sugar and as long as the profanity is used as cussing and not in describing a beautiful physical act that embraces the LOVE between the two main characters. NO matter how often it happens in the story.

I am obviously in need of some serious correction of perception.

WHAT really is HOT versus Romantica? What is the Genre line to cross that takes you from one to the other?

Can somone give me a list of authors or books that illustrates the difference?

I was told I gave the wrong advice and that we DO review HOT stories at LASR

Can anyone help educate me and get me out of this snafu?

And, if someone takes pity on me and I get to read a good HOT book, there's a good chance I'll write a review and put it up on the site.

Got to tame that inner prude, you know? Or at least get that steaming pile of controvery off the bottom of my shoes. LOL

Fell in love with an Elf

I did?
It's not what you think.

Really.

Elf is my personal assistant. He's going to save me lots of moula and stress. I'll never meet him because he's a cyber-fae. I'll only see the results he produces.

He's going to remind me when my library check outs are due. I figured I needed his help when I found myself owing five dollars in fines from being one day overdue with five movies I had taken out. FIVE dollars! That hurt.

So I turned to the ELF and signed myself up.

Email Libary Reminder Service is what he really is.
Yes, I realize there is no "F" in Email Library Reminder Service, but hey, do the fae ever do things the way humans do them? But wait! There's an "F" in fae! What cheek.

If Elf saves me money and provides peace of mind, what's not to fall in love with?

My Advice: If you have access to your own Elf, pursue him. It's one of the best catches you'll make.