New Blog Layout Courtesy Lea!

Hi Everyone!!

Check out my new duds!! Lea over at Closetwriter has been so sweet! She made me this new blogger layout!! What does everyone think? I love the color so much better than the green, and I trying to find a way to put Miss Tink as a permanent fixture under my blogger header. So far, no luck, but I'll keep working on it!

Let me know what you think!


Dottie ^~^

Great Contest At Barbara's and Lea's Places

Hi Everyone!!

I just wanted to do a quick post on two great contest going on right now!!

Barbara @ Happily Forever After is hosting an interview and contest for:

Illegitimacy is no obstacle for Ian Breckford. Darkly handsome and thoroughly charming, he has bedded his way through London's most exclusive society. Yet this pleasurable existence has lately seemed a trifle dull-a fact soon remedied by a visit to his father's estate, where his aunt has acquired a delightful new companion....




THE ONE MAN SHE CAN'T TRUST
Two hundred years have passed since Anna Randal gave herself to Conde Cezar in a night of relentless passion. Since then, Anna has become filled with unearthly power she can't begin to comprehend. And the sexy, charming vampire responsible has eluded all of her efforts to track him down, until now....




Lea @ Closetwriter is also hosting a contest for:

Dani Wallace forged her powers as a guardian of light–but it is the darkness that tempts her most strongly. Drawn to her fiery beauty and brilliance, Casedren, the prince of a mysterious underworld......





"Personal Possessions" by Devyn Quinn: A bad girl on the run meets a master of domination in a mysterious town...
"Captive Heat" by Jodi Lynn Copeland: Leia is compelled to explore her innermost desire: to be held captive by a dark, sensual god of a man...
"Rapture Bound" by Anya Howard: Gillian Nordstrom doesn't fear Bruce Wolff's hard body or his masterful touch. She craves the intense pleasure that only a dominant lover can give.....

I know everyone loves a good contest as much as I do, so--get ready to stretch your legs--put on your walking shoes--and get on over and enter the contests!


Barbara's contest ends on 4-3-09.
Lea's contest end on 4-5-09.

You've got plenty of time to enter, so head on over!

Dottie ;-)

Blog Award from Lea @ closetwriter

Hi Everyone On This Beautiful Sunday Evening!!

My sweet friend Lea has decided I need an award! Isn't she just the sweetest thing! I love that the blogging community has allowed me to join them, offering help, and making me better at what I love doing--blogging. I love blog awards!!




"This blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

I would like to pass this award on to a few blogs myself (Yikes--don't know if I can come up with eight though--I'm just going to name a few for now and more to come later!)

Welcome to my Corner of the World

Houston A.W. Knight

Ramblings on Romance, etc.

Dottie ;-)

Pan's Labyrinth (2006) -- A DVD Review

Running Time: 112
Writer/Director: Guillermo del Toro
Rated: R
Starring: Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Thriller


From the Poster: It's fairy tale.......It's like Alice in Wonderland for grown ups.......

Opening Scene: Ofelia lies panting on the floor...the forgotten Kingdom has awaken...

As the movie opens, the year is 1944....the setting in fascist Spain World War II, Franco has won, where it is the duty of all the peasants to follow Franco's government or die....Ofelia's mother has remarried to a Captain in the Franco's Army, pregnant with his son. Ofelia's father has been killed and she has retreated into her only safe haven, her books.

Ofelia's mother is afraid her daughter will not meet Captain Vidal's stringent standards, and she must, they both must, if they are to survive. The pregnancy has not been an easy one, she is ill all the time and survival is doubtful.

The Captain requires that their family live in the country where he has been fighting rebels, no one can be trusted, torture is his way of life. He is horrible and wicked, reveling in his treatment of others. Ofelia dreads having to live in close contact with him, she can see the pure evil that he is.

Ofelia retreats further into her books, discovering the opening to a labyrinth where she meets Faun and Fairies who claim to be waiting for her, Princess Moanna, and if she can completes three simple tasks before the full moon, then she will be granted passage back into the forgotten Kingdom where once she lived.

The three tasks are appear simply enough:

1) Retrieve a key from the belly of a toad
2) Use the key to open a hidden drawn and retrieve a dagger
3) Escape the evil Captain with her newborn baby brother and enter the labyrinth

But, in the meantime, her mother has become very ill, she overhears the Captain tell the doctor that if it's choice between mother or child, save the child. Ofelia must try to save them both. The Faun comes to her and tells her to place a mandrake root in a bowl of fresh milk under her mother's bed and to feed it two drops of blood each day, it will revive her mother.

The first task is easy, she tricks the toad into giving up the key. The second task is harder, she must travel underground to retrieve the dagger, and not eat any food though she has been barely surviving on bread and milk, temptation overcomes her and she eat two grapes--awakening the beast that wants to eat her. She barely escapes with her life and two of her fairies are eaten in her place.

As she completes the second task, her step-father discovers the bowl of milk under the bed and burns the root, killing her mother during childbirth. The Rebel forces are gathering and are attempting to take Spain back. Ofelia's only friend is Mercedes, the house maid, who cares for her after the loss of her mother.

The Faun comes to her again, telling her to take the baby and come to the labyrinth that night. Mercedes has been caught trying help the rebels, and Ofelia knows she must leave if she is to live. The Captain is happy, there will be torture tonight, but unknown to the Captain, Mercedes has hidden a knife with which she slices the Captain and makes her escape.

Just when the Captain's men are about the recapture her, the rebel forces strike, and she is saved. While the Captain is distracted caring for his wounds, Ofelia sneaks in and steals her brother, she has drugged the Captain, but not enough. He chases her back to the labyrinth, but losses her in the maze.

The Faun comes to Ofelia, showing her the dagger. For the price of her brother's blood, he can open the door to the labyrinth and together, they can return to the Kingdom. Ofelia refuses to sacrifice her brother and the Faun leaves her to the Captain. Captain Vidal finds her and takes the baby as she is crying. The evilness oozes from his body and he shoots Ofelia, leaving her on the labyrinth floor to die.

In that moment the rebels arrive, take the baby, kill the Captain, and find Ofelia, but it is too late. Mercedes holds Ofelia while her spirit slips away. As she lies dying, the Kingdom awakens to open for her revealing her true mother and father. They praise her for saving the baby's life and sacrificing her own. She can return to the Kingdom of her birth and take her rightful place on the throne.

Pan's Labyrinth is suppose to be an adult fairy tale. If you remember Alice in Wonderland, then you know of all the horrible tricks that were placed on Alice to the point of almost losing her head, as in many fairy tales, and there is the happily ever after only the hero/heroine has suffered. The same is true for Pan Labyrinth, Ofelia is put to many tests to try to gain her freedom and happiness. The country side where the movie takes place would have been beautiful if not for the destruction the viewers had to witness. The sadist Captain is always looking for an opening that will allow him to use the skills he takes pride in practicing. I feel this is an important movie in that it expresses the fears and doubts present at the time, and I fear it was an accurate presentation of facts. There are many barbarians throughout history, but World War II showed them at their best. I'm not sure there was a moral to this movie other than to be thankful for your life and those that you cherish. I don't believe I would have chosen this movie to watch, but my son's film class has it as a required movie, and I was watching it with him. I was horrified, but impressed by this movie. I cried for the young Ofelia as her plight was undeniable one that was not going to see the happily ever after, only in her after life was this possible.

Dottie

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS-An Alien Affairs Novel Book One by Katherine Allred

Publisher: Avon / Harper-Collins Publishing
Pages: 356
Release Date: March 31, 2009

From the Cover: Kiera Smith wants one thing out of life -- to be normal. But stronger, faster, smarter, and more impervious to damage than her brethren, Kiera is a genetically engineered person unlike any others.

As a special agent she's been assigned to protect the indigenous Buri race from the none-too-honorable conglomerate Dynatec. And it's just the challenge she's been looking for: take down the largest independent trade company in the Galactic Federation and save a race of aliens from extinction, while resisting the advances of the handsome Buri leader.

Kiera Smith is a GEP working for Alien Affairs and Dr. Daniels, and the worst nightmare of the conglomerate, Dynatec. Nothing sticks to that company, they're like Teflon, that is until Kiera is assigned to the planet they're trying to appropriate, Orpheus Two. And they're doing it legally, according to Chapter Twenty of the Galactic Federation edict. The indigenous race occupying the planet will die out within one hundred cycles (one hundred Earth years) and by rights, Dynatec can claim the planet as their own. It's Kiera's job to make sure that the problem can't be prevented and that the Buri race is not used or destroyed. She only has two short months to accomplish this goal.

Max, her Articially Intelligent ship and Crigo, her massive rock cat, will be her only assistants. There is no time for anthropologists to arrive on Orpheus Two to help with speech, customs, and rituals. She have to rely of her wits, and thanks to Dr. Simon Gertz, her creator, she has genetic enhancements that other GEP's can only dream of. She's intelligent with psi abilities that include empathic awareness and she's almost indestructible, only a shot to the head or heart can kill her. The information she has about the Buri and Orpheus Two is what Dynatec has turned over to Alien Affairs and she can bet it's been tainted. To make matter worse, an old enemy has joined Dynatec's crew, Captain Frisk accompanied by Quilla Dorn, clone and GEP megamillionaire.

The Buri are a magnificently exotic race with hair and eye that match, dense bone structure, and larger than average height making her six foot body look 'normal', her one true desire. Orpheus Two is a tropical paradise teaming with spectacular wildlife such as the colorful little dragon birds that would rival other planets, but this cannot be Dynatec's reason for trying to acquire it, what's so valuable and unique? One of the Buri in particular has caught Kiera's eye, Thor, the leader is even more extreme than the others. There are only 70 Buri left on the planet and if there is any chance of saving them, she has to figure out how to make their females more reproductive to continue life on this beautiful planet.

When she arrives in Buri village, she spots Thor. There is almost an instant connection to the man. He is equally entranced with Kiera, legend has it that Thor's mind bond mate will have hair as golden as the sun. Kiera's own lovely locks are as blonde as a sun goddess. Almost all the Buri are enthralled by Kiera's appearance and when they see how fast she can heal, all agree she will be the next Shushanna (healer and one with the Lamatti) and mate to Thor. Unfortunately, the Buri neglect to tell Kiera this fact until after the marriage has taken place and bonding with Thor is consummated. The only way to release the bond is by death. Kiera knows she will never harm Thor, the one man that has made her whole.

There are many question that need Kiera's attention. What is Dynatec after? Why Orpheus Two and the Buri? How will she save them? Will they survive Dynatec's occupation?

Katherine Allred has created a magical world full of mystery and suspense. The heroine is an ass-kicking hard as nails agent, but soft in all the right places. The hero, Thor, is a leader willing to sacrifice all to save his people and his love. You almost become part of this new world of the Galactic Federation as you move through her pages. There many other stories waiting to emerge, the story of Claudia and Ghost has yet to be told, Churka (Thor's sister) and her mate, as well as Kiera's role in Buri history as Thor's mate and Shushanna, and I'm sure Dynatec is just taking a breather. This novel was a page turner from start to finish that grabbed your attention from page one and left you looking at the last page wondering if that was all. Close Encounters is paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and scifi all rolled up in one great book. I highly recommend this book for all those who seek adventure, action, and romance that will knock your socks. If you'd like more information on Katherine Allred's new book, Close Encounters, check out her website or Eos Books, both are good sites for great reads. Katherine Allred also writes contemporaries under the name Kathy Allred and Amethyst Ames (some look to be paranormal under this name as well). She also has Book Two complete and in editing, and researching Book Three of An Alien Affairs Series.

Here's a peek at the new trailer for CLOSE ENCOUNTERS:



Dottie

Contest At Romance Book Wyrm

Amy over at Romance Book Wyrm is offering an ARC contest for Kiss of Darkness, Book Three in the Shadowmen Series by Jennifer St. Giles

Blurb~A vampire bite has Sheriff Sam Sheridan on the fast track to hell and demons are taking over Twilight Tennessee. He's battling not only to save both his soul and his town, but also his love for one woman, Emerald Linton. Emerald has a secret that could destroy both her and Sam. She is an angel, and if she can't save Sam from turning evil, then she'll have to kill him, no matter how much of her heart belongs to him. Sam is determined to take as many demons and vampires down with him as he can and to protect Emerald, but as the seductive dark power in him grows will he condemn Emerald to share his doomed fate, or will they both find a way out of hell. ind a way out of hell...

Now, if you're anything like me, can you pass up a great contest??? NO!! So, hurry over to Amy's place and enter her contest. There's only one ARC and the contest ends Friday.

Dottie ;-)

Hannah and Kermit--nothing to do with books

Hi Everyone!

My niece, Hannah called me today! I know, I couldn't believe it either! Her royal highness is speaking to the serfs today! LOL Isn't she the sweetest thing--not!! LOL Just kidding Hannah, I know I'm your favorite aunt, so don't let Aunt Michelle see this post! She's getting ready to go player soccer at the moment, but took a few of her precious minutes to talk to me and to sing me her rap. She's one stylin' little chick.
I also promised I would give equal time to her new tree frog, Kermit. If you look real close and kind of squint your eyes, you can almost see him! He happens to be her fourth frog, it's not easy to come up with all those frog names! (All the rest died of mysterious rainforest diseases such as Hannah trying to hold them!) So, here Hannah's post of her and her frog, and may the gods of all tree frog bless this one and keep it alive!

Lea@ closetwriter guest blogging

Hi Everyone!

My friend, Lea, is guest blogging today over at Erotic Horizon, just click on closetwriter to be directed there.

Everyone stop by, it's a great interview!!

Dottie ;-)

Last Chance Harvey starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

Director/Writer: Joel Hopkins
Running time: 100 minutes
Rated: PG-13

Movie Description: It's about first loves, last chances and everything in between.

Last Chance Harvey is a romantic/comedy/drama all about Harvey, his life and loves. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) and Kate (Emma Thompson) had a real chemistry in this movie as strangers with more in common than they think.

Harvey is an end of the line commercial jingle writer and Kate is a survey take at Heathrow Airport in London. Harvey is on his way to his daughter's wedding when Kate stops him to take her survey. As rude Americans go, Harvey is too busy to answer her questions. He's tired and doesn't need to be bothered he explains, and Kate's replying quip is 'isn't everyone'. Harvey ignores her as if she were part of the furniture. Kate is use to being ignored, it's how she makes her way through life.

As, Harvey arrives at his hotel, he finds plans have been changed without his knowing, everyone excluding him is at a home rented by Jean (Kathy Baker) and Brian (James Brolin), his ex-wife and her husband for the wedding party, which he assumes will include him. He finds his new suit has been left with the anti-theft device still attached and has no way to remove it. He will look like an outcast at his daughter's own rehearsal dinner.

When Harvey arrives, he explains to his daughter Susan (Liane Balaban), that he must return to New York after the wedding, his job depends on it. Susan assures him that will be fine, that she has asked Brian to give her away, he doesn't need to stay. Harvey is shocked, dumbfounded, and spent. He has sacrificed everything to rush to London, where they insist on holding the wedding. Harvey has reached his breaking point, he is of little importance to his daughter which is just how his ex-wife likes it. As the nuptials are completed, Harvey slips away out of a rear exit. He rushes to Heathrow only to be told he has missed his flight. He calls his boss to explain and he's told not to come back. It's over.

Harvey hits depression, and heads to a local bar where he meets Kate, survey taker from the airport. Kate is as dismissive of him as he was of her, even though he tries to apologize. They compare days, and he of course wins on the worse day ever. Kate allows Harvey to buy dinner and agrees to a walk through downtown London, at least to her writing class. He waits for class to end and they share a soulful walk and she encourages him to return to the reception and claim his rightful place in the wedding party. He agrees to return if Kate will accompany him, and though she has misgivings, she agrees.

When they arrive at the reception, Susan is shocked to see her father. Jean hasn't even made seating arrangements for Harvey, and they are placed at the children's table. As Brian is about to make the bride's father speech, Harvey interrupts, he is Susan's father, he should be allowed to speak. Harvey makes a gracious speech including Jean and Brian, that brings tears to the eyes of everyone. He acknowledges his short comings and welcomes Scott. Kate tries to sneak away, but Harvey begs her not to leave. They spend the rest of evening and night together. They agree to meet the next day at noon by the fountains (Kate's favorite spot).

But as Harvey is making his way back to his hotel room, he has chest pains and is rushed to the hospital. He has a condition, arrhythmia, since childhood that causes an irregular heartbeat. He misses his rendezvous with Kate. Kate is devastated, she has been thrown away again. When Harvey is released from the hospital, his boss is phoning, the commercial they thought was all sown up as come apart because Harvey has been let go, they want him back. He says no, it's his last chance and he won't waste it. He tracks Kate down to her writing class where he waits and catches her explaining what has happened and begs her forgiveness. Kate doesn't know if she can allow herself to be wanted. And as the movie closes, they walk away into the sunset, chatting about life.

Last Chance Harvey is aptly titled in that not only is it Harvey's last chance, but Kate's as well. Neither knows love, but together, they can begin again, and have a second chance at happiness. There are no great love scenes, but it is a love story with a happy ending. One of the comedic elements in the movie is Kate's mother, Maggie (Eileen Atkins), who is in perpetual cell contact with Kate, sometimes at the most inopportune moments. Maggie is convinced that her new Polish neighbor is a mass murderer, only to find out he cures hams and is trying to meet the newly divorced woman. Kate is constantly distracted by her mom to the point of one word conversations. Harvey finds it all charming, even though Kate has problems with his attentions. Kate has been used and no longer thinks of herself as worthy of a man's attention. Harvey through all his bumblings manages to touch hearts and bring tears to the eyes. It truly is a love story and a second chance. If you missed it at theaters, the DVD will be released on May 5, 2009. Here's a peek at the trailer.



Dottie

Murder With Reservations (A Dead-End Mystery) by Elaine Viets

Publisher: New American Library / Penguin Group
Pages: 263

From the Cover: Living life one the lam and working wherever she can find a paycheck, Helen Hawthorne has a knack for keeping a low profile. But when her coworker dies, and her two-timing ex-husband tracks her down in South Florida, it going to get a lot harder to fly under the radar.....

Helen Hawthorne is on the run and her creep of a scumbag ex-husband, Rob, is still on the hunt, tirelessly tracking her down, hoping to collect on the alimony. Rob doesn't deserve a stinking nickel, he boffed whatever walked by and the judge taking his side. Okay, maybe she shouldn't have killed his SUV, but better it than killing Rob.

Helen has been force to take menial jobs, the only ones that paid cash, to escape the greedy clutches of her ex. No more corporate jobs, corporate lunches or expense accounts, and no more Rob. She'd take the menial over Rob any day, especially after walking in on his last conquest. Helen now lives in sunny South Florida far from St. Louis, away from the prying eyes of her meddling mother and the concern of her sister. The Coronado is the typical retro style apartment with a shimmering pool found in South Florida, not the best place, but not the worse either. And Margery, her landlord, keeps the place hopping with sunset wine at poolside and a hunk of a neighbor, Phil, next door to keep the nights from being lonely. If Helen could just lose the creep of an ex, who keeps searching endlessly for her, her life would be pretty good.

Helen now works for Sybil at the Full Moon Hotel, not a high class place, but kept clean by the maids. That's her job description now--maid, but it's good hard work and the pay comes in the right form. Denise, Cheryl, and Rhonda keep the work interesting and the occupants keep the work hard. People are such slobs on vacation! The third floor is the worst, and Helen and Rhonda, the newest hires, keeping pulling that duty. But there's always the treasure to look for in room 323. Rhonda, a red haired stick woman, moans her about life but brags about her new lover, a dark hair beach boy with money to spare. He's going to take Rhonda away from her troubles. When on the next day, Rhonda doesn't show up for work, Helen assumes the beach boy kept his word.

For all Helen's hard work, her mother sends Rob her way and as luck would have it, he picks the Full Moon as his choice for accommodations. Now if Helen wants to keep her job, she has to skulk around hiding from Rob. The service entrance to the hotel is next to the dumpster and her perfect hiding spot, but the most disgusting scent is wafting out of the dumpster. Helen, with Denise's prodding, crawls inside to find the missing Rhonda, green, purple, and dead. Now, not only does Helen have to duck her ex, but the police too.

Cheryl, the suffering single mother of a Down child, goes hysterical. After all the mean things they've said about Rhonda, lying dead in the dumpster outside the hotel, and then the slob in room 322. In the meantime, Rob has found Helen's apartment, but the wiley Margery sets Rob up on date with an old girlfriend, Marcella, the Black Widow of Florida. With any luck, Rob will meet his match.

Into the picture walks Rhonda's replacement, the gorgeous Craig, and Rhonda not even one day out of the dumpster. Craig as it turns out is a blond beach type boy....... Helen starts to put two and two together when Craig starts talking about Rhonda like they were old lovers. Did he murder Rhonda and throw her into the dumpster like yesterday's garbage? Will Rob marry Marcella and live happily ever after on her millions or will the next victim of the Black Widow be Helen's ex? And, worse yet, who killed the slob in room 322?

Murder Without Reservations by Elain Viets was published in May 2007. It's the sixth book in the Dead-End Job Mystery, no need to read them in order. For background information for her books, Ms. Viets tries out each job found in her novels. She's a brave woman! MWR is a fun filled book full of humor as well as mystery. How Helen gets herself in and out of trouble in too much fun! And then she has her own personal private detective to go home to at night, Phil. MWR was a very fast read, only a couple of hours. Margery is a cagey old gal with energy to spare and helps Helen keep out of trouble. If you'd like more information about Ms. Viets books, check out her website or at the Lipstick Chronicles. If you'd like a fun filled read, you'll like Murder Without Reservations.

Dottie ;-)

Quick Post for Contests--Jocelynn Drake and James Patterson and Marta Acosta

Hi Everyone!

I have put up a several new contests on my sidebar.

The first is Jocelynn Drake's new book, Dayhunter, which is the continuing story of Mira, Master of her domain, the Savannah. She's a very strong vampire who has survived by her wits to gain great power. She is a firestarter, a vampire with the ability to control one of the deadliest forms of their destruction. There is no coming back from fire. Nightwalker was one of my top picks for 2008, and I couldn't be happier that Dayhunter will be released in April 2009. Ms. Drake is looking for advanced readers for Dayhunter, Book Two in the Dark Days Series. If interested, please visit her blog at http://jocelynndrake.blogspot.com/. It will have to be done fairly quickly because the review needs to complete before Dayhunter is released.

Also, At Home With Books, is giving away TWO audiobooks by James Patterson courtesy of the Hachette Book Group, three copies of each are available.

'Max', continues the story of Max and her friends..... Maximum Ride and the other members of the Flock have barely recovered from their last arctic adventure, when they are confronted by the most frightening catastrophe yet. Millions of fish are dying off the coast of Hawaii and someone-or something-is destroying hundreds of ships. Unable to discover the cause, the government enlists the Flock to help them get to the bottom of the disaster before it is too late......

'Run' continues the story of Detective Mike Bennett and his twelve children......A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful, the arrogant, the don't-give-a-darnst-about-anyone rich. For some New Yorkers it seems that the rich were getting what they deserve at last. For New York's social elite, it is a call to chaos and terror. The Teacher's message to the wealthy is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences.......

Though two complete different stories, James Patterson's use of life, love, and hardship make each story a worthy read. My heart broken when Bennett's long suffering wife died. Max, on the other hand, is a fantastic ride into the unknown, with the help of her flock of friends.

Also at Wendy's Minding Spot, she's giving away James Patterson's Sail
From the Cover: Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever....

This is a story of one mother's struggle to keep her family together and in one piece, but is she too late, will they break apart or will she pull them together? James Patterson's wild adventure begins with Sail.



Darques Reviews is holding a Marta Acosta giveaway of Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. From the cover: Latina Ivy League grad Milagro de Los Santos can't find her place in the world or a man to go with it. Then one night, at a book party for her pretentious ex-boyfriend, she meets an oddly attractive man. After she is bitten while kissing him, she falls ill and is squirreled away to his family's estate to recover. Vampires don't exist in this day and age -- or do they......

Everyone check out these great sites for fabulous reads.

Dottie

ARE for Close Encounters by Katherine Allred

Hi everyone! Received this email today!

Dear Dottie --

Congratulations! A copy of the CLOSE ENCOUNTERS ARE is on its way to you.

-- EosBooks

Eos Books, a division of Harper Collins Books, was looking for individuals to read and review a new book, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS by Katherine Allred.

Here is the blurb from the cover: Kiera Smith wants one thing out of life -- to be normal. But stronger, faster, smarter, and more impervious to damage than her brethren, Kiera is a genetically engineered person unlike any others.

As a special agent she's been assigned to protect the indigenous Buri race from the none-too-honorable conglomerate Dynatec. And it's just the challenge she's been looking for: take down the largest independent trade company in the Galactic Federation and save a race of aliens from extinction, while resisting the advances of the handsome Buri leader.

Katherine Allred writes science fiction romance in the vein of Linnea Sinclair or Anne McCaffrey's Crystal Singer series. Give away, provided you write us a review.

I'm so excited. I should have the book right away, as their review is due in just a few short weeks. I'll let everyone know how it is, I love books with a kick-ass herione that gets the job done and has time for a little romance too.

I did have to leave my snail mail address and the blog address to be considered.

Dottie :)

P.S. --- In December, I also won the giveaway of free books for a year and I'm currently waiting for my second installment of books, with great authors like Kim Harrison, Jocelynn Drake, Vicki Pettersson, and Anne McCaffery. So, if you like me love kick-ass heriones, check out Eos' site. It's a rockin' good time!

Today I also received The Terror from Drey's Library and The Lover came in as well. Too sweet for words.

Have a great day!

Dottie :)

The Seventieth Anniversity of the Wizard of Oz--Oh My!!

This is just a quick post about a movie that is an all-time favorite of mine: The Wizard of Oz. It holds a special place in my heart as one of the first movies I ever remember watching. Mostly because it scared the hell out of me. I mean, I was but an infant (the movie was already over 20 years old when I was born), and my parents thought nothing of letting me watch a movie where an evil wicked dried up woman tried to steel Dorothy's dog and kill him, Dorothy tries to runaway from home - in a twister, Dorothy is blown, tossed around in a house that is ripped from the ground, and dropped -- onto a witch, said witch's evil sister tries to capture poor Dorothy and lets the evil flying monkeys rip Dorothy's friend, the straw man (aka the scarecrow - who was scary all by himself) into tiny bits and pieces, and finally after attempting to get home, she is left in this drug addicts nightmare of a place by the only person who could save her -- the Wizard of Oz.

And people wonder why I'm warped.

(Oh, and I have to mention that the main character, Dorothy, has the same name as me -- this is what I grew up with -- "Dorothy, where's Toto", "Dorothy, been to Oz lately", Dorothy, where's the wicked witch", "Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore, or my all time personal favorite: "Dorothy, I've got a yellow brick road for you to follow." -- please all these response were from males -- how original!)

It is really one of my all time favorites now, and I must say, as terrified of the movie as I was when I was a child, I hesitated to let my daughter watch the movie. She begged and begged until I gave in. The whole time we were watching the movie, I kept saying "You know, it's only a movie" -- it was a mantra, until my daughter asked me to be quiet, I was ruining the movie for her. She then brought home this massive book of the Wizard of Oz and read it, and all the books that went with it. Kids, they do the darnedest things. She now tells me that the movie scared her too, but she couldn't tell I was right, that it was a scary movie. Ah, well, live and learn. It clearly was before it's time and now, has earned a place in my heart and my top movie of all time list. So, here's a clip of the movie trailer that is now seventy years old and one of my personal favorites:



Dottie :-)

BTW, I am wearing green today, so no pinches for me!!

Happy St. Patty's Day!! And may the luck of the Irish be with you!!

Besides, I love fairies and fairies and leprechauns are the most active today, so everyone remember to be kind to the wee creatures, or there just might be a trick in it for you!




P.S. Don't forget to stop by Barbara's place to get in on the giveaway of Samantha Sommersby's Forbidden: The Temptation, the contest ends Friday, so hurry on over.

Dottie :))

OMG---I almost forgot, it's Happy Publishing Day for Harley Jane Kozak and her new book, A Date You Can't Refuse.



Congrats Harley!!

Dottie :0) (I really am going this time)

Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Penguin Group / Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 270
From the Cover: Fred the mermaid has taken the bait and chosen Artur, High Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist, Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight.....

Dr. Fredrika Bimm is unique, she's a hybrid, a cross between two species, human and merfolk. Her mother, Moon Bimm and her biological father, Farrem, had one night of wild passion on a coastal beach 30 years ago. Fred is the product of that union, although she has never known that father and was raised by her mother's husband, Sam, who accepted Fred as if she was his own.

Fred has always known she was a mermaid, since the first time she was able to flip her tail. Jonas, Fred's best friend since the second grade, is as metrosexual as a guy can get and Fred's biggest supported. He's also in love with Fred's former boss, Dr. Barb from the Boston Aquarium, if Fred's walks in on them one more time, she's going to yak. She can only hope their wedding gets here fast.

Artur, Prince of the Undersea Folk, has been an ardent pursuer of Fred (little Rika) since she was shot helping to fight off pirates. He's shown her things she's never seen before, taught her to use her telepathy for under water communication. He wants nothing more than her hand in marriage and to make her the sea's next queen. Fred doesn't know what she wants, and she isn't shy about saying so.

Thomas, MD, Ph D, and romance writer, has been in and out of Fred's life, leaving on one excuse or another. She's undeniably attracted to him and who wouldn't be...he's gorgeously tall, brown hair that just brushes his shoulders, and a body to die for. And doesn't appear to know Fred's alive, and he's been living with Tennian, the Prince's equally gorgeous cousin. Maybe the best she can do is forget him. Suddenly, it seems easier to marry Artur and live under the sea. After all, much to her mother's shame, Fred has been sexless for three years while she gets her life together. At least she would get to share the temple that is her body.

When Fred rents a townhouse (mansion) on the Sanibel Island, it's to be to the go-between with the Undersea Folk, humans, and the media. With interviews, wedding plans, and a house full of unwanted guest, Fred's life is messy. When Fred's biological father walks back into to her life, she's stunned, should she accept him as a part of her life, tell him to take a hike, or try to make peace between him and the other Undersea Folk. You see, her father tried to over throw King Mekkem when he was still a pup. He has been banished these past 30 years and would like to come home to the sea.

But something strange is going on, Undersea Folk are disappearing off the King's radar. His telepathy allows him to keep tabs on all the Undersea Folk, and 478 have suddenly gone missing. Are the human scientist experimenting on them, have they somehow been killed without the King's knowledge? Where have they gone?

Fred must get to the bottom of the mystery. Thomas contacts his father, a retired Naval Captain, for help. He has access to files and places that no one else can get to in the government. With his help, they find whose behind the disappearances. Farrem has been up to his old tricks and it will be up to Fred to save them all.

Fish Out of Water by Mary Janice Davidson was published in December 2008. It is the third book in the Mermaid (Fred the fish) series. Although I haven't read the previous two books, I have seen Fred in short stories. I like to read books in order, but in this series, it's not necessary. Fish Out of Water was a fun fast read, just a couple of hours. It gives just enough background that the story makes sense without a lot of rehashing for readers not new to the series. I love Mary Janice Davidson's books. The Undead (Queen Betsy of the vampires and shoe fetish) Series is one of my favorites, as is Wyndham Werewolf Series (Derek's Bane) and the Jennifer Scales Series (YA scifi series, about dragon morphing written with Anthony Alongi), The Royal Series (Alaska as an independent state), the Gorgeous Series (demons), as well as several anthologies where you meet Fred, Derek, (or I guess I should say merfolk and werewolves, and hear about Fred and Derek) and others. Fred is a feisty heroine that doesn't take crap from anyone, (including the King and Prince) and curses like a sailor, but she's caring and compassionate, and would never let her friends down (even the ones she has a love/hate relationships with). When she accepts Artur proposal, it isn't for love, but a longing for love, which she eventually finds with Thomas. Fish Out of Water was definitely a worthy read. I highly recommend any of Mary Janice Davidson's books for those who just want to have fun.

Dottie :)

New Fun Quiz At Ms. Moonlights Blog

Hi Everyone! Here's another fun quick quiz for all you bloggers out there courtesy of Ms. Moonlight!


What's Your Blogging Personality?



Your Blogging Type is Artistic and Passionate
You see your blog as the ultimate personal expression - and work hard to make it great.
One moment you may be working on a new dramatic design for your blog...
And the next, you're passionately writing about your pet causes.
Your blog is very important - and you're careful about who you share it with.

Okay--so this one a little off--but it was only four questions long!

Have a great weekend everyone!

(AmyC--we miss you, Ms Moonlight's sending out hunks to find you!)

Dottie :D

This is for Ms Moonlight and all the great hunks she gives us everyday (plus a dose of Gerard Bulter)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-hdSOgeX4&feature=channel_page
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abFlW9JWyQs&feature=related
(forewarned: viewer discretion advised--most definitely R-rated)

Dottie

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

Publisher: Bantam Dell / Random House Inc.
Pages: 337
(click the title to go to Dean Koontz's new interactive website)

From the Cover: At thirty-four, Internet entrepreneur Ryan Perry seemed to have the world in his pocket -- until the first troubling symptoms appeared out of nowhere. Within days, he's diagnosed with incurable.....

Ryan Perry just isn't rich, he's mega wealthy. His Internet company, Be2Do, is the reason. He has all life can give and more. He is free to be anyone he wants to be, right? But he can't predict genes, can't tell the future, life expectancy is unknown. While Ryan is enjoying his life and his love, Samantha, his body betrays him. He starts having episodes of disorientation, anxiety, fear. His heart pounds, his nerves shaken. He no longer can hide from himself. Something is terribly wrong.

With a visit to his doctors, Ryan is diagnosed a debilitating chronic incurable disease, Cardiomyopathy. His only hope for survival is a heart transplant. As rich as he is, he can find no solution. Money cannot cure his ill. At thirty-four, he's going to die.

Into the picture strolls Dr. Hobb, renowned surgeon to the very wealthy. He assures Ryan that there is hope, that he won't let Ryan die. Ryan is unsure, paranoid, investigating all those around him. Even Samantha cannot be trusted. His life changes so that he encloses himself in a plastic bubble where only he has the keys, he trusts no one outside of Dr. Hobb and his private investigator, William Mott. He becomes secretive and furtive.

Then the call comes, a heart has been found, but he needs to travel to Singapore to receive it. With bells tolling, he arrives and is given the only thing that can save him, a young beating healthy heart of a car crash victim.

Now, a year later, fear of rejection passed, Ryan's life is lived inside a bubble, he doesn't interact his others, he will never suffer fear of his health again. Until, inexplicably, he finds tiny candy hearts on his pillow with one word--mine.
The next night he finds a heart pendent. He sees a stealthy figure on the lawn that's not on the security cameras. Is he finally going crazy, is his paranoia taking over?

Finally, he discovers the truth he has known in his heart of hearts, Dr. Hobb helped to take a life so that his could be saved. Can he live with this truth and will the survivors of the victim let him?

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz was published in November 2008. Dean Koontz has been known to write under many names including Anthony North, Aaron Wolfe, Brian Coffey, Deana Dwyer, John Hill... and many others but most of his books have been re-released under his name. He has been prolific over the years with close 100 short stories and books in print. He has been one of my favorite authors since I was able to turn the pages. When I started to read this book, I was afraid that I had found one of his books I didn't like. For the first 190 pages, I wondered if I should stopping reading it. Then, the ride began, the roller coast took off and it was all I could do to hold on. This novel is all about subtext, the story within the story, lessons that Perry needs to learn. I wasn't sure I was going to like the self-imprisoned Ryan Perry. He was too into himself, looking at the world from a distance, almost like he was afraid to get dirty. But by the end of the book, I was shocked, surprised, stunned--Perry was human after all, and he put his good heart to good use. Though it starts slow, I suspect on purpose for those faint of heart, it ends with a bang. Try Your Heart Belongs to Me, I'm glad I did.

Dottie :}

Puppy Love by Jane E. Jones

Picked up this contest from Barbara's place and she's directing traffic to Texty Ladies for this great contest offered by Jane E. Jones author of Puppy Love. I had to post it too, because Puppy Love has a Westie on the cover! I love the cover art! Congrats to Valerie T. for great work on the cover!

Contest info from Texty Ladies and Jane E. Jones
...........................(Click Above To Enter)...................................





When you enter the contest, a gift bag full of goodies is up for grabs.

Four DVD movies-The Phantom of the Opera (Gerard Butler), Music and Lyrics (Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore), The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ernie Lively), and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (Sandra Bullock).

An adorable furry stuffed animal
Sweet Treats-Chocolate, anyone?
A scented candle
Two bags of microwave popcorn-to munch while you watch the movies
A cute little striped notebook
A Pair of fuzzy socks
And maybe a couple other extras that I pick up along the way.

The contest ends March 23 at midnight EST time; she'll announce a winner on Tuesday, March 24.


So, everyone who loves Puppy Love, head over and check out the contest!! How could anyone not love a Westie!! Come on, you know you want Puppy Love!

Dottie :)

Family Photos for all Those People I've Been Promising

Hi Kim! These pics are mostly for you. I know I've been saying that I was going to post some pics, and you've been very patient. So, I went through some goofy pictures that Kirsten or I have taken over the last year. Here are some of the worst and best of the bunch.

Kirsten Cheerleading (she was dropped twice during this game)



Kirsten in the top of the build - didn't hit the ground once



Me talking to Stuart - only psychologist I can afford!



London calling - just Kirsten being cute



Kirsten at school -- my tax dollars at work!



How does Kirsten always seem to be in the pics, but the boys can't be found?



Kirsten and Pat - someone asked if they were twins.



A rare pic - Pat alone, could this be possible?



Kirsten with a broken arm cheering - homecoming rally



More football cheerleading - arm still broken!



Hope you enjoy the pictures, the kids won't let me post too often, they don't know I posted these! Kris was going to get mad for posting his, so no pics of him! I guess they don't want people to know they get pics taken? Teenagers!

Dottie :)

Drey's Library Has A Carrie Vaughn Giveaway!

Drey sure has been busy over at Drey's Library. It seems the girls at Hatchette are at it again.....giving Drey more books! So, here's her newest giveaway!

Kitty Takes A Holiday by Carrie Vaughn
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 303


From the Cover: After getting caught turning wolf on national television, Kitty retreats to a mountain cabin to recover and write her memoirs. But this is Kitty, so trouble is never far behind, and instead of Walden Pond, she gets Evil Dead.....

I know everyone will want to take a look, but hurry, Hatchette only provided one copy! Contest end March 22, 2009!


Drey is also giving away another Hatchette provided book!


Kitty Goes to Washington
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 321


From the Cover: It's a month later (from Kitty and the Midnight Hour), and Kitty is still broadcasting. But not from Denver. Nope, she's a wandering werewolf now, doing her show from different cities, and living out of motels......

Sounds great! Again, Hatchette only provided one copy, so hurry and enter.
Contest ends March 15, 2009.

Remember to stop by Drey's Library!

Dottie :)

Medievil Quiz - Heather's Reading Romance

I was over at Barbara's place and she directing traffic to Heather's. She has a cool quiz and it's super fun!


What's Your Medieval Profession?



You Are a Playwright
You are a highly literate wordsmith. You love both reading and writing.
You are also a natural storyteller. You can turn a mediocre anecdote into a riveting tale.

You find people and all aspects of life fascinating. No topic is off limits for you.
In modern times, you would make a good filmmaker or novelist.

OMG!! How weird is that? I'm always saying I love reading and writing, they are my passion and one true obsession!

Dottie :0)

A Great Giveaway at Wendy's Minding Spot

It's another really cool giveaway over at Wendy's Minding Spot. The giveaway's an ARC of Smoke and Whispers by Mick Herron.


From the cover: When a body is hauled from the River Tyne, Sarah Tucker heads North for a closer look. She identifies the dead woman as private detective Zoe Boehm, but putting a name to the corpse only raises further questions. Did Zoe kill herself, or did one of her old cases come looking for her? Why was she wearing a jacket a murderer had stolen years before.......

So, everyone go take a peek in at Wendy's Minding Spot, the story sounds great!

Dottie :-)

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Pages: 128


The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a well known book in wizarding world of fairy tales and fables. It contains five short stories and all teach a life lesson to those who are magical and muggle alike. All of the stories are followed Albus' thoughts of what he thought each witch or wizard should learn. Hermione Granger was left Albus' copy upon his death. She holds it as a dear reminder of her lost friend and mentor. She has completed the translation that makes it possible to share the tales today.

The Wizard and the Hopping Pot

This story is of a wizard that did not listen to his father. His father was one of those wizards who took the time to try to help the people of a nearby village. The young wizard wanted nothing more than to possess his father's magical pot. When his father left him the pot, he warned the young wizard to take care, and the pot will take care of you. Well, the young wizard didn't want to waste his time helping others, especially those who were muggle born. So, when the villagers came, he turned them away. The pot did not like this, not one bit. It started to hop and hop and hop, until the young wizard realized his mistake and began to help others. Slowly, the pot righted itself and only hops now as a reminder today.

The Fountain of Fortune Fair

In the Fountain of Fortune Fair, every year an unfortunate witch or wizard is allowed to bathe in the fountain of fortune fair, and their desire will be meant. But first three tests must be passed. Unfortunately, only one can be chosen. On accident, the winner, Asha-a witch this year who is sick, allows to others to join her. Now, who will be the one to win the fountains favor. Sir Luckless is a knight accidentally drawn into the garden, he protest he cannot complete the quest, it was never his. Asha, longing for health, tells Sir Luckless he must complete the quest. When Asha collapses, Altheda (wishing for a job) mixes a potion that cures Asha, her health restored, and Altheda realizes her healer powers. Amata is longing for love, which she finds in Sir Luckless. Sir Luckless bathes in the fountain and luck returns when he asks Amata to marry him. The moral is that if we try hard enough, we will make our own fortune.

The Wizard's Hairy Heart

The Wizard's Hairy Heart is by far the scariest tale that Beedle ever spoken of to others. In Hairy Heart, a wizard who does not wish to be foolish like his friends, refuses to find love, and he locks his heart away. But he soon becomes jealous of his friends with a happy home. So, he decides to marry. On the day of his wedding he shows his future wife his heart that has unyet been touched by love. Upon seeing his heart locked away for so long that it has become hairy and thin, she cries. She exclaims that he must return to it's proper place. Doing so kills both the wizard and his future wife, because his heart truly belonged to her.

Babbity, Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump

In a kingdom long forgotten, there was a King that declared only he had the right to perform magic. So, he inquired around until a tutor could be found to teach the King the art of magic. The tutor was not a wizard, and could only perform pallor tricks. Babbity Rabitty upon hearing the King declaration hides herself, for she is a true witch, inside of a tree. The tutor is only a muggle who pretends to teach the King, but when the King wants to display his new gift for magic, he doesn't know what to do. Babbity Rabbity who hears all this from her tree, begins to cackling knowing the muggle has pretended too long. Babbity helps the muggle as much as she can, but when asked to raise the dead, even the most powerful of witches cannot bring back the dead. The muggle claims an evil witch resides in the tree, cackling, and it must be cut down. A rabbit appears from the stump to escape clutching a wand. Babbity Rabbity will live another day.

The Tale of Three Brothers

The Tale of Three Brothers is probably the best known story in Beedle's book. It tells the story of three brothers who all want to outwit death. Antioch Peverell who wants a tool to overpower Death--The Elder Wand, Cadumus Peverell who wants something to conquer Death--The Resurrection Stone, and Ignotus Peverell who doesn't trust Death--asks for The Invisibility Cloak. Antioch thought his wand could protect him from death, but is killed by someone who tries to steal the wand. Cadumus discovers that his dead lover doesn't want life again, and commits suicide to join her. Ignotus used his invisibility cloak to hide from death until he reaches old age when he removed the cloak and met his death as old friend. The moral is that no one can outwit death.
(This is perhaps the most famous story because it is thought that Albus Dumbledore was in possession of the Elder Wand at time of his death, as well as the Resurrection Stone. Harry Potter is the owner of the Invisibility Cloak as was his father, and still has possession of it today.)

J. K. Rowling creates an imaginative world in The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Tales is a continuation of Harry Potter's world for all of us who just can't get enough. If you are a lover of the wizarding world and their ways, The Tales of Beedle the Bard may be just what you need. It was released the United States in December 2008. It was written with the desire to help J. K. Rowling's charity for marginalized children.

Dottie ;-)

A Ginormus Giveaway At Drey's Library

Hi Everyone! Me again with another fantastic giveaway at Drey's Library!

Here is everything she's giveaway courtesy of the gals at Hatchette Book Group, there will be three winners:
Giveaway Number 1

1. my little red book
2. See Jane Lead
3. Galway Bay
4. Mistress Bradstreet: The Untold Life of America's First Poet
5. Dream in Color
6. Kiss Off: Poems to Set You Free
7. Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven
8. Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business

Hatchette Book Group is also sponsoring Drey's Spring-y Madness Giveaway; there will be 5 winners:
Giveaway Number 2:

1. Throw Out Fifty Things
2. No Matter What
3. Mrs. Meyer's Clean House
4. The Power of Change Today
5. Work in Progress: An Unfinished Woman's Guide to Grace

It really sounds like a great giveaway! Something for everyone. So, everyone head over to Drey's place and check out her library. Awesome giveaways abound.

Just a quick shout out to Drey--thanks Drey for all the great giveaways--I recently won a copy of Sway by Zachary Lazar.

Dottie :)

The Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series by Nancy Martin

I've read three books by Nancy Martin in the Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series..... Time for a Series Review!


How To Murder A Millionaire by Nancy Martin
Publisher: New American Library / Penguin Putnam Inc.
Pages: 254


From the Cover: From Riches to Rags.......The three Blackbird sisters of Philadelphia--breezy Libby, practical Emma, and fragile but responsible Nora--are to manor born, but it seems there's a curse upon them, as all their husbands died young. Worse yet, their parents have just flown off to luxurious tax-evaders haven.....

Nora Blackbird is a penniless heiress, born to be a debutante, silver spoon and all. That is until her parents spend the family fortune and abscond to better and jail-free, tax-free climates. What's left of the family heritage; portrays to Emma, furniture to Libby, and the broken down family farm and land to Nora is almost worthless. The tax bill on the farm alone is two million dollars. What's an heiress to do? Seating arrangements are her specialty!

When millionaire and family friend, Rory Pendergast, offers Nora her first job on the Philadelphia Intelligencer, she is beside herself. At 31, Nora has her first job, on the society page. Kitty Keough, maven of the society page, doesn't want or need an assistant, but what Rory says goes.

Nora arrives at the Pendergast estate to attend a party, but she instead finds the host dead on his bedroom floor. Nora has another problem, she faints at the sight of a dead body. Who could do such a thing to Rory, a kindly old man? Nora soon discovers that Rory may not have been as sweet as she thought with knowledge of Rory's newest rage, erotic art! The search is on for Rory's killer; could it be his long time love, Peach? His rival in the erotic collectibles? Or, is it the local mafia don's son? All good questions which Nora will try to answer.

Nancy Martin, herself a descendant of the Mayflower crossing, writes an excellent mystery novel that finds Nora looking for answers in all the wrong places. It puts her in direct contact with the gorgeous and supposedly deadly, Mick Abruzzo. But Nora has sworn off men with the death of Todd, her drug taking dead husband. Nora soon discovers she has a nack for murder, at least solving it. If you want to read a book that keeps you laughing and looking for a killer, pick up How to Murder a Millionaire. This is the first book in the new series published in 2002.


Cross Your Heart And Hope To Die by Nancy Martin
Publisher: New American Library / Penguin Putnam Inc.
Pages: 262


From the Cover: Tempest in a C-cup....Things are going great for the Blackbirds. Columnist Nora is still dating mobster's son Michael Abruzzo. Emma's recovering nicely in a clinic for the rich and infamous, and Libby's please about her new career with Potions and Passions, a company that keeps its customers very satisfied.....

Nora Blackbird is at it again. She moving and shaking it with the rich and famous, or infamous, and showing it all on the society page. Kitty Keough is bitchy as ever, never giving Nora a moments rest or a kind word. Mick Abruzzo is helping to fill Nora's nights with hot lovin',sweet dreams, and maybe a baby.

Then, a terrible surprise happens, Kitty Keough shows up on Nora's farm house porch, dead as a door nail. As usually Nora faints away....When the police arrive, they assume Mick has beaten Nora and killed Kitty. How wrong they are!

As Nora covers a fashion show for the new bra that isn't a bra, things are 'uncovered' about Emma, bra designer Brinker Holt (Brinker's Bra), and Hemmings Lamb, known to close friends and family as Hemorrhoid, and all the while Libby struggles to sell her inventory of pleasure items. Nora must revisit the home of childhood friend, Oriana, to discover the truth. She can only hope to do it before Mick is arrested.

Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die is the 4th book in the Blackbird Sister Mystery Series published in 2005. Nancy Martin again uses humor and luck to solve another murder mystery. This book is a quick read and, though its nice to read the books in order, it's not necessary. For a good time and a fun read, try Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die.


Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by Nancy Martin
Publisher: New American Library / Penguin Putnam Inc.
Pages: 260


From the Cover: Heiress-go-lightly......Nora Blackbird has been reduced to wearing her grandmother's vintage couture. She's teetering on the brink of losing her job as the city's most talked-about society columnist. And she's got two hot men wanting to sweep her off the champagne circuit for wedded bliss. She doesn't need one more family crisis.......

Nora Blackbird is just a society columnist, but when Zell Orcutt turns up dead, all hell breaks loose. Orcutt is the scourge of proper society, married in--not born. When he attempted to sell Fitch's Fancy, the Fitch family estate, after the death of his long suffering wife Hannah, the jet set has a fit! When Nora is asked to investigate this dastardly deed, she finds a long time friend, Delilah, framed for the murder.

With Emma's new job as a dominatrix, Nora's fragile pregnancy and on-again-off-again romance with Richard (sans Mick), and Libby's nude calendar, there's not much time left for solving a murder. The one clue is Orcutt's Cupcake Club, strip club extraordinaire. How is his step-daughter and granddaughter involved in all of this? And why was Libby poisoned after eating cupcakes from Verbina's shop(Orcutt's step-daughter) made especially for the Cupcake's dancers?

Nora is pregnant with Mick baby, unknown to Mick. How will he handle the news now that he has vowed to leave Nora alone to marry Richard? Richard is a clumsy lover and Nora already knows she can't spend her life in a loveless marriage, not after being romanced by Mick. What will she do and who murdered Orcutt?

Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too is the 5th book in the Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series published in 2006. Again, Nora Blackbird has herself in hot water. How will she solved this case and who will pose for the calendar? Nancy Martin brings humor and laughs to another murder mystery. It was a quick, easy, fun read that left me wondering what Nora will get into next. Pick up Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too for a good read and a fun time.

Try any of the Blackbird Sisters Mystery Series, they were all fun and fabulous, darlings, as the society mavens would say!

Dottie :)