HOLES

Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment--and redemption.

I watched the movie earlier this year, with my hubby and daughter, and we loved it! So, when I went to the library on Friday and happened to find the book on the shelf, I just had to borrow it. I was curious. Could the book be just as good as the movie? From personal experience, I assumed it would be better.

Well, I decided to start it this morning and by mid-afternoon I was already sitting past the halfway mark. I got so caught up in it, I didn't want to put it down. And I finished it tonight, just before the new day started. ;)

It was just as interesting, heartwarming and wonderful as the movie. Actually, it was pretty much exactly like the movie. There were only a few, very tiny details that were different. Nothing huge. The movie captured the essence and feel of the book so well. I couldn't get over it. It's amazing to capture every bit of a book so well on film. But it's awesome!

Anyway, I loved the book. What a terrific story, you just can't help but love Stanley as he goes on this very unexpected adventure. Definitely worth reading! I love this story.

Having a few connection probs...

Yeah. I'm sitting here listening to My Chemical Romance at the moment, really enjoying their tunes. Man, they're cool! And this album totally compliments my current mood. :p

Anyway. I'm a little pissed off with our internet connection at the moment. I haven't been able to check my emails for 24 hours. And that always makes me cranky. I mean, there might be no new emails at the moment, but I just like to know. Does that make sense? It's amazing how much I depend on the internet being up and running whenever I need it.

Let's hope all these probs get fixed up soon. Doesn't technology suck sometimes? It offers you all these weird and wonderful things, hooks you in, and then decides to malfunction and totally throws you out! :/

What can you do but wait? I'm lucky I even managed to log in now. So, I thought I'd take the opportunity to write a little post. I'm not sure if it'll be up and running later on. Lol.

How was your weekend? Mine was great! Like always, right? I just wish it was longer than two days. ;)

Okay. I think I better not push my luck anymore than I already have. This week is going to be all about planning. I'm going to sit down and figure out more of the novel I'll be working on for NaNoWriMo. And might even squeeze in some other planning. I don't think I'll do any actual new words this week, though. I'll save that for next week!

Have a nice day!

PURE BLOOD

In the shadows of Nocturne City, witches lurk and demons prowl, and homicide detective Luna Wilder must keep the peace - while living life as a werewolf. Now bodies are turning up all over town, the brutal murders linked by a cryptic message: We see with empty eyes.

To make matters worse for Luna, she can't get wolfishly handsome Dmitri Sandovsky out of her mind. The last time he helped her with a case, Dmitri suffered a demon bite that infected him with a mysterious illness.and now his pack elders have forbidden him from associating with Luna. But she'll need his help when high-level witches start turning up slaughtered. Because a war is brewing between rival clans of blood witches and caster witches - a magical gang war with the power to burn Nocturne City to the ground.

This is the second book in the Nocturne City series, and wow! It really packed a punch.

Luna is a tough-as-nails homicide detective who also happens to be a werewolf. A werewolf without a pack. As you can imagine, things are a little rough for her. And after the events of NIGHT LIFE, she's left with certain scars. One of them happens to be the now demon-infected, Dmitri. He's taken off and left her alone, but when he returns, he does with some extra baggage. Add a string of murders that at first sight seem to be overdoses, and Luna's got her hands full.

I love the pace of this story. I loved the way Luna reacted to everything and how vulnerable she becomes even though she's a tough chick. The case was interesting too, and I'm really enjoying my stay in this dark city Caitlin has created.

This is definitely another series you should be reading. ;) I can't wait to see what happens in SECOND SKIN...

KISSING SIN

From Melbourne's gleaming skyscrapers to its throbbing nightclubs, Riley Jenson's world is raging with danger and desire. A drop-dead-gorgeous werewolf - with a touch of vamp coursing in her blood - Riley works for an organization created to police the supernatural races. But when she wakes up naked and bruised in a barren alley, she knows only that she must run for her life.

Within moments Riley collides with the sexiest man she's ever seen: steely, seductive Kade, who is fighting a life-and-death battle of his own. With old lovers and enemies gathering around her, Riley knows she is being pursued by a new kind of criminal. Because in Riley's blood is a secret that could create the ultimate warrior - if only she can survive her own dangerous desires…

This is the second book in the Riley Jenson Guardian series. Just like the first one, the plot was intense, filled with action and hot, hot, hot! I love what Keri's done with the werewolves, vampires and shifters of this world. Not to mention that it's awesome to read about a world set in Australia. It's super cool. Mostly it's in Melbourne, but Riley and Quinn go to Sydney in this one. ;)

The danger in Riley's life reaches maximum overdrive in the final chapters, but I have a feeling that it'll just get more serious as the series moves along. I can't wait to find out. What about all those hot guys in her life? Lol. Great series!

ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again.

Wow, talk about gorgeous covers. This is beautiful! You should check out the cover for the third one. It's beautiful too! I can't wait to get my hands on it...

This is the second book in the Night Huntress series. Yikes! I didn't think this series could get any better or more kick-ass after reading the first book, but I was terribly wrong. It only gets better.

Four years after she walked away from the very alluring Bones, Cat is a Special Agent and has not only trained a team of very capable humans, but has started dating again. Well, until Bones steps back into the picture. You're not going to believe just how she runs into him. I loved it! Anyway, add to the mix that someone is trying to kill her, and there's no way Cat can keep her distance from Bones. Why would she want to. ;) Lol.

Anyway. Another fantastic installment with just the right combination of action, mystery, kick-ass, emotion, love, and sexiness. Yeah, you totally wanna check this series out. Go on!

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

Some people worship them. Some people fear them. And some people—like Morgan Kingsley—go up against them toe-to-toe, flesh-to-flesh, and power against power. An exorcist by trade, Morgan is one of the few humans with an aura stronger than her possessor, even though her demon can tease her body senseless. She's also a woman who has just discovered a shocking truth: everything she once believed about her past, her identity, may have been a lie…

With a family secret exploding around her and with a full-scale demon war igniting, Morgan is a key player in an unsettled world. Then a rogue, sociopathic demon enters her life with a bang. His name is The Hunter. And since she is the prey, Morgan has only one choice: to hunt The Hunter down—no matter what heartbreaking truths she uncovers on the way…

Okay. This series has officially made it on the list of my (ever-growing) fave urban fantasy series books. Does that make sense? I'm lovin' Morgan's attitude. I mean, with all the stuff she's going through, is it any wonder that she reacts the way she does? Nope. I also like that although she's tough, there are still so many facets of her life that weaken her.

The concept of this series is fantastic and I've already strapped in to enjoy the ride. Lots of secrets were revealed in this one, and the overall plot just gets thicker and thicker. I can't help but wonder just where this is all going to end. Wherever it leads, I'm looking forward to reading all of the installments.

It was nice meeting her brother Andrew, but I was devastated by what happend to him in the end. :( Oh, and the more we get to learn about Dom and Adam, the better. ;) Not to mention Lugh.

Actually, the third book comes out in November. So I can't wait!

THE DEVIL INSIDE

Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down…by the demon that’s gotten inside her.

Not just any demon. Six feet five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror…

Don't you love this cover? I love it! And the title too. :) Oh, and of course, I LOVED the actual book. Lol.

I started reading a different book on Friday, but after getting 60 pages in, I just had to put it down. I couldn't get into it. So, I went over to my bookshelf to pick out a book that I was sure I would enjoy. And this is the one I picked out. You know what? I wasn't wrong. As soon as I picked it up and started reading, I was hooked.

Morgan's a great and interesting character. A very strong woman, who also happens to be an exorcist, and gets caught up in a huge mess. In a world where demons exist in a fascinating and intricate society, she gets rid of the demons who enter humans illegally. Except, what happens when one of them is inside her?

Yep. It's a fantastic and very unpredictable ride. With lots of sexy men, a loyal boyfriend and many, many dangerous situations. I love this dark, new world Jenna's created. And I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I have the second one already and will get the third as soon as it's released. ;)

Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? I reckon it's (once again) urban fantasy at its best. No wonder I adore this genre!

Friday stuff

Isn't this picture cute? You know, it's getting to that time of the year when I like to pull out THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS to watch it all over again.

Somewhere between Halloween and Christmas is when I like to sit down with my daughter to do this. :)

 

I never get sick of this movie. It's awesome!

Well, my daughter and I just finished doing a little beading. She loves getting together to do this, and to be honest, it's a lot of fun. She made a lovely necklace - using a shell she found at the beach during a school excursion - and a book thong. I made a bracelet and two book thongs. I should've taken a photo and posted it here. Oh well, maybe next time.

Last night I wrote a little something new. I think I've mentioned that I've been wrapping up my notes and research for the first draft I finished last month. Well, yesterday, there was something bothering me about a certain aspect of the backstory. And so, I opened a new Word doc and decided to let the character speak to me. It's not the heroine in the novel, it's someone else. But the whispers were loud enough for me to put together a little something that sits just below 2k.

Now, it's all clearer. I'm so darn glad I did this, and can't wait to have this character introduced into this world that even now is still consuming my brain. :)

Well, have a great weekend!

ytd word count: 337,584

SERVANT: THE ACCEPTANCE

Gabrielle Cody has accepted her destiny as one of God’s warriors, charged to destroy evil. When surrounded by violence, she must be ready for anything, but Gaby wasn’t prepared to see Detective Luther Cross ever again. He’s the beacon of reality in her life, the one thing that makes her feel human, like a real woman.

But Gaby can’t get caught up with Luther now. She has work to do, this time protecting the street walkers. But Luther gives her purpose, something more than just working at God’s whim.

Yet her life of retribution is far too dangerous even for Luther, and this time, it’s not just their hearts that won’t come out unscathed.

Okay, this series is seriously AWESOME! Gaby and Luther are characters that stay with you way after you've finished the book. I know because I'm still thinking about them now. Amazing!

After posting the blurb, I just don't know what else to say without spoiling it for everyone. But let's just say that I loved it. Gaby's trying to distance herself from the attraction that Luther forces in her, but... Of course, a lot of other stuff happens in between. Lots of action and even some pretty gruesome scenes. The different POVs really work with this series. I love knowing what's going on inside both of their heads, and even the villain. :)

Anyway. I'm not saying anymore... except, maybe, WOW!

PS. What about that beautiful cover, huh? ;)

Nice and comfy

I want to start today's post by saying Happy Birthday to Hubby! Yay. It's a shame he had to go to work, but I hope he has a great day anyway. We had an awesome morning together!

My daughter and I just got back from our daily walk. It's a beautiful sunny spring day today. Not cold, not hot. Nice and comfy, as long as you're in a tee and wearing a hat. It was nice. I love walking beside the river. It's calming. I feel a little tired now, though.

Why is it always so hard to get back on track after a wonderful long weekend? I know. It's Wednesday already, so I should be in the full swing of the week, right? Wrong. I just wish we had another one coming up this weekend. Lol. Can't wait for hubby to have some time off work. That would be awesome!

Well, what's new with you?

This is the second week of my daughter's school holidays. She goes back next Monday. I think I've been quite productive, even though I've been realistic about my goal setting. Nothing too huge, and definitely no new writing done but that's fine. For the rest of the week, I've only got several brainstorming sessions I'd like to tackle, and some more note-taking for the first draft/new world I've created. Heck. I just realised it doesn't have a name, and neither does the first installment. Lol.

Oh, and I'm reading this book at the moment. It's really cool so far.

Okay, have a great day!

LEGACY

Anna Strong was a tough-as-nails bounty hunter until the night she was attacked by a vampire – and changed forever…

Since then, Anna has struggled to adapt to her supernatural status while clinging to the vestiges of her humanity. Avery - the sinister vampire who transformed her - is dead, and Anna learns that she’s entitled to his vast fortune. Then a predatory werewolf comes forward, claiming to be Avery’s widow. She demands the entire estate and makes it clear that she and her pack think nothing of killing Anna – and those who matter to her – to get what’s owed them. Now Anna must protect those she loves from a werewolf out for the two most precious things in the world: blood…and money.

This is the fourth Anna Strong book. Man, do I love this series! It's totally engrossing and kick ass. Anna's one tough vamp. I love her cocky attitude - with a little thread of fear and vulnerability beneath it all.

A lot has changed for her in this book, and she gets herself caught up in an ordeal she never expected - helping Gloria. David's girlfriend and Anna have never seen eye-to-eye, but now she needs Anna's help to prove her innocence. And boy, what a ride!

Loved it! Kept me guessing until the end. Enjoyed the werewolf stuff, too. Love the little twist. Both of the supernatural and human kind. Wonder how France is going to get worked into future books. Okay, that's it. I can't say anymore without adding spoilers. ;)

Just check it out for yourself. Jeanne's an awesome author!

GALE FORCE

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is on vacation when her Djinn lover, David, asks Joanne to marry him. She’s thrilled to say yes, even if some others may be less than happy about it.

Unfortunately, Joanne’s pre-marital bliss is ended by a devastating earthquake in Florida. And she can’t ask David and his kind for assistance. Because the cause of the quake is unlike anything Joanne has ever encountered—and a power even the Djinn cannot perceive.

I swear, the fantastic books just keep on coming this year. No wonder I love urban fantasy so much. Every single UF book I've read is amazing! And now, I can add this one to the list. Of course, I never had any doubt. I absolutely adore this series. Rachel Caine rocks!

And, well, I don't think I need to say anymore. It was great, I loved it and can't wait for the other ones. But in the meantime, there are a few free short stories that I can check out.

If you're not reading this series, you should be. Trust me, just reading about David makes it worthwhile. ;)