Quick Post: Fifty Shades of Grey....

This is just a quick post as I am not done reading it, but I had to point out something. I will do a more thorough evaluation later once I have finished reading it.

The thing that I noticed though is that this book and Twilight are similar. Lets just say this is the more realistic and adult rated Twilight. First off he becomes attracted to a girl that is easily flustered that he can't figure out what it is about her but he has to have her. Second off he clearly has had a hard childhood and therefore has a somewhat dark secret to hide also Edward is a vampire so he kind of has a dark secret to hide too. In Breaking Dawn Edward forces Bella to accept a car. Im not to the point where Ana accepts it or not but Christen is trying to force a car on her. Both men are overbearing and overprotective in the male acquaintance department. They are also pushy about food. (I mean really if you drop bombs i.e. Im a vampire or Im into kinky sex how can you expect the women to eat. shesh) Both men have similar music tastes and are extremely wealthy. This is just what I have come up with so far and I just started reading an hour ago. Im sure that I will find more similarities and also I want to do a full review of this book and the whole series, so keep a look out for those post if your interested.

Books, Books, Books......

So here we go with the book list again. Hope you like them.


1.) Sex, Murder, and a Double Latte- Kyra Davis

When a mystery writer cries bloody murder, everyone blames her overactive imagination…

Thriller scribe Sophie Katz is as hard-boiled as a woman who drinks Grande Caramel Brownie Frappuccinos can be. So Sophie knows it's not paranoia or post-divorce, living-alone-again jitters, when she becomes convinced that a crazed reader is sneaking into her apartment to reenact scenes from her books. The police, however, can't tell a good plot from an unmarked grave.

When a filmmaker friend is brutally murdered in the manner of a death scene in one of his movies, Sophie becomes convinced that a copycat killer is on the loose —and that she's the next target. If she doesn't solve the mystery, her own bestseller will spell out her doom. Cursing her grisly imagination (why, oh, why did she have to pick the ax?), Sophie engages in some real-life gumshoe tactics. The man who swoops in to save her in dark alleys is mysterious new love interest Anatoly Darinsky. Of course, if this were fiction, Anatoly would be her prime suspect.…

2.) Sex and Psychic Witch- Annette Blair

Introducing the Cartwright sisters-Harmony, Destiny and Storm-triplets and unstoppable seductresses.

Harmony, the buyer for her sisters' vintage curio shop, can read objects and learn of their former owners. Now, a Celtic ring leads her to a castle on the coast of Massachusetts. King Paxton's money-pit is cursed, and he hopes that this leggy blonde can help him find peace with an angry ghost, a disgruntled renovation crew-and his own heart.

3.) Read Headed Stepchild- Jaye Wells

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she's on. She's never brought her work home with her---until now.

This time, it's personal.

4.) Two Way Street- Lauren Barnholdt

there are two sides to every breakup.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

5.) Wolf at the Door- Christine Warren

Sullivan Quinn didn't travel 3,000 miles from his native Ireland and his wolf pack just to chase rabidly after the most delectable quarry he's ever seen. Quinn is in America on a mission--to warn his Other brethren of a shadowy group willing to use murder and mayhem to bring them down. But one whiff of this Foxwoman's delicious honeysuckle fragrance and he knows that she is more than a colleague or a conquest…she is his mate.
Anthropologist Cassidy Poe is a world-renowned authority on social interaction, but the overpowering desire she feels around Quinn defies every ounce of her expertise. Working by his side to uncover The Others' enemies poses risks she never expected--to her own safety, to those she loves, and to her heart, as every encounter with Quinn proves more blissfully erotic than the last…

Now, with no one to trust but each other, Quinn and Cassidy face a foe that's edging closer every day, threatening to destroy the life they've always known, and the passion they've just discovered…

Anyway thats it for this time. I know I said I would try to read more books with male leads.....but that didn't end up happening. Maybe next time.

Book Time Again...

I have noticed that I read mostly books with strong female main characters and hopefully in the next one of these you'll see so male lead characters. Don't think I can do anything about the reading material being about murder, and how most of the characters have gun fetishes. I think that says something about my personality. Anyway so this time your still stuck with mostly female leads. Sorry.

1.) Guilty Pleasures- Laurell K. Hamilton

Guilty Pleasures introduces the character of Anita Blake, vampire hunter, and her world, an alternate history where magic, vampires, werewolves and other supernatural elements exist. Blake, a zombie animator and licensed vampire executioner, investigates a series of vampire murders, and in the process comes into contact with many of the supernatural characters of her home city of Saint Louis. The novel blends elements of supernatural and hardboiled detective fiction.

"Guilty Pleasures" is the name of a vampire strip club operated by vampire Jean-Claude, one of the main characters. Hamilton has continued the pattern of titling the novels after a location for most of the books in the series.

-Wiki

2.) Blue Bloods- Melissa de la Cruz

Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she’s starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger?

-B&N



3.) Sweet Evil- Wendy Higgins

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

-B&N

4.) Beastly- Alex Flinn

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

-B&N


5.) Storm Borne- Richelle Mead

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants. . .

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her. . .

-B&N




Also in case you haven't noticed I have a thing for romance novels. My bad. Anyway so at least I did get one book in from a male perspective, though I doubt most men would read it. Next time hopefully I will have broadened my horizons and read some more books that everyone will enjoy.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo...American and Swedish...

First off I would like to start with I really enjoyed these movies and books. Though they bring light to the topic of misogynistic men I think that it also sensationalizes it with the movies. Rape isn't romantic and it isn't pretty anyway you show it, and the videos did a really good job of portraying how brutal that is.

The original Swedish novel's title translated to 'Men who hate Women'. When it was being reprinted in english they decided to change the title to the less offensive, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Personally I wouldn't have minded if they had kept the other title. It suited the purpose of the writer and got straight to the point.

It is said that in his past, Steig Larsson witnessed a rape of a girl named Lisbeth and did nothing to stop it. So this book was probably dedicated to the girl he could never forget. Most of his life was dedicated to stopping injustices whether they be rape, immigration issues, or racism. I do believe he was a great man.

The Swedish version of the movie gives more light to Lisbeth obsession with Blomkvist, her past, her pattern of thinking, and her relationships with others. The American version goes more into detail about her sexual relationship with Blomkvist, her attitude to others, and most importantly her way of dress. I think that they put a little too much emphasis on clothing in the American version, especially since they came out with an H&M clothing line for her. The only other problem that I had with the American version was that it didn't show much of her past like it did in the first one or the book and it kind of let the fact that she has a photographic memory slide by. Not to say that I didnt like the American version. All in all I think that it was really well put together and that I shouldnt have been so scared to watch it. If you havent seen either or read the books, you should. Not if you have a weak stomach or are a candy ass. It would probably give you nightmares.


American Version: 4 out of 5
Swedish Version: 5 out of 5
Books: 4 out of 5


The only reason the books scored so low is because they take a long time to read through. Not saying that there is a lot of pages, but its difficult to stay interested when there is so much description of useless things and not enough action. I still think that they warrant a read through though.

Booooooks...

Here we go again with the book list. I'll try to link the authors so you can check out the first ones in series too.

1. Street Magic- Caitlin Kittredge

Her name is Pete Caldecott. She was just sixteen when she met Jack Winter, a gorgeous, larger-than-life mage who thrilled her with his witchcraft. Then a spirit Jack summoned killed him before Pete’s eyes—or so she thought. Now a detective[MSOffice2] , Pete is investigating the case of a young girl kidnapped from the streets of London. A tipster’s chilling prediction has led police directly to the child…but when Pete meets the informant, she’s shocked to learn he is none other than Jack. Strung out on heroin, Jack a shadow of his former self. But he’s able to tell Pete exactly where Bridget’s kidnappers are hiding: in the supernatural shadow-world of the fey. Even though she’s spent years disavowing the supernatural, Pete follows Jack into the invisible fey underworld, where she hopes to discover the truth about what happened to Bridget—and what happened to Jack on that dark day so long ago…


2. Night Life- Caitlin Kittredge

Welcome to Nocturne City, where werewolves, black magicians, and witches prowl the streets at night…
Among them is Luna Wilder, a tough-as-nails police officer whose job is to keep the peace. As an Insoli werewolf, Luna travels without a pack and must rely on instinct alone. And she’s just been assigned to find the ruthless killer behind a string of ritualistic murders—a killer with ties to an escaped demon found only in legend…until now.
But when she investigates prime suspect Dmitri Sandovsky, she can’t resist his wolfish charms. Pack leader of a dangerous clan of Redbacks, Dimitri sends her animal instincts into overdrive and threatens her fiercely-guarded independence. But Luna and Dimiri will need to rely on each other as they’re plunged into an ancient demon underworld and pitted against an expert black magician with the power to enslave them for eternity…


3. Hunters Prayer- Lillith Saintcrow

Another night on the Nightside...An ancient evil looms over Santa Luz. Prostitutes are showing up dead and eviscerated. And Jill Kismet just might be able to get her revenge against an old enemy.
There's just one problem. Someone wants Jill dead—again. And if they have to open up Hell itself to kill her, they will.
Sometimes, even when you're Jill Kismet, you don't have a prayer...


4. One Bite With a Stranger- Christine Warren

When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun. . . .
The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…


5. Cross Your Heart- Michele Bradsley

Even vampires can be afraid of ghosts...
After the death of her husband-and her dreams of motherhood-Elizabeth Bretton returned to the family estate in Broken Heart, Oklahoma. Little did she know she would also give up her life as the Silverstone heiress.
But escaping the past isn't that easy-especially with a vengeful ghost trying to kill her, a 150-year-old mystery to solve, and an outrageously hot were-jaguar named "Tez" trying to get into her boudoir...

Books from the mouth of babes..

Thought that I would share more of my reading material with you, since there is so much. So so much.


1. Kitty And The Midnight Hour-Carrie Vaughn

Kitty Norville is a midnight-shift DJ for a Denver radio station-and a werewolf in the closet. Her new late-night advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged is a raging success, but it's Kitty who can use some help. With one sexy werewolf-hunter and a few homicidal undead on her tail, Kitty may have bitten off more than she can chew?



2. Moon Called-Patricia Briggs

Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they'll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I'm not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson's sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf.

She's tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself ... and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble



3. Dead Witch Walking-Kim Harrison

The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.

Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

4. Touch The Dark-Karen Chance

Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking Mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with revenge in mind, she's forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection.The undead senators won't help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire- and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay.



5. Ascension- Sable Grace

The gates of hell have opened, and one woman will stand in the crossfire as the Dark Breed—vampyre, demons, shape shifters—and mankind fight their last battle for survival.

Kyana is half Vampyre, half Lychen . . . and the last of her kind. Determined, dangerous, and damned, she has no love for the mortals who have imprisoned and misused her. But when the Order of Ancients entrusts her with a mission—to find the key that will send the Dark Breed back into Hell for eternity—Kyana has no choice but to accept.

She is furious to learn her assignment comes with an escort . . . Ryker, a demigod and fierce warrior who long ago found a way under her skin and stayed there. In a shaky alliance, they discover an ancient cult with dangerous motive and a god who seeks to destroy all others. And as Kyana begins to feel the heat that threatens to bind her to Ryker, she knows she has to resist. For it could only mean the undoing of them both . . .

So this time around I have also left links under the authors names in case you want to check out any of their other works or just them in general. Again did not write the overview. You want me do do a book review let me know and I might, but for now Im just going to do lists like this.

Some Good Reads...

I have discovered I have a serious problem...


I read way way too much. Yes most of you are probably thinking 'you can never read too much.' Sadly I have discover that you can when you start collecting the books that you read as sort of trophies to show off you accomplishments and discover that you have two humungous (yes I made up a word) book shelves double stacked full along with your dresser tops covered with books. I do indeed have a problem.

But I thought, hey why not share my problem with everyone else? So here I am, telling you about five books I have read this week and giving you the overview so you can see if you would like to read them or not. If enough people like this I may do it again. Also if I have read like #3 in a series, I'll put down #1 instead so you not jumping into the middle of it without knowing whats going on.


1: Blue is for Nightmares-Laurie Faria Stolaz

"I Know Your Secret . . ."

Boarding school junior Stacey Brown has nightmares too real to ignore. Her nightmares come true. This time they're about Drea, her best friend who's become the target of one seriously psycho stalker. To try and protect her, Stacey's working with what she knows-candles, cards, incantations, and spells...

2: Guilty Pleasures- Laurell K. Hamilton.

When St. Louis's most powerful vampire comes to Anita Blake for help, she is faced with her greatest fear-a man capable of arousing in her a hunger strong enough to match his own.


3. The Devil Inside-Jenna Black



Posession. Murder. Mayhem.
Let the games begin...

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 foot 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. . . .

4. Working for the Devil-Lilith Saintcrow

When the Devil needs a rogue demon killed, who does he call?

The Player: Necromance-for-hire Dante Valentine is choosy about her jobs. Hot tempered and with nerves of steel, she can raise the dead like nobody's business. But one rainy Monday morning, everything goes straight to hell.

The Score: The Devil hires Dante to eliminate a rogue demon: Vardimal Santino. In return, he will let her live. It's an offer she can't refuse.

The Catch: How do you kill something that can't die?

5. House and Philosophy: Everybody Lies- Henry Jacob

An unauthorized look at the philosophical issues raised by one of today's most popular television shows: House

House is one of the top three television dramas on the air, pulling in more than 19 million viewers for each episode. This latest book in the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series takes a deeper look at the characters and issues raised in this Emmy Award-winning medical drama, offering entertaining answers to the fascinating ethical questions viewers have about Dr. Gregory House and his medical team.

All of the overviews are not mine. I got them from Barnes and Nobel where you can purchase the books if you liked them enough to read them.