New Author Challenge

Well I tried it last year and failed miserably. I think I read, maybe 2 new to me authors all year. But I'm never one to give up easily, so I thought I'd try it again this year. And with all my other personal reading challenges - what the heck ;)

The Challenge: Read 50 new-to-you authors this year. I'll list them in the order I read them, and what book of theirs I read. As well as if I enjoyed it, plan to look for more, or any other details.

This year I'm already off to a decent start (especially compared to last year):

1. Jennifer Armintrout - The Turning
The Turning is the first book in Jennifer's Blood Ties series. I loved this first book, and pretty quickly went through the other three. And picked up the first book in her next series: Lightworld/Darkworld.

2. Kate Pearce - Roping the Wind
Roping the Wind is the first book in Kate's Turner Brothers series. It was a really good, fun cowboy read. I supremely enjoyed it. And quickly read the other two. I look forward to reading more of hers.

3. Lauren Dane - Giving Chase
A good fun read. I'm definitely gonna get to some more of her work.

4. Susan Donovan - He Loves Lucy
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the love story between Lucy and Theo was not only touching, but believable.

5. Melinda Barron - Graceful Submission
This was a fantastic book. I loved the development of the characters, and how BDSM was handled in it. I will definitely be looking for more of her books.

6. Kat Alexis - Candy Coated Passion
To be honest the sex scenes got a bit tedious, and it felt like there was little to no growth with the characters. I'd love to see the author do more with them, so it's not just sex scene after sex scene.

7. Maggie Casper - Zane's Way
Hmm. It had the potential for a really good book. The characters were interesting, the storyline was interesting, but it just seemed to rushed. I didn't get enough time of them together, much more time of them apart. Not enough time to see how their relationship grew. Pity, because I missed that.

8. Julia Quinn - The Duke and I
I absolutely adored this book. The characters are lively, quick, smart and interesting. People that I would love to know. The romance is sweet, hot, and beautiful. The dialogue is fabulous. The secondary characters (coming up in future books) are absolutely fascinating. I can't wait to read more from Julia Quinn. (Yes - I know I'm quite late to this party...lol)

9. Jennifer Ashley - The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
What a fantastic book. I love the way that the author showed the hero having AS. How it wasn't a passed over part of the story, how it was completely integrated into the love story and the overall story. Fantastic romance with a real hero and heroine. I couldn't put it down, and can't wait to read more in this series.

10. Stacia Kane - Unholy Ghosts
Read my review here

11. Charlaine Harris - Dead Until Dark
I really enjoyed this first novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Enough that it made me immediately get the following 9 full length novels and devour them in a week.

12. Desiree Holt - Double Entry
This was a decent book that had some likable characters, although I can't remember much specifically about them. It was a short story, heavy on sex, and light on conflict. I did have some problems with one scene in particular that was just beyond unrealistic for me - not in that it couldn't be done, but in that it definitely shouldn't, and any woman would know that. There was also some unrealistic dialogue that felt more like the author trying to give distinctive personalities rather than the characters actually having distinctive personalities. Other than that, I'd be willing to try another novel by her sometime.

13. Kasey MacKenzie - Red Hot Fury
A debut author with a fresh new look at urban fantasy. I've been working on a review for this. The concept is awesome and intriguing, but there were some definite debut-novel issues I had. Update: Read review here.

14. Gena Showalter - The Darkest Night
First book in the Lords of the Underworld series. Interesting premise, good characters. A good read, and I look forward to seeing where she takes the series.

15. Cherise Sinclair - Club Shadowlands
The best thing I can say about this author is that as soon as I finished Club Shadowlands I immediately read everything else she has available. I find her characters believable, charming, interesting and hot. The end of Master of the Mountain still strikes me as perfect - just because of how realistic it was. And beautiful. I eagerly await anything and everything Cherise sends my way.

16. Victoria Dahl (as Holly Summers)- The Wicked West
I grabbed this book on a recommendation from Sarah at Dear Author. I enjoyed it. It was a quick, intense read. I liked the female knowing exactly what she wanted, and not afraid to go after it. I'll definitely look for more of her work.

17. KC Sehlhorst - Hel Hath No Fury
I loved what the author did with the concept of Lucifer. He was handled absolutely brilliantly. I felt there were things in the storyline rushed, and not explained, but I definitely enjoyed being along for the ride and look forward to reading more by this author.

18. Vicki Lewis Thompson - Blonde With a Wand
I've heard of her Nerds books before, but this is the first one I picked up, on the recommendation of a friend. I really enjoyed it. I liked seeing the growth that both characters went through, and definitely look forward to more.

19. Anne Stuart - Ruthless
I enjoyed this historical romance novel. The characters and setting were very different to me, which was actually nice. See my review here.

20. Eve Silver - Sins of the Heart
Definitely not going to be the last book I read by Eve Silver. She set up a fascinating world, with great characters and an interesting plot. Read my review here.

21. L. Shannon - Amethyst Bound
Interesting world, but I didn't feel there was enough character building, nor enough to keep the story moving. It was relatively easy for me to put this down, and only force of will kept me going (until I met a character that I really want to know more about at the end!!) Read my review here.

22. Meljean Brook - "Here There Be Monsters" in Burning Up anthology
I loved this novella. Fantastic, fresh, interesting world and characters that are fully developed which is always impressive in a novella format. Can't wait for the full length The Iron Duke and have started on a glom of Meljean's backlist, her Guardian series.

23. Zoë Archer - Warrior
A fun adventure story with bits of magic, a trek through the steppes of Outer Mongolia and wonderful characters - read my review here.

24. Courtney Milan - Proof by Seduction
A historical that made me laugh, and tear up, I clearly felt the emotions of the characters. Read my review here.

25. Ilona Andrews - On the Edge
Rustic Fantasy is what Ilona Andrews calls this book, and I loved it, so much that it was incredibly hard for me to put down. Read my review here.

26. J.Z. Colby - The Test
Interesting idea with a young male, obviously from a different world, traveling to a city to find a crew for his ship. But it moved slow and I never felt like I got to know the characters. There was also the abrupt cut-off at the end and the mediocre writing. It did finally start to pick up near the end and I would be interested in where the story went.

27. Melissa Schroeder - A Little Harmless Sex
A fun, erotic romp that made me eager to dive into more of her works. After quickly finishing the two other books available in this series, A Little Harmless Pleasure (my favorite of the three so far), and A Little Harmless Obsession, I will definitely be looking for more

28. Riley Shane - The Taste of Magick
A wonderful Halloween short story that's sexy, fun and deep. I definitely look forward to more by Riley Shane. Read my review here.

29. Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games
Review to come. Immediately upon finishing this book I had to go out and get Catching Fire (and then Mockingjay). Days later and I can't stop thinking about it.

30. Nicole Austin - Erotique
A 'Naughty Nooner' from Ellora's Cave. A quick short story. I enjoyed it, and liked Ms. Austin's writing style so I'll definitely be looking for more from her. I do think the end could have used another two or three paragraphs.

31. Sally Painter - Not Just an Orgy
Another 'Naughty Nooner' from Ellora's Cave. I think this had a good premise but in such a short format I think there was too much plot. There was deception, the first time the couple was together, supernatural thrown in there for good measure. It just had too much going on in such a short space. I think this story could have benefited from a longer format, or less busy-ness.

32. Cassandra Gold - Quinn's Hart
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a sweet love story and made me smile all the way through. See my review here.

33. Rebecca Royce - Yes, Captain
This was a quick, good read. While I would have appreciated a bit more development between the characters I'd definitely be interested in reading more by Ms. Royce.

34. Kristen Painter - Miss Bramble and the Leviathan
A quick steampunk read that I enjoyed. The author did a good job of showing the steampunk world and still developing the characters. Again, I would have liked to had more time there just to delve a bit deeper, but I look forward to reading more by this author.

35. Roxanne St. Claire - Edge of Sight
I don't read a lot of romantic-suspense anymore, probably because it all feels like 'been there, done that' to me. However I was pulled right into this book. And I really enjoyed it. Tortured, truly damaged hero, strong smart heroine - and they actually talk, imagine that. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

36. Sabrina Jeffries - Never Seduce a Scoundrel
Yes, it's true. I've never read Sabrina Jeffries before this year. This was a fun historical to read. It had a few things that I'm not a fan of - prolonged deception on the part of hero AND heroine for one - but in the end I liked it. I've got the others in the series on my list.


Last updated 29 December 2010

Patricia Briggs Book Order

Mercy Thompson

1. Moon Called
* "The Star of David" in Wolfsbane and Mistletoe anthology

**Alpha and Omega Series (Books 1 thru 3) take place here**

2. Blood Bond
3. Iron Kissed
4. Bone Crossed
5. Silver Borne
6. River Marked
* "In Red, With Pearls" in Down These Strange Streets anthology

**Alpha and Omega Series (Book 4) takes place here**

7. Frost Burned
8. Night Broken (4 March 2014)

* Shifting Shadows (October 2014)
Compilation of all Mercy World Short Stories and some new


Alpha and Omega
Features Charles and Anna

1. "Alpha and Omega" in On the Prowl anthology
2. Cry Wolf
2.5 "Seeing Eye" in Strange Brew anthology
3. Hunting Ground
4. Fair Game


Mercy Thompson World (Connected)

* "Fairy Gifts" in Naked City anthology
* "Gray" in Home Improvement: Undead Edition anthology


Sianim Series

1. Masques
2. Wolfsbane
3. Steal the Dragon
4. When Demons Walk

Hurog Duology

1. Dragon Bones
2. Dragon Blood

Raven Duology

1. Raven's Shadow
2. Raven's Strike

Stand Alone

1. The Hob



Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.patriciabriggs.com/

Jeaniene Frost Book Order

Night Huntress
Featuring Bones and Cat

* "Reckoning" in Unbound anthology - Also ebook single available
Bones prequel

1. Halfway to the Grave

* "Happily Never After" in Weddings From Hell anthology
Chance and Isabella

2. One Foot in the Grave

3. At Grave's End

* "Devil to Pay" in Four Dukes and a Devil anthology - Also ebook single available
Blake and Elise

4. Destined for an Early Grave

* "One For the Money" in Death's Excellent Vacation anthology - Also ebook available in Magic Graves

**Read Night Huntress World Series 1 and 2 here to maintain continuity**

5. This Side of the Grave

6. One Grave at a Time

* "Home for the Holidays" in The Bite Before Christmas anthology - Standalone ebook to be release 5 November 2013

**Read Night Prince Series 1 and 2 here to maintain continuity**

7. Up From the Grave (28 January 2014)
**Final Book in Series**



Night Huntress World
Read between Night Huntress 4.5 and 5

1. First Drop of Crimson
Spade and Denise

2. Eternal Kiss of Darkness
Mencheres and Kira Graceling


Night Prince
Featuring Vlad and Leila
Begins after Night Huntress 6.5

1. Once Burned
2. Twice Tempted
3. [Untitled] (TBA)


Other

1. "Pack" in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance anthology, also ebook available in Under Her Skin


Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://jeanienefrost.com/

Kim Harrison Book Order

The Hollows (or Rachel Morgan Series)

* "Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil" in Dates From Hell anthology
Ivy Novella

1. Dead Witch Walking

2. The Good, The Bad, and The Undead

3. Every Which Way But Dead

4. A Fistful of Charms

* "Dirty Magic" in Hotter Than Hell anthology
Mia Novella

5. For a Few Demons More

* "The Bridges of Eden Park" in the back of For a Few Demons More
Kisten/Rachel Novella

* "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel" in Holidays From Hell anthology
Robbie/Rachel/Pierce Novella

6. The Outlaw Demon Wails

* "The Bespelled" in the back of The Outlaw Demon Wails
Ceri/Al Novella

7. White Witch, Black Curse

* "Ley Line Drifter" in Unbound anthology
Bis/Jenks Novella

8. Black Magic Sanction

9. Pale Demon

10. A Perfect Blood

11. Ever After

12. The Undead Pool (25 February 2014)


Please note: This page was written by me, so as always, please visit the author’s website for up-to-date, author-verified information as well as for information on books that have not yet been included to this list.

http://www.kimharrison.net/

82nd Annual Academy Awards

So here we are again. The Biggest Night in Hollywood.

Thanks again Kat for joining me. It was fun doing the Red Carpet show with you.

Angela: Neil Patrick Harris - wow. Singing in a sequined covered jacket. LOL. Interesting.

Looking forward to Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting this year. Though I absolutely loved Hugh Jackman last year.

Kat: Okay, bringing out the best actors and actresses was weird.

Love Neil Patrick Harris and the number, but when they cut to the audience you couldn't see who they were point to.

Here come Steve and Alec!!!!

Angela: Yeah, I'm not sure what was with the best actor/actress lineup. It was odd.

Great entrance by Steve and Alex. Gotta love the introduction Steve gave for Alec.

"And then no matter what they nominate Meryl Streep." Aww.

Kat:
"There's that damn Helen Mirren."

"Steve that's DAME Helen Mirren."

I love how they point to Gabourey Sidibe and she's like, stuck in a corner.

"They just don't give Oscars to stand up comedians...like anyone has to tell you that."

LMAO @ pulling out their 3D glasses for James Cameron.

Steve just killed the sacred sprites - lmfao.

Angela:
I loved the Damn Helen Mirren quote.

George Clooney did not look amused.

"Over here is the Inglorious Basterds section"

"And over here are the people that made the movie"

Not as funny as I've seen in years past though. This IS the Oscars after all.

Kat:
You're right, not as funny. But still fun.

George Clooney does NOT look amused.

This is you - *points to Taylor and Zac* - in five years.

I like Penelope Cruz's dress.

Angela:
I think Penelope's accent is getting stronger. What's up with that?

Yeah, George really was NOT amused.

Best Supporting Actor - defo going to Christoph Waltz.

Kat:
Yep, and he did win it. He was phenomenal. Evil but interesting. Job well done and I'm glad he got it.

Where the hell do they have Ryan Reynolds? It looks like Scottie's gonna beam him up any second now.

Angela:
Congrats Christoph!

I don't have a clue where they have Ryan, but he's looking good anyways - presenting the Best Picture nomination for The Blind Side. I haven't seen it yet, but its definitely on my list to see.

Kat:
The commercial for Jimmy Kimmel made me laugh - I loved the "I'm F***ing Ben Affleck" vid.

Aww, I love the animated picture segment.

I'm betting Up will win, but I loved The Princess and the Frog. I want to see The Secret of Kells.

And..........Up wins it. No surprise.

Angela:
I liked the 'interviews' with the animated characters.

No surprise on Up winning it. That was definitely expected. I want to see Up, The Princess and the Frog, and The Secret of Kells.

Amanda and Miley Cyrus together presenting. I like Amanda's dress.

Kat:
They're not doing full songs this year? That sucks. I like the songs nominated this year.

I'm hoping one of the songs from The Princess and the Frog wins. Though I do like the song Take It All.

Ooooooooooooooh, Colin Farrell!!!! With him in it, I might actually see Crazy Heart.

Crazy Heart wins it. See, if they'd done the songs I could have seen CF sing *sigh*

Angela:
I want to see Crazy Heart. I didn't realize that Colin Farrell did the signing. Why didn't they do the songs this year?

District 9 for Best Picture - I haven't seen this either, but I want to.

I could do without the RDJ glasses - but I like his bow-tie.

Best Original Screenplay - I think that Hurt Locker will win this. Though I'd like to see Inglorious Basterds win, which is one of my favorite movies of the year.

Kat:
Yeah, I'm all about watching CF sing.

*sigh* The Hurt Locker wins it. I SO wanted Inglourious Basterds to win.

RDJ and Tina Fey made me laugh.

Pretty in Pink and Ferris Beuller for a John Hughes segment.

Angela:
I'm not a huge fan of The Hurt Locker. But congrats to them for winning.

Pretty in Pink and Ferris Beuller. LOVE them. Makes me want to watch them again.

Ooh. And The Breakfast Club. One of my favorites.

That was a nice John Hughes tribute.

Now Samuel L. Jackson showing the nomination for Up for Best Picture. I've heard such good things about this movie. But I don't foresee it winning Best Picture.

Kat:
I would LOVE to see Up take best picture, if only to see an animated film take it.

Return of the pom pom dress - oy. I love the top of it and it sparkles beautifully in the light. Zoe Saldana is gorgeous and has great legs, but the bottom of that dress just sucks.

Carey Mulligan I adored as Kitty in Pride and Prejudice. She looks cute.

Angela:
Yeah, I could deal with the ruffles of Zoe's dress if it didn't have the split in the middle actually.

Best Animated Short: Logorama. One big advertisement huh?

Kat:
*sigh* I wanted A Matter of Loaf and Death to win. I saw it and it was cute. Plus I love Wallace and Gromit.

LMFAO @ Ben Stiller. "This seemed like a better idea in rehearsal."

Love the tail, lol. I wonder how long it'll take for him to get it off.

I'm rooting for Star Trek.

I really want to see The Young Victoria.

"It's amazing how far technology has come." *giggle*

Star Trek wins it - yay :)

Angela:
Ben Stiller was great! LOL.

Best line of the night so far: "It's amazing how far technology has come." *laughs*

Congrats to Star Trek! I'm glad they won! Well deserved.

Love Rachel McAdams dress.

Best Adapted Screenplay - I think Precious will win.

Yep. And it did.

Robin Williams looks good in those glasses - distinguished.

Best Supporting Actress - I've got nothing on who may win this category.

Mo'Nique for her role in Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire, wins. Just based on the clips I have no desire to see that movie.

Kat:
Mo'Nique wins it. She was a lock, from what I heard.

I have Precious in my queue.

Angela:
It's in my queue as well. LOL. Because I saw other previews that made me want to give it a chance, but what I saw there definitely didn't.

Kat:
Avatar won for set direction *sigh*

I wanted Sherlock Holmes or The Young Victoria win.

Angela:
I'm not surprised Avatar won. I would have been happy for Sherlock Holmes winning too. But I'm a bit sappy apparently. He almost made me cry.

Presenting for best costumes...
"Clothes Whores"

"Clothes HORSE-S" LOL

Kat:
SJP's hair is doing crazy fly-aways. Nice to see my hair isn't the only one that does it.

Oooh, The Young Victoria won for costumes. I'm SO excited for this one.

WTH is the winner wearing?

Angela:
SJP's hair looks great too! My hair does the crazy flyaways :P

Winner for Best Costume looked like she was wearing drapery. Or something. And the hat didn't help.

Oh wow. I was laughing so hard at the spoof on Paranormal Activity.

Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner. Sparkles must be at home.

Kat:
Laughing my a$$ off at the hotel skit. I don't know why, but that struck me as funny.

Kristen Stewart needs to stop fidgeting.

I love the lights.

You know, with all that Saw c*** and other incredibly awful horror films they vomit out these days, I forget that they actually made GOOD horror movies once.

Angela:
Me too Kat. There are some good ones. This makes me want to watch some of them again.

And I was just asking "Why isn't Twilight in this" and then IT WAS! LOL.

Loved that montage.

John Travolta presenting Best Picture Nominee Inglorious Basterds. I love this movie. So great.

Kat:
They always do such a good job with the In Memorium section.

Angela:
Yes they do.

What is this for Best Score though? Are they doing a dance number for each one? Interesting new idea this year...

Kat:
I too can belly flop on the floor.

These scores were so much better either in the movies or on their own. The dancing does not do anything.

Angela:
So I get them wanting to do something special for this, but this is taking away from the scores themselves in my opinion. And I don't even think they're well choreographed.

Modern Family - one of my favorite tv shows, had a great commercial/preview. Academy Award charades. So funny.

Okay, now I see why everyone was afraid of the stairs. They move while you're walking on them...

Kat:
Tyler Perry!!!!

LMAO @ Alec and Steve in a Snuggie.

Angela:
LMAO. That was good Tyler Perry. Loved the Snuggie.

And The Hurt Locker wins again. *sigh*

Okay, so they just did the nomination 'trailer' for The Hurt Locker for Best Picture. And it's everything that made me want to see the movie. I wish it had lived it up to that for me.

Just did the 'trailer' for Avatar. I love that movie.

Kat:
I just....no.....can't get the desire to see it.

That's a random collection of people, but yay for Colin Farrell being up there.

Angela:
I feel that way about movies too Kat ;)

I'm liking the personal stories actually. Jeff Bridges was starting to tear up when Michelle Pfeiffer was talking.

I really like Colin Firth.

Shawshank Redemption is one of my all-time favorite movies. Morgan Freeman was great in that.

LOL. Colin Farrell is being hilarious. For all I don't like The Hurt Locker, Jeremy Renner was actually really good in the role. What he had to work with anyways.

Kate looks fabulous. I didn't get to say that earlier.

And the winner is for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.........

Jeff Bridges.

Congratulations. I thought he was gonna win. I've heard lots of good things about this movie.

Kat:
Oprah must be EVERYWHERE.

Gabby always comes across as so sweet.

I love Meryl Streep.

All of the nominees other than Sandra looked exceptional. Why is Sandra the favorite?

And the winner is...........Sandra Bullock. Ohhkay.

Angela:
I definitely want to see this movie, and I've heard that it's a huge departure for Sandra, and that she's deserving of it. So congratulations!

But I wanted Meryl to win.

Aww. Sandra's gonna make me cry for thanking her mother. What a great acceptance speech.

And the winner for Best Director - Kathryn Bigelow! Congratulations to the first female to win Best Director!!

Kat:
I wasn't rooting for Sandra Bullock, but I did love her speech.

Woohoo!!!! I'm glad to see a female win Best Director

Angela:
Tom Hanks. I really do enjoy his movies.

Good on Tom Hanks for getting right to the point.

Winner for Best Picture - The Hurt Locker. *le sigh*

Kat:
The Hurt Locker won. Congrats to it. Not my type of movie, but I'm not sorry to see it win, especially with the excitement on the stage :D

I was rooting for Inglourious Basterds.

Angela:
I was rooting for anyone BUT The Hurt Locker ;) But congratulations anyways.

It was a pretty boring Oscars this year actually. Alec and Steve were not as funny as they could have been. Oh well.

Onto another year of great films.

Thank you Kat for joining me! This was fun, as always.

Kat:
Thanks for having me Angela :)

82nd Annual Academy Awards - Red Carpet

So Kat and I decided to do this again. We're gonna be starting in about 30 minutes.

Again, time zones threaten to mess with us, but we'll get it best as we can.

This post will be edited many times during the night.

So glad to be doing this with you again Kat!

Kat: Thanks for having me Angela :)

I've got some red carpet pics ready for fashion critique ;)

Zoe Saldana - Beautiful woman, ugly pom pom dress:


Sam Worthington - hottie:


Zac Efron - needs to fix his hair:


Ryan Reynolds - another hottie:


James Cameron and Suzy Amis - you can be too thin:


Amanda Seyfried - love it:


Vera Farmagia - when ruffles attack:


Mo'Nique - love her, love the color, but it doesn't fit in the most flattering manner:

Angela: Watching E! on the Red Carpet right now. Seacrest never fails to annoy me. But there's been some great dresses already.

I really like Anna Kendrick's. Sandra Bullock's is beautiful too. I agree on Mo'Nique's too though. Just a little different cut and it'd be perfect on her.

Kat: Watching E! as well and Ryan is as annoying as ever.

Oh joy, Miley Cyrus is on in an ill-fitting bodice.

Everyone seems to be worried about the stairs.

Anna Kendrick:


Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon:

Angela: Thanks for finding a picture of Anna's dress. I'm awful at finding them.

SJP's dress was interesting. I'm still not sure if I like it or not.

Kathryn Bigelow is so much taller than I realized!

Kat:OMG,there are some awful dresses this year.

Front shot of Vera's dress - it's even worse:


Maggie Gyllenhaal - love the dress, but not for the Oscars:


Elizabeth Banks - it looked better from the front but I haven't found a pic of that yet:

Angela: There really are some awful dresses this year. I'm still looking for a pic of Charlize Theron's.

Sandra Bullock

Nicole Richie - starting to look a bit healthier, but what's with this dress??

Diane Kruger - I'm not even sure what to say.

Queen Latifah looks fantastic in that pink though.

Kat: I don't love J Lo's dress. It looks like there's foam in it or something.

I like Sandra's dress.

Sigourney Weaver:


Eli Roth:


Tina Fey:


Carey Mulligan - my favorite so far:

Angela: I like Tina Fey's. Didn't see JLo's.

Here's the front of Elizabeth Banks

Virginia Madsen - Not really a fan. The belt I think turns it down for me.

Guiliana Rancic

Kat: I *heart* Gabby.

Kristen Stewart FINALLY learned to lighten up on the eyeliner.

RDJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love him. He's awesome :)

Stana Katic - from Castle:


Miley Cyris - ill-fitting bodice:


Matt Damon:


Anika Noni Rose from The Princess and the Frog:


SJP:


Charlize - need a front shot of her:

Angela: Having trouble finding the pictures that I want. RDJ is awesome. George Clooney looks great!

Penelope Cruz

Kathryn Bigelow

Christopher Plummer & Helen Mirren

Kat:
Queen Latifah - love the dress:


Colin Firth - looking handsome:


Gabourey Sidibe - *heart* her:


Jennifer Lopez and the foam dress:


Kristin Stewart - surprisingly my new favorite of the night:


Meryl Streep:


Another shot of Miley:


Angela: I'm surprised at liking Kristen's too. Her makeup looks really nice. J-Lo - I can't believe E! was saying it was the best on the carpet.

Here's another shot of it:


Kat:

Front shot of Charlize - ick:


Demi Moore - when ruffles attack:


Taylor Lautner:


Keanu Reeves - shave:


Angela: Charlize's dress I just can't like. It takes away from her face. And what is going on with Demi's? It washes out with her skin, and then the ruffles.


I love RDJ wearing tennis shoes to the Oscars. LOL Here with his wife - Susan.


And here's another of Taylor:


J-Lo's dress is still not nice.

Kat: OMG, Cameron Diaz FINALLY found a decent dress.

Oh joy. Another Remember Me trailer. I can't wait until that comes out, if only so I don't have to see more trailers.

Angela: Oh yeah. I was ecstatic to see another Remember Me trailer. Will be glad when they go away. Cameron's dress was nice.

Kat: I've seen Kristen, I've seen Taylor, but where's ol' Sparkles?

Miley Cyrus needs to stand up straight.

Gabourey and Meryl are both fun to listen to.

Angela: Love Meryl.

Finally found a pic of George Clooney:


I can't say I miss RPazz. ;)

Time to see who wins!

Last minute pic - Kate Winslet:

2010: A Year in Books

So I figured that since I was going to do the A to Z Challenge, it could be fun to keep track of everything I read this year. I hope you find something that sparks your interest below. ;)

This list is only of books and novellas I've read and finished. If I read an entire anthology I listed only the title of the anthology. It's alphabetical by author last name.

1. Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breeds 5) by Lara Adrian
2. Ashes of Midnight (Midnight Breeds 6) by Lara Adrian
3. Shades of Midnight (Midnight Breeds 7) by Lara Adrian
4. Candy Coated Passion (1) by Kat Alexis
5. Ice Cream, You Scream (2) by Kat Alexis
6. A Spanking for Valentine by Evangeline Anderson
7. Deal with the Devil by Evangeline Anderson
8. Sin Eater by Evangeline Anderson
9. Full Exposure by Evangeline Anderson
10. On the Edge (The Edge 1) by Ilona Andrews
11. Magic Bites (Kate Daniels 1) by Ilona Andrews
12. Magic Burns (Kate Daniels 2) by Ilona Andrews
13. Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels 3) by Ilona Andrews
14. Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels 4) by Ilona Andrews
15. Curran by Ilona Andrews
16. Warrior (Blades of the Rose 1) by Zoë Archer
17. Scoundrel (Blades of the Rose 2) by Zoë Archer
18. The Turning (Blood Ties 1) by Jennifer Armintrout
19. Possession (Blood Ties 2) by Jennifer Armintrout
20. Ashes to Ashes (Blood Ties 3) by Jennifer Armintrout
21. All Soul's Night (Blood Ties 4) by Jennifer Armintrout
22. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (Highland Pleasures 1) by Jennifer Ashley
23. Erotique by Nicole Austin
24. Graceful Submission (1) by Melinda Barron
25. Graceful Mischief (2) by Melinda Barron
26. Undercover Submission (3) by Melinda Barron
27. Sweet Vibrations by Melinda Barron
28. Amethyst Eyes by Melinda Barron
29. Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson 5) by Patricia Briggs
30. "Here There Be Monsters" in Burning Up anthology by Meljean Brook
31. "Falling for Anthony" in Hot Spell anthology by Meljean Brook
32. The Iron Duke (Iron Seas 1) by Meljean Brook
33. Zane's Way by Maggie Casper
34. Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark 6) by Kresley Cole
35. Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark 7) by Kresley Cole
36. Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark 9) by Kresley Cole
37. Demon From the Dark (Immortals After Dark 10) by Kresley Cole
38. The Hunger Games (Hunger Games 1) by Suzanne Collins
39. Catching Fire (Hunger Games 2) by Suzanne Collins
40. Mockingjay (Hunger Games 3) by Suzanne Collins
41. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
42. The Wicked West by Victoria Dahl
43. He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan
44. Quinn's Hart by Cassandra Gold
45. Mistral's Kiss (Merry Gentry 5) by Laurell K. Hamilton
46. A Lick of Frost (Merry Gentry 6) by Laurell K. Hamilton
47. Swallowing Darkness (Merry Gentry 7) by Laurell K. Hamilton
48. Divine Misdemeanors (Merry Gentry 8) by Laurell K. Hamilton
49. Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse 1) by Charlaine Harris
50. Living Dead in Dallas (Sookie Stackhouse 2) by Charlaine Harris
51. Club Dead (Sookie Stackhouse 3) by Charlaine Harris
52. Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse 4) by Charlaine Harris
53. Dead as a Doornail (Sookie Stackhouse 5) by Charlaine Harris
54. Definitely Dead (Sookie Stackhouse 6) by Charlaine Harris
55. All Together Dead (Sookie Stackhouse 7) by Charlaine Harris
56. From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse 8) by Charlaine Harris
57. Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse 9) by Charlaine Harris
58. Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse 10) by Charlaine Harris
59. A Touch of Dead (Sookie Stackhouse collection of shorts) by Charlaine Harris
60. Double Entry by Desire Holt
61. Never Seduce a Scoundrel (School for Heiresses 1) by Sabrina Jeffries
62. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
63. Run For Your Life by Andrea Kane
64. Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts 1) by Stacia Kane
65. A Tapestry of Spells (Nine Kingdoms 6) by Lynn Kurland
66. Star of the Morning (Nine Kingdoms 3) by Lynn Kurland
67. The Mage's Daughter (Nine Kingdoms 4) by Lynn Kurland
68. Princess of the Sword (Nine Kingdoms 5) by Lynn Kurland
69. Red Hot Fury (Shades of Fury 1) by Kasey MacKenzie
70. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
71. Proof by Seduction (Carhart 1) by Courtney Milan
72. Darkfever (Fever 1) by Karen Marie Moning
73. Bloodfever (Fever 2) by Karen Marie Moning
74. Miss Bramble and the Leviathan by Kristen Painter
75. Not Just an Orgy by Sally Painter
76. Roping the Wind (Turner Brothers 1) by Kate Pearce
77. Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? (Turner Brothers 2) by Kate Pearce
78. Riding the Line (Turner Brothers 3) by Kate Pearce
79. The Duke and I (Bridgertons 1) by Julia Quinn
80. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons 2) by Julia Quinn
81. An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons 3) by Julia Quinn
82. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Bridgertons 4) by Julia Quinn
83. To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgertons 5) by Julia Quinn
84. When He Was Wicked (Bridgertons 6) by Julia Quinn
85. It's In His Kiss (Bridgertons 7) by Julia Quinn
86. On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons 8) by Julia Quinn
87. Glory in Death (In Death 2) by J.D. Robb
88. Immortal in Death (In Death 3) by J.D. Robb
89. Rapture in Death (In Death 4) by J.D. Robb
90. Ceremony in Death (In Death 5) by J.D. Robb
91. Vengeance in Death (In Death 6) by J.D. Robb
92. Holiday in Death (In Death 7) by J.D. Robb
93. Midnight in Death (In Death 8) by J.D. Robb
94. Conspiracy in Death (In Death 9) by J.D. Robb
95. Loyalty in Death (In Death 10) by J.D. Robb
96. Witness in Death (In Death 11) by J.D. Robb
97. Judgement in Death (In Death 12) by J.D. Robb
98. Blood Brothers (Sign of Seven 1) by Nora Roberts
99. The Hollow (Sign of Seven 2) by Nora Roberts
100. The Pagan Stone (Sign of Seven 3) by Nora Roberts
101. The MacGregor Brides by Nora Roberts
102. Yes, Captain by Rebecca Royce
103. A Little Harmless Sex (Harmless 1) by Melissa Schroeder
104. A Little Harmless Pleasure (Harmless 2) by Melissa Schroeder
105. A Little Harmless Obsession (Harmless 3) by Melissa Schroeder
106. Hel Hath No Fury by KC Sehlhorst
107. The Taste of Magick by Riley Shane
108. Amethyst Bound by L. Shannon
109. The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld 1) by Gena Showalter
110. The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld 2) by Gena Showalter
111. Sins of the Heart (Otherkin 1) by Eve Silver
112. Club Shadowlands (Masters of the Shadowlands 1) by Cherise Sinclair
113. Dark Citadel (Masters of the Shadowlands 2) by Cherise Sinclair
114. Breaking Free (Masters of the Shadowlands 3) by Cherise Sinclair
115. Lean on Me (Masters of the Shadowlands 4) by Cherise Sinclair
116. "Simon Says" in Doms of the Dark Haven by Cherise Sinclair
117. The Dom's Dungeon by Cherise Sinclair
118. Master of the Mountain by Cherise Sinclair
119. Master of the Abyss by Cherise Sinclair
120. The Starlight Rite by Cherise Sinclair
121. Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunters 4) by Nalini Singh
122. Slave to Sensation (Psy/Changelings 1) by Nalini Singh
123. Visions of Heat (Psy/Changelings 2) by Nalini Singh
124. Caressed by Ice (Psy/Changelings 3) by Nalini Singh
125. Mine to Possess (Psy/Changelings 4) by Nalini Singh
126. Hostage to Pleasure (Psy/Changelings 5) by Nalini Singh
127. Branded by Fire (Psy/Changelings 6) by Nalini Singh
128. Blaze of Memory (Psy/Changelings 7) by Nalini Singh
129. Bonds of Justice (Psy Changelings 8) by Nalini Singh
130. "Whisper of Sin" in Burning Up (Psy/Changelings 0.5) by Nalini Singh
131. Play of Passion (Psy/Changelings 9) by Nalini Singh
132. Edge of Sight (Guardian Angelinos 1) by Roxanne St. Claire
133. Ruthless (House of Rohan 1) by Anne Stuart
134. The Wicked House of Rohan (House of Rohan prequel) by Anne Stuart
135. Blonde With a Wand (Babes on Broomsticks 1) by Vicki Lewis Thompson
136. Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood 1) by J.R. Ward
137. Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood 2) by J.R. Ward
138. Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood 3) by J.R. Ward
139. Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood 4) by J.R. Ward
140. Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood 5) by J.R. Ward
141. Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood 6) by J.R. Ward
142. Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood 7) by J.R. Ward
143. Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood 8) by J.R. Ward
144. Crave (Fallen Angels 2) by J.R. Ward

Updated 29 December 2010

2010 A to Z Reading Challenge

I got this from a friend of mine, and decided to give it a try. I still am not sure where I'm gonna get a book that starts with 'X', but that's not stopping me! Maybe it'll make me branch out into something I normally wouldn't grab. And I've found a lot of great books that way before. So here goes...

The details:
*Runs January 1st 2010 to December 31st 2010
*Only books completed to be listed
*Each book only counts one, so you can include a re-read the first time
*Ignore articles like A, An and The at the beginning of a title
*For the letter X, any book with the letter X in it is acceptable
*Read in any order, doesn't need to be A, B, C...

My List

A - Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunters 4) by Nalini Singh
B - Breaking Free (Masters of the Shadowlands 3) by Cherise Sinclair
C - Candy Coated Passion by Kat Alexis
D - Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark 6) by Kresley Cole
E - Edge of Sight (Guardian Angelinos 1) by Roxanne St. Claire
F - From Dead to Worse (Sookie Stackhouse 8) by Charlaine Harris
G - Graceful Submission by Melinda Barron
H - He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan
I - Ice Cream, You Scream by Kat Alexis
J - Judgement in Death (In Death 12) by JD Robb
K - A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
L - Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood 2) by JR Ward
M - Mistral's Kiss (Merry Gentry 5) by Laurell K. Hamilton
N - Never Seduce a Scoundrel by Sabrina Jeffries
O - An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons 3) by Julia Quinn
P - The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Q - Quinn's Hart by Cassandra Gold
R - Roping the Wind (Turner Brothers 1) by Kate Pearce
S - A Spanking for Valentine by Evangeline Anderson
T - The Turning (Blood Ties 1) by Jennifer Armintrout
U - Undercover Submission by Melinda Barron
V - Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breeds 5) by Lara Adrian
W - Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? (Turner Brothers 2) by Kate Pearce
X - A Little Harmless Sex (Harmless 1) by Melissa Schroeder
Y - Yes, Captain by Rebecca Royce
Z - Zane's Way by Maggie Casper


Last Updated 07 December 2010

Review: Archangel's Kiss - Nalini Singh

I think I start every single review I do for Nalini Singh’s books exclaiming how much she manages to impress me, how great it is, and how much I love it.

This one is no different. Archangel’s Kiss proves, once again, that Nalini Singh is a master at writing. She deftly weaves multiple storylines together, builds interest in supporting characters, and gives yet more depth to Raphael and Elena.

Archangel’s Kiss picks up a little over a year after Angel’s Blood (the first full-length novel in the Guild Hunters series). Elena’s spent that time in a healing coma, and has just woken as a newly Made angel. One who doesn’t know how to be an angel, and has to learn everything – even those things she once knew, like how to fight.

And she must learn quickly. The other angels, and archangels, have taken an interest in her. She’s like a shiny new toy. One that someone is anxious to see how quickly they can break, hoping to take their place with the Cadre by that show of power. Refuge, a safe place for the angels, is suddenly no longer safe as attacks begin to happen, one after the other. Circling the threat closer and closer to Elena.

Then there’s Lijuan. The eldest of the archangels has taken a deadly interest in Elena, and is throwing a ball in her honor at the Forbidden City in Beijing. While rumors of her making the dead walk as living flourish, there’s danger in accepting, but even more in refusing. Because this is not a social gathering to congratulate Elena, it’s all about power. Testing Elena’s and Raphael’s, and Lijuan showing hers. Making it an invitation that can’t be refused.

Archangel’s Kiss held me in a sort of thrall from the first word, to the last. We see Elena training with Raphael’s Seven to get her up to speed, and work closer towards that first flight. The details in every page painted a clear picture of how the angels live. From their shirts, to their houses, to the beauty of flight. The action and mystery of the plot sped the story along, compelling me to not put my Kindle down until I hit the last sentence. There were many light moments to offset the growing darkness that surrounded and threatened them, including fields blooming in winter, a class with angel-children, and playful teasing with Illium. And, of course, there was the not-so-light heat and chemistry between Elena and Raphael. The sexual tension that builds between them is mind-blowing.

Nalini deftly delves into the relationship of Elena and Raphael, showing the gradual growth and trust build between them beautifully and realistically. Their respective histories begin to unfold for us, and them. There are the horrors that hide in Elena’s mind, even from her, and Raphael’s past complete with the secret of his parents. Both of them were in unfamiliar territory, but they worked through it. With each other. And for each other. I can’t think of anything more romantic than that.

Raphael said that Elena would intrigue him through eternity. I think it’s safe to say that this series will intrigue me for just as long. I’m fascinated with the world, and the characters that populate it. I feel as though I’ve been given the gift of seeing the world Nalini’s created, and it’s left me breathless for the next installment.

Grade: A+

Book Link

2010 Oscar Nominations!!

Best Picture
Avatar
The Blind Side
District 9
An Education
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
A Serious Man
Up
Up in the Air

Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart
George Clooney in Up in the Air
Colin Firth in A Single Man
Morgan Freeman in Invictus
Jeremy Renner in The Hurt Locker

Actor in a Supporting Role
Matt Damon in Invictus
Woody Harrelson in The Messenger
Christopher Plummer in The Last Station
Stanley Tucci in The Lovely Bones
Christoph Waltz in Inglorious Basterds

Actress in a Leading Role
Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side
Helen Mirren in The Last Station
Carey Mulligan in An Education
Gabourey Sidibe in Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia

Actress in a Supporting Role
Penelope Cruz in Nine
Vera Farmiga in Up in the Air
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Crazy Heart
Anna Kendrick in Up in the Air
Mo'Nique in Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Directing
James Cameron - Avatar
Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker
Quentin Tarantino - Inglorious Basterds
Lee Daniels - Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Jason Reitman - Up in the Air

Animated Feature Film
Coraline
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Princess and the Frog
The Secret of Kells
Up

Art Direction
Avatar
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
Sherlock Holmes
The Young Victoria

Cinematography
Avatar
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
The White Ribbon

Costume Design
Bright Star
Coco Before Chanel
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Nine
The Young Victoria

Documentary Feature
Burma VJ
The Cove
Food, Inc.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Which Way Home

Documentary Short
China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province
The Last Campaign of Governor Booth Gardner
The Last Truck: Closer of a GM Plant
Music by Prudence
Rabbit a la Berlin

Film Editing
Avatar
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Foreign Language Film
Ajami
El Secreto de Sus Ojos
The Milk of Sorrow
Un Prophete
The White Ribbon

Makeup
Il Divo
Star Trek
The Young Victoria

Music (Original Soundtrack)
Avatar
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The Hurt Locker
Sherlock Holmes
Up

Music (Original Song)
Almost There - The Princess and the Frog
Down in New Orleans - The Princess and the Frog
Loin de Paname - Paris 36
Take It All - Nine
The Weary Kind (Theme) - Crazy Heart

Short Film (Animated)
French Roast
Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
The Lady and the Reaper
Logorama
A Matter of Loaf and Death

Short Film (Live Action)
The Door
Instead of Abracadabra
Kavi
Miracle Fish
The New Tenants

Sound Editing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Star Trek
Up

Sound Mixing
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
Star Trek
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Visual Effects
Avatar
District 9
Star Trek

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
District 9
An Education
In the Loop
Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire
Up in the Air

Writing (Original Screenplay)
The Hurt Locker
Inglorious Basterds
The Messenger
A Serious Man
Up

Last year, Kat and I did a running commentary of not only the Red Carpet, but the Academy Awards themselves. It was such a blast we plan to do the same thing again this year!

So come join us March 7th for the Biggest Night in Hollywood!

Count down to Oscar Night HERE!!