10. My week – there was lots of that white stuff out there this week. But apparently Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow. Yay Phil – I’m going to trust you on this one, no matter how disturbing I find the above photo.
9. Need a sneak peek at a anticipated book? You can now read the first 20% of This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost. Chloe Neill has also released the first chapter of her next Chicagoland Vampire Book, Hard Bitten. And if you have not read these series, Smexy says you better start! ;)
8. The King’s Speech – Hubs and I saw this movie this week and just wow. Mr. Darcy Colin Firth plays King George VI who has had a stammer his entire life, and now with the invention of the radio, public speaking has taken on a whole new meaning. When he ascends to the throne unexpectedly, and faces a country going to war, his speeches become more important than ever. Geoffrey Rush (who I LOVE) is his speech therapist. Amazing movie. And fun little fact – Jennifer Ehle who plays Elizabeth Bennet opposite Colin Firth as Darcy in Pride and Prejudice is Geoffrey Rush’s wife in this movie.
7. I love covers and I think they are extremely important to a book. I adore this series by Gail Carriger – but this cover for Heartless her fourth book is not good. What were they thinking? The first three covers are so unique and well done. In this one – if you took that little hat off her head, where would her hairline start? Seriously, it would be back in the middle of her head. And the castle looks weird to me. I am very disappointed by this.
6. Jaime Rush has a contest going on to celebrate her release of Burning Darkness. All you have to do is write the the most compelling first line in the history of literature. Piece of cake right? ;) Go HERE for all the details.
5. Hubs and I have a dirty, dirty secret. We like to watch PBS on Sunday nights. What? Masterpiece Theater is where it is at people! Hopefully you all got to watch Downton Abbey which just concluded this past Sunday. What a lovely show. Some of the best casting ever!! How will I wait until next year to see more? (It looks like UK will be getting new episodes this fall). I’m currently looking to fill the role of Butler (because omg I love Mr. Carson) for my house.
4. Who is up for a Sookie Stackhouse read-a-long? Deanna and Jen D are going to cohost one starting 2/20. Go HERE for all the details.
3. A couple of covers have been released this week:
Never Enough by Lauren Dane – this will be Adrian’s book for those that follow the Brown Siblings series. Oh hi facial hair and massive chest. Me likes!! Releases in September.
Collision Course by Zoe Archer – Releasing with Carina Press April 4th, it is a Sci-Fi Romance. I really loved her Blades of the Rose series, and can’t wait to try something new from her. Go HERE for more info.
Drink Deep by Chloe Neill – We get two Chicagoland books this year. Hard Bitten in May and Drink Deep in November. I love this title.
2. The Killers are back baby! After a long hiatus, and a Brandon Flowers solo album, they are making their first appearance together in April at Lollapalooza Chile. Rumor has it they start to write their next album in May. Who’s going to Chile with me??
1. Tonight I’m getting together with some girlfriends to stay in and have dinner and a movie. I’m fortunate that two of my good friends live next door and two houses down. So the husbands and kids are congregating in one house while the girls are in another. Works for me! I also signed up to be part of the book tour of Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole and the book was delivered yesterday. I am about 100 pages in and absolutely loving it. This is Regin the Radiant and Aidan the Fierce’s story. The book is over 500 pages long so that is all I will be reading this weekend. Happy Friday everyone!
I agree – do NOT like the cover for HEARTLESS! The perspective looks all wrong…weird choice. I loved Downton Abbey when it aired here in the UK, such a great series – can't wait for it to return on the Autumn :)
OMG Drink Deep! Drink Deep! I can't believe we already have a title and cover for it!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH It feels more real now that we're actually getting TWO Chicagoland Vamp books this year!~
I still think that cover for Heartless has to be the a prank. It's the same model, they just.. ugh! I don't know what they did to her!
Pbs, lol, now why do I laugh, I only know PBS from sitcoms where they joke about it ;) And Dowton Abbey rocked
Poor Gail! I feel so bad for her, the poor thing was talking about the cover on her own blog. She found nice things to say about it… but I think we all know that cover is death.
On the other hand, not a big Dane fan – but that cover. I'll buy the book for that cover alone.
Dreams of a Dark Warrior is over 500 pages?! Squee! The only thing better than a good book is good long book. :D
& Go Steelers! (ducks and runs)
I totally exclaimed "Oh Lord!" when I saw the Never Enough cover. Really looking forward to that! Also looking forward to Regin's story. I am still only back on Rydstrom.
BCC – you are lucky you get it in autumn! Jealous over here! ;)
Pamela – I know! Chloe Neill is totally spoiling us!!!
Blodeuedd – LOL..well, the hubs and I enjoy it!
Missy – I know – I would read 1000 pages by COle I think. The beginning is rocking it out. I love Regin! And you better get that Steelers message off of here! LOL
allstarme – I didn't love Rydstrom..but all the others – oh yes. Yeah – Dane has a great cover!
Drink Deep is a great title…and what a beautiful cover! Happy Weekend Mandi!
Julie: Happy weekend :)
The cover model on Drink Deep looks like the lead from the show Bones. Regin's book sounds like it's going to be awesome. Can't wait to see what you thought.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
I need to rob a bank first, but I'm down with Chile! I am SO excited to hear they are going to work on a new album. Us Killer fans need a fix!
I totally agree about the Heartless cover. It is so disappointing. I really hope that they change it! Can we start a petition or something? You are spot on about the 2 biggest problems; the hair and the castle. Booooo to both!
I've never read Lauren Dane. She sure does have some hot covers though. I might have to break down and read this series if for nothing else, to own this cover. Wow! On the flip side-I agree-there is something off about the cover of Heartless. Thanks for all the news on upcoming books! Never read Chloe Neil-but the comments here have sold me.
SQUEEEE!!!! 2 whole Chicago Vamps stories. I read the first chap of Hard Bitten. So excited.
The Heartless cover sucks. That's all I'm saying.
Can't wait for Cole book. But you knew that. Regin is my absolute FAV behind Nix.
Never Enough by Lauren Dane *GASP* *double GASP*
I don't trust Phil the groundhog. *looking ard suspiciously*
Thanks for the shout out Mandi!
I know everyone's excited about the Drink Deep cover but, I'm all about the Never Enough cover. Rawr!
Have a great weekend!
Holy F-word we get 2 Chicagoland vampire books?! This is muy exciting for me.
I am so jealous you are reading Dreams of a Dark Warrior. HANDS DOWN my favorite series . . . just don't tell JRR Tolkien.
Thanks so much for the link to the first chapter of Hard Bitten! It was the first great moment of a craptacular day. :) Two books this year – Go Merit!
I could do a better Photoshop job than that Heartless cover (and that is mighty sad).
I'm looking forward to the read along and your review of Dark Warrior!
Good gracious covers, covers, covers. Boy did they miss with Heartless though. omg. I call for a re-do.
I can't believe Downton Abbey is over. I'm really bummed about that.
Glad spring is almost here especially for everyone who has been buried in snow lately.
'The Kings' Speech' was amazing! I blubbered throughout that movie. I hope Firth wins the Oscar!
And yes, 'Heartless' looks awful. What a shame. She was on a roll with three cool covers!
Not loving the Heartless cover at all. :( But Adrian can come hang out at my house anytime ;)
i'm so upset i missed downton abbey, i may have to get the dvd!!
i don't care for the heartless cover either :( too bad…
I've heard nothing but good things about King's Speech. Glad you enjoyed it.
I'm excited about Zoe Archer's next book as well.
Hope you had a great girls night out.
I hope you had a great time last night with your friends! Sounds like they would always be good times.
Thanks so much for featuring Jen and I's read along in the blog! I know we both appreciate it!
Some of these books look great…and I agree Facial hair and a nice chest, rawr! :-D
I am beyond jealous that you have Dreams of a Dark Warrior… Must drive to Smexy's house and steal it. MWAHAHAHA
PH – I don't watch Bones…have I failed? ;)
Ash – dude, if you rob a bank, let me in on the cash! Then we could REALLY go to Chile! ;)
Shannon – It is very disappointing
Lisa – I have only just started reading Dane but she writes great books. And if you like Urban Fantasy, you should really try Neill!!
Tori – Regin is so awesome in this book!
Jen D – Never Enough is HOT
Smokin – I know! So excited.
Kerith – I enjoy this series too…she has such a great voice and unique characters.
Christine – Yes, I agree about the Heartless cover!
FV – I need more Abbey!!!!!!
Danielle – I did too…Firth and Rush deserve Oscars!
Ava – Ooooh..too late..he is already coming over to my place! ;p
Carrie – Yes..get the dvd! It's so good.
Tracy – can't wait to read Archer's next book!
Deanna – I know..that facial hair. yum!
Nicole – EEK! ;p
I think that Phil was just letting us know that it's going to take at least 6 weeks to melt all of the snow we have up here in New England. UGH!