10. Trick or Treating has come and gone and I have to say we had a successful night. My 5 yr old went as an “old man with a walking stick” (his idea!) and my 7 year old was Jack Sparrow. We sneak out of our street (which is dark, and the houses aren’t very close together) and go to a big development near my parents. All the houses do such a nice job decorating and making it very festive for the kids. We had a good time.
9. Gena Showalter has released the cover for Wicked Nights, the first book in her new Angels of the Dark series. Blurb:
Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed too dangerous, too ruthless, and if he isn’t careful, he’ll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred . . . until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he’s never before known.
Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation—or her ultimate damnation?
Wicked Nights releases in June 2012. Go HERE for more info.
8. Voting has opened for the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards. I have to say, I’m really disappointed in the “Best Romance Book” category.
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James?? I know many like this series – I’ve read half of this book and just…no. I just don’t see how this book can represent the best of the 2011 romance books.
Lover Unleashed by JR Ward?? Y’all know I love my brothers, but this book does not deserve best romance. Manny and Payne…best romance? *scratches head*
Hot Head by Damon Suede is the only LBGT book listed. While this book was okay, is it really the best m/m romance of 2011? No.
Where is Archangel’s Blade by Nalini Singh? Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison? Unveiled or Unclaimed by Courtney Milan? A Lot Like Love by Julie James?
Obviously, this is my personal opinion. I’m sure there are many who agree with the above. AND Goodreads says
“These nominations are based on a book’s number of ratings and average rating as pegged by the more than 6 million readers on Goodreads.”
But I still don’t understand how some of those books made it on to the voting ballot.
7. Let’s move on to an excellent romance book! My fellow Smexy reviewer, May just read, Last Man Standing, which is book 7 in Cindy Gerard’s Black Ops series (out 1/31). And as she read, she kept emailing the most delicious quotes and scenes from the book. To the point that I stopped what I was reading and downloaded book one from the series, Show No Mercy.
O.M.G y’all. I’m in love. The basic premise of this series is a group of extremely talented men that were in a very secret group in the military – but they got tired of the government involvement, so they follow their leader when he goes into the private sector. Now they do private security and bring down other very bad guys in South America. In Show No Mercy we meet Gabe, the very tortured hero who along with the journalist Jenna, are being targeted by very bad guys. I not only adored Gabe and Jenna but Gerard does a great job with the dynamics of the entire team. So alpha. These guys get shot up, stabbed, infected, and they just keep going. It is kind of awesome.
And the end just blew me away. I immediately started book two, Take No Prisoners. I don’t see myself stopping until I catch up :)
And it’s not all action and adventure. The smexy times are so so good. A little taste?
Make no mistake, though, and she’d thought about this a lot: Gabriel Jones would not make love to a woman. He’d have sex. Sweaty and rough. Raw and primal.
“Holy, holy cow,” Jenna murmured as she let the sheet drift back down over Gabe’s lap. The man was hung like one of her daddy’s prize bulls.
“Yeah, and he bellows and snorts like one, too,” she reminded herself, easing back down on the chair.
6. Last week, Head Rush by Carolyn Crane, the final book in her Disillusionists Trilogy came out – in audio. Ebook is coming out 12/6 from Samhain. (Only $2.50? Wow!) This being one of my favorite series, I of course had to start listening. I’m on chapter 13 – I think I’m almost done. Really good so far. Damn that Otto! Dashboard Gumby has already made a few appearances….and Packard. Damn it. Poor Packard. I don’t want to give anything away – but if you all remember how book two ended, Justine has a lot to…remember.
This being the first audio book I’ve ever listened to, it took awhile to get into this narrator’s voice. While I think she is doing a good job, she makes Packard sound like a mentally challenged Scottish person. But s’okay. I just try to ignore the weird way he sounds.
I think I’ll post the review closer to the e-book release.
5. I have a new favorite tv show! The Walking Dead (which airs on AMC). Last week, my husband saw the first season was streaming on NetFlix, so he started watching episode one and made me come watch too. It is a pretty violent, graphic show – but it is the zombie apocalypse!! What do you expect? Our hero Rick, is shot (pre-zombie world) and goes into a coma, When he wakes up, he is totally alone in the hospital and zombies have risen and pretty much have eaten/infected half the world. He has to find survivors! And his wife and kid (who his best friend/police partner has saved…and is having an affair with his wife!) So there is not only the zombie threat but personal things are happening too. There are only six episodes in season one so it is easy to catch up with!
And for fans of this show – what Shane did to Otis in this latest episode? Omg..Shane. The zombie apocalypse makes you consider very horrid choices indeed. I look forward to Sunday night!
4. After talking about how I lust after rugby players in last week’s Top Ten, Marg commented and left a link to the video of how they produced the 2012 French Rugby Calendar. There are nekkid butts galore. For reals. The premise (quoted from this site)
This year’s concept is about men trying to get on a ship after the end of the world (and loosing all their clothes and saving one rugby ball) … a sort of Spartacus meets post-apocalyptic Robinson Crusoe, or something like that, shot in an old factory on some cold Parisian sunday morning, and at some point one of them is trying to fix a car … anyway, apparently it’s very dramatic … but who really cares !!!?
This makes me giggle. Come on, you know you want to peek.
3. No, I can not get enough of the shirtless, bearded, scruffy Henry Cavill filming Man of Steel. I need moobs to lust over, and Mr. Superman is doing just fine for me.
I also just realized this movie doesn’t come out until 2013. We have a lot of Top Ten’s to get through before that ;)
2. So yesterday, my husband had a business meeting with Mike Rowe. I know, he is a lucky bastard, right? Mike Rowe, of Dirty Jobs and the voice of many things like The Deadliest Catch. Oh that voice……he can do dirty things to me any time he wants. *ahem*
Anyway, after begging to be my husband’s pretend secretary so I could meet him, in which my husband said no way *pout* I did ask my husband to ask him one question: If he knows he is being stalked by Nix in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series!
For those that don’t read that series, there is a character, Nix that lusts after Mike Rowe – and while he actually doesn’t show up in the series, she mentions his name often – and I think in the last book he took out a restraining order against her *giggles*
My hubs actually asked him (yay hubs!) and Mike said – he is aware he was in a romance book (he didn’t know to what extent) He said a while ago he was in a Barnes & Nobles and this woman ran up to him with one of Cole’s books and made him sign it – that was the first he had heard he was in the book and he didn’t know it was an ongoing thing. Apparently he has a lot of crazy female fans (well duh!) and finds it very amusing.
Pssst – do I spy moobs and a hairy chest? Oh Mike Rowe…..
1. This weekend I’m continuing to read Cindy Gerard’s Black Ops Inc series. I’m also 100 pages into Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews and really enjoying it!! Happy Friday!!
GREAT top 10. I am frantically digging through my TBR. I am almost positive I have some Cindy Gerard books in there. After that tastey excerpt I MUST read! Gena’s book cover is great too! Yay! My son loves Burn Notice too! Um, I’m worried I’m going to be unhappy with Crane’s final book. I may just have to get some spoilers from you to alleviate my distress!
Oh yay, Gerard in the TBR! ;)
So far Head Rush is really great. I find it hard to make time to listen though!
LOL, you and your hairy moobs!
who, me? ;)
I was surprised by some of the nominees (or missing nominees) at Goodreads as well. But several of the titles I was wondering about, popped up in the RT nominations, and that made me feel a little better. (Yes, Thea Harrison, I am talking to you.)
And speaking of RT Nominees… I am so glad you are enjoying Fate’s Edge. I thought it was so much easier to follow than the earlier books. The big roles that the boys play = big win for me.
Now I must go Google that rugby calendar (somewhere private.)
Ooh..I still need to check out the RT Noms!
Loving Fate’s Edge…for kids, I adore Jack and George in this series!!
I was shocked as hell when I saw what Shane did and I can’t wait to see if he’s really looney or what! I kinda feel sorry for him that he had to do that. It was crazy how they kept running and running and just couldn’t seem to get away. Poor Otis.
Mike Rowe is one sexy mofo and that pic is yummylicious!
I think Shane is going to have some big crazy moments to come. So glad I watch this series now so we can talk about it :)
Mandi, I adore you.
> let’s not forget to mention the Roberts book and the Quinn book listed for “best” of 2011 were blah/B- books at very best. While Nora’s will be sentimental fave because it was my first (guest) review here, best it is not.
> TEAM GERARD!!! Cindy Gerard is the best. I’ll never forget when you sent me one of her books to review – I was stunned you’d give up such precious treasure. Now we can give Cindy that “M” stamp of approval. HOORAY!
> MIKE ROWE. I am so sorry you didn’t get to meet the smexy beast, but awesome that you got hubs to ask about the Nix/KC book deal. HILARIOUS.Laughing. so. hard.
Damn it! I was going to put our Moob stamp with this post! I’ll have to do it next time I talk about them :)
I really can’t believe my hubs actually asked him that question..LOLOL. I should have had hubs take a book in with his parts highlighted ;)
So much goodness here. The boys are adorable!
Wicked Nights. I want. That is all. Can’t wait for Head Rush. I was going to do audio but UGH I can’t take someone reading to me. I zone out then have to start all over again. “Mentally challenged Scotsmen” made me laugh.
MIKE ROWE-squeeeeeeee. That is all.
I’m having a hard time remembering to listen to the book when I do housework etc… I really need to finish it up!
Mike Rowe is very squee worthy ;)
Huh…that’s an awesome approach to housework. I never thought of ‘listening’ to a book while doing chores. I’ll be damned! My hubby might get off my ass about what I do all day for a change!
LOLOLOL!
I am still shocked that The Walking Dead has a TV-14 rating. I was like “wwhhaaaaaaaaat?!?!?” I told hubs that he shouldn’t watch it b/c the gore would completely freak him out. I, on the other hand, remain morbidly fascinated by it.
I know! This show is sooooo gross. Omg. And suspenseful! If I wake up at 2am I’m usually convinced there is a zombie waiting for me outside my bedroom window ;)
I can’t quit it though :)
Hi Mandi,
Your kids are so cute, and I’m not surprised that you made them use a fake mustache and beard…
Oh, Superman… He’s sooo hot!
I cannot believed your husband asked Mike Rowe about Nix… LOL…
I’m intrigued about that Ops series, I always have the best time reading the books you talk about (I just finished Ty and Zane’s) and Warrior’s Cross is my friday read, so that is going to the TBR list for shure.
Have a great weekend and I hope you feel better soon.
LOL – That question needed to be asked! ;) I also wanted hubs to take a five second video of Mike Rowe saying Hi to the Smexy Books readers but he wouldn’t do that. At least he asked about Nix ;) LOL
Yay Ty and Zane!!! Hope you enjoy Warrior’s Cross..you will have to let me know what you think of Julian. He is……different.
Have a great weekend too! :)
Mike Rowe news had me giggling so hard that i forgot:
> ADORABLE boys. love. love. love. the costuming.
> SUPERMAN. *fans self* I want a life-size poster to hang on my wall like I’m a teenage girl with a subscription to teen bop. (those were the days)
Aww thanks…and Superman. Damn it. I’m lusting so much. I have a thing for Superman as it is – I have the Superman “S” tattoo – and THIS superman is the sexiest by far!
That cover for Wicked Nights is just so damn yummy! Me likey.
No comment on the Goodreads Choice Awards. Oh wait, I do have a comment – that ish is whack yo!
I just finished Season 1 of The Walking Dead on Netflix. I hate Shane and I’m assuming I will continue to hate him in Season 2. I so need to catch up so that I can watch Sunday night’s episode with the rest of the world.
I have one of Cindy Gerard’s books. You have convinced me to read it!
I love Mike Rowe. His voice is awesome and he has a great sense of humor. I love watching Dirty Jobs and his Wranglers(?) commercials.
I am starting to like Shane now…..I feel conflicted though…*bites nails*
I think that Showalter cover is excellent!
Mmmm… Mike Rowe…He is sexy!! I love his voice. It is the only reason I watch dirty jobs. Of course I do imagine him doing dirty things like cleaning my house in a jock strap…What?? My house is dusty in the desert and I can totally see him being my male maid for day! LMAO
OMG…I LOL’d. I actually just texted my hubs your comment. I had told him that so many romance readers love Mike Rowe. He didn’t believe me. This might prove it ;)
Mike Rowe is enough for me and he can talk dirty to me LOL. We got AMC free so will be watching Walking Dead :)
Oh Mike Rowe i would to have you help me with my kids :) naughty girl laugh.
LOL…we are all naughty about Mike Rowe :)
Damn superman is very super indeed.
Ok so I do not get why they are nekkid, but I am not complaining ;)
I’m not sure any of us are suppose to fully understand why they are nekkid..but really…let’s not analyze it too much ;)
“I did ask my husband to ask him one question: If he knows he is being stalked by Nix in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series!”
Hahaha, if I was allowed to ask him one question that would have been it too :-D
I know, right? I HAD to ask that question ;)
Book talk out of that way- I am a fan of Cindy Gerard. Glad you are liking those books.
Now I cannot stop laughing that you made hubs ask Rowe about Nix. That is fantastic. And boo for hubs not letting you play secretary. Come on, its MIKE ROWE!!
Yay more Gerard love :)
LOL…poor hubs and the things I make him do. He is a good sport!
YAY! So glad you loved Gabe. He is so nom-nom-licious! I’m not a huge of that Showalter cover… :(
I’m sorry I could get out there to be your Ethel and crash in on the Mike Rowe meeting, but YAY! for him answering the question. :D
*giggles*
You would have been a good Ethel:)
I don’t understand the logic behind the GR awards, lots of YA, lots of terrible books (SEP’s Call Me Irresistible was one of the worse books I read this year, but it also got a nom for the RT so I guess that’s because we’re talking about SEP), the categories don’t make sense (no LGBT?), I really don’t get it.
The Walking Dead is soooo good. I admit that when I was watching this past episode I kept thinking that Shane should do exactly what he ended up doing. It was the sensible thing to do, it was also crappy and assholish, but you know, given the circumstances I can’t blame him. The tension with the love triangle is killing me and now that Shane’s going all PTSD crazy on us, who knows what he’s going to do… Love Rick, I’ve loved that actor ever since watching Love Actually.
Yes – I had a feeling Shane was going to do that. And I keep waiting for the affair to be brought to Rick’s attention!!
AND – that is where I know Rick from!! Love Actually. Aha! He looked so familiar to me!
I love that movie…..
Ah Mike Rowe. He’s so durty. :)
*nods*
I won a copy of one the BOI series books by Cindy Gerard a year or so ago and in doing so decided to see what other books i had of hers. Turned out i had a couple more in the series and got the one i was missing from paperbackswap so i could read them all and in order. Sigh loved Gabe but my favorite BOI is Johnny Duane Reed. Good lord Whisper no lies has been re read several times. Just waiting patiently for Last Man Standing now. Luke Colter was awesome too. OK OK they are all damn good. lol Enjoy your reading time with the BOI’s !!
I’m reading Johnny’s book right now!!!
He just rescued Crystal from the white slaver dude but they left that other girl behind. I know Johnny will have to go back and get her.
I love him ;)
Those nekkid rugby players pretty much made my day. ;-)
Thanks for sharing!
LOL…they are fine, yes? ;)
Mandi, your kids are adorable!!
You lucky girl, there are so many Cindy books for you to read, Every series has been fab.
And Hot Head is one of my fave books of any genre I read this year, not just M/M. You better cough up what’s better becuase I want to read them too lol.
I don’t know – something by Amy Lane maybe? Josh Lanyon? I need to look at my list and see what m/m books that I like are from 2011! Maybe an Urban & Roux book!
Your hubs rocks!! Its so awesome that he asked Mike if he knew about being stalked by Nix :) Love it!! That whole Nix/Mike Rowe thing is a hoot!! Lol.
If you ever get a hankerin’ to listen to an audio book again, you must, must, MUST listen to Phil Gigante read Karen Marie Monings work!! He does Barrons & all the McKeltar mens voices. Can I just say YUM! The mans voice gives me an EARgasm!! I’m a big audio book fan…its good for house cleaning, exercizing & long car rides.
I soooo want to listen to Phil Gigante!! Everyone says he is the best.
I haven’t read any Gena Showalter yet but that book looks really good. Nice cover and great blurb.
Thx for the rugby calendar link! I know what I want for Christmas now! (although I did wonder what was going on in the 10th to last photo!!)
As for the Goodreads awards, I tried to nominate a couple of Marie Sexton books which were published in 2011 according to the site, but it wouldn’t let me. I got some message about them being out of the timeframe. I did nominate Courtney Milan’s Unveiled though. What a great book.
Forgot to say that I listen to audio books all the time. In the car, when I’m hanging washing, doing housework, exercising and cooking. It’s a great way to get extra reading in. I’ve actually got my 8yo and my husband hooked on audiobooks now too! I just finished Kresley Cole’s A Hunger Like No Other and now I’m listening to The Warlord Wants Forever. There are some great narrators out there and some not so good. The Ilona Andrews books are excellent on audio, as is the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.
Sadly, the Carolyn Crane books are geo restricted on audio to me so I’ll have to get the print version (one of these days – they are on my to buy list).
I definitely think Unveiled should be nom’d!
I need to start listening to more audio books – I stay at home so it is nice to pop one on while I do housework and stuff. I’ll have to look into what is available!
Henry Cavill….must we wait so long!
Great top 10! It was fun to read!
Thanks Lexi!
Great costumes for your kids! And I have read NONE of the books that are nominated. Nor do I remember reviews of them …
Cindy Gerard is on my list for when I am going to buy a new romantic suspense author. Have two on my shelves with their entire backlist, so those first.
Lol about that Mike Rowe piece! Wonder if he will ever read the books …
Have a good reading weekend you all!
I have a feeling Mike Rowe isn’t going to pick up the Cole series..but hey, you never know :)
You already know I’m a Fifty fan, but I’ll admit that some of the books listed in the Goodreads Choice Awards had me scratching my head. And honestly, I was surprised to see Fifty Shades there – yes, almost all those who have read it have loved them (I know, I know! Exceptions to every rule), but … I don’t know. Wouldn’t think it would beat out some of the bestselling romance authors out there who have gotten more reads and ratings. *shrug*
Maybe I need to read book 2 of the Fifty series…I want it to be all crackalicious like everyone says. We’ll see…
Thanks for the Mike Rowe post. I always wanted to know if he knew about Nix. I enjoy watching him on Dirty Jobs. ….he’s so charming.
And now he knows ;)
Your kids are adorable!!
I’m on the side of loving the 50 Shades series ;) I read them both twice and am waiting for book 3!!
Loved the first season of Walking Dead but this season am not feeling it. I’m hoping it will pick up soon. I did like the end of the last episode…
Can’t wait to read Head Rush. (I can’t figure out how to listen to books on my kindle. Is that a separate service?)
And lastly, a *high-five* to your hubs, he’s a good sport :)
You have to listen to it on your ipod or iphone or a listening device like that. You can buy it through audible or itunes.
Mandi, your boys were so cute! For a moment, I thought your 5 yo was dressed as Dr Watson LOL.
Hmmm, I have a feeling the books were selected considering the rating, but not on the number of rating.
OMG… Both of your boys have facial hair at Halloween… and you had nothing to do with this?! LOVE IT!
The kids are adorable! Love the ‘old man’ costume :)
Interesting to find out that Mike Rowe is in a romance series. I need to read that series now.