10. Today’s Top Ten is brought to you by David ‘Gander.’ (I make myself snort, it’s true)
9. If you haven’t seen it yet, Kresley Cole released her cover for Shadow’s Claim. This will be the first book in her Dacian series (a spin off of her current Immortals After Dark series.) We meet the Dacians briefly in Lothaire. Damn, I like this cover. We have rain, a clawed up shirt, a sword, destruction in the background. Bring. It. On. From Cole’s Facebook Page:
Trehan (the master assassin from LOTHAIRE) enters a blood-sport tournament for the hand of Princess Bettina (his halfling mate). I wanted to depict a hero who desires his heroine so much, he’s eager to run into the fray for her, to spit blood with a grin on his face–because with every blow he takes and gives, he’s one step closer to claiming her (of course, Bettina has a mind of her own, and things don’t go exactly as planned for poor Trehan).
WANT. Releases November 27.
8. More cover goodness. Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter. I see a dude in a cage! Blurb:
Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.
Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.
This one looks good too! This one releases December 26th. So far away…
7. Two good pieces of info from Nalini Singh this week. First, she posted a Q&A about her Psy/Changeling and Guild Hunter series. She also posted the first chapter (or at least part of it) from Archangel’s Storm (Jason’s book is out September 4th)
6. The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning is one of my favorite series. While I’ve reread the first 4 books several times, I’ve only read Shadowfever on release day. So this week I downloaded it from Audible and I can’t tell you how much I’ve been enjoying the audio version. First because I forgot a lot of the book but also, Phil Gigante’s voice as Barrons gives me an eargasm. I’m not kidding. Here is a small clip from Dreamfever (bk 4) if you want to hear his voice. Oh Barrons. I’m currently at the part in Shadowfever when Barrons returns and is just a bit pissed off that Mac was kissing Darroc. OMG. I have anxiety and I know what is going to happen. LOL. Anyway, the point of all this babbling is to say – you should definitely try the Fever series in audio. It is fun.
5. Don’t my legs look awesome wrapped around Joe M? What?
He can look so damn fine in pictures. And he is in Magic Mike, another reason for us to drool. (source)
4. First of all, WTF is this? His gun is pointing directly at his peen!! This makes me snort. LOL. I get that Tom Cruise is going to be in the movie Rock of Ages, where he plays a a rock star in the 1980’s (I think). But I just don’t think this is the way to go here Tom. If you want to wear guyliner, your name must be Pete, Brandon or Jack:
And if you want to wear a gun tattoo, only Mateus (link nsfw) can pull that off
Mateus is def a favorite of mine….
3. Recently, I signed up for Birchbox. For $10 a month, you get one box a month of beauty samples. This month I received nail polish, a sample of foundation, shampoo and eye cream. I’m a make-up junkie so this is perfect for me. I think every box is a little different. You can also give subscriptions for gifts, which I think is a fun idea. There is a waiting list of sorts when you sign up, but I was only on there for a week or so.
2. Speaking of make-up, I love Benefit cosmetics. My favorites:
This is a body balm that doesn’t necessarily have sparkles in it, but it makes your skin shimmer after you apply it. Plus it smells amazing. I love to wear it when I wear dresses. I’ve gone through tons.
I have gone through hundreds of mascaras (have I mentioned I like makeup?) and Bad Gal Lash is my favorite. Plus you turn into a bad ass when you wear it. True story.
I bought this set because it is called “Finding Mr. Bright,” and it reminded me of the song, Mr. Brightside by The Killers. Yes, I’m a sucker. LOL. I use everything in this though, especially the Posie Tint, which can go on your cheeks or your lips.
1. This weekend I’m reading Blood Kin by MJ Scott (previous book, Shadow Kin is a really good pnr-ish of sorts) and One More Summer by Liz Flaherty (on the rec of Brie). It’s good so far, I like that the supporting characters also have strong parts in this book. Happy Friday!!
A most excellent Top Ten as usual! Thank for the Nalini links…I saw on twitter and then promptly forgot. Not buying Tom Cruise in that get up…no way, just No! Have a great weekend!
I love when authors give us little tid bits like that :)
That Tim Cruise picture is cringe-worthy, but you make up for it with Joe Manganiello. God, I love him.
I’ll have to investigate that Mateus link after work!!
I’m glad Joe M redeemed the list ;)
I want Birch Box. I must look into this soon.
Do it. You know you want to! :)
I recently saw a pic of Tom Cruise with a teased long haired metal ‘do for some new movie. He looked kind of hot until I realized who it was. Is it just me or does he look really bored touching those chicks?
I love me some Benefit Cosmetics too but haven’t tried the Bad Gal lash yet. Maybe that’s what I’m missing to be a bad ass. I’ll have to make an Ulta run this weekend.
Those poor women who had to touch him. LOLOL.
Yes, wear Bad Gal lash and you immediately turn into a UF heroine. True story.
Did you sign up for the Beauty Tube? It’s a bit pricey ($30+) but so worth it. The samples are huge and two of the QVC version were full sized items (a Tarte lipsurgence & a Mally eye pencil).
Oh. I’m looking into it. I had never heard of it before. I love Tarte stuff!!
Awesome top ten! I’m actually reading Shadowfever for the first time – I just got past the part you mentioned where Barrons comes back and is giving Mac shit LOL!
zomg…reading for the first time. SO much goodness left for you :) This book just kills me (in a good way) :)
I had a hell of a time putting it down when my lunch hour was over!! I can’t wait until I’m done work and home where I can curl up and see what happens next!!
I bet! Have fun:) You’ll have to let me know what you think when you finish!
That Tom Cruise pic is just wrong on so many levels, lol.
Will definitely be checking out the Mateus and Birchbox links. Thanks for a fabulous Top 10 this week.
Have a good weekend :)
Great top ten… again! Tom Cruise scares me, like a lot.
Yay for new Kresley and Gena covers! WHOOT, so excited!
So you aren’t going to go see his new movie? LOL
I want to lick Tom’s gun.
Thanks for the heads up about Birchbox~ $10 a month and you get all types of beauty products?
I’ve only received it for one month – but I think a good assortment, yes.
I agree with Laurie, the New Beauty Test Tubes are really great! You get more makeup with the QVC one.They are totally worth the money!
Don’t make me spend more $$$ (I totally will)
OMG! It is fate I think! Kresley Cole’s book comes out on my birthday. See? It is destined to be in my hands on the perfect day don’t ya think?
And what is Tom
SleazeCruise thinking? He is not smexy at all. He needs to grow up and act his ancient age. LOLThat will be an awesome bday present ;)
When I saw that picture of Tom Cruise, I started laughing. He looks so damn ridiculous!
I’m gonna have to check out Birchbox. I like makeup too, especially lip gloss.
He looks TOTALLY ridic. Oh Tom.
This entire Top Ten gave me a lady boner until I saw Tom Cruise. He’s so icky. I had to go back & stare at Joe (with your legs wrapped around him) to wash away all the Tom from my brain.
I’m super excited to read all three of the new releases you mentioned! I love Gena, Kresley & Nalini! Yay!!
I love, love, love Phil Gigantes voice! I specificly go to the library to borrow audio books read by him. If you think Phil doing Barrons voice is amazing, you should listen to him voice all of KMM’s highlanders. He reads all eight of her Highlander novels & they’re amazing :)
Tom Cruise = Anti Lady Boner. I love it. LOL I’m glad Joe M brought it back for you.
OMG – I am getting ALL Phil Gigante audio stuff. I’m obsessed with his voice. (Him as Dageus??? zomg. I can’t wait)
Dageus & Drustan & Adam & Cian and its EARgasmic!! You’re gonna love them! Since he’s gonna be at the ICED signing, I’m trying to come up with a plan to get him to say my name & something smexy, so then I can record it & keep it forever and ever & play it when I’m in a bad mood. I need to work on my plan though, so far, all I have is “lock Phil in my bathroom & make him talk in a Scottish accent”. Its a work in progress. *shrugs*
Kuddos to whoever created covers for Gena Showalter and Kresley Cole’s books. They should pass on that info to Nalini Singh’s people because the cover for her upcoming Psy-Changeling book is yuck.
It is a bad cover. Her Guild Hunter gets gorgeous covers..but Psy books look like they are from 1985. At least the actual books are amazing. :)
You forgot my favorite guyliner guy – Adam Lambert. :) Tom is looking…weird.
I wasn’t imagining Barrons will sound like that. I think it’s the same reason I don’t like to talk whom he look like or which men inspired KMM for his looks (Eric Etebari was such a let down).
For me Barrons will always be something otherworldly.Nobody looks like him, nobody sounds like him. I think of him as every woman fantasy, primus inter partes of fiction world heroes, so I’m not so crazy about audio version. :)
Great Top Ten, Mandi!
I know..I normally never think heroes or heroines look like pics people post for their casting etc..
But something about Phil’s voice IS my Barrons.
But that is why I like books, we can make them into whomever we want:)
I actually hope this movie is never made.
very excited for Jason’s book! I am on a mission to have the whole Fever series on audio. need to get on that soon.
delicious Joe M. pics but I’m pretty sure his face should be turned the other direction when your legs are over his shoulders. s’all I’m sayin’.
Tom Cruise, please begone. I’m sorry. I just can’t love you anymore now that I know you’re insane.
Benefit has the cutest packaging! have you seen the Snow White & the Huntsman themed set? amazeballs! I’d commit murder for the bag alone. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2246895&productId=xlsImpprod4380119&navAction=push&navCount=1 be sure to zoom in to get bag detail!
OMG – I DID sit on his head the wrong direction.
I hope you know I read that comment on my phone while standing in line at the grocery store and burst out laughing. I got odd looks but it was worth it.
And yes – the bag. zomg. Must have.
LOL! the shoppers in Martin’s were judging you for laughing?? give them a smug look & tell them you run a blog about dirty smex, then calmly put your nose in the air & sweep out the door with your bottle(s?) of wine. cause you are the shit.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Birchbox and was wondering if the samples are worth the subscription price. I will definitely check their site out again.
I’ve only received it for one month but so far so good :)
LOVE the make-up in this week’s top 10! *makes notes*
K.C. new series looks promising indeed! But oh Jason… hurry up and come to me. I need that book so bads…
Jason def needs us to hold him and pet him through the pages of his book. *nods*
The hubs and I saw the trailer for Cruise’s rockstar movie during Idol Wednesday and my comment was “He’s done.” And on his tattoo: it’s pointed the wrong direction! Note Mateus’s. Perfect placement. Cruise, not so much.
I guess Tom Cruise did not embarrass himself enough as Lestat.
I. WORSHIP. BENEFIT! I love their Highbeam, and Poreless, among others. I also can’t wait for Magic Mike, aaaaaand Have a Great Weekend! :)
Lol I am a Tom Cruise fan, and did not even recognize him!
Thanks for all the hot pictures!
You mean my legs around him, lol
Love Showalters new cover! Can’t wait!
Yeah your legs look great, though not as great as he does =)
Ewww Tom Cruise! Miscasting much? *cringes*
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