Weight Watchers Update

Sorry I haven't posted any updates on my Weight Watchers journey in the last few weeks. I've had some ups and downs, but am happy to say I've lost a total of 10 pounds as of today. The heat has been an issue for my running, but now that we are starting to get a taste of fall temps, I'll be better about getting outside to run/walk. I have used my elliptical some, but found I don't really like it as much as I like running/walking outside.

I've been pretty happy with my food choices over the past few weeks. Luckily, I love some veggies and can always go to those for meals when I feel like I've fallen off the healthy food wagon. I have picked up dinner a few time over the last few weeks rather than fixing my fresh veggies, but have decided to put a stop to that until after my Vegas trip. I need to get back to my training and I'm not doing that if I'm eating the wrong food.

I'm going to run/walk a 5k while in Vegas with my friends. Two of they will have rock star times, and my goal is to run at least half of the total race. I'm still hoping to run the entire 5k at the end of October on my 40th birthday, so figure this will help to get me going.

Hunted by the Others

Hunted by the Others is the first book in the H & W Investigations series by Jess Haines. From the author’s website.~

They are the Others—the vampires, mages, and werewolves once thought to exist only in our imaginations. Now they’re stepping out of the shadows, and nothing in our world will ever be the same again…

In a Town Like This, Being A P.I. Can Be Murder 

Shiarra Waynest’s detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm—if it doesn’t kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York’s most powerful vampires.

As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend—a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing—and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren’t always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil—whether she likes it or not…

I downloaded Hunted by the Others when it was free on Amazon back in January. I had seen many people talking about the series and moved it up in my ever-growing TBR pile when I was contacted about posting a review on my blog (I don’t know if it happens to anyone else, but I seem to lose books on my ever-growing TBR list of ebooks).

For me, Hunted by the Others moved a little slow at first. However, once it picked up, I was hooked and really enjoyed the story. I’m a pretty big fan of paranormal romances/urban fantasy books and I love the combo of vampires, magic and werewolves.

Shi and her best friend Sara run and own H&W Investigations. Unknown to Shia, Sara has been feeding her money into the business to keep it going. The contract Shia takes with The Circle could turn their business around and finally get them into the black. However, when an offers seems too good to be true, it probably is, especially when you aren’t given all the facts up front. Said contract brings Shia directly in contact with super powerful and sexy vamp Alec Royce, who has the item The Circle wants. Ws also meet The White Hats, who as a group are trying to rid the world of all supernaturals. Add in Shia’s ex-boyfriend Chaz, who didn’t let her know he was a werewolf until he shifted in her living room and Arnold, a super geeky mage, and we have our cast of main characters.

Now I have to admit, vampires are probably my favorite of the supernatural elements. Probably because they were the first group I read about when I first tried paranormal romances (thank you JR Ward). So, I really loved Alec Royce from the very beginning, and think there is so much more to his character than what we were shown in the first book. I seem to have a thing for the bad-boy vamps, or at least those vamps that seem like bad boys. ;) I have to say Jess builds a great cast of characters and I can honestly say I loved something about each of them, but Shia, Sara, and Royce are my favorites.

I love the action and felt the storyline was strong through the entire book. I was sent a copy of Taken by the Others, the 2^nd book in the H&W series from the author and hope to get my post on it up soon. Also, thanks to Borders going out of business (makes me very sad, but I still bought tons of books), I was able to get a great deal on Deceived by the Others and add it to my ever growing TBR list. 

Jess is currently on deadline, but I will be hosting her on my blog later this year. 

Envy Book Signing with JR Ward

***SPOILERS BELOW***SPOILERS BELOW***

Anyone who has stopped by my blog knows I love JR Ward’s books. I also really love going to see JR at her book signings. Haven’t missed but 1 (Covet) in the last 3-4 years. I went to the book signing with one person who had never read Ward and one person who is pretty new to Ward. This book signing took place in Cincinnati, Ohio at one of the B&N stores, and I wondered if Ward would censor herself any. That question was answered when she dropped the F-bomb within about 2 minutes of talking to the crowd…LOL. Now usually I go to the book signings with my cousins and one takes notes while I record the chat (audio only), but I was on my own with the note taking this time, but know I didn’t miss anything major. FYI, this post is full of spoilers about the Fallen Angel series. In fact, this was the first time I was at a Ward book signing without finishing the book and the first question is a spoiler. Read only if you don’t mind spoilers. 

***YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED***

Did Devina cheat with Eddie? She did not cheat this time.

Is there a return of Eddie? Hope yes.

Do you have authors or other inspiration for writing? Wrath was the first word out of her mouth. Then said no other authors inspire her. She is a writer and must write each and every day.

What will Mary & Rhage’s child be? A girl. Can’t you just see when she starts dating and Daddy’s dragon tries to eat her dates.

How many BDB books will you write? Will write as many books as her readers will continue to buy.

There will be an awesome new male introduced in Lover Reborn named “Asail” (not sure of spelling, but probably needs an “h” put in it somewhere).

Muhrder will get his own book (she has said this before at other book signings)

She has written Mary & Rhage’s novella, but still needs to write Beth & Wrath’s. Can’t finish until she finishes Tohr’s book. No date yet for the novellas to be published.

Is Wrath white or African American? 1^st he isn’t a human, nor is he or any of the brothers pasty-ass white boys. They are tanned skinned, so not white or black (I picture Latin-American coloring based on her statement).

Will Butch & V ever be together? Who says they haven’t already been together and we don’t know about it (she even laughed and said this will show up on the internet).

TEAM QHUAY!!!

She said it needs to be next after Tohr’s book. 2 things have to happen in Tohr’s book to set it up – Team Qhuay won’t be happy with one of the things that happens. Both must happen for their book to be ready. FYI, this is the first time she called it a book rather than a novella. Not sure if that means we get an actual book, but kind of makes me wonder…

Will we see more cross-over between BDB/Angel series? They will be in Caldwell from now on, so very possible to see cameos from each series.

What is dog? Answer to dog is in dog.

Zsadist is her favorite character.

Will Jim get a happy ending? Yes he will.

Score is tied 1-1 after Crave. How did Jim lose? He tried to help the wrong guy.

When will Nalla find out about Zsadist’s history and what will be her reaction? She will read about it. This will throw Z back into the world of the Mistress again. Will always worry about how Nalla sees him now. Also how any male she would mate with would see him. Never gave a total answer about Nalla’s reaction, but seemed like it wouldn’t be good.

Will Trez & iAm get their own books? Also asked about future threesomes. Yes they will get books. We have not met iAm’s mate yet. Would not comment on future threesomes. We will see more of Trez & iAm in future books.

Tohr’s new mate is No’ One. Very long book and will be broken up into 4 sections – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Tohr is not ready for a new mate yet, so takes some time for him to be ready for a new mate. ***Will need lots of Kleenex for this book***

Lassiter will be seen a lot in Tohr’s book.

Payne & Manny’s book and Tohr’s book were happening at the same time. There was much overlapping in action that occurred, so Payne & Manny’s book focused mostly on them. Tohr’s book will have more focus on the brothers. Will see more of the brothers together in Tohr’s book. Tohr is the last original brother.

How did you pick a dragon for Rhage? When she first saw Rhage he took off his shirt & she saw the dragon tattoo moving on his back.

Devina & Adrian thing – She is a parasite and she is in Adrian. Must keep reading to find out if she get Adrian.

Will Layla ever have sex? (she actually dropped the microphone with this question) Yes and you won’t like who it is with (my guess is Qhuinn).

Who is next for Fallen Angel series? You will know at the end of Envy.

Will we see more of Scribe Virgin? Lash? We will see more of the Scribe Virgin. She hates Lash with a passion and he is such a shit. Answer to Lash was at the end of Lover Mine.

What would it take to have the BDB to move to movie/mini-series (HBO)? Has to be the right situation.  Her concern and focus will always be the books.

What will happen with Sissy? Jim will save her.

Brothers will start training again. Must have families return to Caldwell first.

Will we see more of the Sympaths in the future? Most likely will help with battle between Wrath & Xcore & his band of bastards.

Wrath will never get his eyesight back. (she has said this at many book signings)

Lassiter & the Brothers hate each other. Lassiter is a dick. However, we will see another side of Lassiter in Tohr’s book.

How did she pick Brother’s music? JR listens to rap & hip/hop.

Was questioned about Jane forgiving V so quickly in Lover Unleashed. Jane knew who/what V was when she decided to be with him. In fact, she was pretty defensive of Jane’s choice. Jane knew V was a Dom and had to accept him for who he is from the very beginning.

What is her favorite book? One she is currently writing.

Will we see Qhuinn’s brother again? Yes and she said the line “might be a Lessor” a couple of times.

No’One’s name will be revealed in Tohr’s book.

Asked if No’One is Throe’s sister? No answer given, but seemed like a yes based on body language.

What about the Omega? He has been very quiet in the books, but not quiet for what is going on. I’m guessing we will see more of him in Tohr’s book.

Tohr’s book will be at least 700 pages. She is about half way through it now.

Question about Qhuinn’s piercings. He took them out while he is working to redefine himself. Some piercings have not been taken out. Others will return once he leaves his unhappy place

.

Would we ever get a prequel for Darius? Most likely no since there is no happy ending.

Does Layla losing her virginity have anything to do with Qhuinn’s vision? Big no answer, but again I will guess yes based on body language.

I did my best to get all the major questions put out there for everyone. If anyone has any other questions, post in the comments and I'll see if I have any other notes. I was told by one of her entourage that they would be back in Radcliff for a book signing in the future. Loved going to B&N with friends, but missed seeing all my Radcliff friends at the signing.

Additional information from the signing http://obscuredvixen.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/jr-ward-book-signing-recap/.

Welcome Carly Phillips

To celebrate the 9/6/11 release of Serendipity, I was lucky enough to get Carly to answer a few questions about the series.

I love the town of Serendipity. Is it based on a real town?

CP: Serendipity is a figment of my imagination except that I live in a town that is the same forty minutes outside of New York City.  Like most of my books that are set in fictional north east towns, there are elements that are drawn from places I’ve been or things I’ve seen or experienced.

Do you feel like each of the books in the series can be viewed as stand-alone books or do they need to be read in order?

CP: The romance in each of the books can be viewed as stand alone.  The conflict and the  brothers pasts carry over from book to book but I do my best to give an overview in each story without  boring the reader who has already read and experienced the information in prior books.  I always recommend readers start with the first book and go in order but if a reader happens to pick up a later book in the series I am sure they can keep up!

I love each of the Barron brothers. Do you have a favorite?

CP: Really? You want me to answer that? Each brother owns a piece of my heart.  Seriously.  Though currently as I’m writing him, Dare is pretty darn special.  Then again, so was Ethan, as was Nash …

Do you see any of the secondary characters from Serendipity getting their own book in the future?

CP: Absolutely! I hope to continue in Serendipity and go forward with characters readers have met and already come to know.  No specific plans yet but I hope to have a more definitive answer in the Fall.

Will Tess play a role in both Nash’s and Dare’s stories?

CP: Tess will most certainly play a role in each subsequent brother’s book.  Nash and Tess have a lot of work to do in forging a relationship and with Ethan and Faith on their honeymoon as book 2 starts, Kelly is in charge.  Which means if Nash wants to spend time with his new sister, he has to also go through Kelly to do it.  As for Dare’s story, Tess isn’t as prominent in the beginning although we do see her but by the end, she plays a pivotal role in helping Dare get over his past.

What is up next for you after Destiny (Nash’s book) and Karma (Dare’s book)?

CP: I’m honestly not 100% sure! Karma is due September 1 just a week before Serendipity is released, so I’m sure there will be serious conversations right after I hand in the story.  I’d always like to hear what readers would most want to see next, whose story they want, etc.  So feel free to let me know!

Carly Phillips is the New York Times Bestselling author of over 30 romance novels with contemporary characters and plotlines that today’s readers identify with and enjoy.  Carly is a stay at home mom of 2 daughters (now almost old enough to read her books!), one soft coated wheaten terrier and a brand new Havanese puppy.  She’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.  More information on Carly can be found at www.carlyphillips.com.  Around the web you can also find Carly at:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlyphillips

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carlyphillipsfanpage

Blog: www.plotmonkeys.com 

Serendipity

I was lucky enough to read and ARC from NetGalley (thanks Carly) of Serendipity. From the author’s website.~

New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents the first in a delightful new series about a quaint upstate New York town where love, fate and fortune are intertwined …

Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.

Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.

Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …

Carly Phillips gives her readers another winner with Serendipity. I fell for Ethan from the start. He is a bit of a smart ass, but really has a heart of gold. He still carries guilt for mistakes he made as a teenager, especially how it affected his brothers Nash and Dare. When half-sister Tess is dropped at his house, Ethan has yet another person to feel guilty about.

Faith has never really had control of her life. She went from her parent's house pretty much to her husband's house, and has decided to finally step out of her shell and take control of her own life. Of course she meets Ethan again pretty much the first day she comes home to Serendipity. There is still something there between them that hasn’t gone away since high school.  When Ethan hires her to help decorate her childhood home, the sexual tension continues to build. Not even the arrival of Ethan’s half sister can put a complete damper on their attraction.

Carly also gives us some amazing supporting characters with this new series. Ethan’s brothers Nash and Dare are pretty much butt heads to Ethan when he first comes back. Both thaw a bit towards him as the book progresses, Dare more so than Nash. Really just makes me want to know more about each of these men.  Can’t wait to see what happens to Faith’s best friend Kate, her friends April and Lissa, and her ex-boyfriend Nick in future books.

The town of Serendipity kind of reminds me of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River. As I met each new character, I couldn’t wait to read his or her story. The actual release date for Serendipity is Tuesday, September 6, 2011. I suggest everyone run to their nearest bookstore or favorite on-line retailer and get your copy on Tuesday! The next book in the Serendipity series is Destiny and it is currently set for release in January  2012.