I finished this latest read tonight just so I could say I read 95 books in 2006. A nice number to be sure - but down from my reading total for 2005. I plan a more in depth analysis in the near future. Stay tuned.
The Basics: Bride And Doom by Deborah Donnelly, book 6 in her cozy mystery series about Seattle wedding planner Carnegie Kincaid.
The Plot: Carnegie takes a job as an underling for rival wedding planner Beau Paliere. Beau needs someone who knows Seattle and Carnegie needs the cash for her upcoming nuptials to reporter Aaron Gold. The Seattle Navigator's baseball team is pulling out all the stops for the wedding of new homerun king, Gordo Gutierrez and a Goth rocker who goes by the adorable stage name of Honeysuckle Hell. Beau is a major pain in Carnegie's ass, but hey - it's a living. Then a loathsome baseball writer turns up dead at the engagement party, Carnegie's good friend, Boris the Mad Russian Florist is arrested for the crime and all hell breaks loose.
The Good: I love this series. I love it so much that I ran out to Barnes and Noble on December 26 (the laydown date) and bought my copy. Donnelly's series works because she writes good, light mysteries, Carnegie is extremely likable, and the secondary characters are all colorful additions. Besides Boris there is Juice Nugent, a lesbian punk cake decorator and the Killer B's - former boisterous clients of Carnegie's. You also have the general insanity of weddings to serve as a back drop. Everything that can go wrong will.
The Carnegie/Aaron romance moves a major step forward - although bless her heart Carnegie is feeling neglected because Aaron is hooked on the World Series. Donnelly does write fiction, so the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins are in the Series and Carnegie just has no clue. Hello?! It's the Cubbies!
Also, no cliffhanger! Donnelly got in the habit of doing cliffhangers for several of the previous books and while it was exciting, it damn near killed me. I always read these books right when they are released and then the cliffhanger means I have to wait at least a year to get an "answer." No cliffhanger in this book means Wendy doesn't pull her hair out for the next year.
The Bad: At this point (we are in book 6), I think fans will get more out of this book than newcomers. That said, this entry does stand alone - although the character development is a bit light in the pants. Also, while the mystery here is stronger than the previous book I thought the author could have done more fleshing out motives. She latches on to one at about the halfway point in the story and sticks with it. That said, that one motive does give the reader several suspects to work with.
Final Verdict: I liked this one a lot, so it's a B. I think romance fans would enjoy this series quite a bit, although I encourage newcomers to start with the first book in the series, Veiled Threats. That said, the author does trample on cozy sensibilities in that book by killing a dog. I'm a heartless bitch and have no problem with dead dogs (in fiction anyway), but I know some readers got their panties in a wad over it.
Oh and like Happy New Year and stuff.
About The Bat Cave
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Sugar High
Yes indeedy-do, I'm back home in California. I'm hoping that now I can get back to relative normalcy as far as my reading is concerned. The good news is I finished a very good mystery on the plane ride home.
The Basics: Sugar Skull by Denise Hamilton. This is book two in her series about Los Angeles Times reporter, Eve Diamond.
The Plot: Eve is working at the downtown office of the Times when a frantic man gets past security and begs her for help. His daughter, a privileged 15-year-old private school girl, has gone missing and the cops won't do anything about it until 48 hours have passed. He thinks he knows where the girl is, in an abandoned building where she hangs out with street kids. Eve agrees to go with him to the "squat," where they discover the girl dead.
The Good: This sounds like a fairly basic set-up, but Hamilton soon takes it off into other directions. She employs one of my favorite mystery novel devices - several crimes (in this case, murders) that look unrelated but are actually connected. I mean, how do the death of a rich girl slumming it, a transvestite prostitute, a mayoral candidate's glamorous wife, and a drive-by shooting fit together? Guess what, it does! And watching the author weave the storylines together is half the fun.
The Bad: Um, really not much here. I wanted a bit more resolution about the dead girl's father. Also Eve seems to be developing a habit of getting involved with men who are contacts to stories she's working on. She did it in the first book, The Jasmine Trade, and she did it again here in Sugar Skull. The reader pretty much knows that it ain't going to end well, but Eve merrily traipses on.
Final Verdict: I liked this story a lot. One of the things that appeals to me so much about this series is that Hamilton writes about the "real L.A." It's not all glitz, glamour and Hollywood. She tackles the real melting pot - a diverse city with a large immigrant population and a serious poverty/homeless problem. Yes, they have a skid row in L.A. Final Grade = B+
The Basics: Sugar Skull by Denise Hamilton. This is book two in her series about Los Angeles Times reporter, Eve Diamond.
The Plot: Eve is working at the downtown office of the Times when a frantic man gets past security and begs her for help. His daughter, a privileged 15-year-old private school girl, has gone missing and the cops won't do anything about it until 48 hours have passed. He thinks he knows where the girl is, in an abandoned building where she hangs out with street kids. Eve agrees to go with him to the "squat," where they discover the girl dead.
The Good: This sounds like a fairly basic set-up, but Hamilton soon takes it off into other directions. She employs one of my favorite mystery novel devices - several crimes (in this case, murders) that look unrelated but are actually connected. I mean, how do the death of a rich girl slumming it, a transvestite prostitute, a mayoral candidate's glamorous wife, and a drive-by shooting fit together? Guess what, it does! And watching the author weave the storylines together is half the fun.
The Bad: Um, really not much here. I wanted a bit more resolution about the dead girl's father. Also Eve seems to be developing a habit of getting involved with men who are contacts to stories she's working on. She did it in the first book, The Jasmine Trade, and she did it again here in Sugar Skull. The reader pretty much knows that it ain't going to end well, but Eve merrily traipses on.
Final Verdict: I liked this story a lot. One of the things that appeals to me so much about this series is that Hamilton writes about the "real L.A." It's not all glitz, glamour and Hollywood. She tackles the real melting pot - a diverse city with a large immigrant population and a serious poverty/homeless problem. Yes, they have a skid row in L.A. Final Grade = B+
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
You'd Think I'd Learn
I do this to myself every time I travel. I have this fear that I'll run out of books, so I tend to pack more in my carry-on luggage than I'd ever hope to read. Outside of finishing Redemption by Carolyn Davidson (which I did on the plane ride to Michigan a week ago), I haven't finished another book. I am halfway through Sugar Skull by Denise Hamilton, but between my sister's wedding who-ha, Christmas and seeing everybody I promised I'd see - well no reading time!
So what do I do today? Hit my favorite used bookstore in the area, of course! Makes perfect sense! I picked up Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky (chick lit paranormal and the heroine is a librarian), The Shadow by Shelley Munro (cat burglar heroine) and The Gunslinger's Bride by Cheryl St. John. You'd think since I like St. John's books so much that I would have had this one already, but I think at the time I was scared off because it's part of Harlequin's long-running Montana Mavericks series. I figured what the hell. Even though I overdosed on romance series about 50 years ago, I like St. John too much to not have a copy.
And because even I'm not immune to series-itis, fangirl-ie-ness - I hit Barnes and Noble today to find a copy of Bride and Doom by Deborah Donnelly. The laydown date was today, and yes - mission accomplished.
Back to California tomorrow.
So what do I do today? Hit my favorite used bookstore in the area, of course! Makes perfect sense! I picked up Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky (chick lit paranormal and the heroine is a librarian), The Shadow by Shelley Munro (cat burglar heroine) and The Gunslinger's Bride by Cheryl St. John. You'd think since I like St. John's books so much that I would have had this one already, but I think at the time I was scared off because it's part of Harlequin's long-running Montana Mavericks series. I figured what the hell. Even though I overdosed on romance series about 50 years ago, I like St. John too much to not have a copy.
And because even I'm not immune to series-itis, fangirl-ie-ness - I hit Barnes and Noble today to find a copy of Bride and Doom by Deborah Donnelly. The laydown date was today, and yes - mission accomplished.
Back to California tomorrow.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Pink Cadillacs, Elvis, & Vegas Baby!
I really thought I'd be blogging more. I mean, who knew a "small" wedding (small = 15 guests) would cause so many people to lose their damn minds. I stepped off the plane in Michigan on Wednesday and it's been non-stop chaos ever since. The good news is that the wedding was yesterday, it was lovely (sorry no photos yet) and my sister is now back to 60% crazy as opposed to 250% crazy.
The lesson here folks? Elope. I say rent a pink Cadillac and go to one of those drive-thru wedding chapels in Las Vegas. Hey! You could get married by Elvis!
As for reading, I did finish Redemption by Carolyn Davidson on the flight out. I can see how some consider her a "comfort read." It was a comforting sort of book. However, it was also the kind of book that's nice while you're reading it, but once you're finished the details practically fly right out of your head. This is from memory:
Alicia is a spinster school teacher with a wild student. Jason is acting out of control and when he breaks a window in the school house she decides it's time to pay a visit to the boy's home. The boy's father, Jake, lost both his legs in the Civil War and has been a hermit ever since his wife died. He is not happy to see Alicia, but she's kicking butt and taking numbers. One thing leads to another, and they decide a marriage of convenience is in order. Jake needs a wife to take care of the house and lord knows Jason needs a mother.
That's really about it. Not much conflict to speak of, although the pages turned easily. All in all, this is what I would call a typical, albeit rather unmemorable, read. It didn't tick me off, but it didn't cause my heart to flutter either. The very definition of an average read, so for me it was a C+. Neither great, nor bad, but I liked it while I was reading it - so that's why we have the +.
The lesson here folks? Elope. I say rent a pink Cadillac and go to one of those drive-thru wedding chapels in Las Vegas. Hey! You could get married by Elvis!
As for reading, I did finish Redemption by Carolyn Davidson on the flight out. I can see how some consider her a "comfort read." It was a comforting sort of book. However, it was also the kind of book that's nice while you're reading it, but once you're finished the details practically fly right out of your head. This is from memory:
Alicia is a spinster school teacher with a wild student. Jason is acting out of control and when he breaks a window in the school house she decides it's time to pay a visit to the boy's home. The boy's father, Jake, lost both his legs in the Civil War and has been a hermit ever since his wife died. He is not happy to see Alicia, but she's kicking butt and taking numbers. One thing leads to another, and they decide a marriage of convenience is in order. Jake needs a wife to take care of the house and lord knows Jason needs a mother.
That's really about it. Not much conflict to speak of, although the pages turned easily. All in all, this is what I would call a typical, albeit rather unmemorable, read. It didn't tick me off, but it didn't cause my heart to flutter either. The very definition of an average read, so for me it was a C+. Neither great, nor bad, but I liked it while I was reading it - so that's why we have the +.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Catch A Wave
Last review book before vacation! Can I get a Hell Yeah?
The Basics: The Sex On The Beach Book Club by Jennifer Apodaca. Apodaca puts her Samantha Shaw mystery series (published by Kensington) on hold with this "romantic mystery" for Kensington's Brava imprint. This isn't much of a stretch since the last few books in her mystery series have featured some smokin' hot sex scenes.
Disclosure: I guess I should state here that I know Apodaca. Well, "know" might be too strong a word. We're acquaintances. I loved her first few books while I was living in Michigan, and met her at a booksigning once I moved to California. She seems to find me a "fair" reviewer because she's sent me ARCs of her last few books. I'm not even sure why I'm including this in the review since Jen knows I don't pull punches - but there you go. Take it or leave it.
The Plot: Holly Hillbay is a private investigator who needs money. Her slimy ex, Brad the Cad, made sure she lost her bread and butter client, the firm she used to do employee background checks for. However, things are looking up. She's been hired by a husband who suspects his wife is cheating on him. If she is, he can invoke a clause in their prenupital agreement. He suspects wifey is diddling bookstore owner, Wes Brockman, so Holly goes undercover at Wes' book club.
It doesn't take long for Holly to figure out that hubby was barking up the wrong tree. The delectable Tanya isn't hot for Wes, she's playing footsie with a lothario named Cullen. But what about Wes? Well he's very hot, and Holly's dormant libido just kicked into fifth gear. But she's on the clock and her job is to get the scoop on Cullen and Tanya. So she decides to pump Wes for information.
Wes knows Holly is up to something, but can't ignore the chemistry. He finds out what that something is when Cullen turns up dead in his locked bookstore and Holly discloses the fact that she's a PI. Wes is hiding a Big Secret, and he can't help but wonder if Cullen being murdered in his bookstore is a message. Is Wes in danger?
The Good: Holly is the big good here. She's a strong woman hiding behind a chick with a gun attitude. Now, I can hear some of you groaning right about now, but she's still feminine. Tomboys can be feminine in their own way dammit. Plus, after suffering through a number of books this year featuring idiot heroines that the author(s) kept trying to convince me were smart (but were actually really, really stupid) it was nice to read about a capable woman. She's good at her job, knows how to use a gun, and can take care of herself. Naturally though she has baggage. Brad the Cad is such a huge asshole it's amazing she didn't shoot his balls off. Then there are the abandonment issues she has because of Mommy. Her defensive mechanism is to be a tough girl who doesn't "need" anyone, and she never cries. Crying is for sissies.
Wes is charming, likeable, and the past he is running from is compelling and timely. He's intrigued by Holly despite the fact that he doesn't trust cops. I mean, he really doesn't trust cops. But a dead body does have a way of altering one's perceptions, and he thinks Holly can get to the bottom of things.
Also notable, the dialogue is very good. My favorite exchange happens when one of Holly's brothers finds Wes' T-shirt lying around:
The Bad: The first couple of chapters are a little bumpy. Apodaca jumps into the story with both feet. Chapter 1 is the book club, Chapter 2 is at Wes's beach house where Holly is hoping to get some information about Cullen out of him. It just seemed a bit "fast" for me. The book lands on solid footing though in Chapter 3, which is when the above exchange with her brother takes place.
Also, the author does something that annoys me. She compares her characters to celebrities. Wes looks a little like George Clooney. Holly resembles the character Lilly Rush from the TV show Cold Case. Why does this annoy me? Well tops on the list, it unnecessarily dates the book. Think back to your favorite romance from the 1980s. You know, the one you reread occasionally, the one that holds up fairly well. Would it still hold up "fairly well" if the author described the hero as looking like David Hasselhoff? Sure, I guess people thought he was hot back in the 1980s, but now? One word: Creepy.
I also think this limits the book (to a certain extent) to an American audience. I mean, OK - everyone knows who George Clooney is and while Cold Case is in syndication now, would a reader in England or Uruguay know who Lilly Rush is? You shouldn't have to hit Google to find out what the character looks like.
And very, very minor - the author tips her hand involving one of the larger clues. It also smacks a bit of convenience, but since the mystery gets fairly involved later in the book I came to overlook it. Plus, the loose threads are tied up well - so there you go.
Final Verdict: This is a fun book. A "beach read" if ever there was one, despite the fact that the laydown date is December 26. The mystery is good, I like the characters, I like the dialogue, a good "escape" read (actually "escape read" sums up Apodaca's writing style nicely). It didn't change my life, but it kept me entertained and I thought it was fun so that makes it a B. Apodaca is one of the few authors on my "must read" list and even more shocking - I've read her entire backlist! No books in the TBR! Can I get another Hell Yeah?
The Basics: The Sex On The Beach Book Club by Jennifer Apodaca. Apodaca puts her Samantha Shaw mystery series (published by Kensington) on hold with this "romantic mystery" for Kensington's Brava imprint. This isn't much of a stretch since the last few books in her mystery series have featured some smokin' hot sex scenes.
Disclosure: I guess I should state here that I know Apodaca. Well, "know" might be too strong a word. We're acquaintances. I loved her first few books while I was living in Michigan, and met her at a booksigning once I moved to California. She seems to find me a "fair" reviewer because she's sent me ARCs of her last few books. I'm not even sure why I'm including this in the review since Jen knows I don't pull punches - but there you go. Take it or leave it.
The Plot: Holly Hillbay is a private investigator who needs money. Her slimy ex, Brad the Cad, made sure she lost her bread and butter client, the firm she used to do employee background checks for. However, things are looking up. She's been hired by a husband who suspects his wife is cheating on him. If she is, he can invoke a clause in their prenupital agreement. He suspects wifey is diddling bookstore owner, Wes Brockman, so Holly goes undercover at Wes' book club.
It doesn't take long for Holly to figure out that hubby was barking up the wrong tree. The delectable Tanya isn't hot for Wes, she's playing footsie with a lothario named Cullen. But what about Wes? Well he's very hot, and Holly's dormant libido just kicked into fifth gear. But she's on the clock and her job is to get the scoop on Cullen and Tanya. So she decides to pump Wes for information.
Wes knows Holly is up to something, but can't ignore the chemistry. He finds out what that something is when Cullen turns up dead in his locked bookstore and Holly discloses the fact that she's a PI. Wes is hiding a Big Secret, and he can't help but wonder if Cullen being murdered in his bookstore is a message. Is Wes in danger?
The Good: Holly is the big good here. She's a strong woman hiding behind a chick with a gun attitude. Now, I can hear some of you groaning right about now, but she's still feminine. Tomboys can be feminine in their own way dammit. Plus, after suffering through a number of books this year featuring idiot heroines that the author(s) kept trying to convince me were smart (but were actually really, really stupid) it was nice to read about a capable woman. She's good at her job, knows how to use a gun, and can take care of herself. Naturally though she has baggage. Brad the Cad is such a huge asshole it's amazing she didn't shoot his balls off. Then there are the abandonment issues she has because of Mommy. Her defensive mechanism is to be a tough girl who doesn't "need" anyone, and she never cries. Crying is for sissies.
Wes is charming, likeable, and the past he is running from is compelling and timely. He's intrigued by Holly despite the fact that he doesn't trust cops. I mean, he really doesn't trust cops. But a dead body does have a way of altering one's perceptions, and he thinks Holly can get to the bottom of things.
Also notable, the dialogue is very good. My favorite exchange happens when one of Holly's brothers finds Wes' T-shirt lying around:
"Thought you said you weren't dating anyone."Tee Hee.
She looked up to see Wes's shirt, which she had left on the couch. With a deadpan expression she said, "I'm not. I just have sex with a different man every night and steal their shirts. But I don't date them."
The Bad: The first couple of chapters are a little bumpy. Apodaca jumps into the story with both feet. Chapter 1 is the book club, Chapter 2 is at Wes's beach house where Holly is hoping to get some information about Cullen out of him. It just seemed a bit "fast" for me. The book lands on solid footing though in Chapter 3, which is when the above exchange with her brother takes place.
Also, the author does something that annoys me. She compares her characters to celebrities. Wes looks a little like George Clooney. Holly resembles the character Lilly Rush from the TV show Cold Case. Why does this annoy me? Well tops on the list, it unnecessarily dates the book. Think back to your favorite romance from the 1980s. You know, the one you reread occasionally, the one that holds up fairly well. Would it still hold up "fairly well" if the author described the hero as looking like David Hasselhoff? Sure, I guess people thought he was hot back in the 1980s, but now? One word: Creepy.
I also think this limits the book (to a certain extent) to an American audience. I mean, OK - everyone knows who George Clooney is and while Cold Case is in syndication now, would a reader in England or Uruguay know who Lilly Rush is? You shouldn't have to hit Google to find out what the character looks like.
And very, very minor - the author tips her hand involving one of the larger clues. It also smacks a bit of convenience, but since the mystery gets fairly involved later in the book I came to overlook it. Plus, the loose threads are tied up well - so there you go.
Final Verdict: This is a fun book. A "beach read" if ever there was one, despite the fact that the laydown date is December 26. The mystery is good, I like the characters, I like the dialogue, a good "escape" read (actually "escape read" sums up Apodaca's writing style nicely). It didn't change my life, but it kept me entertained and I thought it was fun so that makes it a B. Apodaca is one of the few authors on my "must read" list and even more shocking - I've read her entire backlist! No books in the TBR! Can I get another Hell Yeah?
Monday, December 18, 2006
And The Winners Are
Thanks for the all the input regarding what books I should take on my trip home for the holidays. Now naturally I won't get all these read. I'm thinking I should get at least 4 done (2 on the plane there, 2 on the plane back), but you know what they say about good intentions. My final decisions ended up being:
Sweet Release by Pamela Clare (although damn the print is tiny!)
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith
Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne
A Kiss to Die For by Claudia Dain
Redemption by Carolyn Davidson
Sugar Skull by Denise Hamilton
Winter Garden by Adele Ashworth (although I'm honestly in more of an "American" mood)
Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade (horrid Avon cover and all)
Sweet Release by Pamela Clare (although damn the print is tiny!)
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith
Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne
A Kiss to Die For by Claudia Dain
Redemption by Carolyn Davidson
Sugar Skull by Denise Hamilton
Winter Garden by Adele Ashworth (although I'm honestly in more of an "American" mood)
Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
Mail-Order Bride by Maureen McKade (horrid Avon cover and all)
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Help Me Make Up My Mind
OK, I've done it. I played around in the TBR yesterday and dug up some books. Turns out almost everything that jumped up and bit me was a historical, so I'm definitely going to need help weeding some of them from the stack. I'll also post the contemporary stuff, but frankly my mind is pretty much made up on that front (for instance, one of the Denise Hamilton's is making the trip).
So what am I asking of you all? I'm looking for positive opinions. Please don't say, "That book sucked monkey balls!" because I'm afraid it will prejudice me against the book forever and it will languish in my TBR even longer until I finally decide to toss it in the Take To The Used Bookstore bag. So positive comments only chicas!
Here it goes:
Historicals:
Worth Any Price, Again The Magic, & Lady Sophia's Lover all by Lisa Kleypas (aren't these part of a series? If so, I don't mind reading out of order)
Winter Garden by Adele Ashworth (yeah, I know - I haven't read it yet!)
Just One Touch by Debra Mullins
Dark Enchantment by Karen Harbaugh
A Kiss to Die For by Claudia Dain
Hannah's Vow by Pam Crooks
Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne
To Find You Again by Maureen McKade
Mail Order Bride by Maureen McKade
Midnight Satin by Laurie Grant
Sweet Release by Pamela Clare
Redemption by Carolyn Davidson
Contemporaries:
Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
Since You're Leaving Anyway Take Out The Trash by Dixie Cash
Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith
Mysteries:
Sugar Skull and Last Lullaby both by Denise Hamilton
Extra points for eloquence. I'm not sure how many books I'm going to take with me, but let's say at least five. I won't have The Boyfriend to distract me on the plane, so I imagine I'll just have my nose buried in a book the entire time.
So what am I asking of you all? I'm looking for positive opinions. Please don't say, "That book sucked monkey balls!" because I'm afraid it will prejudice me against the book forever and it will languish in my TBR even longer until I finally decide to toss it in the Take To The Used Bookstore bag. So positive comments only chicas!
Here it goes:
Historicals:
Worth Any Price, Again The Magic, & Lady Sophia's Lover all by Lisa Kleypas (aren't these part of a series? If so, I don't mind reading out of order)
Winter Garden by Adele Ashworth (yeah, I know - I haven't read it yet!)
Just One Touch by Debra Mullins
Dark Enchantment by Karen Harbaugh
A Kiss to Die For by Claudia Dain
Hannah's Vow by Pam Crooks
Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne
To Find You Again by Maureen McKade
Mail Order Bride by Maureen McKade
Midnight Satin by Laurie Grant
Sweet Release by Pamela Clare
Redemption by Carolyn Davidson
Contemporaries:
Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall
Since You're Leaving Anyway Take Out The Trash by Dixie Cash
Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith
Mysteries:
Sugar Skull and Last Lullaby both by Denise Hamilton
Extra points for eloquence. I'm not sure how many books I'm going to take with me, but let's say at least five. I won't have The Boyfriend to distract me on the plane, so I imagine I'll just have my nose buried in a book the entire time.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Self Fulfilling Prophecy
The holidays are upon us, and that means one thing - Wendy gets to travel home to Michigan. This year, besides the normal good cheer, good food, and gift exchanging, my younger sister is getting married. She's been with The Guy for 10 years, so it's not too much of shock.
But what does this really mean? Well with a married older sister, with kids even, and a soon to be married younger sister that means - yes it's happened - I'm now officially The Spinster Sister!
I'm so proud. I knew this moment would come. I just had to work hard, believe in myself and of course, become a librarian. Next step, adopting at least 10 cats so I can work on becoming The Crazy Cat Lady.
This is of course all tongue in cheek. The Boyfriend and I have been together for almost 9 years, we just aren't married. Frankly, I'm thinking the only reason to get married is the fabulous dress you get to wear then shove in the attic - am I wrong here?
So yeah, it's great that The Lil' Sis is getting hitched and all - but the most important aspect of this trip has yet to be decided - What Books Am I Taking With Me? Yes, I leave on the 20th, and I still don't know what books I'm taking. Shameful isn't it?
At this point I'm leaning towards a lot of historicals because I haven't read one in what seems like forever. But I also have several contemporary romances lying around. So I'm thinking it might be for the best if I took a mix, and my guilty conscience says that I should take books I've had in the TBR for years (surprisingly, most of them).
So I thought it might be fun for me to post a list of "possible" reads for me to take on my trip, then you all could vote. It would also take the decision out of my hands and if I end up hating a book I have someone else to blame! How's that for logic?
So coming soon, a list of Airplane Books. Stay tuned.
But what does this really mean? Well with a married older sister, with kids even, and a soon to be married younger sister that means - yes it's happened - I'm now officially The Spinster Sister!
I'm so proud. I knew this moment would come. I just had to work hard, believe in myself and of course, become a librarian. Next step, adopting at least 10 cats so I can work on becoming The Crazy Cat Lady.
This is of course all tongue in cheek. The Boyfriend and I have been together for almost 9 years, we just aren't married. Frankly, I'm thinking the only reason to get married is the fabulous dress you get to wear then shove in the attic - am I wrong here?
So yeah, it's great that The Lil' Sis is getting hitched and all - but the most important aspect of this trip has yet to be decided - What Books Am I Taking With Me? Yes, I leave on the 20th, and I still don't know what books I'm taking. Shameful isn't it?
At this point I'm leaning towards a lot of historicals because I haven't read one in what seems like forever. But I also have several contemporary romances lying around. So I'm thinking it might be for the best if I took a mix, and my guilty conscience says that I should take books I've had in the TBR for years (surprisingly, most of them).
So I thought it might be fun for me to post a list of "possible" reads for me to take on my trip, then you all could vote. It would also take the decision out of my hands and if I end up hating a book I have someone else to blame! How's that for logic?
So coming soon, a list of Airplane Books. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Gothic Love
Well crap on a cracker, I'm invested in another series - a paranormal one to boot. This is why being a book reviewer is a bad, bad thing. I could have stayed blissfully ignorant otherwise.
The Basics: Watchers In The Night by Jenna Black, book 1 in the Guardians of the Night series and the author's debut.
The Plot: Philadelphia police detective, turned private investigator, Carolyn Mathers has just seen a ghost. Three years ago, her fiance, Gray James, disappeared two days before their wedding. Poof! No Dear Carolyn note, no message relayed through a friend, the guy just vanished. Finally agreeing to a date, she leaves her apartment one evening and is almost mugged. Who should appear out of the shadows to rescue her? Her long lost fiance, Gray.
Gray vanished three years ago because on the night of his bachelor party he was turned into a vampire (talk about a hangover!). He walked out of Carolyn's life, but has been unable to let her go. As a fledgling vampire, he comes in contact with the Guardians. See, there are "good" vampires and "bad" vampires. Bad vampires become addicted to human blood and become indiscriminate killers. Good vampires, the Guardians, drink lamb's blood mixed with milk and protect humans from the bad vampires. Gray refuses to join their order, and given his past, they don't entirely trust him. When it appears he's "stalking" Carolyn, they trust him even less. Then a serial killer, who happens to be a vampire, begins preying on the city - raping women and draining them of their blood. Naturally Gray is prime suspect number one.
The Good: The atmosphere is very good here and Philadelphia is a nice locale. It is one of the oldest (and historic!) cities in the United States, so it makes for a nice gothic backdrop.
My main beef with vampire series of this ilk is that the author tends to focus all their energy on the hunky Alpha vampire and pairs him up with some mealy-mouthed, dish rag heroine who needs rescuing all the damn time. Hence, Wendy is burnt out on paranormals. Not so here. Even though she lacks the incredible strength, speed and immortality of a vampire, Carolyn is a good equal to Gray. She's smart, she's tough, she knows how to shoot a gun; one gets the impression that if she could move on from being dumped days before her wedding her life would be pretty sweet.
I also liked that even though the author is setting up a series about the Guardians, Gray is the ultimate outsider. He doesn't want to join the order, he just wants to be left alone, wallow and pine away for Carolyn. I know this doesn't sound appealing, but it works here.
The plot hums along nicely, with Black introducing quite a few secondary characters. What is pleasing here is that they don't just stand around, posturing and say, "I'm such a hunk, I'm getting my own story, which will be published in May 2007." They serve a purpose in this story, they help move the plot along, and they ultimately play a part in the conclusion. Speaking of, there is one here. I think romance authors tend to stumble in series when they fail to understand the fact that just because it's not a stand alone book doesn't mean it can't end. Give me resolution dammit! And Black does. Our serial killer is caught, although not before he does some damage. It's that damage that readers can expect to see in future installments.
The secondary characters are appealing - notably Jules (who can't stand Gray) a vampire from Quebec who likes to swear in French and Hannah, Carolyn's best friend who would love to castrate Gray. Black has said that Jules and Hannah are the couple in the next book which should be very interesting. Neither was entirely "likeable" in this story, and Hannah borders on abrasive. So lots of intriguing possibilities.
The Bad, Sort Of: These are things that didn't bother me, but might irritate some readers.
While this is a romance, it's not the main focus of the story. There's a lot going on here, and the plot is largely propelled by secondary characters and the serial killer plot. So there are moments where Gray and Carolyn aren't in the story. Like I said earlier, these secondary characters do move the story forward and they don't take up empty space, but readers who want the story to solely focus on the romantic couple aren't going to find that here.
This is a plot driven story, as opposed to character driven. The main issues here: is Gray a killer? Who is the serial killer? Will the Guardians be torn apart by internal squabbling? Will Carolyn and Gray hook up? Not a whole lot of time for angst. This is a very good thing for those of you sick of broody vampires. They brood here, but don't wallow.
The Bad, What Wendy Says: My main issue here was some of the dialogue. The characters spend a lot of time bickering. Mainly it's Gray telling Carolyn, "I'm not telling you shit because it's for your own good," when she wants answers to why he vanished three years ago. Also Jules and Gray really despise each other - so there's several pissing contests between the two. I do think the author's hand was forced by the plot to a certain extent, but after a while I wanted a semi-civil conversation to appear to spice things up. It does get better though once Carolyn knows the truth.
Also, while I found the plot interesting and I easily turned the pages, I wanted a smidge more character development. I think this story would have benefited from an extra 50 pages.
Most of the reviews I've read on this one so far call it "been there, done that" which I can sorta see - but given that the heroine wasn't wimpy (like too many paranormal romances for me to count), this one elevated itself considerably in my mind. But admittedly the whole "secret society of vampire hunters" thing has been done quite a bit.
Final Grade: Watchers In The Night worked for me because of good gothic atmosphere, the serial killer plot, and multiple characters that I found interesting. Personally, I think this is the perfect "airplane book" if you're traveling over the holidays. I waffled on the grade a bit, but ultimately I found it entertaining and I was never pissed off or bored so it's a B.
The Basics: Watchers In The Night by Jenna Black, book 1 in the Guardians of the Night series and the author's debut.
The Plot: Philadelphia police detective, turned private investigator, Carolyn Mathers has just seen a ghost. Three years ago, her fiance, Gray James, disappeared two days before their wedding. Poof! No Dear Carolyn note, no message relayed through a friend, the guy just vanished. Finally agreeing to a date, she leaves her apartment one evening and is almost mugged. Who should appear out of the shadows to rescue her? Her long lost fiance, Gray.
Gray vanished three years ago because on the night of his bachelor party he was turned into a vampire (talk about a hangover!). He walked out of Carolyn's life, but has been unable to let her go. As a fledgling vampire, he comes in contact with the Guardians. See, there are "good" vampires and "bad" vampires. Bad vampires become addicted to human blood and become indiscriminate killers. Good vampires, the Guardians, drink lamb's blood mixed with milk and protect humans from the bad vampires. Gray refuses to join their order, and given his past, they don't entirely trust him. When it appears he's "stalking" Carolyn, they trust him even less. Then a serial killer, who happens to be a vampire, begins preying on the city - raping women and draining them of their blood. Naturally Gray is prime suspect number one.
The Good: The atmosphere is very good here and Philadelphia is a nice locale. It is one of the oldest (and historic!) cities in the United States, so it makes for a nice gothic backdrop.
My main beef with vampire series of this ilk is that the author tends to focus all their energy on the hunky Alpha vampire and pairs him up with some mealy-mouthed, dish rag heroine who needs rescuing all the damn time. Hence, Wendy is burnt out on paranormals. Not so here. Even though she lacks the incredible strength, speed and immortality of a vampire, Carolyn is a good equal to Gray. She's smart, she's tough, she knows how to shoot a gun; one gets the impression that if she could move on from being dumped days before her wedding her life would be pretty sweet.
I also liked that even though the author is setting up a series about the Guardians, Gray is the ultimate outsider. He doesn't want to join the order, he just wants to be left alone, wallow and pine away for Carolyn. I know this doesn't sound appealing, but it works here.
The plot hums along nicely, with Black introducing quite a few secondary characters. What is pleasing here is that they don't just stand around, posturing and say, "I'm such a hunk, I'm getting my own story, which will be published in May 2007." They serve a purpose in this story, they help move the plot along, and they ultimately play a part in the conclusion. Speaking of, there is one here. I think romance authors tend to stumble in series when they fail to understand the fact that just because it's not a stand alone book doesn't mean it can't end. Give me resolution dammit! And Black does. Our serial killer is caught, although not before he does some damage. It's that damage that readers can expect to see in future installments.
The secondary characters are appealing - notably Jules (who can't stand Gray) a vampire from Quebec who likes to swear in French and Hannah, Carolyn's best friend who would love to castrate Gray. Black has said that Jules and Hannah are the couple in the next book which should be very interesting. Neither was entirely "likeable" in this story, and Hannah borders on abrasive. So lots of intriguing possibilities.
The Bad, Sort Of: These are things that didn't bother me, but might irritate some readers.
While this is a romance, it's not the main focus of the story. There's a lot going on here, and the plot is largely propelled by secondary characters and the serial killer plot. So there are moments where Gray and Carolyn aren't in the story. Like I said earlier, these secondary characters do move the story forward and they don't take up empty space, but readers who want the story to solely focus on the romantic couple aren't going to find that here.
This is a plot driven story, as opposed to character driven. The main issues here: is Gray a killer? Who is the serial killer? Will the Guardians be torn apart by internal squabbling? Will Carolyn and Gray hook up? Not a whole lot of time for angst. This is a very good thing for those of you sick of broody vampires. They brood here, but don't wallow.
The Bad, What Wendy Says: My main issue here was some of the dialogue. The characters spend a lot of time bickering. Mainly it's Gray telling Carolyn, "I'm not telling you shit because it's for your own good," when she wants answers to why he vanished three years ago. Also Jules and Gray really despise each other - so there's several pissing contests between the two. I do think the author's hand was forced by the plot to a certain extent, but after a while I wanted a semi-civil conversation to appear to spice things up. It does get better though once Carolyn knows the truth.
Also, while I found the plot interesting and I easily turned the pages, I wanted a smidge more character development. I think this story would have benefited from an extra 50 pages.
Most of the reviews I've read on this one so far call it "been there, done that" which I can sorta see - but given that the heroine wasn't wimpy (like too many paranormal romances for me to count), this one elevated itself considerably in my mind. But admittedly the whole "secret society of vampire hunters" thing has been done quite a bit.
Final Grade: Watchers In The Night worked for me because of good gothic atmosphere, the serial killer plot, and multiple characters that I found interesting. Personally, I think this is the perfect "airplane book" if you're traveling over the holidays. I waffled on the grade a bit, but ultimately I found it entertaining and I was never pissed off or bored so it's a B.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Being Part Of The Problem
I know I've blogged about this before, but since my current read has me checking to see if "Sucker" is tattooed on my forehead I thought now would be a good time to bring it up yet again.
I started life as a mystery fan. I still love me a good mystery. Now the bread and butter in the mystery world is a series. Sue Grafton, James Patterson, Lisa Scottoline, Tess Gerritsen etc., all successful authors with successful series. These books follow one character (or group of characters) over the course of several books, and these series tend to be "never ending." It's a rare thing indeed when a mystery author brings "closure" to a series and even then, sometimes it's picked up by one of their children or a ghostwriter. I'm invested in a hand full of series, some to the point where I just can't make a break even though I feel dirty for admitting I still read them (case in point: The Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun).
I'm fine with this. So how come I hate it so much in romance novels? Because while mysteries are "allowed" to follow the same set of characters indefinitely, romances cannot do this. Romance novels must have a happily-ever-after. There has to be that closure, otherwise it ain't a romance. So for a series to work, the romance author has to introduce secondary characters who will be the subject of books 2, 3, 4 etc. And that's where it tends to get preposterous.
There are certain authors I don't read because the idea of their neverending series is just too daunting. Stephanie Laurens, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Suzanne Brockmann, you get the idea. Because sooner or later my skepticism kicks in. Oh, so there are 16 children in the family and they're all getting their own books? The plot involves a private school, so all the students are going to grow up and get their own story? You've written about all the relatives, so now it's a story about the hero's best friend's brother's former roommate's governess? Seriously, it's like a drunken Merry-Go-Round after a while.
I want an end. I want an end to the romance series so badly that whenever I walk into a bookstore these days I'm purposely looking for a "stand alone" book. No more series. I'm done. I'm full. Frankly, I'm getting indigestion.
So where does that leave me? With Watchers In The Night by Jenna Black - book one in a new paranormal series. Now, I don't know the details, but I'm going to assume (for my sanity) that Ms. Black does have an "end an sight." I sure hope so, because I'm already wondering who the hero of book 2 will be. Which means I'm enjoying WITN. Which means I've just gotten roped into another series. Which means I've fallen for it - again. Sucker.
I started life as a mystery fan. I still love me a good mystery. Now the bread and butter in the mystery world is a series. Sue Grafton, James Patterson, Lisa Scottoline, Tess Gerritsen etc., all successful authors with successful series. These books follow one character (or group of characters) over the course of several books, and these series tend to be "never ending." It's a rare thing indeed when a mystery author brings "closure" to a series and even then, sometimes it's picked up by one of their children or a ghostwriter. I'm invested in a hand full of series, some to the point where I just can't make a break even though I feel dirty for admitting I still read them (case in point: The Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun).
I'm fine with this. So how come I hate it so much in romance novels? Because while mysteries are "allowed" to follow the same set of characters indefinitely, romances cannot do this. Romance novels must have a happily-ever-after. There has to be that closure, otherwise it ain't a romance. So for a series to work, the romance author has to introduce secondary characters who will be the subject of books 2, 3, 4 etc. And that's where it tends to get preposterous.
There are certain authors I don't read because the idea of their neverending series is just too daunting. Stephanie Laurens, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Suzanne Brockmann, you get the idea. Because sooner or later my skepticism kicks in. Oh, so there are 16 children in the family and they're all getting their own books? The plot involves a private school, so all the students are going to grow up and get their own story? You've written about all the relatives, so now it's a story about the hero's best friend's brother's former roommate's governess? Seriously, it's like a drunken Merry-Go-Round after a while.
I want an end. I want an end to the romance series so badly that whenever I walk into a bookstore these days I'm purposely looking for a "stand alone" book. No more series. I'm done. I'm full. Frankly, I'm getting indigestion.
So where does that leave me? With Watchers In The Night by Jenna Black - book one in a new paranormal series. Now, I don't know the details, but I'm going to assume (for my sanity) that Ms. Black does have an "end an sight." I sure hope so, because I'm already wondering who the hero of book 2 will be. Which means I'm enjoying WITN. Which means I've just gotten roped into another series. Which means I've fallen for it - again. Sucker.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Go To Girl
I think I might have Romance Novel Slut tattooed on my forehead. Suddenly I'm the Go To Girl for all things Romance Novel Related in my office. I've already been roped into being a moderator on a romance panel this spring when my library hosts it's first (hopefully annual, we'll see how that goes!) literary event. Then I found out at a meeting yesterday that one of our larger libraries would like me to give a presentation on romance novels in February because as the librarian said, "I haven't had that much fun at a presentation ever!" (I gave a reader's advisory talk on the genre back in November 2005, I'm convinced it got me my current job but have no real proof).
On a related subject of sorts, I got my January RT yesterday and shock of shocks, found a couple of paranormals that sound interesting. Paranormals are becoming like the new Regency Historical for me - that is to say they're all beginning to sound the same. But I'm intrigued by Colleen Gleason's The Rest Falls Away (the vampire huntress ingenue in Regency London sold me) and Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler (the succubus turned stripper who is on the run from Hell sold me).
I'm also curious about Dirty by Megan Hart - because even though I'm still recovering from the last Spice novel I read, this one sounds very promising. Check out the blurb:
Emphasis mine, naturally. I think the strongest appeal of erotica is that readers can find women who don't apologize. They like sex, they do what they want with whomever they want, and if you don't like it - well don't let the door smack you in the ass on the way out. So to whomever wrote the back cover copy over at Harlequin, I'm sold. Damn you, I'm sold.
On a related subject of sorts, I got my January RT yesterday and shock of shocks, found a couple of paranormals that sound interesting. Paranormals are becoming like the new Regency Historical for me - that is to say they're all beginning to sound the same. But I'm intrigued by Colleen Gleason's The Rest Falls Away (the vampire huntress ingenue in Regency London sold me) and Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler (the succubus turned stripper who is on the run from Hell sold me).
I'm also curious about Dirty by Megan Hart - because even though I'm still recovering from the last Spice novel I read, this one sounds very promising. Check out the blurb:
This is what happened.
I met him at the candy store. He turned around and smiled at me and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children's candy store, mind you -- this was the kind of place you went to buy expensive imported chocolate truffles for your boss's wife because you felt guilty for having sex with him when you were both at a conference in Milwaukee. Hypothetically speaking, of course.
I've been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears. Sometimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.
The problem with wanting is that it's like pouring water into a vase full of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don't apologize for who I am or what I've done, in -- or out -- of bed. I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven't wanted anything else.
Until Dan. Until now.
Emphasis mine, naturally. I think the strongest appeal of erotica is that readers can find women who don't apologize. They like sex, they do what they want with whomever they want, and if you don't like it - well don't let the door smack you in the ass on the way out. So to whomever wrote the back cover copy over at Harlequin, I'm sold. Damn you, I'm sold.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Reading Where You Live
I finally forced myself to start my latest review book, Here With Me by Beverly Long, yesterday. So far, it's a pleasant read, but I found myself suspending my disbelief even before I finished the first chapter.
Now, since this is a time travel romance, one would immediately deduce that suspension of disbelief comes with the territory - but what if I told you that my straining credulity has nothing to do with the time travel aspect? Let me explain.
The heroine is noticeably pregnant (I believe the novel states 5 months) and is sitting on a deserted beach outside of Los Angeles at dusk. OK, first we need to get past the deserted beach bit. Even if it's cold and slightly miserable there's going to be at least one homeless person milling about. Anyway, the hero has just traveled through time (from 1888 Wyoming to be exact) and wakes up on the same beach feeling like something the cat coughed up. Then Pregnant Girl gets pulled into the ocean by a wave and hero rescues her.
Silly, but OK - I'll go with it. The hero is shocked to notice the heroine is pregnant. She thanks him and a conversation ensues. A conversation that feels off. Now, I know the guy just saved her life, but given that she's pregnant and almost drowned you think her first thought would be "I need to get to a doctor to make sure Junior is OK." Interestingly enough, a hospital is never mentioned (although she has no health insurance, so one wonders if she's even getting prenatal care). She casually mentions that her best friend drowned at that very beach (this ties into the first book in the series, Stay With Me) and proceeds to tell this total stranger all about her friend, how they used to be social workers together, and that a young boy they both were close to finally died after a long illness.
OK, does this ring true to anyone? Especially factoring in that we're not even out of the first chapter and the heroine lives in L.A.? Trust me, no woman with half a brain cell rambles on about her life to strange men (especially those who are slightly off given they've just traveled through time) alone on a deserted beach in L.A. Why not just wear a sandwich board saying Helpless Vulnerable Female Please Rape And Murder Me?
Granted, naive people are allowed to live anywhere - but in a city the size of L.A. you'd think the girl would have picked up a few street smarts. However by the end of the second chapter the hero (still a stranger mind you) is agreeing to pose as her "husband" because naturally she told her conservative grandmother that she's married and pregnant as opposed to pregnant, working a crappy waitressing job and single.
Which makes me wonder, would this bother me as much if I didn't live in Southern California? If I had no clue what it was like here? If I had no clue that the closer you get to the ocean the more crazy (lest we forget, desperate and homeless) people there are? So not only is this girl a few pints low sitting out on the beach, alone, at dusk - she's also nuts for talking to some strange man, having him pose as hubby and driving north to Napa Valley where they will have to share a bedroom at the family vineyard together because naturally, they're married! Yeah, he did save her life, and he does seem perfectly nice, but that's what people said about Ted Bundy.
Now, since this is a time travel romance, one would immediately deduce that suspension of disbelief comes with the territory - but what if I told you that my straining credulity has nothing to do with the time travel aspect? Let me explain.
The heroine is noticeably pregnant (I believe the novel states 5 months) and is sitting on a deserted beach outside of Los Angeles at dusk. OK, first we need to get past the deserted beach bit. Even if it's cold and slightly miserable there's going to be at least one homeless person milling about. Anyway, the hero has just traveled through time (from 1888 Wyoming to be exact) and wakes up on the same beach feeling like something the cat coughed up. Then Pregnant Girl gets pulled into the ocean by a wave and hero rescues her.
Silly, but OK - I'll go with it. The hero is shocked to notice the heroine is pregnant. She thanks him and a conversation ensues. A conversation that feels off. Now, I know the guy just saved her life, but given that she's pregnant and almost drowned you think her first thought would be "I need to get to a doctor to make sure Junior is OK." Interestingly enough, a hospital is never mentioned (although she has no health insurance, so one wonders if she's even getting prenatal care). She casually mentions that her best friend drowned at that very beach (this ties into the first book in the series, Stay With Me) and proceeds to tell this total stranger all about her friend, how they used to be social workers together, and that a young boy they both were close to finally died after a long illness.
OK, does this ring true to anyone? Especially factoring in that we're not even out of the first chapter and the heroine lives in L.A.? Trust me, no woman with half a brain cell rambles on about her life to strange men (especially those who are slightly off given they've just traveled through time) alone on a deserted beach in L.A. Why not just wear a sandwich board saying Helpless Vulnerable Female Please Rape And Murder Me?
Granted, naive people are allowed to live anywhere - but in a city the size of L.A. you'd think the girl would have picked up a few street smarts. However by the end of the second chapter the hero (still a stranger mind you) is agreeing to pose as her "husband" because naturally she told her conservative grandmother that she's married and pregnant as opposed to pregnant, working a crappy waitressing job and single.
Which makes me wonder, would this bother me as much if I didn't live in Southern California? If I had no clue what it was like here? If I had no clue that the closer you get to the ocean the more crazy (lest we forget, desperate and homeless) people there are? So not only is this girl a few pints low sitting out on the beach, alone, at dusk - she's also nuts for talking to some strange man, having him pose as hubby and driving north to Napa Valley where they will have to share a bedroom at the family vineyard together because naturally, they're married! Yeah, he did save her life, and he does seem perfectly nice, but that's what people said about Ted Bundy.
Monday, December 4, 2006
Superman Is Gay
Just another Sunday night at the home of a mild mannered librarian....
The Boyfriend: So will you watch Superman Returns with me?
Me: Sure
Some time later....
Me: If you're going to have Kevin Spacey (who totally rocks!) play Lex Luthor at least give him something to do! This movie is going to go somewhere any minute now, I can feel it!
The Boyfriend: I always hated the character of Kitty. Like Lex Luthor would put up with someone like her.
Me: That kid is creeping me out. Doesn't he look just like Christopher Reeve?
The Boyfriend: Not exactly like him, the forehead is similar though.
Me: I'm telling you, it's his long lost son!
Photographic evidence:
Getting towards the end of movie
Me: Superman is so gay.
The Boyfriend: Why don't you like Superman?
Me: Like how stupid are these people? Clark Kent takes off his glasses, throws on some spandex and nobody recognizes him?
The Boyfriend: It's all about attitude. Nobody sees the similarities because Clark doesn't act like Superman. Clark is a bumbling idiot.
Me: And what's with the pining away for Lois? Sorry, but girlfriend isn't that hot. This is what annoys me about Spiderman too - he pines away for that annoying Mary Jane. Batman never pines - that's why Batman is cool.
The Boyfriend: What about Catwoman?
Me: OK, she wears black latex and carries a whip - I mean can you blame him? What with his vigilante tendencies and his inability to move on from his parents' deaths, Batman is the poster boy for antiheroes. Batman has issues. Besides, maybe his attraction to latex-lovin' Catwoman means he's a switch.
The Boyfriend: coughing Batman as a switch?! Wendy, you need help.
Me: You know I'm right, you just won't admit it.
The Boyfriend: So will you watch Superman Returns with me?
Me: Sure
Some time later....
Me: If you're going to have Kevin Spacey (who totally rocks!) play Lex Luthor at least give him something to do! This movie is going to go somewhere any minute now, I can feel it!
The Boyfriend: I always hated the character of Kitty. Like Lex Luthor would put up with someone like her.
Me: That kid is creeping me out. Doesn't he look just like Christopher Reeve?
The Boyfriend: Not exactly like him, the forehead is similar though.
Me: I'm telling you, it's his long lost son!
Photographic evidence:
Getting towards the end of movie
Me: Superman is so gay.
The Boyfriend: Why don't you like Superman?
Me: Like how stupid are these people? Clark Kent takes off his glasses, throws on some spandex and nobody recognizes him?
The Boyfriend: It's all about attitude. Nobody sees the similarities because Clark doesn't act like Superman. Clark is a bumbling idiot.
Me: And what's with the pining away for Lois? Sorry, but girlfriend isn't that hot. This is what annoys me about Spiderman too - he pines away for that annoying Mary Jane. Batman never pines - that's why Batman is cool.
The Boyfriend: What about Catwoman?
Me: OK, she wears black latex and carries a whip - I mean can you blame him? What with his vigilante tendencies and his inability to move on from his parents' deaths, Batman is the poster boy for antiheroes. Batman has issues. Besides, maybe his attraction to latex-lovin' Catwoman means he's a switch.
The Boyfriend: coughing Batman as a switch?! Wendy, you need help.
Me: You know I'm right, you just won't admit it.
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