Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 20

My Favorite Kids/Pre-Teen Series Book

I've always been an reader since I was kid. And then going from pre-teen to adult, I still read today. Thanks to school, I weren't be able to order books from them when the library decided to have "Books Order Day", which is when all elementary students can go and see what books interested them and then place an order that same day. I always look forward to get my new books handed to me at my desk. I get excited. That was the years, when I knew I am a reader. Here are the list of my favorite series books. Notice if you click on titles it take you to books, authors or information website.

1. Nursery Rhymes books/Fairy Tale Book
2. The Little Golden Books
3. Dr Seuss series Books by Ted Seuss Geisel
4. The Harold(purple crayon) series by Crockett Johnson
5. Curious George series by Margret and H. A. Rey
6. Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish/Herman Parish
7. Ramona Quimby series collection by Beverly Cleverly
8. Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
9. The Fudge Series by Judy Blume
10. Litte House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
11. Anne of Green Gable series by Lucy Maud Montgomery
12. Sweet Valley series (kids,high,twin) by Francine Pascal
13. The Babysitting Club series by Ann Matthews Martin

How about you? What your favorite books as kid and growing up?

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Melody: Booking Through Thursday
2. Kat: Booking Through Thursday
3. Darla: Sniglets - Part 1
4. Jane: Things She Like to Do
5. Things I Never Done
6. Susan: Prove Her Worth
7. Thomma Lyn: Random Things About Her as a Novelist
8.Angela: The Best(First Half)of 2007
9. Alyssa: Summer Sensations
10. Christine: Loves about Summer
11. Christine: Fun Activities at PEI


(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Desperation

Booking Through Thursday


Today’s question is suggested by Carrie.

What’s the most desperate thing you’ve read because it was the only available reading material?

If it was longer than a cereal box or an advertisement, did it turn out to be worth your while?

My family and I are always going to lot of family gathering every years. This mean BIG family with lot of headaches. When we chose our destination for the events (mostly at someone house), then the party began. I remember a long years back feeling desperate of need to have something to read. I didn't bring along any books because I thought we won't be there long and will get home by the end of the night. We end up spending the night there instead. So it was a very long "How are you doing-let give update on you" talk with the members of the family. So by the end of the night, I was tired and went to bed. The next day, most everyone went home. I stayed back because my father had to help my uncle with fixing up his car. So here I am in the living room with nothing to do except watching TV. And there nothing good on. So...I pick up one of their newsletter that was left on table. It was an update newsletter of the community church that my uncle attend. Then...I walk around the house a bit and read some of the kids handwritten notes on papers with pictures they drawn that was stick into the fridge. Then there was the kids school textbooks, I open that and skim through it LOL.....

I guess it worth my while, because the tidbit stories that I read on my uncle newsletter was interesting and very amazing. And the kids art papers on fridge was cute and adorable to read. It just make my heart melt. As for the textbooks...I never thought myself to open that books again -- since it wasn't my favorite subject ;) -- and even though I did enjoy my times reading all those things, I still want to go home and read my books ;)

Same question above, What about you -- What the most desperation things you've read?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce

(Paranormal Romance/Time Traveling)
Brenda Joyce website
3/5







I'm doing another reading together with Melody again. But this time Alice join us. It been a fun reading it with you two :)

I have read Brenda Joyce's books in the past and love them. Mostly her earliest historical books. And the one I read (The Rival, Captive, The Game, The Finer Things, Splendor, The Promises of the Rose and Beyond Scandal to name a few...) was really GOOD. A few years Later I read her Deadly Series: The Francesca Cahill, a historical mystery romance and like it. That was the only series I kept up with from Brenda Joyce novels.

When I saw that she wrote a new series of paranormal romance The Master of Time I was skeptical. Because it seem that lot of publisher are turning authors toward paranormals trend. Don't get me wrong, I like some of paranormal novels out there(except for vamps *grin*). Even I love reading time traveling. I brought the book and I find the book was...okay. I soon realized that Brenda Joyce is either miss or hit with me. And no, this does not mean I will stop reading her other genres book. Personally I think The Francesca Cahill series are good. So good that I forget that I don't read lot of historical now.

Since Claire have learn that her mother and cousin was victim of a pleasure crime, she have done everything she can to keep herself safe and secure life in the city where danger lurk and where the world can be in an ugly place. It turn into reality when late one night, an unexpected surprise visitor woman assaulted her with tremendous strength. Sibylla travel through time to demand Claire to give her the pages to the Cathach, an manuscripts predates the Cathach to established of St. Columba's monastery in Iona. But the book was written because the Ancients want it to. Later she got another surprise visitor who also time travel through her time and it was no other person but Malcolm of Dunroch, the same man she plan to take a trip to see the Dunroch!

Malcolm of Dunroch, an sexual medieval warrior who is chosen as a new Master with extraordinary powers, is sent forward through time to retrieve an important piece of paper to prevent it from landing into the wrong hands of the enemy. It took him to Claire who he discover is distraction that he doesn't need but he is drawn toward her beauty. Because he want to protect her from Moray and Sibylla he took her back through his times to ensure her safe.

Claire find herself sweeps back into his time and was frightening of the world. And she knew Malcolm can only keep her to survive the place where it is treacherous and dangerous. She knew Malcolm soul is at stake and need to keep far away from his sexual seduction of desire.

Dark Seduction was an okay read for me. The plot seem different then other paranormal with time traveling that I'm use to to reading. I LOVE stories with time traveling and or Highlander warrior. I have read lot of that. While the hero is sexy warrior and yummy, I find that sometime he can be bit strange. Usually I LOVE Scottish dialogues warrior but there is just something about the way Malcolm use them that just make me cringed. I'm not sure if maybe my mood is in the way, that it effect my feeling toward this book. More often, moods play a big part in my reading. But then again, I also been reading a few historical now these days too. But while I did enjoy the book, it not one of my favorite :)

I notice that Dark Seduction is the first book to the The Master of Time series. And the book 2 Dark Rival is coming out in October 2007. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series. We shall see...

But IMO, I think if reader want to try Brenda Joyce books than try her earliest work(see above for historical title I list here) and or try The Deadly Series: The Francesca Cahill, if you like historical mystery romance. They're all good. But my favorite was The Games. I hate to see readers miss Brenda Joyce good books. Lot of them are a keeper for me :)

French Kiss by Susan Johnson

(Contemporary Romance)
Susan Johnson website
4/5 stars







Nicole Lesdaux, an L.A. architect, was hired by producer Johnny Patrick to create a tree house for his little girl. They hoped she be done within a month before his little girl birthday. But Nicole can't seem to say no to them, even when she has an unlimited budget when it come to her business. But Johnny is such so hunky and sexy that she couldn't help it not to look. But mixing business with pleasure with Johnny is no no. And she tried to keep her self busy with creating a tree house.

But when Johnny's ex-wife a drug addicted Lisa take their daughter Jordi to Paris, Johnny asked Nicole to accompany him to Paris as his translator while he bring his daughter back home. He was worry that his daughter Jordi will be scared in a place she never been before. Knowing Lisa and her choice of friends, he worries what danger she can bring to their daughter if they're were together. Johnny find himself always having to rescue Lisa, every time she get into trouble.

But one thing lead to another and all of sudden they're flirting into bed. Nicole fell head over heel in love with Johnny and couldn't keep her hand off of him. Their time together was spontaneous, sexy and fun. And now she afraid that when they leave and go home, their love affair end too...

The book said it contemporary romance, but it drawn toward being a little erotic with profanity. But that normally do not bother me at all. I read lots of books like that. I find myself wondering if the romance between Johnny and Nicole were believable or not. While there were flirting and sex I just didn't feel the spark between them that much. But they were smart, sassy, humor and sexual satisfying. I love Johnny interaction relationship with his daughter Jordi. You can tell he is good father and he taken good care of her and love her very much. I did enjoy the book and I thought the characters were likable, charming and fun :)

This is the first book I read by Susan Johnson, so I don't know how erotic, mild or how good her other books are. I probably will try another of her book to see if my reaction any different than this one. I normally give authors a second chance before deciding if I want to go buy their backlist. Sometime three time a charms does work ;)

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 19

New Movies in My Netflix Queue

I love movies and Netflix! I'm always late to watch new movies. I don't watch the new one when it first released out in theatre...unless friends or family raves about it. I depend on my Netflix to watch it. I like to be able to sit and watch the movies without interruption, freeze the movie to take a break, no noises and be on my own. Sometime, I would watch romance/ romance comedy movies with friends or Disney movies with family. The following list are movies that are either released in 2006 or 2007. But they're new to me, since I never watch it...any recommendation of which movies I should watch first?


1. Deja Vu - Thrillers (Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer)
2. Notes on a Scandal - Drama (Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy)
3. Because I say So - Comedy (Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Piper Perabo, Lauren Graham)
4. Catch and Release - Drama (Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant)
5. Music and Lyrics - Comedy (Hugh Grant, Drew Barrymore)
6. Freedom to Write - Drama (Hilary Swank, Imelda Staunton)
7. Premonition - Thrillers (Sandra Bullock, Julian McCahon)
8. 300 - Action Adventure (Lena Headey, Gerard Butler)
9. The Number 23 - Thriller (Jim Carey, Virginia Madsen)
10. Night at the Museum - Kids and Family (Ben Stiller, Ricky Gervais)
11. Blood and Chocolate - Paranormal Drama (Agnes Bruckner, Hugh Dancy)
12. The Queen - Drama (Helen Mirren, James Cromwell)
13. Wild Hogs - comedy (John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, William H.Macy)

Which of the movies have you seen or would recommend me to watch first? Why?


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

1. KJhand: Coed Softball Experience
2. Darla: Pounds Can't Seem to Lose
3. Cee Cee: Booking Through Thursday
4. Alyson: Booking Through Thursday
5. Stacy: Booking Through Thursday
6. Christine: TV Show Consider Watching
7. Susan: Mitchell Earring Aftermath
8. Christine: Favorite Things About Disneyland
9. Drew: Things That Scare Crap Out of Me
10. Melody: Booking Through Thursday
11. Alice: Booking Through Thursday



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

School Days, Golden Rule Days

Booking Through Thursday


Since school is out for the summer (in most places, at least), here’s a school-themed question for the week:

1. Do you have any old school books? Did you keep yours from college? Old textbooks from garage sales? Old workbooks from classes gone by?

2. How about your old notes, exams, papers? Do you save them? Or have they long since gone to the great Locker-in-the-sky?

- I don't think I kept any of my school books. The moments school is over I return it to the teachers, like all teachers requested us to do. But if I ever did kept one, I don't see them. I may have thrown it away long ago. But if you were to ask me if any of my sibling kept their books, the answers is yes. Two out of 5 of us attend college and some of the books are college books. They kept them in a box and then hide it in closet.

I do however, kept some of my school works. Like the poem that I wrote for my assigned classes. We had to make up a poem on our own. If I ever find it, I will share it with you. For whatever reason, I think I like the poems so much that I want to keep it, to remember it by. And probably another reason I kept it, is that I made an A on it *grin*. I also kept this study note papers of Shakespeare stories that I had to study for test. They were Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet, two of my favorite classic stories of William Shakespeare. When saw the movie of Juliet Caesar I was fascinated by it *LOL* But I love Romeo and Juliet. I didn't get to study or see all the other of Shakespeare stories. But I know some were other people favorites. And I didn't even buy those yellow booklet notes that are require to buy for the test. I never had to save my exams papers, since I know they're not always good grade *grin*....but other stuff I do keep is some booklets, papers, trinkets that associated with school for me to keep them inside my Senior Years book (sorta like Years Book, but it has plastic pocket inside to add memorabilia stuff inside.

How about you - save anything?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

The Lasy Spymaster by Gayle Lynds

(Action Thriller/Suspense- St. Martin)
Gayle Lynds website
5/5 stars







I happen to won this signed book from a contest I enter, and not knowing what to expect I read it and fully enjoyed it. It is thick book, about 435 pages in paperback. The writer is a member of the Association for Intelligence Offices. She also a international thriller writer. Some of her books she co- write with Robert Ludlum too. I don't read alot of spy or thriller books, but this book have it. I also usually do not read thick books once I added them in my TBR piles. I normally just wait until summer. Ironically, I got this book during the summer, so I decided to jump to it....and it GREAT book!

Jay Tice, once the CIA Deputy Director of Operations, was a legend throughout the world international intelligence from the Cold War area. He was a traitor mole to the United States, which sent him under strict surveillance in prison when his treachery was exposed. It been three years, and one day he escaped from prison and now the FBI is on hunt for him. But there is reason for his escape and he won't stop until he get an answers.

Elaine Cunningham is a hunter, hired by the CIA's Deputy director of operations, Laurence Litchfield, to assigned to track down Tice. Elaine specializes in finding people who don't want to be found. And she good at it. Then she discover and is shock that there might be more then just finding Tice. She end up in the middle of the spy games and nothing is what it seem. She knew that Tice failed the exchanged three years ago, when he was to handed over Muslim terrorist Faisal al-Hadi for renowned Jewish Soviet dissident professor Pavel Abendroth, who was assassinated there. What really happen three years ago, after Tice was in charge by United States to help exchange with the East German Stasi police?

There a classic backdrop on loves, romance and friendship. Lots of car chasing and on the run actions. Each characters have their own motivations to conspiracy. The characters play their roles so well that you get so involved with them. I love Elaine and Tice, both very strong characters. Including other strong characters as well. Lot of action at the end. The story ended in a great way!

The Last Spymaster is an exciting thrillers with lot of hot on your heel actions. There lot of twist and turn and surprise that keep you up all night until you finish at the end. It keep you turning the pages after pages. It's characters driven, writing driven, great plot and fast pace reading. It believable and very entertaining book IMO. I'm very impress with this book.

Gayle Lynds is the master of the spy thriller. She is my new author to me. The Last Spymaster is the first book I read, and it won't be my last. I think this to be read stand alone. And OMG I love it! I highly recommend you to read it!

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 18

Books I Recently Brought

I recently brought these following books. Most are new authors to me and the other are my favorite authors. If you want to see the cover art of each books, just click on the titles of the books. Geez...another new books to add to my TBR piles ;) Thanks for visiting! Happy Thursday Thirteen to you!!! :)


1. Chain Reaction by Dee Davis - she is new author to me. But I find that the back cover blurb was interesting. And I think this is part of series...does anyone know?
2. Into the Dark by Cindy Gerard - Read the first three books of her Bodyguard series. YUM!
3. At the Edge by Cait London - She also a new author to me. Heard good thing about her.
4. Curveball by Kate Angell - Another new author to me. But I think this is book # 2.
5. When I Fall In Love by Lynn Kurland - Read her older books in the past, and just recently decided to pick up her books again.
6. The Champion by Heather Grothaus - Heard lot of good thing about this book. This is book # 2.
7. Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce - Read her books in the past, and just now decided to read her again.
8. French Kiss by Susan Johnson - New author to me.I'm curious, anyone read her?
9. Close to You by Kathryn Shay - Love love love LOVE her books. I read her in the past. She one of my favorite author.
10. The Wrong Man For Her by Kathryn Shay - Again, love her books!
11. Dancing Shoes & Honky-Tonk Blue by Luann McLane - Another new author to me.
12. Shiver by Lisa Jackson - Heard good thing about her. She new author to me too.
13. The Wrong Place, Wrong Times by Andrea Kane - Another new authors to me.

So have you read any of these books (above)? What books have you recently brought and add to your TBR piles? Dare I ask? ;)


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

1. Melody : Booking Through Thursday
2. Alice: Booking Through Thursday
3. Darla: Memorable First Lines
4. Christine: Second Bunny Theatre
5. Amy: Things Sold for Garage Sale
6. Michelle: Paranormal Titles
7. Thomma Lyn: Elements of A Really Good Novel
8. Susan: Interrupt Fictional Fun
9.Rowena: Things About Me
10. Spyscribbler: Eassys contest-Perfectly Plum Anthology
11. Christine: The Blogging Edition!
12. Dragonheart: Madrid Photos
13. Tinker: Online Communities
14. Cmate: Mini-Bites Blog

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Dessert First

Booking Through Thursday


1. Do you cheat and peek ahead at the end of your books? Or do you resolutely read in sequence, as the author intended?

2. And, if you don’t peek, do you ever feel tempted?

I never cheat or peek ahead at the end. I'm not an end reader. To me reading the book from the beginning, through the middle, to the plot and leading you to the ending is the idea of given you the enjoyment of the book..if that make sense. If I read the ending, that take away the enjoyment of reading it and I won't feel like I want to keep reading. If I discover ahead of time of who dunnit, if there a HEA or surprise at the end, why bother read the book? Take away the suspense and the excitement feeling. Especially when if you waited for a very long time to get your favorite book, only to discover the excitement no longer there because you "know" what happen already. I don't want to ever do that ;) SO I read the whole book :)

I do however get tempted to take a peek, but that does not happen often. When friends or reviewer said something about the book, it make me curious to see what all the raves/rant is about. So I peek *grin*.......

How about you? Do you cheat and or peek? Get tempted to?

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

161 & 5 Book Meme

I got tagged by Melody who got it from Marianne . So I thought I'll play.

Rules
1. Grab the book closest to you
2. Open it to page 161
3. Find the fifth full sentence
4. Post the text of the sentence to your blog
5. Don't search around for the coolest book you have, use the one that is really next to you
6. Tag five people to do this meme.


I'm currently reading The Last Spymaster by Gayle Lynds (really good book!) I open on page 161, and this is the fifth full sentence I found :

"Red tail-light streamed ahead in a bloody river"

WOW, does that say a lot that it's thriller book? *grin*

Feel free to tag yourself if you want to join in the fun. Leave a comments and I'll visit you :)

The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh

(Erotic Paranormal Romance- Berkley)
Lora Leigh website
4 half/5









The Breed Next Door is from Hot Spell anthology, which also have authors like Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker and Meljean Brook stories in it too. I only read Lora Leigh's story because I want to see what happen to the next Breed characters. After reading Megan's Mark , it really made me want to go back to read all the Breed books. The Breed Next Door is a very short story. Only ten Chapters. I think I was suppose to read this book first before Megan. But I think it okay to read them stand alone....? I'll be sure to read the Breed in order anyway, since it's my habit to. But one thing for sure, I will go back and read stories from all the authors from this book, later.

Lyra was angry when the next door neighbor, Tarek Jordan use his weed-eater and wacked her most prized Irish roses. But then she couldn't understand how a good looking guy like Tarek end up living next door to her. His inability to cut his grass in his yard is any indication of man who have no clue. But when she was almost attacked by hit man, she knew from the look on Tarek eyes that he is one of the Breeds. The one where she read all the reports from her brothers who have joined in mission to rescue the Breeds.

Tarek was part of an gene engineered with animal genes experience, and he is Feline Breed created to kill. But after fighting for his freedom (as all Breed finally did), he is now trying to live out in the world on his own. In the six months that he live next door to Lyra, he was on an undercover assignment that he performing on his own. But a hit man try to attack Lyra but gotten away. Tarek, wasn't sure why they're after Lyra and not him. Unless the Trainer knew what Tarek is up to and was only trying to put a hit on Lyra to get through him. Tarek knew that he need to protect Lyra even if it mean forfeiting his life and neglecting his undercover assignment.

Lora Leigh did it once again! Even if this is the short story, it still drew me in. I like how Lyra and Tarek provoked each other, it funny. There action and very hot sexual tension and good writing. The Breed Next Door is good read and I enjoyed it!!

I just love the way Lora write. These series are so interesting enough for me to want to keep reading them! And you can always count on Lora's for good sexual hot scenes. I highly recommend to read her books. A bit of warning , her books isn't for the sensitive heart. If you like to read the review I did for Megan's Mark then click here

Shadows At Sunset

(Romantic Suspense)
4 half/5 stars

Anne Stuart website






Once again, Melody (click here) and I are reading book together. It wasn't any hardship when we decided to read this book *grin*. But it was lot of fun reading Chapters to Chapters with her. And I know we will be doing plenty more of reading together :)

The House on Sunset Boulevard, the La Casa de Sambras, was full of secret. It once belong to a infamous murder-suicide of a 50's starlet film star, Brenda de Lorillard and her lover Ted Hughes, a movie director. Now rumors is known that people has spotted their "ghost" in the home of La Casa de Sambras and wonder where the "ghost" will go if mansion is suddenly gone. It was later that Meyer Enterprises purchase the house in 1960. But Jill Meyer and her sibling is the present owner of the mansion , despite it supposedly belong to her father Jackson Meyer. Because Jackson and Grandmere (Julia Meyer) has a strained and hostile relationship, their Grandmere make sure the mansion is taken away from Jackson greedy hand, and given to his three children. But if the children doesn't keep the mansion it will go to their father, Jackson Meyer.

Jill the strong one who kept the sibling together, Dean who tried to fight for his father approval and sexual issues and their adopted sister Rachel-Lee who struggle with alcohol, drugs and sex addiction. All living in La Casa de Sambras while trying to struggle with their lives. They even deal with their rich and powerful father, Jackson who doesn't care about his children except for money and his hand man Coltrane

Coltrane has an agenda for a revenge, to find out what really happen to his mother death. Which lead him to Jackson Meyer. When he managed to get into the Meyer life, he discover a unexpected thing that surprise him. And he wonder if there is a secret that he never knew about. He doesn't care who he hurt, but to only destroy everything that the Meyers' held to their heart, and bringing Jackson down, even when it mean to uncover some upsetting and explosive secret of the past. And Jill knew she must stop Coltrane from destroying what she loves and cherish the most. But Coltrane want Jilly, and it wasn't easy for her to ignore Coltrane. A sudden attraction sparked between them.

The La Casa de Sambras hold so many secrets, that only the "ghost" has witness. But finding loves, renew their relationship and loyal bring the characters close together once again in La Casa De Sambras, The House on Sunset Boulevard......

Anne Stuart have done it again! Even though Shadow At Sunset not as dark or deeper than the ICE series are, I still like the book for it mystery and intense story. It got me hooked in the beginning and leave me feeling very curious and surprise at the outcome. What I like about it is that each characters were interesting on their own. I love Coltane teasing and Jilly sense of humors. They blend in well together. I love the ending. It was very sweet. I'm planning to read more of her books!

Thursday Thirteen: Edition # 17

Friends Who I Appreciate In My Life

I'm sure that in everyone lives, friends come and go or they stick with you forever. Friends who you meet when you were kids or just the one you meet along the way in your growing up stages. Some are wonderfully amazing and other are just fun to be with. Some you can count on and other you can understand. And even when they're gone...their memories bring you good times and made you appreciate having them in your life. Here is the list of my friends who I want to thanks for being there for me in good and bad. They either still friends to me today or long gone, but I still appreciate YOU (them) for being in my life!


1. Jamie - She was my first friend. My childhood best friend, my oldest friend and still is today. When we met she was 2 year old and I was 4. Great memories together. She taught me what friendship is all about.
2. Alicia - She is Jamie's little sister (see above), who is also my childhood bestfriend. When we were little she use to blocked me from the doorway of her house so I won't take her toys. She still remain my friend today, too.
3. Beth - She was my first elementary classmate friend. I went to her slumber party once, and we watched the movie "Breakdance". It was cool movie.
4. Michelle - She was the tough "cookie" friend. Always bully and being mean to my two best friend, Jamie and Alicia (mention above). Of course her brothers always think they need to bully me LOL.
5. Hanh (Connie) - A Chinese friend who I had class with in elementary but never be friend with until we got to middle school. It was then when I started to hang out with her. She moved to Texas for job there.
6. Amelia - My closest Asian friend. I went through up and down with her including being there for her, since her brother died. I use to hang out at her house all the time. She was married but recently divorce with two kids. Last I spoken to her, she has "MySpace" set up.
7. Kathy - My highschool friend, who I talked with everyday during lunch hours. She made me feel comfortable around other people when I was such a shy person.
8. Kim - My Asian best friend. She and I had lot of thing in common. Same life, same history. We understood and comfort each other when our parents was always strict with us. We use to write snail mail and updates on each other with pictures too. Now with family, letters is far away from priority.
9. Elli - Another good higshschool friend who I had classes with. She understood my hearing impaired more then anyone of my classmate ever could. She helped me get through the class assignments everyday. Very nice and very sweet.
10. Sami - Another Asian best friend. She and I meet through online chatting. And from there we have kept in touch since. She got married, a daughter and struggling through college and work at same time. I been there for her through her up and down when she was just in her pregnancy. Every years around Christmas, she share with me an update photo of her daughter Kelli. A darling little girl who just turn 5yrs old.
11. Darla - She is also my online friend. I met her from JDRobb group. There are many wonderful, sweet and generous ladies in that group and I happy to call them my friend too. Darla have been very helpful to me through the times I was in that group. We talked about our family, books and moderation the group. She been great friend who I enjoy talking with. Lot of laughs.
12. Casper - Another Asian friend who live overseas. I met her through a friend from my JDRobb group. We became friend since. Every now and then she kept me updates emails on what going on with her. She live in Vietnam, the place I was born (I was raised here in America). She very sweet.
13. Melody - Another online overseas great friend, and is today. She and I talked everyday through emails. We always teasing and jokes with each others. We talked about books, family and life. We have books in common and it even scary that we discover we are a long lost "twin sister"...okay in our mind! ;) She have been a wonderful and great friend to me, even when I know I been a little hard/harsh on her. But never really mean to do it. But we have lot of laughs everyday. I'm so glad she my friend and hope we continue to be friend for long time - Thank you :)

What about you? Who are some of your friends from kids to adult life that you appreciate in your life? And why?

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Thomma Lyn's Blog Anniversary
2. Susan: Things Trevor Had to Say
3. Christine: Randsom Thoughts
4. Melody: BTT Encore
5. Alice: June Reading Challenge
6. Tink: Google Services
7. Jeannine: Songs
8. Darla: Summer Recipes

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Megan's Mark by Lora Leigh

(Erotic Paranormal Romance - Berkley Sensation)
5/5 stars
Lora Leigh website - beware you have to be 18yrs or older to enter the website.





After reading my first Lora Leigh's book Dangerous Games (Tempting Seals Series) , I was impressed with the book that I decided to try her other work. I have heard so much about the The Breed Chronological that I decided to try that one next. But it is an whole lot of books to get through the first book, so I decided to just try Megan's Mark first since that was the only one available to me at the time. And then I will start from the beginning, later. As I read, the book give me a hint and the ideas what The Breed is all about. They're a breeds used by DNA from animals to human DNA. There are more to the stories, so I guess I better read it in order to make more sense and better developed relationship. Or is this okay reading these chronological as stand alone?

Megan Fields, who is cursed with power to feel other people emotions, moved to New Mexico in a small town working as Sheriff deputy. She hide her self there to find solace and silence because she didn't want to get overwhelmed with people emotions. But two breeds was found dead in the SUV by The Council, while she was on patrol. And now who ever kill them is after her too. She was attacked and got cornered in a cave, but was saved by Braden after she made an help call to her cousin. And through all the shooting, they both managed to get away. That was only the beginning...and she realized then that her secret pasts will no longer be buried anymore.

Braden Arness, an domination feline breed (with an Lion DNA), is on mission. To solve a mysterious murders and bring down the killers for Breed justice. He want to find the people who raised and brutalized the breeds before they escaped from the holding cells where they were tested and bred to be killing machines. The mission lead him to Megan, when he realize that the killers is after her too. When he found out she is empathy he wanted to use that power to help track the killer. Their attraction bring them hunger for each other. An immediate chemistry that couldn't be resisted.

The Genetics Council was creating Breeds by using DNA from animals to modify human DNA, and Braden is the an enforcer for the Breed Council. Braden's special breeding allows him to protect Megan from emotional overload using his shields.

I learned that Lora Leigh's books are usually explicit capture/bondage, sex scenes that are very graphics and explicit languages. I don't think people realized this is erotic books and not the normal everyday romance books that you read. Many were ranting about that in reviews website. Truth, Leigh's books isn't for the fate of the heart. But I for one, love her books! After reading three of her books, I just knew I'm going to love her. She is a must read! I wish people would just give erotics and paranormal a chance.

I should go back from beginning and read the first book of the The Breed Chronological , to see why Megan's Mark it is graded so low from the readers/reviewers at online website. With lot of history to the stories, it better off to start from the beginning. I'm always the "read in orders" reader when it come to series/trilogy books. I'm not sure if Megan's Mark is more tame then her previous books, but I still enjoyed the book!

I love that the heroine is a strong kick butt character. The hero is an arrogant sexy domination guy. And both characters are alpha and they sure do steam and sizzle the pages. Very hot sexual scenes. There plenty of actions, great dialogues, good writing depth with smooth reading, and plot. Both might be over the top at the end, but the book is still good IMO! I think Leigh's books have alpha main characters (h/h), if it true... then it is great things. I love those type of characters!

I think Leigh's first 8 books was originally from Ellora’s Cave publishing, but now it is available to purchased in paperback prints at online bookstore. Or get a personalized copy directly from Lora Leigh herself. But the last three book is originally printed papers by Berkley publishing and available online as well. I'm just so glad it available in papers now. More author to put in my keeper shelf *grin*

The order the BREED CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER to be read

Tempting the Beast
The Man Within
Elizabeth's Wolf
Kiss of Heat
Soul Deep
Wolfe's Hope
Jacob's Faith
Aiden's Charity
Hot Spell - "The Breed Next Door" (anthology)
Megan's Mark (Berkley)
Harmony's Way (Berkley)
Tanner's Scheme - release in August 7, 2007 (Berkley)

you can find more information about these chronological click here

Please also try her Tempting SEALs Series, her first book is Dangerous Games . It great! My very first book by her. If you want to read the review I did for Dangerous Game , then click here . She have lot more other series you can chose from. You can not go any wrong with Lora Leigh books, it a must buy for me :)

10 Occupations You Wanted to be When You Were Young

Ten On Tuesday


I have a different take on this question. In no particular order, the following is the occupations I want to be.

- Liberian/bookstore owner
- writer/author
- Singer (in musical Broadway or Singing for MGM movies) Hey was I was kid! *grin*
- dancer (group dancing)
- teacher (for the disability kids/hearing impaired)
- social worker
- a Mom
- wedding planner
- Professional Ice Skater
- Auditory specialist Dr.


Photography and chef Bakery should be put on my lists. But at the time I wasn't interested in photography until I got older. And always loves to bakes a cake and cookies as kids, even though I tend to burn the bottom part lol!!

Oriental Carpet Bookmark

Oriental Carpet Bookmark (sent by Melody)

*Notice - click the picture to see it larger*

Yesterday on Thursday May 31, I did the "Unusual Bookmarks" for the Thursday Thirteen meme. I'm always doing mine Thirteen at the last minute, even though I try very hard to do mine ahead of time before the Thursday. Some night, I do posted it early and other night I posted it Thursday morning at 9AM or so. I just don't know how everyone does it, those who posted it ahead of time and very early....I'm just amaze :)

Well, in my rush to think of my Thirteen yesterday, at the spur of the moments of that morning I decided to do the "Unusual Bookmarks" (see below entry) and just didn't think of anything else beside putting mine Thirteen up on time. Thinking I did a great job on it, I was really applauding myself that mine was finally posted. Until....I forgotten two things....*gasp!*

1. To add my very good friend Melody's Oriental Carpet Bookmark that she sent me for Christmas last year.
2. To add my hand-made bookmarks that I made for a friend for the Fall Bookmarks Exchange, that one of my yahoo email group were doing.

Where did my brain go?! I'm so sorry Melody! I couldn't believe I forgotten my long long LONG lost twin sister, Melody LOL! Shame on me *grin*. So to make up for it, I decided to display the Oriental Carpet Bookmark here and give it all the attention and spotlight! See the picture above. This bookmark is a miniature rendition of an actual world famous Oriental Carpet. A particular carpet's name almost always comes from the village or region in which it is woven. It is "Tabriz" (Persia) Original circa 1710.

Isn't it beautiful?! I can not tell you how much I love this bookmark. When I first got them, I fell in love of the way it is made - a real carpet. It is a very unusual bookmark find, to me. Never seen one like it. However I was surprise to see one sold at my local Walden Bookstore, a month later. And I never knew it existed, not until I got this bookmark from Melody. I made sure the bookmark was kept in safest place, where it don't get lost or dirty (hence the reason why I forgotten about this bookmark). I'm afraid to use it LOL! I'm going to treasure this bookmark for long times. Thank you Melody, I love it and appreciate this gift! *hugs*!

I decided to post the hand-made bookmarks that I made for a friend for Fall Bookmarks Exchange, for another times. Not sure when or how I will post it, but it'll be soon. I love to do hand-made bookmarks and cards from scrapping. Yes, I love to scrapbooks too! And yes Melody, I promise to make you bookmarks..soon ;) :)