50 Shades withdrawal? I have the cure. Part 4.
posted on March 12, 2013 by
I know I’ve been promising this post for months and I sincerely apologize for the delay! I also want to say THANK YOU again to everyone who continues to leave comments and recommendations. It’s what keeps me, and these posts, going! Because it’s been so long since my last post, I’ve actually read TWENTY-ONE books that I need to share with you, most of which are part of a series. So, I am going to split this post into two. But don’t worry, it will only be a week or so, not months, before I publish Part 5. Plus, you don’t want to read a mile long post. Trust me. This one is long enough as it is! (And In case you haven’t read my previous posts, don’t worry, I don’t give away spoilers. These are just general recaps.)
Side Rant: I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda over the trend of splitting into multiple books, especially when they are short books to begin with. I would just prefer one longer book that tells the complete story! It’s especially annoying with The Arrangement, which I will recap in Part 5. Also, it’s making my recaps super long!! (It took me like, 7 hours, to write this post. Not cool.) And it’s getting expensive!
Craving more sexy reads? Check out my other 50 Shades Withdrawal posts here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Naked and All In (The Blackstone Affair Trilogy) by Raine Miller
Naked and All In are two of the most recommended reads I get on the blog, so thanks to all of you who suggested them! They are engaging, fast-paced novellas. Quick reads with a super sexy story! Brynne Bennet is an American who is finishing her graduate degree at the University of London, while working part-time as a photographic model. Ethan Blackstone (I love the name Ethan) is a successful English businessman who owns an elite security company. He “meets” Brynne at a photography show, where he buys one of her portraits and then goes on a mission to get her into his bed, as nude as she is in her portrait. Like all good erotic heroes, Ethan is quite charismatic – gritty and animalistic, sexy and charming, thoughtful and caring. And since he is ex-special forces, he’s naturally powerful and dominant – strong enough to strip away all of Brynne’s defenses. Because of the demons in her past, she is drawn to his naturally protective nature. But Ethan actually knows more about Brynne than he initially reveals, and there are a lot of secrets that could ultimately destroy their relationship. This book is not just about the sex, it has an interesting story, too. But let’s be honest, you’re here for the sex, and this book delivers. Without giving away any spoilers, the only thing I’ll you about All In (Part 2) is that it’s written from Ethan’s point of view. Oh, and be sure to read the prologue, it’s contains important information!! For fans of the series, Eyes Wide Open (Part 3), will be released on May 14th.
Hottie Reference: It’s common knowledge that Raine Miller was describing David Gandy when she wrote Ethan. (Perhaps the inspiration for Gideon Cross as well?) So if you need a visual while reading the book, here ya go. Umm, yum.
Girly Gift Guide: Girly Reads.
posted on December 11, 2012 by
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know that I’ve been on an erotic fiction kick. (And of course had to include my fave Bared to You in this collection!) But I love to read, all sorts of books, and I think a beautiful coffee table book always makes a wonderful gift. So this next page of Holiday 2012 Girly Gift Guide includes a variety of girly reads, from poetry and classics to crafting and Ryan Gosling! You can see the full guide below the collection, or by clicking here. Happy girly gifting!
The reality of my addiction.
posted on November 30, 2012 by
Blog Swapping Series, Part 8: The blog swapping with the ladies over at A Good Hostess continues. They will be bringing you their obsessions and we’ll be discussing our hostessing skills. Check out my post, where I discuss being a bad hostess and the holiday tradition I don’t participate in due to total procrastination: sending cards.
I am admittedly a bit self-righteous about intellectual activities, interests and pursuits. That’s what happens when your parent is a university professor. My sister and I are the kind of people who find historical tours and afternoons at art museums fun. However (this is the part where I admit to being a total and complete hypocrite), I have a slight problem. I watch multiple series of Real Housewives on the sly. And I love every single second of it.
After sampling all the Real Housewives portfolio has to offer, I’ve come down to 4 casts. However, my love started with the original Orange County cast. First I saw just the hair extensions, spray tans, bad parenting and broken marriages… then something weird happened. I bonded with the characters.
Girly Movie Review: Silver Linings Playbook.
posted on November 27, 2012 by
I don’t know why I’ve never reviewed a movie on this blog, I see enough of them. Well, it’s time to start! Of course, I’ll have to put a “girly” spin on my movie reviews, discussing important things like fashion, makeup and the hot factor. And since this is GirlyObsessions, I’ll probably only post movies I obsess over. First up is a movie that I unexpectedly adored: Silver Linings Playbook. (Sorry, not Breaking Dawn: Part 2, which will prob need its own review.)
I wanted to see this movie due to all the Oscar buzz and great reviews. But while I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper was not really on my list of faves. And I thought the title was a little weird. But obviously none of that mattered since I saw it and loved it. Has anyone seen this movie? What did you think?
The Basics (no spoilers)
This is a romantic dramedy revolving around mental illness. And football. Pat (Bradley Cooper) lost his house, job, and wife after “the incident.” The incident referring to the meltdown he has when he catches his wife in the shower with another man. After a plea bargain results in an 8-month stay in a mental institution, he finds himself living back at home with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro). Pat is determined to get back together with his wife, despite that pesky retraining order. But he thinks his weight loss and positive attitude will do the trick. Pat’s parents just want him to take his meds and get better. Pat Sr., who is back to being a bookie due to financial issues, thinks Pat is his good luck charm for a winning Philadelphia Eagles season. Then Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow with her own issues and plenty of attitude. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something for her in return, which results in an unexpected bond, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.
Chatting with Sylvia Day about Reflected in You. (Podcast + transcript.)
posted on November 06, 2012 by
I was so excited when Penguin contacted me about interviewing Sylvia Day for a second time! It was such a pleasure chatting with her a few months ago and I couldn’t wait to talk to her about Reflected in You. As you know from my 50 Shades withdrawal posts, I am beyond obsessed with the Crossfire series and I think my obsession with Gideon has officially surpassed Christian. But, you know, there’s plenty of obsessiveness to share!
I have included the audio of the interview as well as a (slightly paraphrased) transcript. Unfortunately, my voice is still just as annoying as last time, sorry! But Sylvia was fabulous, and we chatted about everything from the panic over the delay of Entwined With You, the current state of the book and Gideon and Eva’s happily ever after, to Gideon’s dark and dangerous side, how to get through writers block, and the importance (and difficulties) of writing those hot sex scenes.
I hope you enjoy! Also, be sure to check out my first interview with Sylvia as well as my 50 Shades withdraw posts: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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Girly Fall TV: Emily Owens, M.D.
posted on October 16, 2012 by
Hard to believe that we’re halfway into October and this is the last of the girly Fall TV posts! Emily Owens, M.D. is a new medical dramedy on The CW. The LA Times said it’s like a cross between New Girl and Grey’s Anatomy. I gave up on Grey’s a long time ago, so I do have a soapy-doctor-themed-series void to fill.
From what I can tell, this is more like high school meets hospital, proving that you never really get past the petty crap you think you left behind as a teenager. Great. Emily Owens (played by Meryl Steep’s lookalike daughter Mamie Gummer) is a recent medical school graduate starting her first internship at Denver Memorial Hospital, where she runs into her med-school crush, Will Collins (hottie Justin Hartley).
Emily tries to leave behind her nerdy and klutzy teenage self for a bright, new future as a doctor. But on her first day at work she realizes the cliques from high school still exist in the “real world.” The jocks are orthopedic surgeons, the mean girls are in plastics, the girl-next-door-types are in OB, the true geeks are neurologists, the stoners are in anesthesia, the rebels are in the ER…and the competition is fierce.
50 Shades withdrawal? I have the cure. Part 3.
posted on October 15, 2012 by
I can’t believe I’ve read enough erotic fiction for a third part to this post. In fact, I have read enough for a fourth. Thanks so much to everyone who’s left comments and recommendations, please keep them coming! One of my readers was even kind enough to send me a book she though I HAD to read (thanks, Trish!).
I’m also excited to be given the opportunity to interview Sylvia Day for a second time later this month. Feel free to send me any questions you’d like me to ask her and I’ll try to get them answered! Because of the interview, Penguin has sent me three copies of Reflected in You to give away to readers of this blog! Simply enter using the Rafflecopter widget below, or by clicking here. Good luck!
[ Sorry, this contest has ended. ]
Don’t forget to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 4 of this list! Ok, back to the books.
Reflected in You by Sylvia Day
It felt like an eternity waiting for this book after finishing Bared to You. Sylvia kept posting teasers on her Facebook page which just made me more excited, and I’m happy to report that it was worth the wait! The story picks up where Bared left off. Gideon woke up ready to conquer the world, and liked to start that domination with me. Gideon takes his domination to new, totally unexpected levels. And he can kick some ass. I don’t want to give away spoilers, but I really loved the twist in this plot, even though it meant some painful moments for Eva and Gideon. And some extremely hot moments. (Think sex on the beach, in a shower, at a concert, in a limo, at 35,000 feet.) If you expect Gideon and Eva to work out their issues, don’t. Their relationship is a total emotional roller coaster. They have to work on their trust issues, their insecurities, their communication, all while facing demons from their past. But they are addicted to each other, obsessed with each other in a way only they can understand. Luckily we only have to wait until December for the final book in the Crossfire trilogy, Entwined With You. For now, I’ll leave you with this: I‘m obsessed with you, angel. Addicted to you. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted or needed, everything I’ve ever dreamed of. You’re everything. I live and breathe you. For you.
Girly Fall TV: Beauty and the Beast.
posted on October 11, 2012 by
The girly Fall TV list is winding down. Only one more post to go. So even though Beauty and the Beast is getting less than stellar reviews, I think I’ll still tune in for the premiere. It has the perk of being on right after The Vampire Diaries, and we all know I’ll be watching that. (Although that time slot didn’t help The Secret Circle…)
BatB is actually a remake of the 80′s version, which I remember but didn’t really watch. Although apparently this version is less sci-fi, fantasy, and big 80′s hair and more political, military, brooding hottie with an unfortunate scar and a temper. I love TWoP’s take on it: “A tale as old as time. Pretty young woman is nearly killed, a beastly guy saves her life. Years later she becomes a cop, they discover each other and how he lives off the grid because of his “disfigurement” and whatnot, and sparks fly. You’d be better off watching the Disney cartoon. Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth had better chemistry than these two.” Ouch.
Girly Fall TV: Nashville.
posted on October 09, 2012 by
ABC is going country, y’all. Of all the new Fall TV shows, Nashville is the one I’m most excited about. And it’s part of overall epic girly week of TV, marking the return of my beloved Vampire Diaries, followed by the premiere of Beauty and the Beast.
Nashville stars Connie Britton as Rayna James, a country music legend with a 20 year career. (BTW, not only can Britton actually sing, but she also has the required big, fabulous hair of a country star.) She’s finding herself being pushed out of her label and competing with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), a talented, sassy, somewhat bitchy newcomer with issues, who’s pop-country hits are taking over the charts.
Girly Fall TV: Made in Jersey.
posted on September 27, 2012 by
What’s weird is that with the amount of TV I watch, there is nothing that I watch on Friday. Friday nights are usually reserved for unwinding with a glass of wine on the couch and catching up on TV from the week, and on a good night, I’ll actually manage to stay up past 9.
But there is a new show that could break the Friday night dry spell: Made in Jersey. From what I can tell, it’s 70 percent Legally Blonde (LOVE), 20 percent My Cousin Vinny (YES!), eight percent Working Girl (OK) and like 2 percent The Real Housewives of New Jersey (Eh). But, it’s the 70 percent Legally Blonde that has me adding it to my DVR!
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