My Favorite Reads in 2014

I did not reach my goal to read 90 books this year. Came close, though. Only two books short! And I’m reading one of them. And while I could EASILY finish that book in time, I have writing/editing that MUST come first.

Yeah, priorities. They suck, don’t they?

Anyway, here are the books I read in 2014 that I gave 5 stars on Goodreads, in the order I read them (number indicates overall reading order):

1.      "Beautiful Creatures" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2.      "Doctor Sleep" by Stephen King

4.      "Blood Reunited" by Amber Belldene

5.      "Beautiful Chaos" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

7.      "Beautiful Redemption" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

17.    "Twisted" by Rebecca Zanetti

19.    "The Dragon's Heart" by Eden Ashe

20.    "Playing the Game" by M.Q. Barber

22.    "Crossing the Lines" by M.Q. Barber

26.    "Jingle Bell Rock" by Rie Warren

27.    "Bobbie Faye's Sizzling Heart Breaking Can't Stop Collision With Heat (Bobbie Faye 0.5)" by Tony McGee Causey

29.    "Bobbie Faye's Whacked Out, No Good, Really Sucky, Hot Mess of a Wedding" by Tony McGee Causey

30.    "The King" by J.R. Ward

32.    "How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) by Kerrelyn Sparks

36.    "Vampire Most Wanted" by Lynsay Sands

37.    "Healing the Wounds" by M.Q. Barber

38.    "Sixth Grave on the Edge" by Darynda Jones

43.    "Dead Heat" by Allison Brennan

45.    "Viper" by Patricia A. Rasey

46.    "Hawk" by Patricia A. Rasey

50.    "Prince of Shadows" by Tes Hilarie

53.    "Phantom Instinct" by Meg Gardiner

57.    "Undeniably Yours" by Heather Webber

61.    "Hearts in Harmony" by Gemma Brocato

62.    "Exposed to Passion" by Gemma Brocato

64.    "Hearts in Darkness" by Laura Kaye

66.    "Silver Wolf Clan" by Tera Shanley

67.    "Trancehack" by Sonya Clark

68.    "Immortal" by J.R. Ward

70.    "A Winter Wedding" by Gemma Brocato

71.    "Speak No Evil" by Allison Brennan

72.    "See No Evil" by Allison Brennan

73.    "Fear No Evil" by Allison Brennan

75.    "Sick" by Brett Battles

76.    "Take Me, Cowboy" by Jane Porter

77.    "Seventh Grave and No Body" by Darynda Jones

79.    "The Down Home Zombie Blues" by Linnea Sinclair

81.    "Reckless" by Jessi Gage

Forty books out of 88. Not too shabby, considering I read a bunch of new authors this year. I’m not sure I’ll make my goal the same next year, though. I hate not reaching goals. What do you think? Go for 90 again or lower it to 80 (because I don’t plan on reading as many novellas)?

So… you have any plans for tonight? We’ll be heading to Columbus to my friend’s. She’s fixing surf & turf (lobster tail & filet). Usually it’s just 4 of us, but looks to be a larger group this year. I’m taking a card game with us that my son & daughter said would be fun (but not a game they will play with us). It’s called Cards Against Humanity. Ever hear of it? If not, look it up here. J Looks to be a fun night!

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

Stacy

 

My Favorite Books of 2013

I couldn’t let the year end with the same number of posts I made in 2012, so here’s one more for 2013 (and posted later than usual at that).

I’ve seen people post about their top ten lists of favorite books, but I couldn’t reduce my list of 92 read books (yes, 92!!) to only the best ten, especially when I ranked 39 of those books with 5 stars. So, here is the list of books I gave the highest rank to. The number associated with it is the number of book I read this year (so #3 would be the third book I read in 2013).

3. "Rapture" by J.R. Ward
9. "Wolf Tales V" by Kate Douglas
10. "Love Me To Death" by Allison Brennan
12. "Love is Murder" by Allison Brennan
13. "Kiss Me, Kill Me" by Allison Brennan
14. "If I Should Die" by Allison Brennan
18. "Silenced" by Allison Brennan
19. "Stalked" by Allison Brennan
21. "Hangar 18: Legacy" by Jennette Marie Powell
23. "The Temperate Warrior" by Renee Vincent
24. "Absolution" by Susannah Sandlin
25. "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
26. "Three Wishes" by Paula Millhouse
27. "Reckless" by Allison Brennan
28. "Lover at Last" by J.R. Ward
36. "Immortal Ever After" by Lynsay Sands
37. "Omega" by Susannah Sandlin
42. "Deliver Me From Temptation" by Tes Hilaire
45. "The Destroyed" by Brett Battles
46. "How Hard Can it Be?" by Robyn Peterman
47. "Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures" by Robyn Peterman
48. "Dragonstone-A Kingdom of Chalvaren Romance" by Paula Millhouse
49. "The Shadow Tracer" by Meg Gardiner
50. "Consumed" by Rebecca Zanetti
54. "Becoming Quinn" by Brett Battles
56. "Stolen" by Allison Brennan
58. "The Collected" by Brett Battles
62. "Mistress of the Stone" by Maria Zannini
63. "Fifth Grave Past the Light" by Darynda Jones.
64. "Blood Entangled" by Amber Belldene
65. "The Enraged" by Brett Battles
70. "The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo" by Kerrelyn Sparks
74. "One Lucky Vampire" by Lynsay Sands
75. "Wishing for a Highlander" by Jessi Gage
79. "Animal Attraction" by Lori Foster, Maisey Yates, Heidi Betts, and Jules Bennett
80. "Possession" by J.R. Ward
84. "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
87. "Cold Snap" by Allison Brennan
88. "Provoked" by Rebecca Zanetti

Overall, it was a good reading year. Were any of your favorites on this list?

I’m debating on whether to make my goal in 2014 the same as I made for 2013, bump it up to what I actually read in 2013, or lower it (in the hopes my life becomes busier with my writing). I hate to put undue pressure on me for something I clearly LOVE to do, but writing will come first. It must if I hope to be successful at it!

Are you making any reading goals for 2014?

Stacy

 

 

Five Star Reads of 2012

I went through Goodreads and found those books I rated 5 stars in 2012. These are listed in the order I read them (the number designates which book it was during the year):

1. "The Black Dagger Brotherhood, An Insider's Guide" by J.R. Ward*
2. "11/22/63" by Stephen King
5. "Envy" by J.R. Ward
17. "Wanted: Undead or Alive" by Kerrelyn Sparks
20. "Under a Vampire Moon" by Lynsay Sands
21. "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich@
22. "Two for the Dough" by Janet Evanovich
24. "When You Dare" by Lori Foster^@
25. "Trace of Fever" by Lori Foster ^
28. "A Perfect Storm" by Lori Foster
31. "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead*@
32. "Lover Reborn" by J.R. Ward*
33. "Frostbite" by Richelle Mead*
37. "Ransom River" by Meg Gardiner
38. "Hit List" by Laurell K. Hamilton
43. "Shadow Kiss" by Richelle Mead*
44. "The Lady is a Vamp" by Lynsay Sands
45. "Blood Promise" by Richelle Mead*
46. "Spirit Bound" by Richelle Mead*
47. "Last Sacrifice" by Richelle Mead*
49. "Long Hard Ride" by Lorelei James^@
53. "Behind the Red Door" by Jackie Barbosa^@
59. "Last to Die" by Tess Gerritsen
60. "Second Grave on the Left" by Darynda Jones
61. "Third Grave Dead Ahead" by Darynda Jones
62. "Perfect Chemistry" by Simone Elkeles^@
64. "Redemption" by Susannah Sandlin@
66. "Sex and the Single Therapist" by Marcia James@
67. "Charmed and Dangerous" by Toni McGee Causey
68. "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" by Toni McGee Causey
69. "When a Man Loves a Weapon" by Toni McGee Cauey
70. "Seducing the Vampire" by Michele Hauf^
78. "Ghost Walk" by Heather Graham^
80. "Deliver Me From Darkness" by Tes Hilaire^@
82. "Wild About You" by Kerrelyn Sparks*
86. "Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet" by Darynda Jones

*=borrowed
^=freebie
@=first book I read by this author

So…36 books out of 86 were 5 star reads for me. Out of these 36, nine were borrowed from my daughter and eight were given to me at a conference.

There are nine new authors in this list, too: five from the conference freebies, one from my daughter, the rest purchased.

At first I was kind of surprised how many 5 stars I gave out, but then when I really looked at the list, it became clear. I follow most of these authors now. I also follow a lot of authors I give 4 stars to, but those books tend to be read later. I read my 5 star authors as soon as I can get my hands on their book!

So, did I read any of your favorites?

 

Favorite Musical Groups No Longer Producing Albums

Last week I listed my favorite musical groups who were currently producing albums, so I thought I would then make this list because, frankly, they've been with me longer! If I hear a song from them on the radio, most likely I will not turn off the radio until the song is finished. Even though I own most of their stuff. That's how much I like them. Here they are, listed in alphabetical order:

The Alan Parsons Project (http://www.alanparsonsmusic.com/). I didn't have their vinyl albums, but always enjoyed their music. "Don't Answer Me" is probably my favorite song of theirs and I do have their Greatest Hits CD, which is also on my iPod. I can still listen to them any time.

The Beatles (http://www.thebeatles.com/). Who doesn't like The Beatles? I've been a fan since I was in the 3 rd grade. Back in…1965 (whew-too long ago). My friend had their albums and we listened to them daily. My favorite, though? Abbey Road. I played that vinyl album to death and was extremely upset when my roommate (in the Army) took it! I have the CD now, though.

The Bee Gees (http://www.beegees.com/). "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart" was my most favorite song when it came out and that was when I became a fan. Saturday Night Fever only cemented that love!

Electric Light Orchestra (http://www.elo.biz/). A rock orchestra – I loved it! They had the greatest sound and I still listen to their music on my iPod. Out of the Blue is my favorite album (and I have the vinyl), but until I wrote this post, didn't realize it was finally on a CD. So yeah, I went and bought it.

Fleetwood Mac (http://www.fleetwoodmac.com/). When Rumours came out, I had never really paid much attention to them. But a friend of mine had and that's how I came to love their music. I think their sound is timeless (unlike some of the other 70's bands out there).

Huey Lewis and the News (http://hueylewisandthenews.com/). When "I Want a New Drug" came out, I misunderstood the lyrics and thought it was a song about a druggie, except that couldn't be right, because I liked the music! Then one day I actually listened to the words and then I was really hooked. And of course, what woman didn't think Huey Lewis was good looking? A perfect package! They still tour, and I've seen them in concert – twice. If they come this way again, I'll go. I love their music.

The Monkees (http://www.monkees.com/). Big fan of the TV show and it was a sad day when Davy Jones passed away. He was my favorite, by far. And while my friend was ebuying The Beatles' albums, I was buying The Monkees. We loved to create our own fake band and fake play along with the album (using my mother's knitting needles as drum sticks! – yeah, she would have killed me if she'd known). Of course, we were 9.

Moody Blues (http://moodybluestoday.com/). Days of Future Passed was my first Moody Blues album, because I just loved "Nights in White Satin." They were also the first concert I attended with my then future husband, back in 1978 or 1979.

So, did I do better this week in listing one of your favorites?

And how about Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings (as well as Jen Kessy and April Ross) in the women's beach volleyball? Go USA!

Favorite Musical Groups Currently Producing Albums

Only musical-like picture I
could find that I owned!

Here's another list of favorites – Musical Groups Currently Producing Albums. The prerequisite for getting on this list? If these artists come out with a new album/CD, I will buy it. Sight unseen (or would that be sound unheard??). This list is in alphabetical order.







Arcade Fire (www.arcadefire.com). I only have one of their albums, but their previous albums are now on my wish list and I believe a new one is coming out soon. I like the way they sound.

The Black Keys (www.theblackkeys.com). First heard them on the "Eclipse" soundtrack and they peaked my interest. The more songs they released, the more I liked them and finally bought their albums. I'm hooked.

Coldplay (www.coldplay.com). I never realized how much I liked this group. It wasn't until one day at B-dubs, when one of my favorite songs was playing, that I asked a friend if they knew who was singing it. I pretty much owned all their albums after that!

Death Cab for Cutie (www.deathcabforcutie.com). I remember hearing their name and thinking it was unique, but had no idea what songs they sang. Thanks to listening to the radio via the Internet (where the song and artist are listed), I was able to link up the two and discovered I enjoyed everything they released.

Ivy (www.thebandivy.com). I have "Kingdom Hospital" to thank for finding this band. Ivy sang the theme song to that mini-series, which put me on a search for their albums (which, at the time, was met with much difficulty). I love their sound (they have some music videos on their website if you want to check them out) and they aren't played on the radio all that often, but my daughter and I hear them on a TV series every now and then.

The Killers (www.thekillersmusic.com). Here's another band where I enjoyed their music, but had no idea who they were. Again, I have radio via the Internet to thank for that.

Metric (http://ilovemetric.com). I kind of knew who they were when they opened for the Muse concert I attended. Their mics were horrible, though, and it was very difficult to enjoy them then. But as more of their songs were released on the radio, I realized they sounded better on the radio than in person. I don't know if I'll ever go out and see them in concert again, but I'll continue to buy their albums.

Mumford and Sons (www.mumfordandsons.com). Heard them on AltNation first and fell in love with their first single. I try not to buy albums based on that (I've been burned too many times), but I hit pay dirt this time. I'm hooked.

Muse (http://muse.mu). If I had put this list in order of my favorites, Muse would be first. I must thank Stephenie Meyer for introducing me to this band since she gushed about them on each of the Twilight books. Unfortunately, finding them on the radio in Dayton, Ohio was impossible. No one played them. That took me to the Internet (thus also discovering other artists – some listed here) and a Los Angeles radio station that played them a lot. Once I got an earful, I ended up buying all their albums. I LOVE Muse! Oh, and their concert in Columbus was AWESOME!

Neon Trees (www.fameisdead.com). This is a new group that is growing on me. Enough to own all their albums, anyway.

Train (www.savemesanfrancisco.com). Here's a group that's been around awhile, but I recently discovered. "Drive By" helped in that regard. I really like that song. I just wish Alt Nation (on Sirius Radio) played their music. I can find them locally, though. That helps. And they're on my iPod – even better.

Weezer (http://weezer.com). Another group I have that California radio station to thank for. I knew their music, just not who played it.

Did I hit any of your favorites? I love listening to Alt Nation because I find all sorts of new music. Well, whether they are new or not, they are new to me, anyways. My radio will list the artist and song and I love that the best!

Favorite Movies I Never Tire of Watching

So busy finishing (yes – finishing!!!) the edits of Book 4, I didn't have much time to work on this blog. I'll still give the final ten pages another look on Thursday, but I think the story is solid – and that's what matters the most.

Anyway, I looked through our stash of DVDs (of which you can see from this picture taken last year – the collection has grown a little since and doesn't include all the John Wayne movies my husband has in an identical case) and wrote down the ones I could watch over and over and over. Well, I could probably watch them all over, but would need a year or two between watches. Not this list. If I'm flipping through the television channels and run across one of these movies, I'll stop and watch it. That's how much I like these.

Here they are, in alphabetical order – my favorite movies I never tire of watching:

• American President
• Back to the Future
• Beetlejuice
• The Birds
• Bringing Up Baby
• Bull Durham
• Dave
• Die Hard
• Ferris Bueller's Day Off
• Galaxy Quest
• Raiders of the Lost Ark
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Ladyhawke
• A League of Their Own
• Love, Actually
• Major League
• Music & Lyrics
• Notting Hill
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Pretty Woman
• Romancing the Stone
• Sleepless in Seattle
• Sound of Music
• Star Trek – The Voyage Home
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• While You Were Sleeping
• Young Frankenstein

Have I hit any of your favorites? Or are you like my dad – watch a movie once and then forget about it?

And if there's a movie here you've never heard about, tell me. I'll then tell you why you should watch it!

Favorite Cars I Never Bought (But Wanted To)

Before I go into my list, I just have to tell you something first – but it is car related.

My husband's boss decided my hubby needed to be in Kentucky on Tuesday. And he is to stay there until Thursday. That leaves me with his convertible for THREE days!

With events like that, I could almost guarantee it will rain. Sort of like when my son was in the Boy Scouts. If they planned a weekend camping trip, it would rain (or snow). Never failed. I mean – NEVER! I was surprised their camping gear didn't get moldy.

Anyway, when we got a glimpse of the weather forecast on Sunday, they predicted rain on Tuesday. I figured as much.

Then on Monday it rained. Forecast changed. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were all notated as "NICE" days. And nice days are 80 degree temps with low humidity. Man, that's more than nice. That's awesome!

And Tuesday didn't fail – 85 and sunny!

Can I get a "Hot diggity dog!!!"?

I do love his convertible when the top is down!

Now, on with my list.

These cars are ones I was fixated with. Gushed over them. Dreamt of owning. But, of course, I never did (for one reason or another). Still, I hold a fondness for them (and apparently remember some of them a lot different than the pictures I could scrape off the internet).

Pontiac Firebird. Back in the early to mid 70's, probably before I had a license even, I fell in love with this car. And the reason? A game show. I can't remember the name of the show, but I remember that the object was to get a key and then hope that key started the car you chose. If you guessed wrong, you got to come back on the next show and try again. The more days you won, the number of cars was reduced by one – unless, of course, you chose correctly. I always chose the Firebird. And the one they had was always blue!

Triumph TR7. I sat in one of these in the mid to late 70's. I can't remember if I was already in the Army looking for a car, or if I was a senior in high school dreaming of my first car. I just remember going to the dealership with my father and sitting in one. And being so disappointed when I realized I couldn't afford it. But I really wanted one because my mother's first car was a Triumph. TR2 or TR3. Lucky girl!

Toyota Celica. In 2003 I was car shopping. This one was at the top of my list. I loved the way it looked. But it was small. And we had a family. It wasn't practical. Then I test drove it. I loved the way it drove, but I wasn't sure I would be comfortable for any length of time sitting behind the wheel. It could have just been that seat, but it was enough to kick some sense into me. I still like that car, though.

Ford Mustang. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Mustangs. I really loved them when they first came out. Then they went through this ugly transformation in the 80s (and I mean, really ugly). Then in 2005, the new retro Mustang came out. If I hadn't had just bought a car, I might have owned that one. I was one obsessed puppy!

Yeah, you'll notice there's a big gap between car drooling. That's because I was married with a young family. I thought responsibly. Now that the kids are grown, I can go back to drooling at cars.

So, what cars did I buy? Maybe I'll save that list for another Wednesday!

Are there cars you wish you'd bought? Please share!

Favorite Desserts - Yummy!

Okay now! Do I have your interest? Who doesn't love dessert? This list will be specific (and varied), because I can't just say cake or pie, you know? This list is in no particular order (just how I came to think of them).

·         Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake (from the Cheesecake Factory)

·         White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake (from the Cheesecake Factory)

·         Kahlua Cocoa Coffee Cheesecake (from the Cheesecake Factory)

Note – Yes, I do have a problem when we go to the Cheesecake Factory because I have to CHOOSE one!

·         Coffee Ice Cream (any vendor, but Baskin Robbins Jamoca is probably my favorite). Put marshmallow fluff on it and I'm a goner!

·         Chocolate cake with white fluffy frosting. If I see this I cannot resist.

·         Chocolate cookie with white chocolate chunks (the ones at Subway are pretty good)

·         Custard (no one's ever made it as good as Mom)

·         Tapioca Pudding. One cup is not enough – I could eat the whole bowl.

·         Butterscotch pudding with whipped cream. Lose the whipped cream and I'm not interested.

·         Pumpkin pie with Cool Whip. Lose the Cool Whip and I'll still eat it.

·         Cobbler (apple, peach, or blueberry) with vanilla ice cream (must be heated!)

·         Double-Doozie cookies (from the Cookie Factory--chocolate chip or M&M chip. The chocolate cookies, while good, are too soft for these). Yes, they are super sweet, but so addicting! Good thing I only limit myself during Dragon*Con (of which I will be attending this year after all – yay!).

·         French Silk Pie (from Bob Evans). Best when shared with my hubby.

·         Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel.

·         Glorified Brownies (the kind Grandma made). Brownies with marshmallows and frosting. I haven't been able to duplicate it, but they sure were messy and oh, so yummy!

It's no wonder I need to lose weight. It is a wonder I don't weight more!  So, what desserts are irresistible to you? And the important question: Have I made you hungry?

Favorite Sports Players

On an evening I was having dinner with just my daughter (I think it was on one of those $5 movie nights), I told her I was having problems with coming up with some favorites list. She's the one who came up with this one. At first I thought I only had one favorite player, but as we talked, I realized there are others I love, too. Here's my list of favorite sports players (past and present), in alphabetical order.

Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds. Back in 1976, while stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA, I became a Reds fan because I became a Johnny Bench fan (even though I was a Dodgers fan first and never lived anywhere near Ohio). Don't know exactly what it was that drew me to him, but it stuck and has lasted ever since.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins. I wouldn't even know who this player is if it weren't for the fact my daughter got me hooked on hockey (and the Penguins). And maybe he helped cement my relationship with the Penguins (being a fan, that is). I love to watch him play.

Steve Garvey, Los Angeles Dodgers. I grew up a Dodgers fan (back when Sandy Koufax played). Since moving away from the area, I don't keep track of the players any longer, but Steve was the last Dodger I was a fan of (that I can remember, anyway!!).

Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers. He went to the University of Southern California – a college I would have liked to have attended if I knew what I wanted to do and didn't join the Army instead. I love his enthusiasm on the field. I will definitely miss him when he retires.

Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds. Right now he's my all-time favorite player. I watched him play with the Dayton Dragons (the Reds' Single A Farm Team) and loved him them. I love the way he plays – the way he seems to love to play. And I'm thrilled he signed a contract to be with the Reds for a long, long time. I've got to get out to Cincinnati and watch a game this season (and maybe get a jersey). The Reds are hot!!

Kurt Warner, St. Louis Rams. I got hooked from his story of how he got to the NFL. Who doesn't like a good underdog story? And he played for a team I grew up rooting for. The year he took them to the Super Bowl (and won) was THE BEST!!

There are so many players out there, so many teams, I'd be amazed if I hit your favorite. But if I did, let me know. You can also tell me your favorites and see if they're on my "hate" list. Yeah, I have a lot of those, but don't think I'll list them. I don't need to give them any more thought than necessary.

Favorite Authors

Happy Wednesday and another Favorites blog. What writer doesn't have favorite authors? Well, here's my list (again, as with all my favorites, these are in alphabetical order).

Meg Gardiner – I read China Lake for two reasons: 1) Stephen King recommended it (and her), and 2) I went to high school with her. That first book hooked me and I've been a fan ever since.

Tess Gerritsen – I had just finished reading all of Meg Gardiner's books and was looking for another author to try out. That's when I noticed Tess had a blurb on Meg's books. Well, I thought, if Tess likes Meg's books, I should like Tess's books. And you know what? I do! My husband is even hooked on the Rizzoli & Isles series.

Laurell K. Hamilton – My daughter introduced me to the Anita Blake Series. By this time I was loving anything with vampires. But I do love Anita, and Jean Claude, and Edward, and Richard, and Micah, and, etc. Yeah, she has a LOT of love interests. It's gotten a little bizarre, but now I kind of expect that.

Charlaine Harris – This new television series was starting on HBO and it caught my attention. A series about vampires? Really? Well, I watched the first episode of True Blood and was hooked. The second episode, I realized it was based on books! I asked my daughter (because she knows almost everything regarding paranormal). She had the first book, but hated it. I read it, and LOVED it. See… we don't always have the same tastes! Although, she loves the series. Go figure!

Stephen King – I was in Safeway, back in 1976 (I think), looking for a book. This paperback caught my attention because it was "Soon to be a Motion Picture" (or some such thing), so I picked up the copy of The Stand. It was several years before it was made into a television series, but that book hooked me and I've been reading his stuff ever since.

Dean Koontz – Already a fan of Stephen King's, I experimented with other horror authors. I read The Vision and fell in love. But my favorite is Lightning (gotta love that time travel).

Stephenie Meyer – I'm sad there hasn't been any new books since The Host. She's what got me started writing. I loved he Twilight books so much (more like obsessed), but wished they were in third person. I wanted to know what Edward thought and felt!

Lynsay Sands – I discovered her books on a search through Barnes and Noble, looking for paranormal romance, but only got the first one – I had to be sure. Well, she hooked me. I loved her writing (and humor) so much, I even started reading her historical romances.

Kerrelyn Sparks – I went to RT in 2010 and had no idea who she was. I asked my daughter and found out she had all her books. I've now read all her books. I love her humor. Her vampires are hot, too!

J R Ward – Again, back at RT in 2010, there was this long line for some author named J.R. Ward. I asked my daughter if she knew who she was. She about fainted and told me I needed to read her books. But I didn't have time – and I had lots of other books to read (I was in the middle of two series). Well, eventually I read the first one and then the next, and then the next. I couldn't put them down. I thank my daughter for telling me to read these books! This is by far my most favorite series.

So, did I hit any of your favorites? I probably could have gone on and on, but I try not to make my blogs too lengthy. I want you to come back!

Favorite Actresses

Once again it's another Wednesday and another Favorites list. My list of favorite actresses isn't very long. In fact, I thought I only had three, but after talking with my daughter, three more popped up. I think it's no coincidence that they are all comedians, either. Again, these are listed in alphabetical order.

Sandra Bullock. One of the original three, and probably my favorite of the bunch. There hasn't been a movie I've seen her in that I haven't liked. While You Were Sleeping is one of my favorite movies.

Sally Field. Remember The Flying Nun? I liked Alejandro Ray in that series more than her, but whatever. I realized I have probably watched every movie she's been in, so I added her to the list. Smokey and the Bandit is probably my favorite, although she really got me in Sybil.

Katherine Heigl. Another of my original three. She hooked me in Grey's Anatomy (my heart broke for Izzy when Denny died) and I've enjoyed all her movies. I plan to watch One for the Money this weekend (on DVD).

Katharine Hepburn. She ranks up there with Cary Grant. And no, she wasn't on my original three, but only because I wasn't thinking straight! She's funny and can talk a mile a minute. I loved her in Bringing up Baby.

Julia Roberts. I've seen Pretty Woman so many times, I've lost count. Same with Notting Hill. When she's in some of my most favorite movies, it's hard not to pick her.

Meg Ryan. The last of the original three. Perky and funny, she's a joy to watch. I even remember her from As the World Turns!

So, how'd I do? Get any of your favorites? Think I'm nuts? I want to hear!

Favorite Actors

Here's the first of my favorites list, and what better place to start than with my favorite actors. I even got pictures (yeah, baby).

When it comes to favorite things, I can't just list a definite number, like 5, 10, or 15. What if I don't have 15 favorites or I have more than 5? So each week I will list my favorites (of those I can remember – ha ha), and we'll see where it takes me.

These actors are in alphabetical order. There's no way I could list them from best to worst, because they're all different and I like them all (duh, or else they wouldn't be my favorites). And the main reason they are on my favorite list? I will pretty much watch anything they are in. Plain and simple, right?

George Clooney. I think I watched every television series he's ever been in before ER, but not because he was in it (more like dumb luck). It was ER where he hooked me. I would have gone to the theatre to watch The Descendants if I could get anyone to go with me. Guess I'll just have to get the DVD.

Sean Connery. Love his voice. He's not bad on the eyes, either. I am not a James Bond fan, so I've never seen any of those movies, but I wouldn't say no if someone offered now. He captured me long after he played on those.

Harrison Ford. Star Wars did it for me. And Indiana Jones? – oh yeah. And I may have never watched the rest of the Jack Ryan movies if he wasn't in it. (I watched The Hunt for Red October because of Sean Connery).

Cary Grant. He was born eight years before my grandmother, but that didn't matter. Man, he aged well! I still haven't seen all his movies, but I'm working on it. Some of my favorites, though: Arsenic and Old Lace (love his facial expressions!), Bringing Up Baby, and of course, An Affair to Remember. Heavy sigh.

Hugh Grant. It's hard to pinpoint what it is about this actor that captured my attention. I've just enjoyed every movie I've seen him in, even the first one I watched – Three Weddings and a Funeral (which was a strange one, to say the least). Maybe it's because he's done so many romantic comedies (and I eat those up). He makes me laugh, though, and that's always a big plus in anyone's column.

Tom Hanks. He hooked me in Bosom Buddies. Yeah, he's done some stupid movies, but he makes me laugh. "There's no crying in baseball!" is one of my most favorite lines!

Hugh Jackman. He was a bit hairy in The X-Men, but there was something about him that I liked. And once I saw him in Kate & Leopold (with Meg Ryan), I was sold. Ooo la la!

Alex O'Loughlin. The only reason he caught my eye was because of his uncanny resemblance to my character, Jack VanAllen (from MY SUNNY VAMPIRE – Book #3). Yep, Jack is a vampire. And yep, I realize Alex played one, too (in Moonlight). But Jack looks like Alex as Steve McGarrett on Hawaii Five-0, and that's when I "fell in love". Now I'll watch anything Alex is in. And if I knew anyone who has the Moonlight series on DVD, I'd watch it (even though I didn't like it when it first aired).

Wow – I got 8 (See? More than 5, less than 10). Lengthy blog for me – I don't usually go on this long (heck, maybe this favorite thing will work out after all!). Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did thinking of all these awesome guys!