Posted by
Leslie on
June 30th, 2008
|
No Comments
I’m still recovering from my 2.5 day sailing trip and my 40th birthday, but I promise to post some pictures of the last few days soon!
Until then, here is a link to the latest Gerry rumor! 
Posted by
Leslie on
June 26th, 2008
|
2 Comments
Just saw this (yes, because I was checking out the recent review and comments on Gerry) and had to comment:
…Wuthering Heights is my favorite book. I love it more than anything. It has everything — ghosts, a Byronic hero (who you aren’t supposed to love — but I do anyway), a twisted love affair, sadistic revenge, even a dose of necrophilia. (Not that I roll with that sort of thing, but it’s noteworthy in a Victorian novel.) I have never seen a film version, not even Lawrence Olivier’s, because I never wanted my vision spoiled.
I’ve mentioned before that Wuthering Heights was the one story which propelled me into writing. It’s why I have a fascination with gothics (especially historical) now. For every reason mentioned above, it has always been my favorite book. But as for the movie choice of Catherine, I have to agree with the writer:
But I cannot see (Natalie) Portman as Cathy. Look, I like her — and I think she is very talented. Her youth works in her favor. But Cathy is psychotic and deeply unlikeable, something I have never seen in Portman. (Not even in Closer or The Other Boleyn Girl.) Ideal casting would have been Angelina Jolie in her Girl, Interrupted days, or Kate Winslet fresh off Heavenly Creatures. That’s Cathy Earnshaw.
Hmmm…wonder if I’ll see this film version. NOW…if they can cast Gerry as Healthcliff…OMG! I would die a very happy woman!! 
Posted by
Leslie on
June 25th, 2008
|
No Comments
This post is to let you know that I’m going away again. Yes, I was just gone a short time ago, but I actually don’t have control of these dates – only if I go or not!
But before we get to my next trip, I want to point out an excellent article in Publisher’s Weekly on The New E- in Erotica. One of my publishers, The Wild Rose Press (IMPROPER NIGHTS, THE LADY’S BARGAIN) is mentioned in this article. It looks as though erotica romances are here to stay!
As for my trip, I leave tomorrow for three days with my husband and nine-year-old twins on a 37 foot sailboat. 
It’s been my husband’s dream to have his own boat and so we decided to “test it out” by finding a time-share-like set-up. This way we aren’t obligated and stuck with a boat to sell if we decide we didn’t enjoy it or have the time for it.
We took lessons back in April (among rain and storms) but have yet to go overnight on the boat. We’ll have to bring our own sheets, pillows, towels, food, drink, etc. And all of our clothes, of course. We have stops planned which aren’t too far away and will decide at the time whether to dock at a marina or to anchor.
Husband and kids are very excited about this trip. Me? I’m a wee bit nervous to be honest. I’m relieved we aren’t going very far and that the sailboat does have a motor, if needed. Still, the last time hubby and I went out on our own, we had a very hard time docking with just the two of us. It’s a big boat for a skipper and ONE crewman to maneuver and tie up!
So, the blog will be quite over the next few days. And when I return on Saturday, I’ll no doubt be spending much of my time preparing for my birthday party on Sunday.
Posted by
Leslie on
June 24th, 2008
|
No Comments
Wow. Well, I apologize for not blogging in nearly a week. My return from Vegas left me busier than ever at home and at work. I’ve not had time to drool over Gerry pictures, much less blog (or write!). So, here I am, at 3:30 am writing a catch-up blog of things I’ve been wanting to mention…
First off, the Romance Studio reviewed IMPROPER NIGHTS and gave it 4.5 hearts! Reviewer Sandra had this to say:
This was an excellent story. Lenora is a strong woman, not afraid to go after what she wants and to do her duty even at the cost of her heart. Black is torn between fighting for the woman he has grown to love at the risk of losing everything or walking away from her and getting what has been promised to him since childhood. I enjoyed this story from the first page. The immediate passion that burns between these two characters ignites into scorching love scenes, but it’s the emotion they share that truly makes this story. Excellent job Ms. Dicken. I look forward to reading more from this great author.
I’ve read the first two books in The Hidden Grotto Series by Louisa Burton. They were unusual, yet fascinating. I’m planning on writing up a more detailed review – when I get the time!! If you like polished, not over-the-top erotica then I highly suggest her books!
Several *interesting* romance-related links around the web:
Good sex should only last 3 to 13 minutes!
Does size really matter?
Bizarre AIDS prevention ad
What women want….?
History of Vibrators
Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and for the monthly Writers At Play newsletter (sign up on right navigation).
Posted by
Leslie on
June 19th, 2008
|
4 Comments
{Edition XXXI}
Since I just returned from Las Vegas, I thought I’d list a few highlights. You can learn more about these at Vegas.com!
Thirteen Things to See/Do in Vegas
1. The Strip – basically a street or so of hotel after hotel, each more elaborate and breathtaking than the last.
2. Shows – theatre, comedy, singers, circus, magic…it’s all there!
3. Casinos – there is no getting away from them, so you might as well give in and at least put a quarter in a slot machine.
4. Bellagio fountains – although we waited 40 minutes and didn’t see them, I’ve passed by a time or two and they are amazing!
5. Ghost Tour – who knew the ghost of Elvis haunted the lower floors of the Hilton or that there is a dedication to Bugsy Malone at the Flamingo?
6. Celebrities – and not just those performing! We saw “the Rock” at the “Get Smart” premiere and others were in town for Cinevegas.
7. Free Drinks – just sit down in any casino and they’ll bring over free drinks. Hey, why not? You’re spending hundreds while they keep you hydrated.
8. Freemont Street – The old part of Vegas, where the Golden Nugget is and other original hotels. They’ve covered the street and created a light show to view from below. Unfortunately, we got there too late and missed it.
9. Stores – in my hotel alone there was an Elvis store and a Barry Manilow store. If your favorite entertainer has performed in Vegas, there is bound to be a store dedicated to him/her.
10. Star Trek exhibit – Characters in costume walk around for picture-taking, a few gift shops, cool restaurant “Quarks”, and an awesome ride. I posed with a Borg and muttered “he smells like rubber” and he says “you smell like bacteria.” LOL!
11. Animals – the MGM Grand has lions (although the exhibit was closed when we tried to go) and there is an aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
12. Wedding Chapels – there is literally one of these on every corner and in every hotel. If you need a quick wedding, there is no doubt you couldn’t do it the same day!
And whether or not you want to see/do it, you can’t escape from:
13. Prostitution – not that the women are on the street corners propositioning. No, it’s slightly more classy. There are guys handing out cards as you walk down the street promoting one or two women who will be at your hotel within 20 minutes. Some rates are as low as $35 and there are no hidden fees! If you prefer just to LOOK, you can see any number of shows which feature scantilly-clad dancing women.
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Posted by
Leslie on
June 17th, 2008
|
1 Comment
Too much to do for a lengthy post with a recap, but just wanted to let everyone know that I was home safe and sound. Here I am, hanging out with the Green M&M on The Strip!
Posted by
Leslie on
June 11th, 2008
|
No Comments
http://www.blogthings.com/howevilareyouquiz/
You Are 48% Evil
|
You are evil, but you haven’t yet mastered the dark side.
Fear not though – you are on your way to world domination.
|
Posted by
Leslie on
June 11th, 2008
|
2 Comments
Leaving today for the GBGALS Convention in Las Vegas! No Thursday Thirteen this week either! I’ll be back late on Monday and hopefully sometime on Tuesday I’ll post a summary of my trip and some pictures!
Posted by
Leslie on
June 10th, 2008
|
1 Comment
I list out ten factors which could influence a book purchase and question them all. Leave a comment and you could win a blue Murano heart necklace!!
Posted by
Leslie on
June 9th, 2008
|
1 Comment
Take this quiz to see how well you are doing at working to preserve our environment and eco-system. I scored a 55 making me an Eco-Ally (51-75).
How did you do?
