I am a fantasy nut so, of course, I love the Harry Potter books.  I read them all the summer before the last two books came out.  I then rushed to the store like a kid to get the new books when they came out, but I didn't have a kid as an excuse.  My daughter was still too small at the time.  I read the first three books out loud to my daughter, but then she was old enough to read for herself and she didn't want me to read to her anymore, so I let it go.  I have been waiting for my son to be old enough for the books.  I have been excitedly waiting for summer, because this is the summer I share Harry Potter with my son.  The only problem is, he has changed his mind and now does not want to listen.  I have been stubbornly reading anyway, but it has taken the joy out of it.  The movies have kid of ruined it for them.  They no longer are interested in the books, because they have watched the movies so much.

I need to rethink this.  I will now read Harry Potter as a "bonus" reading during the day and still let my son pick what he wants to hear at night.  I think we will also have a big family movie night to watch the movies after we finish the books.  Maybe I can make a Harry Potter theme day, food, games.  I need to whip up some excitement. 

Despite my continued insistence, my daughter, the raging princess, has not finished the books.  She has discovered vampires and now isn't that interested in Harry.  Here is the new plan--I read all the books to both of them.  R. Princess can join in when we finish the third book, whether she wants to our not.  Sometimes you have to push things a bit.  They usually come around and if not, at least, I tried.
  

Update:  Okay, I put my plan into action today. It went better. My son listened without humming. He was still playing with a toy, but I think he WAS actually listening. The bad part is, now I still have to read stupid superhero books over and over again at night. Sigh, the things we do for our kids.

Harlequin Nocturne - April 2012

Paranormal Romance

Warrior Rising the Esri Series by Pamela Palmer

In this book, the humans are still fighting the evil Esri king who is intent upon enslaving the entire human race.  The 1/2 Esri humans are on the front lines as they are the only humans who can resist the hypnotism of the Esri.   Harrison Rand is charged with guarding the Esri Princess who might be the only thing that can stop the evil king.  Along the way he fall for her, sparks fly, a war is fought, etc.

This series has not been a favorite of mine.  The author created an entire new world that smacks of a bit too much Science Fiction for my tastes.  Also, the instant desire just seemed weird.  There didn't seem to be any reason behind it.  I did finish the book and it was okay, but not great.


The Werewolf's Wife by Michele Hauf

Ridge Addison is the new alpha of his small werewolf pack.  He is determined to end his marriage that he jumped into one night on a whim in Las Vegas, so he can get on with his life.  The problem is he has never been able to get Abigail out of his mind.  When he looks up Abigail, she is determined to make a life for her and her son without men and without Ridge, but when her son goes missing, she accepts Ridge's help.  They soon learn the sparks are still there.  Can they reunite, can they find Abigail's son?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The action/kidnapping kept the reader turning pages.  The romance was interesting and believable and the supernatural elements were good, too.

Everlast - What It's Like official video

I love this song! It never fails to move me.

Kiss of A Demon King

Book 6 in the Immortals After Dark Series
Paranormal Romance

I am starting to really look forward to the books in this series.  They are well written, have great romance, and a great supernatural mythology.  In this book, Rydstrom Woede, a rage demon takes center stage.  Rydstrom is the rage demon's king, but his kingdom was taken from him in an attack by the evil, unkillable, Omort and he has been searching for a way to get his kingdom back for centuries.  In the last book, Rydstrom's brother finally attained a sword fabled to be the one think that could kill Omort.  Now Rydstrom needs to get close enough to kill him.  Unfortunately, he is imprisoned by the evil, Sorceress of Illusions and 1/2 sister to Omort, Sabine.  Rydstrom is strangely drawn to Sabine and with so much at stake, it makes for a very interesting situation.  Could Rydstrom trust Sabine, is Sabine really his mate, should he choose Sabine or his kingdom?

This book was full of really steamy romance scenes, lots of intrigue, and action.  A great read!

Another Milestone for the Raging Princess

My daughter, affectionately known as The Raging Princess, officially completed 8th grade last night.  She received her diploma, a certificate for being on the A, B honor roll, certificates for being in Newspaper club, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Library Club and the Presidential Silver Award for Academic Excellence!  I am so proud of the hard work she did.  She managed all A's and B's even with taking advanced math, reading, and writing.  I am happy for her, but a bit sad.  She is growing up so fast!

Harlequin Nocturne, March 2012

So Here are the March offerings in the Harlequin Nocturne series (available at Wal-Mart for less than list price).  I love this series, not because it is such great reading, but it is good light reading.  When I'm feeling overwhelmed by things and have too much on my mind to tackle other books, I can always pick-up on of these.  I also like to pick them up to keep on hand for those "oh no, I have nothing to read emergencies." 

I recommend them both.  I have read books in this series that I wasn't that thrilled with, but these were both pretty good. The Half-Breed Vampire is a werewolf/vampire story that took me a while to get into, but I thought it finished strong and Forever Claimed is 3rd in The Claiming Series.  I wasn't thrilled with the first book in this series, but books 2 and 3 were good.  There was a little bit of repeating the same info over and over, but for the most part a very enjoyable read.



Mother's Day is one of those holidays that has always seemed forced and insincere to me.  Despite that, I have always tried to make the day nice for my mother, but my kids were always too young to really do much.  I have received the cutest school made gifts and cards and, of course, sweet hugs and well wishes.  This year, however, my oldest is 14 and she took charge.  She asked what I wanted, figured out she could order it on Amazon, got my husband to order it, snuck the gift in the house before I got home from work, and wrapped it.  I love my gifts!

Thanks to the Raging Princess for taking charge.  Thanks also
to the Lego Hero and the Sports Nut for a great Mother's Day.  I love you all; you guys are the best!