New Fall TV 2011

Review of New Fall TV (at least the ones I watched ;) )

Ahhhh smell that? It’s Fall which means new Fall TV shows.  I’ve taken the liberty of watching a few shows and am now going to share my opinion on them with all of you.  If you haven’t yet had the time to watch any of these shows, you might feel differently or antsy once you read this review.

Pan Am- Loved it. 5 smirks.  I usually don’t like 60’s themed anything, but this show I couldn’t take my eyes off of.  I like how we get to see into the lives of each main character as they go about doing their jobs working for Pan Am.

The Playboy Club- Adored it. 5 smirks.  This show is very interesting and I can’t wait to see where it takes viewers.  In the first five minutes someone gets murdered and there’s a cover up; truly surprising. I also love that it is set in Chicago.  This show makes me wish I could wear a bunny costume every day.

The Secret Circle- I really want to say this show is witchy…so I will. 5 smirks.  I love the whole secret aspect to the show and how it circles each one of the six families.  Although I have only watched one episode so far, I am really looking forward to the rest of the season.  It makes me wish I had magical powers. Just saying.

New Girl- So geek chic. 4 smirks.  I will continue to watch this show because it makes me laugh and I feel so awkward for the main character Jess.  I also fell in love with her new roommates because it ain’t easy find friends like them.

Hart of Dixie- So fantastic! 5 smirks! Watching this show is like watching what I want for my future to come true.  I love the southern accents and the party’s.  I adore the characters and find myself intensely waiting to see more.  It’s funny and charming.

2 Broke Girls- So very entertaining. 4 smirks. I found myself laughing and shaking my head at the same time.  I would really like this show to survive because I’m kind of invested in seeing what happens to the main characters.

Charlie’s Angels- I’m over Charlie, but his new Angels sure know how to fight. 3-4 smirks, I can’t decide yet.  I love the actresses who play the Angels; I’m just hoping they bring more to the table in the future.  I do plan to keep up with this show, because it is a classic, but I’m still on the fence about it.

Ringer- Intense. 4 smirks.  Love all the actors in this show and as most of you know I am a SMG fan because of BTVS, but this show could go either way for me.  I find myself glued to my chair every time I watch it; however the set up for the show could go either way (make want to watch more or not at all). Crime, mystery, stolen identity, cheating, it has it all.

There you have it! My opinion on some of the hottest new shows on TV this Fall.  Hope you enjoyed this post and/or gave you something to think about before you ditch your much favored TV shows to watch something new.

Only His by Susan Mallery

Review of Only His by Susan Mallery

Published: September 27, 2011

6 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Wedding bells are ringing in Fool’s Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they’ve seen each other naked, but she’ll never forget the way he broke her heart.

Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada’s “business only” ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?”

Out of this trilogy of books released this year about Fool’s Gold I think this one is my favorite. I found myself laughing almost the whole time and being teleported into Nevada’s and Tucker’s lives. I love all the Susan Mallery books I have ever read and this one is no different. Everything the main characters felt, I felt and was so absorbed in the story I literally didn’t get up from my chair until I was finished.

Things I Loved About Only His by Susan Mallery:

The first line of the book (hilarious)

Tucker because he’s Tucker

Nevada getting drunk in the middle of the day

Getting to see Nevada’s point of view

Nevada’s personality being completely different from Dakota and Montana’s

Tucker and his very bipolar view of Nevada

Nevada and Tucker’s very pure and simple connection

Cat and her gift to the town (died laughing)

Getting to see a different side of Denise (very momma bear style)

Nevada being scarred for life by Denise’s kitchen table

Tucker being an idiot and calling himself one

Tucker’s thoughts after the explosion (about Nevada and Cat)

Pizza, wine, and cupcakes

Nevada realizing what she wants does matter and accepting her feelings as true and pure

And Tucker sharing something very deep/romantic in front of Cat’s gift to the town

I give Only His by Susan Mallery 6 smirks because I LOVE a book that can make me laugh and be a part of the story. I waited so long to read this book and it was very karmic I was able to after my first week of classes; it was very relaxing/exciting. Only His by Susan Mallery is a book readers will read over and over again because the characters are funny and connection between Tucker and Nevada is such that readers will wish they had the same connection with someone else. Must own.

Val's Rancher by Debra Kayn

Review of Val’s Rancher by Debra Kayn

To Be Released: October 17, 2011

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Val McDougal knows all about heartbreak. First, the love of her life, Sam Turner, left to join the rodeo circuit two years ago. Now she faces a new kind of pain-her beloved father is dying. The last thing she needs is Sam's unexpected return to Pike, Montana, to take over his family's ranch, stirring up desires Val doesn't think she can handle.

Sam knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he broke things off with Val. He's determined to win her back, this time for good. But despite the sizzling heat between them, Val keeps pulling away. He has to convince her to trust him-and her own heart-again, especially as the time draws near when she'll need him the most...”

Val’s Rancher by Debra Kayn is a truly inspiring story about finding love within yourself and the person you were meant to be with. While reading this book I found myself falling in love with all the characters in this series. Each one brings about unique and spectacular personalities that are also intertwined with one another. Val and Sam have this magnetic force that brings them together whenever they are near one another and neither of them can deny it. No matter how much they both try and fight it, we as readers can see they belong and are perfect for each other. Val’s Rancher by Debra Kayn is a fantastic story about following your heart and not your head. Val and Sam are two characters who readers will not be able to turn away from. I give Val’s Rancher by Debra Kayn 5 smirks because the characters continue to surprise me, the story is just too romantic for words, and Val and Sam have this deep connection that will reach readers everywhere.

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl

Review of Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl

To Be Released: September 27, 2011

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Just how good can a bad boy be?

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. And that’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. So with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble—in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan—may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. Now it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong?”

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl is just an incredible story. I found myself flying through the pages which I only do with books that hold excitement. Jamie and Olivia are very interesting characters that have a surprisingly a lot in common. I was so involved in the book that I felt every emotion the characters were feeling. I was sad, hurt, outraged, appalled, happy, content and most importantly I found myself laughing. I’m a type of person who thinks laughing every day is good for the soul and this book definitely made me laugh. Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl just captures readers’ attention with all the witty dialogue and slow progression of Jamie and Olivia’s relationship. I also enjoyed the fact that the ex-husband is as full of himself as the characters think he is. I give Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl 5 smirks because I was invested in the outcome, the characters, the storyline, and overall just fell in love with Jamie and Olivia. I can’t wait until the next book comes out!

Something So Right by Elyse Mady

Review of Something So Right by Elyse Mady

Published: September 19, 2011

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “After having her heart broken, Lily Carver ran north to manage an upscale resort-and back to her longtime friend Sam Denning. Though she's well aware of how hot Sam's become, she refuses to risk her heart again. No matter how incredible his kisses make her feel...

Sam's been in love-and lust-with Lily since the summer they met. When he finally shows her how much he wants her, Lily can't resist his seduction. But Sam's a forever kind of guy and she's only interested in short, painless relationships.

Lily thinks she can protect both their hearts with a short affair to let their passion run its course, something where they both know the rules and can explore the sparks between them without getting burned. But their best-laid plans are put to the test by their undeniable attraction-and by a secret Sam's been keeping from Lily that could ruin everything.”

Something So Right by Elyse Mady is a touching story about finding happiness that has always been right in front of you. Sam and Lily are two characters who are so afraid of how they feel for each other that the possibility of something more between them is paralyzing. I found Sam to be this larger than life guy who shows readers what a true gentleman is. And Lily shows readers the hidden strength she keeps within herself, but rarely believes in it. This is the second book I have read by Elyse Mady and I find her to be truly in touch with every character and world she creates. Readers will see an inner life within each character brought out by Elyse Mady’s writing. I give Something So Right by Elyse Mady 5 smirks because the storyline is beautifully written, the characters are deep, and it is a book worth reading over and over again.

Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe

Review of Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe

To Be Released: September 20, 2011

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

Princess Breena had been dreaming of her warrior lover when she was ripped from her Elden castle and thrown into a strange, dangerous realm. Lost and alone, she prayed for survival and vengeance for her stolen kingdom. She found both in a woodland cottage…in a dark bear of a man.

The golden-haired beauty had eaten his food and slept in his bed when Osborn found her. Though he wanted to awaken his virgin princess to carnal pleasures, Breena wanted more—including his warrior skills. Skills the once-legendary mercenary had long buried. Now Osborn had a choice—risk his life or deny his princess her fairy-tale ending.”

With each book I read of this series, I become more and more invested in the outcomes. While the main point seems to be deriving fairy tales into this wonderful, magical land, each book has a purpose. A different part of the story is unveiled along with different characters that make up the royal four. Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe takes readers on adventure of the lands, where Princess Breena soon discovers her “dream-life” is real life. While continuing to discover hidden memories Breena makes a deal with a beast, or rather Osborn a very talented warrior. Breena and Osborn’s love-hate relationship sparks each page as readers continue on this heart-wrenching journey of finding a place where they belong. Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe is about discovering dreams really can come true. Even the most tempting, hot, scorching dreams can come true. Breena and Osborn soon realize that what has been holding them back this whole time is the same thing they both crave. I give Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe 4 smirks because the characters are more than relatable, the storyline was believable, and the chemistry between Breena and Osborn is simply desire filling.

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

Review of Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

Published: June 11, 2009

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Phoebe, who recently discovered she’s a descendant of Nike (the goddess, not the shoe), is finding that supernatural powers come with a crazy learning curve. Her stepfather, headmaster of the Academy for descendants of the Greek gods, has enrolled her at Dynamotheos Development Camp—aka Goddess Boot Camp—with a bunch of ten-year-olds for the summer. Embarrassing as that is, hopefully it’ll help her gain control over her powers in time to pass the test of the gods, continue training hard enough to qualify for the Pythian Games, and enjoy her godly boyfriend, Griffin, all while avoiding the ultimate mistake of accidentally misusing powers.”

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs is a really fun, exciting adventure. Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions for not just one of the characters, but with all of them. In this story we get to see different sides of Phoebe, Griffin, Adara, Stella, Nicole, and Troy. What I love most about this book is the conflict; with so much going on readers will feel like Phoebe who is being pulled into different directions and sometimes even being controlled by her emotions. I give Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs 5 smirks because I felt every emotion the characters experienced, I laughed at the witty dialogue, and the storyline keeps readers guessing.

Hold Me by Betsy Horvath

Review of Hold Me by Betsy Horvath

Published: September 5, 2011

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “Katie McCabe's life is going nowhere fast when FBI Special Agent Lucas Vasco jumps into her car at an intersection. Luc, his undercover guise blown, is on the run from the Mafia and expects to be killed at any moment. What he doesn't plan on is finding himself attracted to the firecracker beside him. He feels compelled to protect her when her life is threatened, and insists she stay with him for her own safety.

After learning she has become the target of a psychotic hit man, Katie is whisked off to Luc's house to hide. Once there, she's shocked to discover that she and Luc have an unexpected connection-a connection Luc already knew existed, but withheld. Will their intense attraction reach flashpoint despite their misunderstandings and the pain of the past?”

Hold Me by Betsy Horvath is a very intense story about surviving the ugly in life to be able to truly appreciate the beauty in it. Katie and Luc are just two characters you want to be able to miniaturize and put in your pocket. They are adorable and hot headed with wit to match and it makes readers truly appreciate how unique and funny they are. I don’t want to give much of this story away because I just love it so much and want readers to experience it, but I will say that reading this story is like falling in love with reading all over again. It had everything in it; romance, mystery, thrill, action, drama. Katie and Luc themselves are constantly surprising each other and readers it is like being on a roller coaster ride. I give Hold Me by Betsy Horvath 5 smirks because it is a great book with a little bit of everything in it and the Katie/Luc relationship is one to behold and laugh along with. Must read, must own.

Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Review of Oh.My.Gods by Tera Lynn Childs

Published: May 14, 2009 (paperback)

5 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “When Phoebe's mom returns from Greece with a new husband and plans to move to an island in the Aegean Sea, Phoebe's well-plotted senior year becomes ancient history. Now, instead of enjoying a triumphant track season and planning for college with her best friends, Phoebe is trying to keep her head above water at the big exclusive Academy. If it isn't hard enough being the new kid in school, Phoebe's classmates are all descendents of the Greek gods! When you're running against teammates with superpowers, dealing with a stepsister from Hades, and nursing a crush on a boy who is quite literally a god, the drama takes on mythic proportions!”

I am really starting to love this author. I’ve read two books of hers from two different series and find myself searching for more of her books to read. Tera Lynn Childs has a cunning, magical, unique way to writing young adult books which can make any reader bow down to her abilities. I find that books in general can mean something to each different reader. Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs is the type of book that inspires me. I felt an emotional connection to Phoebe, Nicole, Troy, and even Griffin that left me feeling inspired to do the best I can in every aspect of my life. Frankly, it was something I really needed because now all I want to do is work out and try out running to see if that fits me. Oh.My.Gods. is a story about unexpected surprises, experiences, and outcomes that can really knock a girl off her feet. I don’t want to give away anything this book has to offer, but I will say Tera Lynn Childs is a must read and a must own. I give Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs 5 smirks because I felt the emotion the characters experience, I laughed, and I was ultimately inspired to change something about myself in order to better my life.

Chantilly's Cowboy by Debra Kayn

Review of Chantilly’s Cowboy by Debra Kayn

Published: June 6, 2011

4 out of 5 smirks

Synopsis: “All Chantilly McDougal wants is to run her daddy's ranch. The only one of five sisters content to stay on the McDougal spread, Chantilly loves the land and knows the workings of the ranch better than anyone. So when Stuart McDougal hires Jack Grady as his new foreman without even consulting her, Chantilly is furious. She doesn't need the help of any cowboy, no matter what feelings the man arouses in her!

Jack Grady can understand Tilly's frustrations over working with him, but he needs the job to put his nephew through law school. Besides, he's made a promise to Stuart, and everyone knows a cowboy never goes back on his word. But when he finds himself falling for the boss's daughter, Jack is torn between being honest with Tilly, and keeping her father's secret.”

Chantilly’s Cowboy by Debra Kayn is a fabulous story about finding a way to have it all in life. I found Chantilly Lace and Jack to be two people who absolutely love what they do, but both had to give up a lot along the way in order to achieve all they have. Chantilly is a character who will constantly surprise readers and Jack is a character who readers will dream about (because seriously, who wouldn’t want a cowboy like Jack?). I also loved how both characters were very honest about their feelings for each other, so the reader was never in the dark trying to figure out how they were feeling. I give Chantilly’s Cowboy by Debra Kayn 4 smirks because the story is straight-forward, the characters are loveable, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.