Audiobook Review: Ten Big Ones

Title: Ten Big Ones

Author: Janet Evanovich

Series: Stephanie Plum

Genre: Adult Mystery

Source: My local library.

Goodreads info on Ten Big Ones.

Actually I listened to this a while back and toyed with just not posting a review at all for Ten Big Ones. But I had this typed up already so I thought I'd go head and share it with you guys.

This was an enjoyable installment. Stephanie has gotten herself in over her head again. This time with gang bangers. Actually, I kind of thought this was one of he more scary storylines our heroine has faced.

Morelli tries to get her to quit her bounty hunting job that always gets her into this deep trouble. Their whole relationship is weird. I understand why Morelli is worried about her shenanigans but it's also like he doesn't respect her as a independent person. And Ranger flat out tells her he keeps her around for comic relief. Steph always gets her man so I don't understand why they keep doubting her skills. (Or at least her ability to make valuable friend/relationships with people that can help her. This is book 10, she's still alive, clearly she has SOME skills, right?

I gave Ten Big Ones 4 out of 5 stars. I always enjoy Stephanie Plum book and they are certainly good for a laugh! I think I'm just ready for a break from the series for a little bit. But I still like Steph and will come back to her sooner than later.

Day 05 – A book that makes you happy

30 Day Book Meme for December 2012

Day 5 is "a book that makes you happy." Well we know I love Twilight, of course. And it makes me really happy.

But the more I think about this topic, I don't think I much read happy books. I like emotional tear jerkers and intense mysteries. 

I can think of one series that can me belly-laugh-out-loud and that's the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

If you need a laugh start with One for the Money and I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Book pics from Goodreads.

Review: To the Nines

Title: To the Nines

Series: Stephanie Plum novels

Author: Janet Evanovich

Reading Level: Adult

Genre: Mystery

Source: My local library

Goodreads book info can be found by clicking here.

 

I am currently on a Stephanie Plum kick. I just finished To the Nines and Notorious Nineteen comes out November 20th, so I only have 9 more to be all caught up. I especially enjoying listening to the audio book versions of Stephanie. I have a longish commute to and from work so I can sneak in a little extra "reading" time.

 

Stephanie books are reliable. You have the same basic cast of characters with a handful of newbies introduced in each book. Most of the newbies won't make it to the next, it's kind of hazardous to one's life span to come in contact with Ms. Plum. Usually people get shot, people get arrested, Stephanie gets stalked and/or her vehicle blows up. I personally like having this one bit of stability in my life, knowing what to expect to some extent with the element of mystery in each book.

 

**Hopefully not, but possibly spoilery**

 

I liked that Steph and the girls, Lula and Connie got to get out of Trenton in To the Nines. The girls got to Vegas to try to track down a subject that skipped out on his visa bond. Nines what scary because everything was based around this psychotic life or death game. The Stephanie and Morelli action is HOT. And Ranger's presence makes for a good tension.

 

These books are not realistic at all but my gosh they are funny! I give To the Nines 4 out of 5 stars. The audio book was very enjoyable. If you haven't picked up this series, I recommend it if you like hilarious yet deadly mysteries! 

Audiobook Review: Hard Eight

Book Info on Goodreads

I really like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I've posted about several of her books (like Plum Lovin') and I have several more to go to catch up with the series so be prepared. :) It has been a little while since I have been on Stephanie kick. But I was craving a funny, light story. And life has kind of gotten in the way of actual reading lately so the audiobook is totally the ticket for me right now.

If you aren't familiar with the series, Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter. Only she's really bad at being a bounty hunter. She has bad luck with cars and break-ins at her apartment. She has a crazy, hilarious grandma. And has the affection of two super hot guys.

***Spoiler to follow: If you have not yet read Hard Eight 

and plan to please stop reading now. 

This is too good to ruin.***

As you have probably gathered at this point I enjoyed Hard Eight. The narrator of the audiobook did an excellent job. She changed her voice for each character and really made the book come to life. And oh. my. gosh. Stephanie and Ranger finally get together. Wow. That's all there is to say about that.

I've noticed many people complain about how the Stephanie books are "always the same." These are mystery books in a series. I'm not sure how much variation people are looking for but I think these books are great when I'm in the mood for them. Yes, there are a lot things that are similar to the books. And there are certain lines you can almost bet on being in each book of the series. But I'd like to suggest that this is why they are so popular. It's kind of like McDonald's. You know the food is going to be exactly the same every time you go. You can count on it. No, it may not be gourmet but sometimes it hits the spot and at those times it's sooo good! (This is in no way a insult, I like Mickey D's and I really like Stephanie Plum!)

This book is an adult-geared read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend the whole series so far! I've already started listening to the next Plum novel, To the Nines!

Impressionable and Inspired

I am very impressionable.  As defined by the dictionary, impressionable means: readily or easily influenced; suggestible. If I hear a phrase that reminds me a song, I feel I must sing it, loudly (mind you my singing is horrible, ask my co-workers, bless their hearts). I fancy myself as a somewhat crafty person and if something I watch or read inspires an idea, I've been known to craft up some kind of homage to the original. See example:

I made these shortly after I first became addicted to both the book and movie, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I'm not quite as neurotic as I once was but I will always love Twilight and be thankful for what it meant to me in that time in my life. 

So the red bracelet, more represents Edward (get it, blood is red, he's a vamp :). The charms in case you can't make them out from left to right are: a graduation cap, dice ("I'm betting on Alice!"), baseball bat and glove, music clef, Carlisle's cross, a crystal heart, engagement ring, bride and groom, dolphin (Isle Esme, anyone?), Edward's piano, and Renesmee's baby shoe.

The black beaded bracelet is for Jacob Black, of course! The charms again left to right are: an apple (like the cover of the first book, Bella's truck, a wolf, a heart, a feather (supposed to convey Jacob's tribal roots), motorcycle, and moon (for New Moon). 

As you have seen on this very blog at least once already (see this post), I have even been inspired to paint my nails in honor of certain books and movies. Here are my attempts are "Girl on Fire" nails from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:

Not everything inspires such a response from me but the "good stuff" can certainly lead to projects for me.

I was trying to figure out why I did these things the other day, most people I know don't do this, I beginning to think this was just one of my many idiosyncrasies. But after discussing with a friend her children's summer reading assignments, it became clear. When I was in school, even on up into college, my favorite (English/Lit) teachers were the ones who had us do "fun" projects that related back to the materials we were reading in class. I was never "artistic" in the sense that I could draw or paint or sculpt but I could collage with the best! And often times I'd receive praise from my teachers on my hard work on those projects. I think that those simple words of affirmation over ten years ago have stuck with me and why I continue with my media inspired projects. (So, there's a little side bar for ya, be careful of what you say to kids cause apparently they really are listening!)

There is actually a point to all my ramblings today. If you've been following me at all, you'll have seen that I've been reading through the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich. They are ones with numbers in the titles like One for the Money, Two for the Dough, Three to Get Deadly, Four to Score, etc. If you are not familiar with the books, Stephanie is Jersey girl of Italian/Hungarian descent working as a bounty hunter even though she's not very good at it. The books are a brilliant blend of mystery and humor. The interaction Stephanie has with her family, especially her Grandma,will leave you laughing out loud, literally. Almost always when they have these family times they are eating and having a family meal. In fact, the offer of a good home cooked meal is how Stephanie's mom lures her home. And if I'm not mistaken, the offer of stuffed cabbages always draws Steph home.

My most recent Plum read.

I got to thinking, I've only ever had stuffed cabbage once and it was delish, much better than it sounds. And I've sure never made stuffed cabbage. So this evening I thought I've give it a try. Only I know how lazy I am and I altered the idea just a bit. My cabbage still has all the flavors but I've layered the ingredients into a casserole so it would be easier and less time consuming. I search the net for recipes, such as this one and this one too and then I adjusted with seasonings based on our liking and what we had on hand. I'm not one to measure or do things exactly the same each time.

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Plated with green beans and mashed potatoes.

Verdict: It was pretty good. Hubs liked it, said he'd like it again! I think Stephanie and the Plum clan would approve!

Have you ever been inspired by something you've seen or read? Leave me some comments. I HEART comments!

Mani Monday

Hey y'all! So I'm trying out the blogger app for the first time today! And I'm posting from my new phone (thanks hubs)! It's been a while since I posted a manicure. Today, I'm rocking both accent nails and polka dots! Yay!

First, I started with a clear, strengthening base coat. Then painted all my nails with two coats of Sparitual Lucid Creme nail polish. Except for my index fingers, they got three coats of Maybelline Express Finish nail color in Sunshine.

I let that all dry a bit, then added dots of yellow onto the Lucid Creme onto the Sunshine and Sunshine onto the Lucid Creme. I achieved this design by using my "dotting tool" which you can purchase or make. I made mine by sticking a straight pin with a ball like pin head on the top into an old fashion pencil. (I'll try get a good pic of it later.)

Next, I let that dry a bit. And lastly I applied a layer of Seche Vite top coat. If you haven't tried this stuff...oh my gosh, I'm telling it's good! It dries super fast and let you know about its lasting power.

Also, I had a slight change in my reading selection. I'm reading High Five by Janet Evanovich. Hubs and I are working our way through the Stephanie Plum series. There's like 18 of them and we are utilizing the library as often as possible. So, I gotta read as they come. It's a good series-quick and funny read, perfect summer series.