Review: Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell.

When you meet the man of your dreams on girls night out, it's hardly…Perfect TimingIn this fresh and funny contemporary romance by bestselling author Jill Mansell, Poppy Dunbar's whole life gets turned upside down after a chance encounter with a handsome stranger...Never a troublemaker, Poppy had always been content with the way things were supposed to be done—which included marrying predictable Rob McBride. But that was before she met Tom Kennedy the night before her wedding. Could she really be falling in love with a stranger?Unable to forget Tom, or go through with the wedding, Poppy runs off to London. Her new life and colorful friends are anything but predictable. Misunderstandings, family secrets, and jealous quarrels ensue, but can Poppy stop running long enough to figure out what—or, rather, who—is in her heart?PRAISE FOR JILL MANSELL:"Pick this up at your peril: you won't get a thing done till it's finished." Heat magazine"Classy chick-lit that appeals to women of all ages. She [Jill Mansell] has a fantastic ability to keep a number of storylines running at the same time without losing the reader in a labyrinth." Daily Express"Slick, sexy, funny stories." Daily Telegraph"A romantic romp full of larger-than-life characters." Express "Fast, furious and fabulous fun. To read it is to devour it." Company"...

Poppy Dunbar, red head, slim and full of life is at her bachelorette party when she bumps into Tom Kennedy. She instantly feels like she has known him all her life. She gets mixed feelings about how her life will be when she marries Ron McBride. Her life would be so plain and simple and she loved Rob, but realizes she is not IN LOVE with him. Tom Kennedy helps Poppy with her foot when she fell outside the club. When her friend comes outside to look for her, she finds Poppy outside with a handsome stranger.

Poppy tells Tom she is to be married tomorrow to her fiancé and he tells her he wishes she wouldn’t get married. He told her to meet him at a little pub in an hour. Poppy is really tempted to meet Tom that night. She gets in the cab and makes her way to the pub. When she arrives, she can’t get out of the cab; she just can’t do it and tells the cab driver to take her home. Since that day, she has never stopped thinking about Tom Kennedy.

Poppy breaks the news to Rob and tells him, she can’t marry him. He’s infuriated with her, but she knows in the end, she’s doing the right thing. He’s such a nice person, but deserves someone better, who loves him for him. Poppy’s father wasn’t a very affectionate man. Her mother died in a bad car accident leaving Poppy with just her dad.

We find out that Poppy’s father is not her real dad which explains his nonchalant attitude towards her all these years. Poppy is a product of her mother’s affair.

She moves to London to get away from all the bad rumors, to get away from the McBrides and to find her real father. She also goes to London in hopes that she will find Tom Kennedy. Poppy ends up renting a flat with room mates: Claudia (very high maintenance, blonde, beautiful and Caspar- artist, handsome, brunette and also owns the house).

I love how Mansell has so many characters in her books. Poppy’s room mates were a delight to get to know. Each one of them had their own situations and in the end all of them came out with a great turnout. Claudia ends up with the love of her life who is clearly the total opposite of what she expects, but she loves him regardless and their love story was so cute. Poppy, on the other hand, has her own dilemma and she does find Tom Kennedy. She loves him, he loves her, they move in with each other and things are just as happy as they can be. But, being Poppy Dunbar, things don’t always end up the way you think. I can say that Poppy does find her father, but she doesn’t tell him that she is his daughter, but he already knew this.

In the end, everyone is together with whom I wanted them to be with. Poppy ends up with the person she is suppose to be with and she finally gets married once and for all. She is no longer known as the girl who leaves the groom at the altar. An enjoyable read and full of fun loving characters to follow. Thanks Ms. Mansell for another good read!

Review: Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn.

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:

A) a really bad violinist B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child C) not in love with her older brother's best friend D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:

A) the Earl of Chatteris B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles C) not in love with his best friend's younger sister D) all of the above

Together they:

A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake B) survive a deadly fever and the world's worst musical performance C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you know the answer is . . .

D) all of the above

Honoria Smythe-Smith the youngest of her siblings wanted desperately to be accepted and above all always wanted to be with her brother Daniel. She was six years old when her brother Daniel brought home a friend from school, Marcus Holroyd. She always followed them around the house, bothered them when they went outdoors and was always trying to be a part of their activities. They gave her the name BUG, since she was known as a bugger to them.

Marcus was raised by his sitter and his father rarely came to see him, but made sure his son had all the finest amenities and education London had to offer. He went to Daniels house for every holiday and they became the best of friends. Little Miss Honoria was always there bugging them to no end.

As time went on, Daniel got into some trouble and was forced to flee to Italy in hiding. Daniel made Marcus promise to watch over his little sister Honoria and be sure she did not marry an idiot. Marcus, being a faithful friend did so and found himself chasing quite a few gentlemen callers away from Honoria.

Marcus loved Honoria as a sister since she was young and as time progresses he finds himself looking at her from another stand point, not as little miss Bugger, but as a beautiful young woman. They both loved sweets, especially chocolate! He later has an infection on his foot and was very ill with a deadly fever. Honoria found out from Marcus’ sitter and she quickly rushes to his bedside to care for him until he gets better.

I loved her dedication and patience with Marcus as he was on his death bed. I could already notice that these two were going to be mixed up together in more than just chocolate haha! Honoria loved Marcus as a dear friend to their family, but later recognizes her feelings and admits that she loves Marcus.

Their love story was so cute. Marcus truly had to love Honoria to endure listening to her and her cousin’s play in their Musicale that was the most dreadful thing known to mankind’s ears so to speak ha! I enjoyed reading how shy Marcus was falling for Honoria and vice versa. They are truly a cute couple. Theirs was a love they couldn’t deny!

Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore.

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. In King City, the young King Nash is clinging to the throne, while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. War is coming. And the mountains and forest are filled with spies and thieves. This is where Fire lives, a girl whose beauty is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her. Exquisitely romantic, this companion to the highly praised Graceling has an entirely new cast of characters, save for one person who plays a pivotal role in both books. You don't need to have read Graceling to love Fire. But if you haven't, you'll be dying to read it next.

This edition includes an article by and an interview with Kristin Cashore, as well as a sneak peek at her next book, Bitterblue!

A young half human, half monster child named, “FIRE”. She was beautiful with hair of red, orange and pink highlights. Her beauty defied all other humans and monsters of her type. Her mother was human and her father a monster. In the Dells is where she was born of parents who loved her. Her father (Cansrel) was a cruel monster, who enjoyed doing evil and cruel things to humans. He had the gift of controlling people’s minds and making them do and see things his way. He was an evil creature, but the monsters had a power over all humans; they were beautiful and the humans couldn’t control themselves and instantly fell in love with monsters if they did not get control over their own minds.

Cansrel taught his daughter Fire how to use her powers to over take others and to do evil things, but Fire was not like him. She was kind and didn’t like the thought of harming others. She was a loving monster and used her powers for good and not deceit.

This book was an interesting read, but I must say that I enjoyed Kristin Cashore’s book “Graceling” more than this read. It was hard to follow in the beginning, the monsters and the different colors of the monster bugs and the powers that the monsters had were a bit beyond my imagination. I really did have to do some thinking and self creativity while reading this book. I enjoyed the love portion of the book, but it was kind of obvious who was going to fall in love with whom.

I did enjoy the part of the book where her best friend, Archer, was her first love and he loved her to no end, but still yet visited other women’s beds because he knew that Fire would not love him the way he loved her. She accepted him and in the end only loved him as a dear and true friend. Everyone hated her father, Cansrel, for they knew he was always up to no good. Fire loved her father, for he was very kind and loving towards her.
One of the big events in the book was when we find out that Fire, despite her love for her father, ended up controlling his mind and had him killed by his own ferocious monster pet. She made it look like he committed suicide; but in fact, she set up the whole incident.

She loved her father, but she knew she had to kill him in order for Brigan to live, for her father was trying to overthrow the kingdom and kill Brigan and his Brother Nash –the reigning king. She knew if her father lived, he would bring misery and pain to everyone in the land. A terrible thing for Fire to do, but she did it for the good of the people. I admire her for doing such a thing. She lived with that pain and memory all her life, but in the end she knew it was for the best.

I personally wouldn’t read the book again, but I’m glad I did read it because there was a Graceling in the story who was able to control people with his voice and what he said to them. I’m pretty sure there will be another book to elaborate on Immiker- the graceling.

Really quick, he tried to join forces with Fire, and his desire was to overthrow the King and take over doing evil and gaining power for himself. Fire was not impressed and sought to kill him, but he got away, and thus I can tell that he will come back in one of Cashore’s books.

Review: Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson.

What happens in Vegas . . . doesn't always stay there.

Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots—not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam LeClaire. The first moment she saw him eyeing her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her to run. And she did—right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality, and before she could say "pass the coffee," Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn hasn't clapped eyes on the heartbreaking hockey superstar for over two years . . . until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a big play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever?

Another hit from Rachel Gibson. Autumn Haven, red head, green eyed and young and out for fun finds herself a week in Vegas having the time of her life. She stumbles upon hot and gorgeous Sam LeClaire. He instantly finds her attractive at the night club and Autumn can’t believe he’s actually looking at her.

Her time in Vegas was all that she hadn’t imagined or had on her TO-DO LIST. Everything was off her list once she met Sam, a hot hockey player out in Vegas for a wild ride with his buddies. They both had the time of their lives which ended in marriage at the Traditional Wedding Chapel. It was the happiest day of Autumn’s life, but ended quickly when she realized Le Claire was gone the next morning and she was left alone!

I enjoyed this book because to me, it was realistic. Autumn was your ordinary girl who went to Vegas by herself to get away and take a vacation. What she didn’t know was that she was going to fall head over heels for Sam LeClaire. Their love struggle was very real to me. She hated Sam for all the right reasons and then at the same time she couldn’t control herself when he was near her. I can sympathize with women who were dumped by hot hunks, athletes that just left them out high and dry. The heart is a terrible thing to mess around with. If we’re not careful, the heart can take over and cause so much mischief, heart ache and an emptiness that sometimes cannot be filled.

This book helped me understand that there are second chances and getting over the past is crucial to move on to the present and the future. Autumn Haven knew her heart and tried desperately to guard it with every force in her body, but when it came to Sam LeClaire she was like putty in his hands. But, she held her own for years and was a great independent woman on her own, and that’s why I enjoyed this book so much. I know love wins all in the end, but knowing that Autumn did her part and in the end subjected herself to love again and released that “Havens don’t forgive and forget easily theory.” I’m glad she did because it made the story a happily ever after.

Thanks for a great read and I look forward to reading other books by Rachel Gibson!

"Karl Strauss Brewery"

Karl Strauss Brewery in Irvine, CA was a pleasant place where Mike and I found to have dinner last night

(Friday, 7-1-11). Their main attraction is their 10 different types of beers brewed at their restaurant. The lighting was dim, the booth was clean and our waitress was absolutely warm and down to earth. She was very knowledgeable about the foods they served and the different types of beer they served.

We started off with Hummus and Flat Bread for appetizers and that was an absolute delight! The flatbread was freshly baked and the hummus tasted fresh with red onion, crushed olives and tomatos on the side of the dish. Mike and I couldn't stop eating the flat bread one after the other and our waitress told us its baked fresh and the wood they use really adds a great taste to the bread- nice!

I ordered the Chicken Mango salad with a citrus vinegerette and Mike ordered their famous Fish and Chips with Cole Slaw. My salad was plentiful and the vinegerette was just right, not too tangy and not too strong. Mikes had 4 pieces of nice sized fish and his cole slaw was very tastey. We enjoyed our meals and did not feel over stuffed but just content and satisfied with our meal. Our waitress brought us 2 shots of beer for our pallots and being that I'm not a drinker Mike had 2 shots. He said the shots were sweet and bitter and enhanced his meal. We didn't order dessert but the shots of beer were good enough for Mike.

I give Karl Strauss and A for good food and good service with a SMILE! We will definitely be visiting their restaurant again when we find ourselves in Irvine or maybe just to entertain friends. Definitely recommend Karl Strauss!

Hasta la Pasta!!

"BNICE AND MIKE'S RESTAURANT VISITS"

My cousin Mike and I have gone to many restaurants around the South Bay Area just trying out new spots that we haven't tried out before. I think we started last year (2010) and have since continued the journey. I believe Mike has been trying out new restaurants long before last year and thus we have created our nights of adventrues to trying out new restaurants and new sites in the surrounding area.

I have the picture of Georges Greek Cafe (Long Beach) posted up because it is my favorite Greek place for some great halumi. (Pita bread, fried cheese and a slice tomato with oils.) What a treat! I was introduced to this appetizer from Mike, of course.

With each new restaurant we try, I'll be posting up what we think about the restaurant and let you peeps know what the great deal or great meal of the day is. So right now, I'm going to just quickly dot down some of the restaurants, cafes or hole in the wall spots that we've ventured to, none in any order of course.

Restaurant from 2010 to the Present are:

The Salt Creek - El Segundo (Salmon is great!)

The Melt - El Segundo (Crepes with chocolate:0)

Canter's Restaurant - Los Angeles (Coffee Cake yum!) - 24 hrs

The Shorehouse - Belmont Shores (Nachos- delicioso!) - 24 hrs

La Strada - Belmont Shores (Fettucine Alfredo)

La Creperia - Belmont Shores (Crepes with Cream)

The Tofu House - Los Angeles (Kim Chee and Rice good stuff- tofu ok) - 24 hrs

Georges Greek Cafe - Long Beach (HALUMI- LOVE IT

Rockbottom Brewery - Long Beach (Shrimp Tacos- yum)

Alberto's - Long Beach (The best Nachos Ever!)

Picarelli - Long Beach (The Best pasta and fried eggplant!)

NY Upper Crust Pizza - Belmont Shores (Pizza and Tiramasu)

CHA FOR TEA - Long Beach (The Ultimate Tea Joint and chinese food)

Yogurtland - Long Beach, Manhattan Beach (Great Yogurt and cheap too)

Cheesecake Factoy - Pasadena (Great location, great food)

OK, so these are just a few hot spots that I can remember that we've tried. I'll eventually add to the list when I remember the other places we've tried. I enjoy trying out new restaurants and Mike doesn't mind driving, so we're a perfect duo to go and sample and the rich, good food the area has to offer. I guess when we run out of places to try, we will need to expand our ventures and start going to different countriels to try out new places; that would be GREAT!

I didn't get a chance to elaborate on each restaurant we visited, but I'll be more faithful in writing down the places we try out and writing up what good deals, good entrees and so forth to try out. Until then Bon Apetit!

I'M IN PAIN

Last month I'm eating cheese pizza with spinach with my cousin Mike in Westwood and everything is going well. At like 4:00am, I feel this sharp pain in my stomach and I'm thinking oh no here comes the pizza and sure enough the pizza came, for 3 hours straight; not a good feeling.
So I'm thinking maybe I'm Lactose, but then is being lactose that severe in pain. I went to Urgent Care and was told I had food poisoning and thats what I thought as well, but my cousin Mike didn't have any problems with the pizza.

Hmm so a few weeks later I'm eating fried zucchini from my favorite local hamburger joint "FABULOUS" and the same thing happens at 4:00am, sharp pains and that queasy unnerving feeling all day. So its now Fathers Day and we go to eat at "Lucille's BBQ" and it was great, but yet I'm still feeling queasy.

I said enough is enough and set up an appointment on Thursday with the doctor and the whole time I'm not feeling good at all, just trying to make it to Thursday. I get to the doctor take some tests and BAM, she sends me to the Emergency where they took some tests and found out that I had Gall Bladder Stones; so not kool! I'm just glad they found out what was wrong with me.

Pain from the gall bladder is NO JOKE! When i first felt the pain in May, I was bent over with my hands on my stomach just swaying back and forth in hopes that the pain would subdue but no luck. The doctor gave me some pills to ease the nausea and pain but eventually the pain came back because of the greasy foods I was eating..

I went to the Emergency on Thursday and was admitted, I"m like what the heck is going on. So more tests were done and one stone was removed that was not in my gall bladder, it was like moving around doing its own thing and dancing around causing me pain ugh! So I left the hospital on Sunday and was glad to be home.

I will have my gall bladder removed at the end of the month; thank goodness! I have to watch what I eat, no greasy, fatty foods at all, and by golly geez I'm gonna be obedient because the pain I felt was not the business and I don't ever want to feel that pain again! I'll be on a strict diet until the doctor removes my gall bladder and even after the surgery I'm still gonna watch and be careful of what I eat..So all the good foods that I generally love, here's saying Bye Bye!

So gotta be conscious of what we put in our bodies, and try to eat better and healthier. I mean a little endulging is OK, but gotta pump the brakes when its too much! Self control and portion control and no fatty, greasy foods for me!