I have mentioned before on my blog that I am a tv junkie. The good news for readers is that, during the summer, when nothing much new is on, I get a LOT of writing done! (maybe I should learn from that and try to cut back on my tv watching…nah.)

Last night was the season finale (and the final episode) of a silly little show called “Reaper.” It’s on that weird network, The CW, which also keeps my beloved “Supernatural” alive and kicking every season, so I can’t hate them too much.

“Reaper” is about a sort of loser guy named Sam who had his soul sold to the devil by his father when he was a baby. Nice dad, huh? As payback he must work for the devil collecting escaped souls and returning them back to hell. He has a couple of friends (one of which is named Sock and has probably some of the best lines and the funniest delivery ever) who help him out with this soul collecting, and he also has this on-and-off girlfriend. Anyway, it’s a fun show with a great comic flair to it.

The last episode aired last night…and in some ways they did give an ‘end’ to the show. Not really solid, but something that can work in my mind. They resolved a few things and left me feeling okay with it.

I did read somewhere that they are trying to turn it into a syndicated show…in other words, the local networks would sign on to air the show and pay for the privilege. Much like they do now with repeats of “Seinfeld” or “Friends.” But this would allow them to continue making new episodes of the show. I guess the idea is that there is no original Sunday night CW programming right now. So “Reaper” could fill that void for the local networks who choose to participate.

I thought that was an intriguing idea. Not sure if it will fly. I’m also not sure if that would compromise the quality of the show…not like it was high end in the first place, but it did have occasional special effects and some great actors. I’d hate for that to change.

If you haven’t watched “Reaper,” this summer might be the ideal time to rent the first season. I’m guessing it’s on DVD somewhere. The first season was more formulaic, but it still was fun. The second season they worked a lot harder at the story arcs, rather than just coming up with fun escaped souls to track down every week.

Just got the final version of my cover for Shake Your Moneymaker. Isn’t it pretty?

Oh yeah! I love getting new cover art. Now I have to work on adding it to my homepage and fixing the links. Because I think right now that one is screwed up…anyway, revel in the lovely new art.

The 2nd book in my super-hot shapeshifter series, Arctic Heat 2:ICE RED, is now for sale at Cobblestone Press….check it out:

ICE RED!

Like a little tying up with your sexy stories? Maybe some domination? And how about menage? Then I think you’ll like this one.

There’s an excerpt on the Cobblestone Press page. Hope you like it. The 3rd book in the series comes out June 12th…ICE WHITE.

Ah, the final three on American Idol. All men. Interesting to see that.

If anyone’s been reading my sparse posts about AI, you know I’m no Adam fan. After last night, I have not changed my mind. In fact, I’m seriously hoping the guy gets the boot tomorrow night. Yes, he was that awful. (I’m still trying to figure what the judges were listening to, and have come to the conclusion instead that they want him to win, so they will say anything and everything to get him votes.)

“One” - OMG, what WAS that? Where was the melody? Lost in Adam’s messy, screechy world of singing rock as if it were for a theater audience. I imagined this to be in some musical on off off Broadway a la “Mamma Mia.” And the KISS tongue wag has to go.

“Cryin’” - First, the backup singer was TOO loud. Second, the arrangement was a mess. Third, more screech. Not good, dude. Not good. Do not let the judges fool you.

Danny was all right last night. I’ve liked him better in the past. I blame part of his problems on song choices.

some Trent D’arby song - Why is Paula allowed to choose songs? She always does a horrid job. This song had hardly any range at all. Was unfamiliar to most of the audience. Danny kinda yell-sang through it. Enh.

“You Are So Beautiful” - Not the most original choice. Sung well, but not the ‘master class’ that the one judge claimed it to be. I like Danny better when he’s gravelly.

Kris Allen, you are the man! I didn’t like you very much at the beginning. Thought you were sort of a blah contestant…and then as time went on, you showed how talented you really are.

“Apologize” - Sitting at the piano was a mistake. Not your best effort ever, but you did it justice. I will give a pass b/c you didn’t choose this song.

“Heartless” - BEST SONG OF THE NIGHT. I despise Kanye West, but you made me love this song. I loved it so much that I am waiting for it to appear on iTunes so I can buy it. That is the mark of a true artist. I hope you make it to the final two.

So, I’m pretty certain Adam will be in the final two. I’m hoping I’m wrong, because that would be the coolest upset ever. The judges are pimping for him hard. As are the producers as they seem to give him all kinds of stage help with rockstar type entrances, lighting, outfits. That does nothing for me, but clearly they think it will help push him over the top.

After that I’m hoping Kris is in the final two. He deserves to be there. He is a true musician.

What did you think?

Biggest Loser

I tape the repeat of this on Saturday night. So my intention was to NOT see who won. Sadly, I accidentally found out this morning. Just have to say, I’ve never liked Helen. She always seemed more into herself than anything else, and she proved it when she convinced her daughter, who has never been thin in her life, to go home instead of her!?! Classic self-centered person.

All of her revelations seemed fake to me. When she went home and was surprised by the size of her clothes…fake, fake, fake. “Oh, I can’t believe these are mine? Are you sure, honey?” COME ON. What a faker. UGH.

Whatever. I am still looking forward to watching it on repeat mode Saturday night to see the transformations. Tara won a buttload of prizes, so I can’t feel too badly for her. The rest of them will get endorsements and whatnot from their local areas.

Helen will most likely spend all of her winnings on herself.

Let me just start this post by saying the last time I ever watched an actual show on MTV I was probably 18 years old. So clearly I am not the demographic MTV (the most UNmusical musical channel there is) is looking for.

But somehow I lucked across this new ‘game show’ called “The Phone” produced by Justin Timberlake of all things!

Have you ever seen the movie “The Game” with Michael Douglas where he thinks all of these horrible things have happened to him only to find out it was some sick birthday gift from his brother? Well, this game show is sort of like that. And terribly addictive. And family friendly. Kudos to MTV for keeping it clean.

The premise of the show is this…4 strangers are given a directive to appear in a certain place at a certain time. A phone rings. And rings. And rings. Each contestant must find his ringing phone and answer it. On the other end is the ‘host’ who tells you that the game is beginning and do you want to play?

Once each contestant says ‘yes,’ the insanity begins. It’s all done with hidden cameras and appears to be happening in the real world…they’ve had a car blow up, a gun battle, and a man get hit by a car all right in front of the contestants’ eyes as if it’s happening for real.

I’m still trying to figure out how they do it exactly.

They break up into teams of two and are given a series of tasks that are related to the overall mystery they are supposed to solve. Halfway through one team is eliminated and then the final two contestants must work together to figure it all out.

Yeah, it can be a little corny at times. But the special effects and the ‘real’ feel of it, plus the reactions of the contestants while all this is going on is really quite fun.

Episode 4 is on tomorrow night at 10. You might want to try it out.

I’m big on baking…cakes, pies, biscuits, muffins. All so delicious. But I am also finding a love of home cooking. I suppose in this day and age I should be all heart-healthy and low-fat, making everything with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or ground turkey, using nothing but a bit of Pam to cook.

However, I am a total comfort food person. I love the casseroles, the crockpot cooking, ground beef is my best friend in a pinch, along with a bag of shredded cheese. I have advanced from using Campbell’s soups and mixes to doing most of the work from scratch. Homemade macaroni-and-cheese or tuna noodle casserole is to DIE FOR.

Last night, I made one of my favorites…Chicken and Dumplings. OMG, so damn good, I can’t stand it! And it is so frickin’ easy it’s ridiculous. Chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and a bit of thyme and sage. Cook for a couple hours on the stove and then make some dumpling batter and plop it in the pot. 20 minutes later you have edible heaven.

In fact, I made so much that I have plenty to eat today for lunch. Oh yeah!

What is your favorite comfort food? What is your favorite dinner recipe for the family? I’m always up for a new one to try….

Check out my interview on Book Talk with J & J today, make a comment, and you could win a free copy of the first in my Arctic Heat series - ICE BLACK.

Click here

Good luck!!!!

Being in the middle of a whirlwind of book releases, I looked at the calendar this morning and realized it’s less than two weeks before ARCTIC HEAT 2: ICE RED is available for sale at Cobblestone Press.

ICE RED is another hot, hot menage with some sexy BDSM tossed in there. Plus, the characters are shapeshifters! This story is based in the same world as ICE BLACK and follows the sexual discoveries of Kerry Campbell, an unusual, redheaded shifter who can’t seem to figure out how to access her shapeshifting abilities. But two mysterious dominating strangers show up in her bedroom one night and….

Well, you’ll have to read it to find out!

ICE RED coming to Cobblestone Press on May 15th.

Kris

First, I must declare my love of Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Raisins. This is not only a great breakfast on the go, but a fantastic snack, and a good dessert replacement when you want something sweet, but don’t want to munch on an apple.

I’ve been eating one box of these raisins every day as I go about my business. For some reason, it makes me feel like I’m indulging myself, even though when I read the box it says “140 calories.” How could that be?

Product placement now over.

On to the interview stuff. On May 9th I will be intervied on the Book Talk with J & J blog. And a free copy of Ice Black will be up for grabs, so don’t miss it!

As we work our way toward summer, I’m trying to get back into writing. The warmer months seem to be more productive writing months for me. Also, I’ve had some personal issues come up over the last couple of months which really threw me for a loop. Still trying to recover. Probably the best answer to my problems right now would be to get writing again. Get back to something I enjoy. But sometimes when you are on that emotional roller coaster, not much seems to get done, you know?

Wish me luck this week on getting back to my writing!