Friday, July 29, 2011

Good Reads

It was a week with a few of my favorite authors.

When was the last time you read a story by Johanna Lindsey? It's been quite sometime since I read a "historical" romance. I think I've been reading too many paranormal and "erotic" romances. I had a great time visiting with Johanna again as she spun her tale -- WHEN PASSION RULES. It's about a princess who was stolen when she was just a babe, trying to take her rightful place in a fictious monarchy and her budding romance with her knight in uniform. No, there were no Mallories in this story. It's a totally standalone story.

After Johanna, I moved into the present. I spent some time with Catherine Coulter's Dillon and Sherlock -- SPLIT SECOND. I always like catching up with them, their son, Max and their top-notch team of agents. I think Dillon was playing matchmaker as the fuse between Lucy and Cooper slowly got lit. The novel had three cases for these agents to handle -- venti, grande and tall (never understood why Starbucks couldn't stick with Large, Medium, Regular/Small). For the main case, Catherine created a killer that was related to a famous dead real-life serial killer. Who knew this infamous killer had a progeny? It was fun riding along. Find out how Lucy ensures we can continue to spend time with Dillon in future books -- keeping my fingers that Catherine Coulter continues this series.


I just finished the 2nd book of Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan trilogy -- QUINN. Iris has been writing about Eve, Bonnie and Joe for many years. Eve developed a unique talent. When a skull is found and there's no matching DNA to tell who it is, Eve can build up a face from the skull. Iris is wrapping this series up with the final three books -- the three main characters that span all the books: Eve, Joe Quinn and Eve's daughter Bonnie. I guess I should have waited until BONNIE comes out (Oct 2011) before reading EVE (several months ago) and QUINN. Both EVE and QUINN end with cliff hangers. I couldn't help myself. It was out, and I had to read it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get a great ending with BONNIE. It's good that I have a ton of books I can read while waiting for it. Wonder what Iris is going to do after this? Will she continue to write with her son? Those are good reads, too.

What books have you read in the last week or two?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Lucky Weekend

My weekend started early. I went down to Atlantic City with my sister and her boyfriend last Thursday night. It was a quick trip as we had to return for a family dinner on Saturday.

We spent a couple of relaxing hours at Harrah's indoor pool. The rest of the day was spent at Bally's and the Boardwalk -- BF gambled; sis and I strolled the Boardwalk. Boy, were there lots of seagulls and an occasional pigeon demanding food :)

I did bring $100 down with me in case I wanted to try my luck. My sis did the night before and she was up 10 cents -- penny slots girl. I like the Roulette table.

After dinner, we headed back to Bally's casino. Sis found a $20 Voucher and gave it to me to play. We headed to the craps table and scoped them out. Finally, BF and sis chose a table. I watched the action while BF explained the basics to me. After two sessions, I finally placed the $20 voucher down on the Pass Line. WINNER! The $20 goes in the purse, and we went back to Harrah's. Sis and BF continued to play while I read in the room. It was not a goodnight for them. Sis was down $20 :(

Saturday was checkout day. We went back to Bally's for brunch and some final play. I wanted to try the quasi-automated roulette table since I had a free $20. Individuals had monitors where they can place their bets. No more jostling with others around a single table. It still has the roulette wheel and ball. In the end, the $20 grew to $80 dollars. Darn, I wish I played my number 21. I could have increased it by another $170. Oh, well.

One final bet before hitting the road!

Yes, I started walking to the craps table that we watched earlier. I put down 2 $25 chips on the pass line. I was given the dice, but I passed. I think that was a good thing as the guy next to me had a good running streak. THANK YOU, SIR! Happy me! Happy Sis! BF was even happy.

Zero money. Up $130. Sis got $30. I'm saving $100 for possible future trip. My sis' BF says I have to come on future trips.

I guess someone had to be lucky on this trip as the other two was not. It was my turn. I generally lose or come out even when I decide to play.

Here are pics I took -- 2011 Atlantic City