Friday, February 27, 2009

My Secret Revealed!

Aloha, DIK Ladies! 'Tis I, Bev (QB)! I received a surprise invitation from Tracy to Guest Blog today. I KNOW... that's exactly what I thought too... Tracy was apparently doing some glue-intensive crafts in an unventilated room that day.

Back when the DIK Ladies first formed, I followed the goings on and negotiations with endless amusement. My favorite part was that so many comments appeared for each post that the Blogger Word Verifications turned over to words with like 38 letters in them.

Bev's Secret Path 1I think it was Lisabea who asked me why I didn't join you in your DIK picking, and I basically told her that, when presented with too many choices, my memory comes up a big fat blank. Really, I'm cursed with a memory for names that sucks big hairy ogre balls even in real life. So, I couldn't think of any specific DIKs in some of the categories until one of YOU would mention one and it would shake loose a dust bunny or two out of my memory.Secret Cove- 1st path

As it turns out, I may have found the best of both worlds. I can choose any DIK I want because I'm a guest and you have to be polite to me (*neener-neener*), AND I can come and go from my Secret Cove on DIK Island whenever I want.Secret Cove- 2nd path

Yes, that's right, on the other side of your island, there is a hidden cove. It allows me to drop by and visit you and then disappear. Ever notice how I just happen to be around when there's a party going on? Ever wondered where some of your menz wander off to when they're feeling neglected because you've been playing favorites? Well, there's a special path (revealed here in these 4 pictures) and a few of the menz have followed it to discover my Secret Cove. What, you may ask, transpires in my Secret Cove? Sorry, but it's not called a SECRET Cove for nothing.

Bev's Secret CoveHowever, since Tracy was crazy drugged kind enough to issue me an invitation to Guest Blog over here, I've decided to go legitimate and come up with my very own Deserted Island Keepers. Of course, I'm still exercising my prerogative as a guest to choose whatever DIKs I fancy without regard to who may or may not have already laid claim to them. Yes, I know... my bad. Besides, unless you are one of the very few around here that are as old as I am (*coughKristiecough*), there's a good chance I laid claim to these heroes before you were over David Cassidy, Shaun Cassidy, Duran Duran, New Kids on the Block, or basically any teen idol after the original Monkees.

With so many unforgettable books to choose from, my DIK books were selected only if I have experienced the uncontrollable urge to re-read them and cannot imagine not having them available when that urge strikes. I have a feeling that there are some more recent books from other authors that will one day turn out to be my DIKs also.

Christian Bonello as Devil CynsterDevil's Bride original Book CoverCloser to perfection than any other romance book I've ever read, the only glaring flaw in Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens is that unfortunate original back cover pic. I mean, come on, Joey Tribbiani on a really bad hair day as Devil Cynster?! What were they thinking?! Besides, I KNOW that Devil looks like Christian Bonello (at right) and it was an excruciating choice to omit him from my DIK Heroes list that is cruelly limited to only six men. I wouldn't mind bringing the rest of the Cynster series along either, particularly the five other original Bar Cynster's stories that make up the crème de la crème of Regency era historical romances.

The Harlequin Book CoverNarcissus in Chains Book CoverHonestly, I consider the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton to be one ongoing story broken up into multiple books. So couldn't the series count as ONE BIG, LONG DIK? Okay, if I must play fair and choose one, then book 10, Narcissus in Chains, but I claim a special dispensation for a copy of book 15, The Harlequin, because I'm a vampire victim in it. Whenever I finish an ABVH book, it takes me a while to wrap my head around the fact that I can't just go to St. Louis and catch up with what's been going on in these people's lives.

A Gentleman's Wager Book CoverTo anyone who has ever visited my blog, it should be no surprise that A Gentleman's Wager by Madelynne Ellis is on my DIK list. I think I've rec'd this Georgian romp to so many people that the only thing I haven't tried is door-to-door sales. Really, life without Vaughan just wouldn't be worth living. I certainly wouldn't say no to bringing Phantasmagoria or any of the other upcoming AGW sequels and/or spin offs along to my Secret Cove either.

Lara Book CoverTough choice between Bertrice Small's Sky O'Malley series and her World of Hetar series, so I'll choose the World of Hetar only because it's fantasy based. And if I must choose only one book in that series, it would be the first one, Lara. But really, it's so hard to choose one book in either of these series because it's the cumulative story over successive books that weaves the rich tapestry of each heroine's life.

Dead and Gone Book CoverDead to the World Book CoverJohanna Parker's brilliant narration brings Sookie and all the other characters to Southern fried life in the audio books of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series. If I must choose just one, it would be either book 4- Dead to the World (the one with Eric's amnesia) or book 8, From Dead to Worse (Eric remembers!). However, I claim another dispensation for a copy of the upcoming book 9, Dead and Gone because I'm a vampire fashionista in that one.

This final DIK slot is tough to choose. I was going to say Karen Marie Moning's Darkfever, but really I'd only want to bring it if I could have all 5 books in the Fever series. The cliffhangers would make me fugbuckin' nutso otherwise. Ditto for LKH's Merry Gentry series, although if I had to choose just one, it would probably be book 3, Seduced by Moonlight (the one with the Chalice Dream).

The Immortal Highlander Book CoverThen I thought about Phil Gigante's eargasmic narration of KMM's Highlander audio books, and I realized that it would be nice to have a second "hands-free" DIK, so I could sit with a tall, cold MAL-EEE-BOO and Pineapple Juice in one hand and... uh... someone something else in the other hand. But how can I choose just one? This is an impossible task you have set before me! Alright, alright, I guess it would be The Immortal Highlander (Adam Black and Gabrielle O'Callaghan) because we also get Phil G's Drustan and Dageus voices plus Adam's human and fae voices. There's also Fae intrigue, a tear-jerker HEA, and even dashes of humor.

Well. there's the first six books on my Deserted Island Keeper list. But I'm sure what you're all REALLY waiting for is my list of heroes that can be found romping in my Secret Cove. So without further adieu, these are the DIKs of my dreams...

VaughanVaughan, Marquis of Pennerly from A Gentleman's Wager by Madelynne Ellis: One of the most deliciously complex characters I’ve ever read. When he is “on stage” (and often when he’s not) he demands- and receives- the attention of everyone in the room… man, woman, or reader. He smirks, he sulks, he lies, he seduces, he pouts. While he often DOES amuse himself at the expense of others, he just as often lashes out in retaliation for his own pain or to cover his own vulnerability. Oh, I'm well aware that the emotional whirlwind that is Vaughan might exhaust me, but watching him work his seductive skills on my other men, and YOURS, should prove highly entertaining. I've no doubt that Vaughan can seduce anyone he sets out to, male or female.

Marcus Schenkenberg as RichardDonovan Lewis as Jean-ClaudeJean-Claude (at left) from the ABVH series by Laurell K. Hamilton: Calculating, pragmatic, hedonistic, and seductive, but with a touch of Lost Boy to him. Unlike selfish Anita, I have no qualms about sharing this bisexual vampire and can't wait to see Jean-Claude and his look-a-like, Vaughan, frolicking together. Since he owns all those male and female strip clubs, I also can't wait to see the productions he directs for my our enjoyment. Too bad that smexy Ulfic, Richard Zeeman (at right), doesn't play well with other boys.

These next two are right about my height and will be a welcome respite from all the towering egos in the hut:

Orlando Bloom as MicahMicah Callahan (at right) from the ABVH series by Laurell K. Hamilton: This Nimah-Ra, or alpha were-leopard, offers no drama; he's practical and quietly goes about doing what needs to be done. The kind of easy going guy you can just enjoy hanging out with, he's the one I'd go to if I needed to bare my soul or harmlessly vent some anger. Extra points for being a cuddler.

Marcus Schenkenberg as RhysRhys (at left) from Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series: Sure he's a Death God that's thousands of years old, but it's his humor and irreverence that win his space on the island with me. Not to mention his killer abs. His training as one of the Queen's Royal Guards, and now one of Merry's guards and baby-daddies, means he's used to sharing. Merry and Andais may not appreciate him, but I certainly will.

Savitar from Sherilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters series: An omnipotent beach bum? What's NOT to love! Problem is that I can't find a picture that's close enough to how I envision my Savitar, so you'll just have to suffer through more than one. I know, I've asked you to endure too much, haven't I?
SavitarSavitar
SavitarSavitar


Josh Wald as JeremyJeremy Danvers from Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Underworld series: I hope I don't regret this choice. I think our cool, calm alpha werewolf with the hidden passions could provide the kind of quiet strength and confidence that the rest of the men will look up to. Or, if he doesn't unleash his tight control over his alpha hungers, he could turn out to be as fun as morning breath. Okay, full disclosure- Jeremy is getting this spot in my secret cove because he looks so much like Josh Wald, aka MY Josh. But if he DOES decide to keep that stick up his ass instead of... well... NOT a stick up his ass, then I reserve the right to put him in charge of the island accounting department and I'm bringing in either Adam Black, one of The MacKeltars from KMM's Highlanders series, or Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series instead. Gratuitous Celt pics to follow:

CeltHighlander


So, there you have 'em. My Desert Island Keepers. Thanks for letting me come play in your sandbox, Ladies, it's been an honor! And, btw, my Secret Cove is now open for sharing too, so stop by anytime!

22 comments:

Sarai said...

Well I know I personally will be stopping by A LOT!!! Thanks for coming out and playing with us we always enjoy the new books and menz!!!

Amanda said...

WOW they are all crackers by the sounds of things! There are a few I haven't read, but i have to hands down agee with you on the Immortal highlander narration huba huba!!

Thanks for giving me a giggle this lunch time reading your post!

lisabea said...

Squeee~Screw all the franks and beans, I want BevQB in my hut.

::clinks glasses and bring on the audio::

MWAH! Most excellent.

Bev(QB) said...

You know, I've been told that I'm a dork (*coughJenBandMBcough*)for spending WAAAYYY too much time envisioning various characters, not to mention finding pictures that reflect that vision.

But I hope the rest of you think it was worth it!

Sarai, thanks. But will I be tarred and feathered for claiming menz?

Amanda- YEAH! Another Phil G fan! You are most definitely welcome to my Secret Cove!

And, LB, I've heard what goes on in your hut... and I'm SO there! ;-D

KT Grant said...

Love, love Devil's Bride! Getting naughty in the conservatory during a ball!!
And those menz pictures. Wow. *wipes drool off chin*

JenB said...

Such pretty pictures. *drools*

Very, very nice choices. I even put the Laurens book on my shopping list. :)

And you are a dork...for many reasons. :P But so am I!! We're kindred spirits (is that as scary to you as it is to me?). *hugs*

Renee said...

Devil's Bride is one of my all-time fave historicals, and your cover model is definitely the better Devil.

I love LKH, but you're right. Anita needs to learn how to share. JC needs to give Richard a good one, and help him get over his "issues". And, Micah is such a sweetie! I love those cat-shifters!

I think Jeremy will loosen up just fine. He's got that "still waters run deep" thing going on. God knows, he can't be too uptight with Jamie as his girlfriend!

I've had Gentlemen's Agreement on my Audible wish list, per your rec!
Johanna Parker's Sookie productions are the best. I just got Dead as a Doornail from the library.

Great selections!

Tracy said...

Bev! Thanks for coming to play. I had no idea you had a secret cove here! That is very cool and you have some fine specimen's gettin nakey over there. Yeah baby. Break out the MAL-EE- BOO and I'm there. :)

I haven't read any of your DIK books except KMM's Highlanders but they sound great!

Ok - I'm off to sniff more glue!

Bev(QB) said...

KB and Renee- with all the other Regency novels out there, I sometimes feel like too few Romance Readers remember how good some of the older ones are. Once I found Laurens, most other Regencies paled in comparison. And WOOT- She's bringing back the original Cynsters in a series of 4 books later this year!

Also, Renee, just remember that the AGW audio book is more of a narration rather than a performance. So listen to WHAT she's reading rather than HOW she's reading it.

Jen- You DO realize that Laurens writes Regency, right? And, if we are kindred spirits, then actually, it's the rest of the world that should be afraid.

Tracy, thank you for inviting me! Now come join LB and I in her hut-- the MAL-EEE-BOO is flowing freely and is SO much better than glue!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post!!! I don't think I've read any of these! I do have the Highlanders Series patiently waiting for me inside however! Love the pics :D

JenB said...

Bev - Heh heh. The rest of the world should be trembling in terror.

*sigh* I know Laurens writes Regencies. But I am willing to make the sacrifice. I read Ideal Bride and liked it well enough, and it's supposedly one of the worst Cynster books. I've read and enjoyed a few Regencies. Jillian Hunter...a Johanna Lindsey...that one Laurens book...it's still my least favorite period, but there are some standouts.

Oh! And I just bought Daegus' book on Audible. 15% OFF SALE!!

Bev(QB) said...

Thanks, Barbara! KMM's Highlanders are flat-out sexy, over-the-top, escapist fantasy! ENJOY!

Jen, I think you'll like the heroine, Honoria, in Devil's Bride. For that time period, she's quite strong and practical. No silliness and even though she's young by our standards, you'll BELIEVE that she can take her rightful place among the older matrons of the ton. But the key here is to view her through the lense of the Regency era, not through our modern day lenses.

YEAH for Audible's 15% off sale! I just bought Bone Crossed because I don't know when I'll have time to actually sit down and read it, and between this sale and that "Buy the 1st book in a series" sales they had, I've really added to my audio library, including the 1st Outlander for $4.95. Now THAT was a sale! Yes, I know, I've read it before, but someday I've vowed to tackle it again.

Now if only Recorded Books would re-release Devil's Bride to Audible. They've now added Library Edition CDs in addition to the cassettes, so I'm hoping the consumer CDs and downloadable edition won't be far behind.

Kris said...

SL is bringing the original Cynsters back later this year. O_O YAY!

She is the only historical romance author I continue to read and needless to say I have ALL her books. Devil's story is one of my faves. Tell me what did you think of The Promise of a Kiss??

BTW, thanks for the pretties. They went well with my coffee this morning. *g*

Bev(QB) said...

Kris, I need to catch up with the Bastion Club before the new Cynster books come out and maybe even before Dalziel's book comes out. I know I've read 2 or 3 of the earlier Bastions but then lost track. However, the upcoming 4-book series merges the Cynster couples and the Bastion couples so I MUST get caught up before then.

Now, The Promise of a Kiss. Yes, I read it, but I honestly don't remember if it was any good. I DO remember, however, that I felt like it didn't matter how this book ended because we already know they didn't get an HEA. So, for me, the book was dismissed before I opened it.

Kris said...

Bev, I had a similar reaction to The Promise.... It was nice and all, but I couldn't really work out why she had written it.

Do catch up on the Bastion Club series. The things you learn about Dalziel! The build up of anticipation for his story is just fantastic. I know it's a bit like sacrilege, but I think I'm enjoying this series even more than the Cynsters.

Samantha Kane said...

Okay, wait, wait, wait. I'm late to the party (I KNOW all the MAL EEE BOO is gone)but I know you did not just try to take Rhys out of my hut. HELLLLLOOOOO. Original DIK here. I get rights of first claiming. You may visit him, of course. I have no objection if you want to come over for a little chat, but you are delusional and sniffing pina colada glue with Tracy if you think I'm letting him go. Secret cove my behind. *snort of disbelief*

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who wants to fill my hut with those dark and dangerous monsters of LKH's. Rrrrrowwwrr.

Hmmm, I vote for Ralph Fiennes as Savitar. That works for me. ;-)

And holy Moses, that dude with the long kilt and . . . everything. Just. Wow. Stealing him now. Here's another nicely filled kilt for you.
http://www.nicolenorth.com/

Bev(QB) said...

SAMANTHA KANE! (damn, that would be more effective if I knew your middle name) I am shocked... SHOCKED, I tell you! Is that any way for a genteel Southern Belle to treat a GUEST?! Where are your manners and Southern Hospitality?!

Furthermore, I did NOT just try to take Rhys out of your hut! Such a low opinion you have of me! No, dahlin', evidently your hissy fit blinded you to the fact that he has grabbed his famous white trenchcoat and is walking out all on his own.

Now, here... take this tall cold glass o' MAL-EEE-BOO, top it off with your favorite juice, and let's sit over here and watch the buns go by, k? I casually mentioned in passing that some of the boys were looking a little pale from working out in the indoor gym, so I suspect they'll have moved the equipment out to the beach by now.

Ah, yessssss... there they are now. Oh wait, let me grab the rest of the bottle. I have a feeling we'll need to keep hydrated today.

Samantha Kane said...

Clearly you have never seen a Southern Belle when a ... guest tries to take her man. And furthermore ... is that MAL EEE BOO? Ohhhhh, thank you. ::pouring cranberry juice:: Oh my, what a nice view. You're absolutely right, they look much too pale. And, oh, here, let me ... yes, I'm just going to go help Rhys spot Savitar on that weight thingy over there with that delightfully convenient bench attached.

Bev(QB) said...

SAM! WAIT! Let him put that weight down first. You don't want to BREAK him, do you dear?

Oh, there you are Vaughan! You know, Sam thought that *I* had stolen Rhys away from her hut. Be a darling and wander over there to show her who REALLY seduced him away, would you? No, I'm SURE she won't mind, this is Sam the-more-the-merrier Kane we're talking about. Oh, and here... to save time, I mixed up a pitcher of MAL-EEE-BOO and Cranberry Juice for her... she'll be needing a refill by now. Hmmm? No, I agree with you, Vaughan, I'm not sure that piece of equipment was designed to work those particular muscles, but she's certainly flexible for someone her age.

;-p

Robert said...

Love Jeremy Danvers! He is so hot!

. said...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshwaldphotos/8501162338/
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8501162338_7fd2862cf1_z.jpg

Soledad Miranda-Rottmann said...

I included your suggestion for
Devil Cynster at my book cover video. I hope you approve ;)
http://youtu.be/1uIhKz_RTzA

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