The Saucy Wenches Book Club

“Because I love you. Because love, to some, is a weakness. A pressure point. Because I would give up anything for you, including the GP. And because I don’t mean to give up either.”  Blood Games by Chloe Neill.

"She pulled my hair," he said reflectively.  "Took a clump of it out by the roots.  I'll tell ye, Sassenach; if ever I feel the need to change my manner of employment,  I dinna think I'll take up attacking women--it's a bloody hard way to make a living." Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

Today's Fangirl Fridays installment is about my favorite new TV show from the 2013-14 season. The Blacklist stars James Spader (Raymond "Red" Reddington), Megan Boone (Elizabeth Keen), Diego Klattenhoff (Donald Ressler), and Ryan Eggold (Tom Keen). Come with me through the jump and I'll tell you why The Blacklist should be one of your favorite shows, too.

“ The history of men's opposition to women's emancipation is more interesting perhaps than the story of that emancipation itself.”   A Room of One’s Own , Virginia woolf

“I have had it up to here with my wedding," I said. "The other day Andrea tried to explain to me that apparently I am supposed to have a new thing, an old thing, a blue thing, and something stolen." "Borrowed, Kate," Barabas murmured. "Who the hell even makes up those rules?”  Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

 A VERY Spoilery Discussion by Zee the Terrible and Barbara Bones Blood Games , the tenth installment in the Wench favorite Chicagoland Vampires series, released two weeks ago, and while Barb told you that it was fantastic in her review , she kept the details to a minimum. Well, we've been dying to discuss those details ever since, and we can't hold back any longer. So come with us through the jump, and we're going to dish on all of the glorious details. There will be many, many spoilers. Click through at your own risk!

I am the wife of the Laird of Balnain The Folk have stolen me over again ~ Diana Gabaldon, Outlander

Another week has passed with no two Wenches reading the same thing! That has to be a record. Old favorites from Ilona Andrews, Diana Gabaldon, and Chole Neill, and new finds from Carolyn Crane, C.S. Harris, Alice Clayton, Jaye Wells, and Jamie Maguire are on our lists this week.  Click through to see who's reading what, and share your choices in the comments below!

"He didn't make it in spite of you, Merit. He passed because of you. Because that's who you are to him. You may not feel it--not right now--but he's changed. He is happy because of you. {snip} Ethan is a man of a type: strong, powerful, honorable. But he has always held himself back from the rest of his vampires. Partly because he's a Master, sure, but partly because he didn't quite fit. With you, he fits. He's no longer alone. He's part of a pair, and that's a really good thing." Blood Games ~~Chloe Neill

The Disillusionists by Carolyn Crane is my latest, great reading find in urban fantasy. It's only three books in series. I know, it's so novel to read an urban fantasy series that is a trilogy and the bonus is all the books are already published. The series was recommended as our Goodreads three month, book series read and for me, it's been a delightful discovery.  The heroine, Justine Jones, was so likable to me and she wasn't super badass, but she fights for what she believes is right.  Add convincing side characters and it makes a series this reader thoroughly enjoyed. Plus throw in a couple of sexy guys and I'm intrigued to find out what happens next. So join me after the jump and learn why you should be reading this series. Mildly spoilery for the series.

“What a slut time is. She screws everybody.” ~ John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

I love the show Big Brother (U.S.)! The show is currently in its 16th season this summer. You can read all about the history of the show here . This is a reality show where a group of house guests are secluded from the world for the summer together. The object is to win competitions, make alliances, lie if they have to (and they always have to) to make it to the final two house guests left. The "jury" of evicted house guests will decide which of the two remaining will win $500,000. I love this show SO much that no matter how busy I am, or what’s going on in my life, I WILL find the time to watch the 3 episodes a week that air. I’ve been watching Big Brother since Season 7 when Mike “Boogie” Malin won. If you know the show, he and his bff on the show, Will Kirby (Season 2 winner) are one of the all-time best at this game. I do enjoy watching every year, but this year, I have to say, the contestants this season are the nicest group of people I’ve ever seen. One in particular...

But Augustine's pride was so genuine it sang through her body like white light, searching out the dark, ugly places and making them...less ugly. House of the Rising Sun ~~Kristen Painter

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.  Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Source This quote is dedicated to my in-laws who will be celebrating their 39th anniversary this Saturday. Congratulations Mom and Dad! Love you guys!

The Most Powerful Quotes From the Fever Series  Recently we did a piece on some of the most powerful books we've ever read (which you can read here ). That piece, combined with the news that Karen Marie Moning has finished Burned and it WILL be released in January, made me think about all of the powerful ideas in her amazing Fever series.  I have an unbelievable amount of highlights in my Fever books, some of them funny, some of them amazing moments that show our two favorite idiots loving each other, and many of them powerful life lessons. This is one of the things that awes me every single time I read the Fever series--KMM's depth and the power of her words. Having studied philosophy, it's no wonder that her writing has such depth and a plethora of compelling ideas. I always walk away from a reading of the Fever series (or even a skimming of my highlights!) feeling like anything is possible.  Now, there are so many pearls of wisdom, that I could not include th...

“Relationships are ropes. Love is a noose." - Durzo Blint

It's quite the mixed bag of reading choices for the Wenches this week! Primarily consisting of fantasy, mostly of the urban kind, we're reading new choices, old favorites, and a few recommended by other Wenches, although no two Wenches are reading the same thing! Also in the mix is a heavy non-fiction choice and perennial favorite, Outlander. Click through to see who's reading what, and be sure to share your reading list in the comments below!

Family wasn't about the blood that connected you to other people, it was about the people who chose to be connected to you. The people who stood at your side, who faced the demons, fought the battles and helped patch you up afterwards. The realization put a smile on his face. House of the Rising Sun ~~Kristen Painter

  I saw the cover for this book all over the place, back in May when it was released, and being set in New Orleans I was definitely interested, but going through a post-amazing-series funk and could not get into anything new. Fast forward to August, I'd just read the next installments in three of my favorite series (including the one that wrecked me in the Spring!) as well as a great erotic-romance, and I was finally ready for this book.  Did the book live up to the gorgeous cover? Did the author's story do NOLA justice? Does she have a new fan, or am I sorry I bothered? Click through to find out what I thought of House of the Rising Sun . Spoiler free. I'm getting better and not giving the good stuff away.

"You know those moments when everything is exactly the way it was meant to be? When you find yourself and your entire universe aligning in perfect synchronization, and you know you couldn't possibly be more content? I was inside that very moment, and fully conscious of it." Wallbanger by Alice Clayton.

“I walked stiffly past the worst hussy of them all: my former BFF, who'd apparently decided to move in. Jessica had been at the restaurant every day for over two weeks. Most days more than once. I knew she was hot for my man, but holy cow. Clearly I'd have to say yes to Reyes soon. This was getting ridiculous. he needed a ring on his finger--and fast.”  ― Darynda Jones , Sixth Grave on the Edge

To paraphrase a popular internet meme, since you are reading this, you have a teacher to thank. Whether it is your mom or dad, who home schooled you, your kindergarten teacher, who taught you the alphabet, or an elementary school teacher, who taught you to read your first words, you have a teacher to thank for this wonderful skill.  Gratitude toward teachers is something that is sorely lacking in the US. Teachers are expected to accomplish so much. They are shaping the minds of our future, for crying out loud, yet they are given almost no support to achieve the things expected of them. Well, I for one, am extremely grateful for all of the teachers out there,and I'm not afraid to show it. So, as teachers across the country prepare for another school year, this Fangirl's piece is dedicated to all of the teachers out there who are struggling against the government, administrators, and parents, to ensure our next generation comes out as useful members of society. K...

“Well, that depends, I suppose. I heard someone once say that men dance the same way they have sex. So, if you want everyone here to think you're the kind of guy who just sits around and—" He stood up. "Let's dance.”  Succubus Blues , Richelle Mead

You made me confess the fears that I have. But I will tell you also what I do not fear. I do not fear to be alone or to be spurned for another or to leave whatever I have to leave. And I am not afraid to make a mistake, even a great mistake, a lifelong mistake and perhaps as long as eternity too. ~ A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

I came quite late to the Bloodlines party, finishing the four available books this past spring, in just a few short weeks, as I told you about here . I loved the series so much that I encouraged anyone who would listen to read them, I reread the four books shortly thereafter, and then I was wrecked for anything else for months afterward. I only had to wait about four months for Silver Shadows to release, rather than the eight months that established readers had, but it still felt interminable with the shocking ending of The Fiery Heart .  I read the early chapters as they were released before publication day, and then when Silver Shadows finally hit my e-reader I devoured it rapidly, forgetting about the rest of the world while I took in Sydney and Adrian's journey back to one another. Did Silver Shadows live up to the expectations left by The Fiery Heart ? Did Sydrian find their way back to each other, or are they still searching? Click through find out whether I loved Sil...

Jamie had come to stand beside me at the window. Staring absently out at the driving rain, he said, “There was another reason. The main one.” “Reason?” I said stupidly. “Why I married you.” “Which was?” I don't know what I expected him to say, perhaps some further revelation of his family’s contorted affairs. What he did say was more of a shock, in its way. “Because I wanted you.” He turned from the window to face me. “More than I ever wanted anything in my life,” he added softly...

There is a lot of Chicagoland Vampires love in our list this week! Blood Games released last week, and no fewer than six Wenches have visited with Merit this week. Also on our lists are Kate Daniels, Sebastian St Cyr, The Book of Life, Prospero's War, and Outlander. Lots of excellent choices! What are you reading this week, Saucy Reader?

"You were gone too long, little sister.  Much too long."  Lifting me up, Nick kissed me. Whatever his greeting, the kiss was definitely not fraternal, but a deep kiss that left me gasping.  Anyone else would have gotten smacked for it, but anyone else wouldn't have kissed with half of Nick's expertise, so I overlooked the indiscretion. Bitten , by Kelley Armstrong

Cursed Moon by Jaye Wells Don't you love book release days, Saucy reader? We do! We usually countdown to our much anticipated release days! And since Dirty Magic early this year, we've been waiting eagerly for the next installment in Jaye Wells's The Prospero's War series! We couldn't wait to read more about Kate, Pen, John Volos (yum), and Kate's team! I reviewed  Dirty Magic , the first book in the series, after viewing it on Net Galley before release day thanks to the lovely Jaye Wells (You can read my review here ), and this time, Head Wench Barb received an ARC of Cursed Moon in the mail! Which is how I got my grubby little hands on it! We were happy Wenches!   Click through to see what this Wench thought about Cursed Moon ! (Very mildly spoilery, but I will be mentioning events that took place in Dirty Magic ! So be warned.) 

As the Starz Network’s Outlander TV series finally begins, I’d like to indulge in a wee bit of whimsical speculation about the origins of The Kilt. Because whether you’re already an Outlander fan or soon will be, you’re going to be admiring a lot of kilts over the next few weeks ... among other things! The history of Scotland is complicated. Battles over territories, independence, control, and pride tore Scotland up repeatedly. No wonder the Scots availed themselves of every chance to have fun and enjoy life until the next time they must pick up their arms, kiss the wifey good bye, and march into battle, shouting “Je suis prest!”, “Tùlach Àrd” (the war cry of the Clan MacKenzie), “Unite!”, or “Put the fire on! I’ll be needin’ Whisky an’ parritch when I’m back!”. The problem is, yeah, the land was beautiful, and of course there were plentiful resources, but seriously? It was Scotland. The men needed something to take their minds off their battles and help them face the lonely l...

Ethan chuckled. "It hasn't escaped my attention, Sentinel, that you cringe every time I mention our future."   "I don't cringe. I only cringe when you pretend-propose." He had a penchant for going down on bended knee--and straightening a hem or helping me with a shoe. "Nobody finds that amusing."   "I find it excessively amusing. You do realize, don't you, that the proposal won't always be fake?"   I looked up at him, found there was no mistaking the earnestness in his eyes. We'd been Master and Sentinel for nearly a year, but we'd been a couple for only a handful of months. It didn't seem to matter to Ethan; he was utterly sure of me even after so little time. Blood Games ~~Chloe Neill

“I've been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That's gold. Keep that way, it's a good way to be.”  The Outsiders   by     S.E. Hinton This quote is dedicated to my littlest brother, who isn't so little anymore. Happy Birthday, Bill!! Source

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton   I first heard of Wallbanger after Wenches Merit and Shau enjoyed and recommended it. It was a while ago. And I wasn't in the mood for light, happy, and romantic. It did sound interesting though, so I added it to my ever growing TBR (that thing is the size of Everest now.... and just as daunting to attempt.) Plus, one look at the cover had me bumping it up on the list several times. What can I say, I'm easy. It wasn't till a couple of weeks ago that I finally decided to give it a shot. I had been reading some heavy stuff, some tragic stuff, some intense stuff, and needed something to distract me. If only for a few hundred pages. So I decided to pick up Wallbanger (the book... not the guy, although, I wouldn't mind the guy one bit.)  Click through the jump to see what I thought! (Not Spoilery!)

“I think us here to wonder, myself. To wonder. To ask. And that in wondering bout the big things and asking bout the big things, you learn about the little ones, almost by accident. But you never know nothing more about the big things than you start out with. The more I wonder, the more I love.”

Happy Release Day! It's Chicagoland Vampires release day, and some of the Wenches are eager to dive back into Chloe Neill's world of vampires, shifters, and sorcerers with Blood Games . Still other Wenches are trying new series after some heavy non-fiction choices, rereading beloved epics, and continuing the journey with a favorite kick-ass chick.   Click through to see what we're reading, and tell us what you're reading in the comments below.

Release day dance! Happy release day, Saucy Readers! The tenth installment in Wench favorite series, Chicagoland Vampires hits shelves and e-readers today, and we honored to be a stop on Chloe Neill's blog tour celebrating this fantabulous book! You can check out Barb's non spoliery review of Blood Games here , and in a few weeks look for Zee and Barb's very spoilery discussion of all the delicious details. While Merit didn’t choose to become a vampire or Sentinel of Cadogan House, she vowed to fight for her House and its Master, and she’s managed to forge strong alliances with powerful supernaturals across Chicago. But even though Merit has had wild adventures, this may be her deadliest yet…. A killer is stalking Chicago, preying on humans and leaving his victims with magical souvenirs. The CPD hasn’t been able to track the assailant, and as the body count rises, the city is running out of options. Vampires and humans aren’t on great terms, but murder makes ...

"Can our morrows be foretold?" he repeated slowly. "Mayhaps. There are certain spells in the old books...but Your Grace might ask instead, ' Should our morrows be foretold?' And to that I should answer, 'No.' Some doors are best left closed." ~ George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows

Regular followers will recall that some of the Wenches absolutely adore Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series, led, quite vocally, by Zee and me. In fact, our very first post included a discussion of the series, and we've not slowed since then. No, actually, I'd say we love Merit, Ethan, and the gang, as well as the spectacular Ms. Neill, even more than we did two years ago. And the reason is simple--the books keep getting better. You'd think by the tenth installment of a series we'd be winding down, wrapping up, losing steam. Not so with CLV. Our beloved characters continue to grow, their relationships deepening, strengthening. And their world continues to evolve and change, throwing new challenges at our heroine that keep her, and us, on our toes. Come with me through the jump, and I’ll tell you why I loved Blood Games so very much. And I’ll do it with no spoilers, a real feat when all I want to do is gush about the specifics!  (While there are no sp...