If you love vampires, then you have got to check out this ultimate vampire book list. There are approximately 3000 titles listed–very cool!
Go see if you’ve missed any titles by your favorite author–or go find a new author to try!

Everyone knows that alpha males are super popular in romance novels. They’re the kings, the real rulers of the romance industry roost. And, of course, you don’t just see the alphas in romance books–you can find them in movies (ex. pretty much every role played by the super talented Vin Diesel) and in television shows. Folks just seem to love those alphas!

But, lately…more heroes are emerging. Vicki Lewis Thompson has written an interesting series of books about unlikely, downright nerdy heroes–and those books are flying off the shelves. Apparently, women don’t just go wild for the big, strong, tough guys…they also like the smart, sensitive ones, too.

Well, in addition to the alpha and beta men, there is another hero type out there that I really enjoy. I don’t have a cool greek name for him, so I’ll just call him the “drunken pirate.” Yes, I said drunken pirate. You see…the hero that I’ve enjoyed the most in the last three years isn’t a guy who has tons of muscles or even tons of brain power. Instead it’s a man who weaves when he walks, a man who appears to be in sore need of a bath. A man, in short, who is my drunken pirate–or, as many of you may know him–Captain Jack Sparrow.

When I originally went to view Pirates of the Caribbean, I anticipated that Orlando Bloom would the strong, romantic lead–and, of course, he was. But…as much as I enjoyed good old Will, Captain Jack Sparrow stole the show for me, and I found myself thinking it be a heck of lot more fun to sail off into the sunset with him than to stay with the good-looking Will.

So…what? Did I go crazy? No, I don’t think I did. I think I just fell for the allure of an unusual hero. Don’t get me wrong–I still love my alphas, always will. But…oh…my drunken pirates are close second on my fav list. And I’m waiting, eagerly waiting, for the next drunken release: Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest.

I saw Failure to Launch last Saturday night, and, I must say, I thought the movie was absolutely hilarious.

Yes, Matthew McConaughey was sexy–after all, he is the sexiest man alive–and, as always, I loved listening to his drawl. But, despite Matthew’s appeal, I really felt his character’s friends were the ones who stole the show.

I don’t want to give away any important movie details, but I will say that every time Matthew got together with his buddies, I knew something funny would soon be happening. The three guys made a great group: one was the suave charmer (Matthew), one was a nature boy, and the third was a nerdish computer guy.

Sarah Jessica Parker did a good job, too. But, I found myself liking the charcter of her friend more than I actually liked her. The secondary characters really ruled this flick.

Failure to Launch followed the perfect romance formula–it began with action, it introduced the hero and heroine quickly, the secondary characters were loveable, there was a black moment–movie-goers got to wonder if the lovers would be separated, and, finally, everyone got to live happily ever after. Yep, in my book, a perfect romance. And a very fun movie.

So, last Sunday, my nephew was christened. I spent a fun time at the church holding my sweet, screaming little snookums and making nice chatter with friends and family. And, then, of course, came a reference to my writing–sometimes I really dread writing references.

A lovely lady says to me, “Are you still writing?”

I juggle Jack and reply, “Oh, yeah. I have to stay up pretty late some nights–like freaking 4 a.m.–but I’m definitely writing.” By the way, the freaking 4 a.m. part was just in my head–although I think it would have been really cool if I’d said it then. Sigh.

She smiles and gushes, “Well, I know this guy, he just wrote that tailgating book. You know, the one about Alabama. And now he’s on the bestseller’s list.” A pause, then a meaningful look as she tells me, “You should do something like that.”

Um…No, thank you. Really not into the whole tailgating scene. And, besides, I write romance. R.O.M.A.N.C.E. Not some football after party stuff. But, of course, I’m trapped by the politeness that my southern mom drilled into me, and I find myself nodding to the chick and muttering, “That’s an idea.”

Yep, it’s a an idea. One that isn’t for me.

So, for you other writers out there…do you ever get comments like this? Comments that just make you think…what in the hell?

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought I’d post a few Irish blessings and toasts. Enjoy!!

Here’s to lying, stealing, and cheating!
May you lie to save a friend;
May you steal the heart of the one you love;
and may you cheat death.

Oooh…I like that one. Here’s another:

May your troubles be as few and far between
As my grandmother’s teeth.

Or how about this one:

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

This one makes me feel wicked–in a good way:

May those who love us love us.
And those that don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts.
And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So we’ll know them by their limping.

This one’s fun, too:

May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven
half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.

And, finally, a serious note:

May your troubles be less
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!