Book of Interest: Outdrawn

Happy Thursday!

I found this book that I really want to read, Outdrawn by Deanne Grey. It centers around two art rivals, Noah Blue and Sage Montgomery who are unfortauntely working together relaunching a popular comic book series. So, I guess when they are not being annoyed by each other, their feelings must start to shift into something else leading to them starting to fall for each other. This feel like a fun little geeky romance that I will immediately be adding to my list.

Book: Outdrawn by Deanne Grey

Description:

It isn’t always lonely at the top.

Noah Blue’s finally got her foot in the door. After clawing her way to the top of the charts with her webcomic, she’s garnered enough attention to earn a full-time position at a comic company re-launching their cult classic comic: Queen Leisah.

Queen Leisah is predicted to be an instant bestseller with movie deals already in the making. Things are falling into place. There’s nowhere to go but up…as soon as she gets one person out of her way.

Sage Montgomery has always been the best artist in every building she’s stepped foot in. Raw talent’s gotten her webcomic to the top of the charts every month for the past eight years. She’s been the best for as long as she can remember. Sure, her career has plateaued but that can be fixed with a big, mainstream comic.

She was promised full creative control over Leisah. Instead, she got a shared credit with the one artist who’s been breathing down her neck since college. The one artist who has a fighting chance of being better than her. Sage and Noah have to work as a team — or, at least appear to work as a team. They thought the hardest part of the relaunch would be drawing together. But that’s easy in comparison to resisting their feelings for each other.

Trailer: Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 teaser

This teaser trailer for the second season of the live action Avatar: The Last Airbender looks fantastic. I've been patiently waiting for a trailer to be released and it was worth the wait seeing Toph Beifong being introduced. And not to jump ahead but I can't wait for the third season. Because I really hope that they will adapt the episode The Runaway (Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series season 3 episode 7). It's where Toph, Sokka and Avatar Aang were conning a bunch of con artists. I just thought that was so funny.

Anyway, as for the second season of the live action version, I'm interested in seeing how much of the Ba Sing Se storyline will be shown. Along with Aang learning Earthbending from Toph, there was so much that happened in the second season in the animated series I just wonder what will be included in the live action. So far, no release date has been given but it will premiere sometime next year.

In Remembrance: Sophie Kinsella

Oh wow, I am so shocked and sad to hear about author Sophie Kinsella, (pen name, her real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham) dying at the age of 55. It's funny that I just today I bought Love Your Life written by the now late author. The first book I ever read by her was Confessions of a Shopaholic which is the first book in the Shopaholic series. I still need to read the eighth (Shopaholic to the Rescue) and ninth (Christmas Shopaholic) books which I have sitting on my shelves. There are still a few more of her books that I want to read.

Is there a Sophie Kinsella book that you want to read?

Fandom Friday: Random Fandom Thoughts #50: 9-1-1 s9 Hiatus, Charmed and Heated Rivalry ep 3

Happy Fandom Friday, here are some of my fandom thoughts:

- Why does the 9-1-1 fandom feel so dead during this hiatus? Usually during hiatus, all us fans are excited about upcoming stories and making theories and guesses about not only the stories but the characters as well. However, so far during this hiatus it has been like a scene of a tumbleweed rolling by. The interaction and engagement just seems very low. It's just been very quiet and dead. It doesn't help that the first half of the ninth season (which only had six episodes) has felt lackluster and inconsistent. Not to mention wasting the first four episodes on the opening emergency that didn't really do much except for moving two characters' (Athena Grant and her son Harry) stories of grief (for her) and finding purpose (for him). Also, there was a bare minimum effort in regards to Howard "Chimney" Han's story about him possibly taking over as the Captain of the 118 fire station which was finally concluded in the sixth episode.

Video: Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie react to their rooftop scene in Heated Rivalry

Happy Thurssday!

I finally watched the first two episodes of Heated Rivalry, and they were really good. It inspired me to go to the bookstore today thinking I would buy a few books from the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. And the only book (and I mean the only book) on the shelf (and in the store) was the first book in the series Game Changers. One of the employees said that they are not sure when the store will get a new shipment in to restock the series. Seeing as there is a huge demand for these books, she put my name down on a contact list when the books finally arrive.

Something else, I really think is good is all the promotion for the show. I feel like all the marketing is really working in the shows favor which I hope leads to a second season. Anyway, I wanted to post this video of actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie talking about the rooftop scene from the first episode Rookies makes me wish more current shows would be released on DVD because something like this would have made a really cool extra. Anyway, I just wanted to post this because the actors were giving a bit of insight into their characters and the scene.

Characters Reading: Robert Nash (9-1-1)

In the 9-1-1 episode What's Your Grievance (season 4 episode 4), Robert "Bobby" Nash was in his backyard reading Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks. I'm always surprised when characters in shows and movies are shown reading a real book instead of a prop one. Anyway, Bobby took a reading break to talk to his stepdaughter May Grant who was in need of a little advice. Earlier in the episode, May who at the time was a 911 dispatch operator in training, was on an emergency call when she overheard a woman getting shot then falling into her pool. Bobby and the rest of his firefighter team were at that emergency call to the late woman's home.

May needed some advice about how to let go of the job at the end of the day. And with stressful jobs like theirs as first responders, you need a way to not take the job home with you. Anyway, back to Bobby's book, I didn't realize that the actor Tom Hanks had wrote books and Uncommon Type: Some Stories is a fictional story that seem interesting. The story centered on various characters but I'm interested in knowing why a typewriter is connected to them. Below, I included the book and description.

(9-1-1 season 4 episode 4: What's Your Grievance)

Rumor: Ryan Guzman allegedly dating a con artist

I rarely ever post gossip but there is a fast moving rumor that actor Ryan Guzman is allegedly dating a former OnlyFans model/current photographer who allegedly is scamming people with tarot card readings. Many of his fans seem concerned because they think she allegedly latched on to him because he's an easy mark. That's not difficult to imagine, con artist are good at spoting someone they think is easy to scam. I guess we'll see if this alleged relationship is something he will go public with or continue to keep it "secret".

It's not that secret if his fans have picked up on whatever is going on with him and his alleged girlfriend. And if she is allegedly scamming people with tarot card readings (which she's allegedly charging up to $300 for) that's absolutely terrible. Unfortunately in this day and age, tarot card reading has become an easy online con to dupe vulnerable people with so-called insightful readings. I wrote about this a while back when a friend of mine was scammed by a phony tarot card reader. It's disappointing that he's allegedly dating someone who's allegedly scamming people. Right now this is all circulating within fandom spaces but sooner or later, it's probably going to get on some entertainment journalist's radar.

On My List: Heated Rivalry TV Series

Since hockey romances aren't my usual genre of books, I had no idea about Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid let alone that it was adapted into a TV series. Funny enough I used to be a big hockey fan but for some reason I must have lost interest in it. I certainly don't know the names of any of the players on my local national hockey team that's for sure. I don't remember the last time I watched. But I'm sure if I wanted to, I could probably go back to watching it. Anyway, back to this new show, Heated Rivalry, I'm not sure if this is a TV series or a miniseries, either way, the first season has six episodes. And the first two episodes premiered yesterday (Friday, Nov. 28th) and the other four episodes will be released on Fridays (December: 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th).

The show seems interesting because despite progress in the LGBTQ+ community, there is still unfortunately plenty of hate and homophobia in the world directed at that community. And with Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov being professional athletes, them being open about their sexuality is probably not going to get the positive reception that it should. Which is probably why they are keeping what they're doing a secret. Since I never read the book (maybe I will), I don't know how this will turn out. Will they get the chance to be themselves and have both their careers and love/relationship? Or will they have to continue to keep everything a secret as not to lose everything?

I'm trying to see when I'll start watching this because do I want to read the book first then watch the show or just watch the show and read the book later? I also still need to watch the first part of Stranger Things' fifth season. I didn't get a chance to watch it when it premiered on Wednesday and I have been avoiding spoilers ever since. Anyway, since I want to watch both shows, I just need to figure out which one to watch first.


Heated Rivalry (HBO Max in the United States and Crave in Canada)

Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Callan Potter, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, François Arnaud, Dylan Walsh and more

Creator: Jacob Tierney

Based on: The book Heated Rivalry (Game Changers book #2) by Rachel Reid

Description:

Two rival hockey stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, are at the top of their game, face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other, complicating their careers and the sport's expectations.

Book of Interest: Wonder Woman: The Official Cookbook

Happy Friday!

I love fandom cookbooks and trying some of the recipes that are inspired by the book, movie, show or characters. Some of the ones that I have are:

- Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook by Elena Craig and Kristen Mulrooney (I still want to get Gilmore Girls: Sookie's Recipe Book)
- I also have the three Eat Like a Gilmore unofficial cookbooks by Kristi Carlson:
    - Eat Like a Gilmore: The Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Gilmore Girls
    - Eat Like a Gilmore: Daily Cravings
    - Eat Like a Gilmore: Seasons
- Black Panther The Official Wakanda Cookbook by Nyanyika Banda with foreword by Jesse J. Holland
- The Nancy Drew Cookbook: Clues to Good Cooking by Carolyn Keene (I found this one at a thrift store)
- The Anne of Green Gables Cookbook: Charming Recipes from Anne and Her Friends in Avonlea by Kate Macdonald

And now, I've been thinking of getting the Wonder Woman: The Official Cookbook by Briana Volk. What I found interesting is that this cookbook has only vegetarian recipes. I guess there's so much information about the characters that it's easy to not know something. Because I didn't realize Diana was vegetarian. I know Poison Ivy is vegetarian (or vegan) but it never knew that about Diana. Well, I guess you learn something new everyday. I'm interested to see what recipes are in the book. Are they more Greek inspired or just generic recipes with Wonder Woman related names added on?

Book: Wonder Woman: The Official Cookbook: Over Fifty Recipes Inspired by DC's Iconic Super Hero by Briana Volk

Description:

Cook like an Amazon with this official cookbook inspired by DC Comics’ beloved Super Hero Wonder Woman.

An enduring symbol of truth, justice, and equality, Wonder Woman has inspired comic readers of all ages for nearly eighty years with her unwavering moral compass and commitment to preserving peace on Earth. Now, fans can celebrate their love of this iconic hero with this fun vegetarian cookbook inspired by all things Wonder Woman. Illustrated by gorgeous full-color photography, the book features over 50 delectable recipes—including Paradise Island Pancakes, Justice League Lasagna, and Golden Lasso Peach Shortcake—for cooks of all skill levels. With simple recipe instructions, gorgeous photography, and prepared menus for several delightful Wonder Woman–themed parties, this is the perfect cookbook to share with friends, family, and Amazon warriors both big and small.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is a day of giving thanks and reflecting on our lives. And I want to wish all my Book Girl readers a very Happy Thanksgiving! And to anyone who doesn't celebrate, I want to wish you a Happy Thursday!

What's something that you're thankful for? If you're having a difficult time thinking of things to be thankful for, why not make a list. Once you're finished, look over your list and see all things you are thankful for, from a roof over your head to family and friends and everything else you can think of.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Thursday everyone!

Currently Reading: Congo

Happy Saturday! How's everyone's weekend going so far?

I was trying to find something different to read, and from searching through my new books to my old ones, I just couldn't figure out what to read next. However, I did end up finding Congo by Michael Crichton, I bought this book from a thrift store back in 2014. I bought so many books over the years from bookstores, thrift stores and library book sales that sometimes I forget what I have until I'm searching through my books.

Anyway, I'm really interested in reading this. From the description, there's a lot going on and despite several mysterious deaths, that doesn't seem to stop the curiosity in trying to find a lost city.

Book: Congo by Michael Crichton

Description:

Deep in the African rain forest, near the legendary ruins of the Lost City of Zinj, an expedition of eight American geologists is mysteriously and brutally killed in a matter of minutes.

Ten thousand miles away, Karen Ross, the Congo Project Supervisor, watches a gruesome video transmission of the aftermath: a camp destroyed, tents crushed and torn, equipment scattered in the mud alongside dead bodies — all motionless except for one moving image — a grainy, dark, man-shaped blur.

In San Francisco, primatologist Peter Elliot works with Amy, a gorilla with an extraordinary vocabulary of 620 “signs,” the most ever learned by a primate, and she likes to fingerpaint. But recently, her behavior has been erratic and her drawings match, with stunning accuracy, the brittle pages of a Portuguese print dating back to 1642 . . . a drawing of an ancient lost city. A new expedition — along with Amy — is sent into the Congo where they enter a secret world, and the only way out may be through a horrifying death…

Book Review: Velvet vol #3

Book: Velvet volume #3: The Man Who Stole The World (issues #11-15) by Ed Brubaker with illustrations by Steve Epting, color by Elizabeth Breitweiser and letters by Chris Eliopoulos

Cover Art by Steve Epting and Elizabeth Breitweiser

Edition: Trade Paperback

Description:

The strands of the mystery finally bring Velvet back home to the US, and to Washington DC, for the explosive finale to the first big Velvet story arc.

Fashion Meets Fandom: The Lord of the Rings Sweater

I really like this dark green sweater, and I'm thinking of getting it. It's got a nice shape and it looks very flattering. And not only does it look cute and cozy but it has a subtle geeky nod to The Lord of the Rings with the Lórien Leaf embroided on it. I love wearing my geeky t-shirts that have the graphics all bold and bright but sometimes I want something a little subtle. Which is why I like this Lord of the Rings sweater.

And depending on where you work, you could just put a blazer over this sweater and pair it with pants and wear it to work. And not to mention you could dress it up with a nice pair of pants or a skirt like the models are shown wearing in the pictures. Or you could wear it cute and casual with a pair of jeans or leggings. However this is paired up will probably look really cute. It's very geek chic.