I actually made it through 2 1/2 books of A Song of Fire and Ice before my brain revolted and threatened to rupture a vessel if I didn't stop.

But in a partial defense of Game of Thrones, the show is MECHANICALLY brilliant in its production. And while the story/plot leaves you needing a scalding hot shower, it is performed superbly by the actors.

Amusingly, my sense of realism tends to kick in at times when the scriptwriters generally wouldn't expect. I've only seen maybe 5 episodes total, all while in hotel rooms traveling for work. I caught one last year where the northern redhead snuck off with Jon Snow for a little wink wink nudge nudge in a hot springs.

The rather attractive young lady dropped her furs and my brain immediately spun out the following: Wait. These people have been on the run for weeks across the frozen north. They've been fighting. They're half starved. And she looks just like she left a Brazilian spa five minutes after a full body wax? Nope.

Brian