Today instead of a book review, we would like to take a moment to share some things that we have donated to this year and hope that you feel the holiday spirit of generosity and donate to one of our causes or another cause you believe in. We hope you all are staying warm and having a magical holiday season.
Children's Miracle Network- There is nothing more touching then helping a child in need, except maybe another child asking to help. This year my son requested(all on his own) to donate money to this cause. I am so proud of the child I am raising. If you are interested in donating to help sick children follow this link.
Allies For Greyhounds- I volunteer my time and knowledge to help re-home greyhounds when their racing careers have finished. They are beautiful animals and amazing pets. If you would like to know more about these wonderful creatures or to donate to them follow this link.
Representative Justin Amash- He is a defender of liberty, trying to make government small and accountable, explaining every vote he makes on facebook. He is a great man, and because of that he needs donations from real people like us to be able to stay a Representative. To learn more about him or to donate to his campaign follow this link.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
A Duchess in the Dark
A Duchess in the Dark by: Kate McKinley
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
This book will be available for purchase starting Dec 3rd, just in time to download for the holidays!
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars and both recommend it and plan on reading it again. This novella is the perfect size for reading while on that plane, train, or car ride to family for the holidays. I read it in about 45 minutes. It starts right off with a steamy exchange, quickly followed by good romantic content and even teaches that people aren't always what they appear to be. It far surpassed my expectations. The whole story is great and sets up a good character base to use in future books for the series. I will continue reading from this author and cannot wait for the next book of the series to come out and see where she goes next.
Synopsis: Miss Daphne Hayward is on the hunt for a safe, honorable husband and she has set her sights on the perfect target. She plans a full-scale seduction that will bring him to his knees, and have him begging for her hand in marriage. But when she mistakenly slips into another man's bed, the passions that quickly ignite threaten to send her well-laid plans up in smoke.
Ashton Fitzgerald, Duke of Claymore has never been for want of a willing woman in his bed and his rakish ways have become legend in boudoirs and dark corners all across London. But not even Ashton can account for the powerful desire that surges through him when a mysterious woman pays him a clandestine midnight visit. As dawn breaks, his goddess flees before he can learn her identity. Now Ashton will stop at nothing to unmask the identity of the woman who bewitched him body and soul and make her his . . . forever.
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
This book will be available for purchase starting Dec 3rd, just in time to download for the holidays!
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars and both recommend it and plan on reading it again. This novella is the perfect size for reading while on that plane, train, or car ride to family for the holidays. I read it in about 45 minutes. It starts right off with a steamy exchange, quickly followed by good romantic content and even teaches that people aren't always what they appear to be. It far surpassed my expectations. The whole story is great and sets up a good character base to use in future books for the series. I will continue reading from this author and cannot wait for the next book of the series to come out and see where she goes next.
Synopsis: Miss Daphne Hayward is on the hunt for a safe, honorable husband and she has set her sights on the perfect target. She plans a full-scale seduction that will bring him to his knees, and have him begging for her hand in marriage. But when she mistakenly slips into another man's bed, the passions that quickly ignite threaten to send her well-laid plans up in smoke.
Ashton Fitzgerald, Duke of Claymore has never been for want of a willing woman in his bed and his rakish ways have become legend in boudoirs and dark corners all across London. But not even Ashton can account for the powerful desire that surges through him when a mysterious woman pays him a clandestine midnight visit. As dawn breaks, his goddess flees before he can learn her identity. Now Ashton will stop at nothing to unmask the identity of the woman who bewitched him body and soul and make her his . . . forever.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
And the Winner is....
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
I.T. Confidential Interview Part 2
Hello readers! I'm back today with part 2, my personal interview with the mysterious C.D Rahm, I hope you all enjoy, and don't forget to fill out the entry form for our giveaway! You have until 11:59PM Eastern time and the winner will be announced tomorrow at noon so don't forget to come back and see if you are our lucky winner. Now on to the rest of the interview.
How long have you been working in the IT field?
-About 15 years
What made you decide to write this novel?
-It was sort of an accident; I wrote a couple funny paragraphs about work, and after a while it started piling up.
How long did it take to write?
-About two years, working off and on. That was before we started the process of making it into a book more than a year ago. So about a three year process in total.
Was there any characters that you considered writing about that didn't make the final cut?
-There are plenty more that could be covered, but I wanted to give the reader a sample of some of the more common personalities that you see in every workplace.
Do you plan on writing another book that involves more detailed stories to go with the characters developed in this book?
-We didn't use everything I had originally written for this book, and I have some newer writing, so we'll see what happens.
Would you consider writing a book like this for people of a different profession(like hospital workers, school workers, etc.) with consultation from people in the profession?
-Wouldn't rule it out, if the potential for humor was there.
Have you ever actually received a totally off the wall bonus like turkey?
-Yes I have, very disappointing. They should've just given us lunch meat, I could have at least made a sandwich.
What's it like to be an almost perfectly star rated author on sites such as amazon, barnes and noble and goodreads?
-I'm glad that the book is getting a good response; I'm seeing some positive things said about it. Hopefully more people will get to enjoy it for the holidays.
Have you experienced all of the situations in the book or was there some collaboration with others for a more in depth coverage?
-These situations and stories are based on experiences I've either heard about, witnessed, or created in my imagination. There's a possibility that they've been made extremely silly.
How long have you been working in the IT field?
-About 15 years
What made you decide to write this novel?
-It was sort of an accident; I wrote a couple funny paragraphs about work, and after a while it started piling up.
How long did it take to write?
-About two years, working off and on. That was before we started the process of making it into a book more than a year ago. So about a three year process in total.
Was there any characters that you considered writing about that didn't make the final cut?
-There are plenty more that could be covered, but I wanted to give the reader a sample of some of the more common personalities that you see in every workplace.
Do you plan on writing another book that involves more detailed stories to go with the characters developed in this book?
-We didn't use everything I had originally written for this book, and I have some newer writing, so we'll see what happens.
Would you consider writing a book like this for people of a different profession(like hospital workers, school workers, etc.) with consultation from people in the profession?
-Wouldn't rule it out, if the potential for humor was there.
Have you ever actually received a totally off the wall bonus like turkey?
-Yes I have, very disappointing. They should've just given us lunch meat, I could have at least made a sandwich.
What's it like to be an almost perfectly star rated author on sites such as amazon, barnes and noble and goodreads?
-I'm glad that the book is getting a good response; I'm seeing some positive things said about it. Hopefully more people will get to enjoy it for the holidays.
Have you experienced all of the situations in the book or was there some collaboration with others for a more in depth coverage?
-These situations and stories are based on experiences I've either heard about, witnessed, or created in my imagination. There's a possibility that they've been made extremely silly.
I.T. Confidential
I.T. Confidential by C.D Rahm
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 4 stars and would recommend it to those looking for a short bit of workplace humor. This book was a light, quick, full of humor, field guide into the atmosphere of the I.T. workplace. I had expected it to be a collection of funny fail stories but, was satisfied with the different approach anyways. The book was very well written making my mind picture every scenario easily as I read them, as well as having emotional connection to the different character types produced, like angry at the My husband is an IT guy and it was fun for me to try to figure out where his workplace fell in book.
Synopsis: If you could be a fly on the cubicle wall of an I.T. Professional someone would probably throw a stale bagel at you. But before they did, you would see what C.D. Rahm reveals in this tell-all book.
At great personal risk to career and plastic pocket protector, Rahm takes us on a brief tour of corporate malaise, rampant confusion, dinner-plate-sized chocolate chip cookies, and lousy box lunches.
Pulling no punches (except possibly the spiked punch from the disastrous office holiday party) he reveals everything: managers behaving badly, professional time-wasters, fast-food junkies, and the hygienically challenged.
An I.T. insider, his is a world of technology for all, productivity for none. It is a place where the confused and frightened lead the overworked and clueless. This is where polyester slacks meet PowerPoint presentations, and budgets meet their doom.
When network systems come down, I.T. professionals get up. And march straight to the vending machine. C.D. Rahm has been there, done that, and soiled the t-shirt.
Now you can know what I.T. geeks know: That if you have a chip on your shoulder you have probably stuck your head into the wrong port.
Whether you're a tech expert or you don't know your app from a hole in the ground, you will be astounded or at least mildly surprised by what you discover in I.T. Confidential.
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 4 stars and would recommend it to those looking for a short bit of workplace humor. This book was a light, quick, full of humor, field guide into the atmosphere of the I.T. workplace. I had expected it to be a collection of funny fail stories but, was satisfied with the different approach anyways. The book was very well written making my mind picture every scenario easily as I read them, as well as having emotional connection to the different character types produced, like angry at the My husband is an IT guy and it was fun for me to try to figure out where his workplace fell in book.
Synopsis: If you could be a fly on the cubicle wall of an I.T. Professional someone would probably throw a stale bagel at you. But before they did, you would see what C.D. Rahm reveals in this tell-all book.
At great personal risk to career and plastic pocket protector, Rahm takes us on a brief tour of corporate malaise, rampant confusion, dinner-plate-sized chocolate chip cookies, and lousy box lunches.
Pulling no punches (except possibly the spiked punch from the disastrous office holiday party) he reveals everything: managers behaving badly, professional time-wasters, fast-food junkies, and the hygienically challenged.
An I.T. insider, his is a world of technology for all, productivity for none. It is a place where the confused and frightened lead the overworked and clueless. This is where polyester slacks meet PowerPoint presentations, and budgets meet their doom.
When network systems come down, I.T. professionals get up. And march straight to the vending machine. C.D. Rahm has been there, done that, and soiled the t-shirt.
Now you can know what I.T. geeks know: That if you have a chip on your shoulder you have probably stuck your head into the wrong port.
Whether you're a tech expert or you don't know your app from a hole in the ground, you will be astounded or at least mildly surprised by what you discover in I.T. Confidential.
I.T. Confidential Giveaway Entry Form
Please take a moment to fill out our entry form and check out this awesome extra from C.D Rahm while you wait in suspense to hear who the winner is....
A hilarious look into some of the personalities of I.T.
A hilarious look into some of the personalities of I.T.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Interview Day!!!!
Hello readers! Today we are proud to post an interview with C.D. Rahm the author of the new book I.T. Confidentials it was a great read and I look forward to posting my review tomorrow for you guys but for now on to the interview! We will also be having a giveaway tomorrow so be sure to enter entry form will be available between Midnight and 11:59 Eastern, we will be announcing the winner Wednesday at noon.
Also, check out the author's sites:
Official website
What’s the most unusual cubicle you’ve seen?
-The one of a 35-year-old guy who had his workspace set up like a 12-year-old nerd’s bedroom, with
Star Wars and Star Trek posters, action figures, spaceships, etc. Ladies, he’s single!
Any suggestions to make the workplace easier to deal with?
-Don’t give cute names to conference rooms. Just number them: 110, 120, instead of “Sunflower.”
Otherwise, you’ll spend hours tracking down where your next meeting is. If you don’t believe me, walk
up to anyone in your office and ask them which direction is north.
What are you bringing to the office potluck this year?
-Cashews. At least I’ll have something to eat besides the ostrich tacos our developer is rumored to be
bringing.
What was the weirdest I.T. request from a “manager?”
-To take inventory of all the mouse pads. Seriously.
What is one of the more memorable encounters you’ve had as a consultant?
-An employee cornered me in the elevator and asked me if I’d talked to Jesus today. I replied that I’d
been talking with Him all morning as we were having software problems. He backed off and remained
silent for the remainder of the ride.
How do you know a meeting is going to run long?
-When someone insists on a roll call, introductions, and individual statuses, even though the team has
been meeting for months.
Grossest co-worker lunch?
-The pail of “homemade soup” brought in by one of the less hygienic staff. Looked like lake water with
debris floating in it. Why he insisted on wandering around with it, no one knows; it smelled awful.
Which management fad book is your least favorite (like you’d have a favorite)?
-Leveraging Your Core Paradigms by Dan Acronym. It’s completely incomprehensible, yet some
manager in a desolate backwater sweatshop will try to make their team implement chapter six.
How do you know a catastrophically bad technology decision is about to be made?
-The decision maker is on their BlackBerry for the duration of the meeting and is not paying attention to
the awful technology idea being presented.
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Southern Slow Cooker
The Southern Slow Cooker: Big flavor, low fuss recipes for comfort-food classics by: Kendra Bailey Morris
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I give this book 5 stars. And recommend it to all who enjoy fine Southern cooking. This book started out with a great introduction section that helped beginners know their way around what they would need in the kitchen to successfully use the recipes. That being said this book has so many delicious sounding recipes I think I gained 5 pounds just from browsing through them the first time. I have successfully made a delicious batch of the Smoked Ham, Potato, and Rice soup. I never would have thought to put rice in on my own. I also made a delicious meal of the SoCo Baked City Ham and Angel Biscuits(I can't believe I've been making biscuits out of a can for so long) with Granny's no Egg Applesauce Cake to finish it off. The recipes are easy to follow with appetizing results. The only thing that could have made it better was more pictures, though I may have started trying to eat my book.
Synopsis:
A collection of 60 soulful, comforting, and wonderfully convenient recipes for Southern favorites--from Black Eyed Peas with Stewed Tomatoes to Country-Style Pork Ribs to Molasses Gingerbread.
Cooking delicious, soul-warming Southern food that the whole family will love has never been easier!
Whether it’s a big pot of black-eyed peas, fall-apart tender pulled pork, or creamy apple butter, the greatest Southern dishes have one thing in common: they taste best when they’re cooked low and slow.
With more than sixty recipes for down-home favorites, ranging from Chicken and Cornmeal Dumplings to Buffalo Stout Beer Chili to Brown Beans and Fatback, The Southern Slow Cooker is packed with real Southern flavor. Author Kendra Bailey Morris presents regional classics from all over the South: church potlucks, Cajun and Creole traditions in the bayou, even her West Virginia granny’s old recipe book. Morris carefully tested and adapted each recipe for the home kitchen, and the result is a treasure for busy home cooks everywhere. With hardly any active cooking time and featuring affordable ingredients, every dish is simple, convenient, and downright delicious.
Start the slow cooker before work and come home to the mouthwatering aroma of Country-Style Pork Ribs. Or, prep the cooker on Sunday morning and have Breakfast Apples or a Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole ready by brunchtime. Since no Southern meal is complete without a sweet treat at the end, there are even slow cooker desserts, like Molasses Gingerbread, Lemon Blueberry Buckle, and Chocolate and Caramel Black Walnut Candies.
All of these satisfying, flavor-packed, and wonderfully simple recipes allow you to make the food you love in the time you have available—and will have you and your family begging for seconds.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
eXclave- a BDSM erotic bundle
eXclave- a BDSM erotic bundle by: Emily Ryan-Davis
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 3 stars, and would consider reading it again and maybe recommend to others. They were interesting stories but very short, and I felt like they were over before I could even get a feel for the characters. Its is a nice little toe-dip into the world of BDSM erotica I would like to see this book expanded to include several more short stories or have the two current stories built onto. It left me feeling underwhelmed which isn't what I was hoping for from a bundle.
Synopsis: Two Steamy Stories in one bundle, includes BDSM romances CLAIMING LAUREN and DOMINATING AMY.
About CLAIMING LAUREN
One night should have been enough...
Twenty-seven-year-old Lauren Brant is the perfect society wife. She hosts dinners for her husband’s colleagues. She attends charity functions. She’s entirely appropriate…except for her clawing need to submit to a man she knows only as Master.
Unable to deny her cravings, she arranges to meet Master. No names, no faces, nothing but submission and sensation. Except it isn’t enough. Even before the night ends, Lauren needs more.
But “more” isn’t part of the arrangement and she returns to her polished life only to discover her estranged husband has come home. After five years of being invisible to Jacob Brant, Lauren doesn’t know what to do with him. He, however, knows exactly what to do with her…
About DOMINATING AMY
Till-death-do-us-part should have been enough…
Mac Corcoran spent a long time running from the specter of his parents’ abusive marriage. He’s worked hard to suppress his dark urges and channeled his energy into building his own relationship upon a bedrock of respect and equality.
It takes two people to make a marriage work, however, and when Amy Corcoran’s submissive needs hit a breaking point, her only options are to walk away from the man she loves or force him to acknowledge her as the woman she is now. Even if that woman isn’t the same one he married ten years earlier.
With no more time for running, can Mac overcome his fear and be the Dominant man Amy needs him to be or will fear of repeating the past cost him the only woman he’s ever loved?
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 3 stars, and would consider reading it again and maybe recommend to others. They were interesting stories but very short, and I felt like they were over before I could even get a feel for the characters. Its is a nice little toe-dip into the world of BDSM erotica I would like to see this book expanded to include several more short stories or have the two current stories built onto. It left me feeling underwhelmed which isn't what I was hoping for from a bundle.
Synopsis: Two Steamy Stories in one bundle, includes BDSM romances CLAIMING LAUREN and DOMINATING AMY.
About CLAIMING LAUREN
One night should have been enough...
Twenty-seven-year-old Lauren Brant is the perfect society wife. She hosts dinners for her husband’s colleagues. She attends charity functions. She’s entirely appropriate…except for her clawing need to submit to a man she knows only as Master.
Unable to deny her cravings, she arranges to meet Master. No names, no faces, nothing but submission and sensation. Except it isn’t enough. Even before the night ends, Lauren needs more.
But “more” isn’t part of the arrangement and she returns to her polished life only to discover her estranged husband has come home. After five years of being invisible to Jacob Brant, Lauren doesn’t know what to do with him. He, however, knows exactly what to do with her…
About DOMINATING AMY
Till-death-do-us-part should have been enough…
Mac Corcoran spent a long time running from the specter of his parents’ abusive marriage. He’s worked hard to suppress his dark urges and channeled his energy into building his own relationship upon a bedrock of respect and equality.
It takes two people to make a marriage work, however, and when Amy Corcoran’s submissive needs hit a breaking point, her only options are to walk away from the man she loves or force him to acknowledge her as the woman she is now. Even if that woman isn’t the same one he married ten years earlier.
With no more time for running, can Mac overcome his fear and be the Dominant man Amy needs him to be or will fear of repeating the past cost him the only woman he’s ever loved?
Friday, September 20, 2013
Exciting Events coming soon!
Hello to all of our wonderful readers we hope your summers have been magical and full of good reads! We are getting back into the swing of things over here so look forward to lots of reviews. We also want to announce the exciting news that we will be a featured stop on the virtual book tour of C.D. Rahm's I.T. Confidential we will feature our review of the book on October 14th with an interview and giveaway on the 15th so stay tuned. We are also in the works of doing some other feature interviews and giveaways. Hope to find you enjoying a good book!
The Juliets Team!
The Juliets Team!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Awesome Snacks and Appetizers
Awesome Snacks and Appetizers by: Kari Cornell with photos by Brie Cohen
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and would recommend it to those that want to involve their children in cooking, or who are just starting out in the world of cooking. This book has good common sense safety tips, measuring conversions, supplies list, notes on special ingredients, and several simple but fun snack food recipes. I felt this book would make a great present for a tween/teen just starting out in the kitchen, the recipes are easy to follow and there are good pictures to go along with each recipe. My 4 year old was excited to be able to help out making the guacamole and apple slice sandwiches, especially that he was able to look in the book and do the prep work of pigs in a blanket with minimal help from me. It is overall a great book for less experienced cooks or ones with kids that want to help out. If you fit in either of those catagories go out and pick it up starting this coming Sunday!
Synopsis: Ready to turn your kitchen into snack central? You can be the chef with these easy-to-follow recipes, including pigs in a blanket, cheesy fondue, chicken dippers, and apple slice sandwiches. You'll find simple drawings of important steps as well as photographs of the finished dishes. This book also provides key information, such as an equipment list, a technique list, safety tips, notes on special ingredients, and more.
What are you waiting for? It's time to get cooking!
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and would recommend it to those that want to involve their children in cooking, or who are just starting out in the world of cooking. This book has good common sense safety tips, measuring conversions, supplies list, notes on special ingredients, and several simple but fun snack food recipes. I felt this book would make a great present for a tween/teen just starting out in the kitchen, the recipes are easy to follow and there are good pictures to go along with each recipe. My 4 year old was excited to be able to help out making the guacamole and apple slice sandwiches, especially that he was able to look in the book and do the prep work of pigs in a blanket with minimal help from me. It is overall a great book for less experienced cooks or ones with kids that want to help out. If you fit in either of those catagories go out and pick it up starting this coming Sunday!
Synopsis: Ready to turn your kitchen into snack central? You can be the chef with these easy-to-follow recipes, including pigs in a blanket, cheesy fondue, chicken dippers, and apple slice sandwiches. You'll find simple drawings of important steps as well as photographs of the finished dishes. This book also provides key information, such as an equipment list, a technique list, safety tips, notes on special ingredients, and more.
What are you waiting for? It's time to get cooking!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
The Easy Way Pasta
The Easy Way Pasta by: Love Food
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Rating & Review: I gave this book 4 stars, and recommend it to others. I use it regularly. This book has a great variety easy to make recipes involving pasta. I have made several of the recipes and my guest always are asking what sauce I used. My only complaint is that they often have canned tomatoes in the recipes, but I have found that using fresh tomatoes adds so much more flavor. I will never buy jarred pasta sauce or canned chicken noodle soup ever again, these recipes taste better and are healthier without all the extra sodium and preserves. My favorite sauce that I've made so far is the vodka sauce, get the book and try it for dinner today!
Synopsis: Over 140 delicious recipes, 500 color photographs, step-by-step images, and nutritional information. The Easy Way Pasta is a beautiful cookbook filled with recipes that you will refer to time and time again.
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Rating & Review: I gave this book 4 stars, and recommend it to others. I use it regularly. This book has a great variety easy to make recipes involving pasta. I have made several of the recipes and my guest always are asking what sauce I used. My only complaint is that they often have canned tomatoes in the recipes, but I have found that using fresh tomatoes adds so much more flavor. I will never buy jarred pasta sauce or canned chicken noodle soup ever again, these recipes taste better and are healthier without all the extra sodium and preserves. My favorite sauce that I've made so far is the vodka sauce, get the book and try it for dinner today!
Synopsis: Over 140 delicious recipes, 500 color photographs, step-by-step images, and nutritional information. The Easy Way Pasta is a beautiful cookbook filled with recipes that you will refer to time and time again.
Angel on the Ropes
Angel on the Ropes by: Jill Shultz
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Rating & Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and have recommended it to other, and will read it again. This book was wonderful! It centers on the heroine, Amandine, an amazing trapeze artist, who happens to be a leopard and her struggles between circus and seeker and with the people in her life. It has great characters that surprise you as the story moves along and their back stories are slowly revealed. It had a decent plot line that kept going and surprising me and as it went on I found myself caring for the characters, and was left wanting more at the end. Please write a sequel Jill!
Synopsis: Amandine Sand walks a high wire between two lives—hobbled by a life-threatening secret. She’s a leopard, one of the spotted humans wrongly accused of being a plague carrier. Leopards like her are hunted by zealots to protect their offworld colony from the scourge. Despite this threat, Amandine spends her days guiding other leopards to an underground shelter run by the pacifist Seekers. At night, with her own spots hidden, she takes to the air, the one place this extraordinary artist feels free and gloriously alive.
When the persecution of leopards explodes into widespread violence, the Seekers demand more of her time. But her circus is teetering toward bankruptcy and desperately needs her, too. She has no time to breathe…and then she meets a stranger who leaves her breathless. And might just be the biggest risk of all. If her trust is misplaced and she’s unmasked, everyone she loves—and everything she’s fought for—could crash.
In her darkest hour, Amandine must draw upon everything she’s learned from the circus and Seekers to bring peace to her fractured society. Can a reluctant angel fly beyond her limits to save her life, her love, and her world?
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Rating & Review: I gave this book 5 stars, and have recommended it to other, and will read it again. This book was wonderful! It centers on the heroine, Amandine, an amazing trapeze artist, who happens to be a leopard and her struggles between circus and seeker and with the people in her life. It has great characters that surprise you as the story moves along and their back stories are slowly revealed. It had a decent plot line that kept going and surprising me and as it went on I found myself caring for the characters, and was left wanting more at the end. Please write a sequel Jill!
Synopsis: Amandine Sand walks a high wire between two lives—hobbled by a life-threatening secret. She’s a leopard, one of the spotted humans wrongly accused of being a plague carrier. Leopards like her are hunted by zealots to protect their offworld colony from the scourge. Despite this threat, Amandine spends her days guiding other leopards to an underground shelter run by the pacifist Seekers. At night, with her own spots hidden, she takes to the air, the one place this extraordinary artist feels free and gloriously alive.
When the persecution of leopards explodes into widespread violence, the Seekers demand more of her time. But her circus is teetering toward bankruptcy and desperately needs her, too. She has no time to breathe…and then she meets a stranger who leaves her breathless. And might just be the biggest risk of all. If her trust is misplaced and she’s unmasked, everyone she loves—and everything she’s fought for—could crash.
In her darkest hour, Amandine must draw upon everything she’s learned from the circus and Seekers to bring peace to her fractured society. Can a reluctant angel fly beyond her limits to save her life, her love, and her world?
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
When you give a Duke a Diamond
When you give a Duke a Diamond by: Shana Galen
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I rate this book 4.5 and would recommend it to friends to read. It has a very interesting story line and starts off talking about three women who call themselves the Three Diamonds. The story line kept me wanting more and after I finished it I could not wait to read the next book.
Synopsis:William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...Until she came along...Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I rate this book 4.5 and would recommend it to friends to read. It has a very interesting story line and starts off talking about three women who call themselves the Three Diamonds. The story line kept me wanting more and after I finished it I could not wait to read the next book.
Synopsis:William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual, securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossip papers link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...Until she came along...Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's disruptive to have the duke who is the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...
If you give a Rake a Ruby
If you give a Rake a Ruby by: Shana Galen.
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I rate this book 4.5 and would recommend this book to friends to read. This is a continuation of the Three Diamonds series. The book is as interesting as the first in the series and I could not read it fast enough. I can not wait for the final book of the series so that I can learn what happens to the last of the Three Diamonds.
Synopsis:Her Mysterious Past Is The Best Revenge...Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, is a celebrated courtesan with her finger on the pulse of high society. She’s adored by men, hated by their wives. No one knows anything about her past, and she plans to keep it that way.Only He Can Offer Her A Dazzling Future...Warrick Fitzhugh will do anything to protect his compatriots in the Foreign Office, including seduce Fallon, who he thinks can lead him to the deadliest crime lord in London. He knows he’s putting his life on the line...To Warrick’s shock, Fallon is not who he thinks she is, and the secrets she’s keeping are exactly what make her his heart’s desire...
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I rate this book 4.5 and would recommend this book to friends to read. This is a continuation of the Three Diamonds series. The book is as interesting as the first in the series and I could not read it fast enough. I can not wait for the final book of the series so that I can learn what happens to the last of the Three Diamonds.
Synopsis:Her Mysterious Past Is The Best Revenge...Fallon, the Marchioness of Mystery, is a celebrated courtesan with her finger on the pulse of high society. She’s adored by men, hated by their wives. No one knows anything about her past, and she plans to keep it that way.Only He Can Offer Her A Dazzling Future...Warrick Fitzhugh will do anything to protect his compatriots in the Foreign Office, including seduce Fallon, who he thinks can lead him to the deadliest crime lord in London. He knows he’s putting his life on the line...To Warrick’s shock, Fallon is not who he thinks she is, and the secrets she’s keeping are exactly what make her his heart’s desire...
Sorority Sisters
Sorority Sisters by: Claudia Welch
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I would rate this book a 5 and would highly recommend it to a friend. The book follows four friends through their friendship as sorority sisters into their adulthood it follows the friends through good times and bad times. It is an easy book to relate to and keeps you interested from the first page to the last.
Synopsis: In 1975, trying to find a place to belong, four young women found each other in the same sorority pledge class. Through parties and pranks; finals and skipped classes; boyfriends and break-ups, they forge a bond that takes them by surprise. No one expected it to last beyond college graduation. But some bonds are too strong to break. Now they’re sisters. And with sisters, it’s not about what happens. It’s about no matter what happens
Read & Reviewed by: Manda
My Review: I would rate this book a 5 and would highly recommend it to a friend. The book follows four friends through their friendship as sorority sisters into their adulthood it follows the friends through good times and bad times. It is an easy book to relate to and keeps you interested from the first page to the last.
Synopsis: In 1975, trying to find a place to belong, four young women found each other in the same sorority pledge class. Through parties and pranks; finals and skipped classes; boyfriends and break-ups, they forge a bond that takes them by surprise. No one expected it to last beyond college graduation. But some bonds are too strong to break. Now they’re sisters. And with sisters, it’s not about what happens. It’s about no matter what happens
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Knit Your Own Dog The Second Litter: 25 More Pedigree Pooches
Knit Your Own Dog The Second Litter: 25 More Pedigree Pooches by Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 4.5 stars. I found it to have clear instructions and cute dogs to create. I thought it was wonderful that it gave a little blurb of information about each breed that it included. I found that the dogs created did resemble the breeds they were portraying. I found the tips helpful. I would recommend this book to all dog lovers that are crafty.
Synopsis: From the authors of the beloved and best-selling Knit Your Own Dog and Knit Your Own Cat comes 25 more easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for dogs of distinction. It's an irresistible guide to knitting the dog you've always wanted.
The knitted dog is an ideal pet there's no feeding, barking, walking, or vet bills, and he'll live forever! Since the publication of Knit Your Own Dog, dog lovers have been howling for even more breeds to knit. This second volume includes easy-to-follow patterns for 25 all-new breeds, including a Beagle, Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and 21 others.
The dogs are surprisingly easy to make with a few evenings of work you can have a covetable companion for life. Scores of photographs show the finished dogs, as well as close-up shots of their detailed and adorable features. Authors Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne also include brief accounts of the characteristics of each breed and offer tips and advice on sewing up the dogs
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 4.5 stars. I found it to have clear instructions and cute dogs to create. I thought it was wonderful that it gave a little blurb of information about each breed that it included. I found that the dogs created did resemble the breeds they were portraying. I found the tips helpful. I would recommend this book to all dog lovers that are crafty.
Synopsis: From the authors of the beloved and best-selling Knit Your Own Dog and Knit Your Own Cat comes 25 more easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for dogs of distinction. It's an irresistible guide to knitting the dog you've always wanted.
The knitted dog is an ideal pet there's no feeding, barking, walking, or vet bills, and he'll live forever! Since the publication of Knit Your Own Dog, dog lovers have been howling for even more breeds to knit. This second volume includes easy-to-follow patterns for 25 all-new breeds, including a Beagle, Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and 21 others.
The dogs are surprisingly easy to make with a few evenings of work you can have a covetable companion for life. Scores of photographs show the finished dogs, as well as close-up shots of their detailed and adorable features. Authors Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne also include brief accounts of the characteristics of each breed and offer tips and advice on sewing up the dogs
Monday, May 13, 2013
GateKeeper
So I know its not a book but, because we were able to attend Media Day I feel the need to review. Please check out some of the facts then watch the video below we had an awesome time, and I hope to be doing more reviews of this sort soon as well as more book reviews of course!
GateKeeper is my new favorite roller coaster, I found it to be a perfect amount of intensity and it really is a different ride in every seat as I can say officially since I was able to ride it 10 times in a different seat every time. It is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B & M), Monthey, Switzerland who also is the manufacturer of several other great rides such as Raptor and Mantis also at Cedar Point, Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa, Hydra at Dorney, X-Flight at Six Flags Great America, Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, Incredible Hulk at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, as well as several others.
Located at the front of the park, GateKeeper, forever changes the landscape of the Cedar Point Peninsula.
Cedar Point’s first wing roller coaster reaches new heights in many ways. The ride sets three world records for the tallest drop, longest track and most inversions of any wing coaster on the planet. A state-of-the-art control center is at the heart of operations, and energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates the trains. Aside from the screams of excitement, it is one of the quietest roller coasters ever built because the track is filled with sand. Using all the latest technology, GateKeeper has set new standards in the amusement industry.
The ride layout is specially designed for Cedar Point, featuring a track that dramatically flies above the main entrance of the park, passing over arriving guests with rolling flyover maneuvers – twice, sliding by buildings and narrowly slotting through keyhole towers for near-miss excitement. Elements of the ride include:
Statistics:
Here is what some of the Executives at Cedar Point had to say about it:
“Gatekeeper is the next in the line of scream machines and was created to dial up the fear factor by placing seats out onto an outrigger support, leaving your feet to dangle with nothing above you or nothing below you. This is a liberating moment for the hard core rider to not have the track in the way of your view, but a frightening and vulnerable appearing position for many.
One of the tricks of the trade is in knowing your audience and using their innate fear to generate excitement for the roller coaster rider. Fear is a very powerful emotion. Many guests come to our park to ride attractions as a form of escapism by challenging their fears while riding our super machines and record breaking roller coasters.”
“GateKeeper is unlike anything our guests have experienced before. It’s innovative thrills, like those our visitors will experience on GateKeeper, that keep them coming back year after year, earning us the honor of ‘Best Amusement Park in the World.’”
-Finally here is the video of our ride.
GateKeeper is my new favorite roller coaster, I found it to be a perfect amount of intensity and it really is a different ride in every seat as I can say officially since I was able to ride it 10 times in a different seat every time. It is manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B & M), Monthey, Switzerland who also is the manufacturer of several other great rides such as Raptor and Mantis also at Cedar Point, Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa, Hydra at Dorney, X-Flight at Six Flags Great America, Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, Incredible Hulk at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, as well as several others.
Located at the front of the park, GateKeeper, forever changes the landscape of the Cedar Point Peninsula.
Cedar Point’s first wing roller coaster reaches new heights in many ways. The ride sets three world records for the tallest drop, longest track and most inversions of any wing coaster on the planet. A state-of-the-art control center is at the heart of operations, and energy-efficient LED lighting illuminates the trains. Aside from the screams of excitement, it is one of the quietest roller coasters ever built because the track is filled with sand. Using all the latest technology, GateKeeper has set new standards in the amusement industry.
- Wing Over Drop – Once riders crest the top of the lift hill, the coaster train rotates 180 degrees to the right, turning riders upside down before plummeting toward the ground at speeds of more than 65 mph!
- Immelmann – a maneuver through which riders enter a half loop, go through a half twist and curve out in the opposite direction from which they came
- Camelback – riders fly over a giant, 105-foot-tall camelback hill filled with “airtime!”
- Giant Flat Spin – a hair-raising 360-degree flip that provides two different ride experiences for guests on each side of the train
- Zero-G-Roll – a flying element that takes riders through two support towers that now dominate Cedar Point’s new Main Entrance
- Inclined Dive Loop – a tight, 180-degree turnaround that pushes riders through an overbanked turn and rockets them back towards the station
- 360° In-Line-Roll – an element that takes riders extremely close to two massive keyhole towers while flying over guests entering the park below
- Camelback Drop – a quick drop that propels the train and its guests through the rides final thrilling element, the spiral
- Spiral – GateKeeper’s track rotates a wicked 360 degrees before bringing the coasters train back to the ride station
Statistics:
- Length: 4,164 feet
- Lift Height: 170 feet
- Vertical Drop: 164 feet
- Max Speed: 67 mph
- Approximate Capacity: 1710 riders/hour
- Vehicles: 3 Trains with 32 seats each
Here is what some of the Executives at Cedar Point had to say about it:
“Gatekeeper is the next in the line of scream machines and was created to dial up the fear factor by placing seats out onto an outrigger support, leaving your feet to dangle with nothing above you or nothing below you. This is a liberating moment for the hard core rider to not have the track in the way of your view, but a frightening and vulnerable appearing position for many.
One of the tricks of the trade is in knowing your audience and using their innate fear to generate excitement for the roller coaster rider. Fear is a very powerful emotion. Many guests come to our park to ride attractions as a form of escapism by challenging their fears while riding our super machines and record breaking roller coasters.”
-Rob Decker, corporate vice president of planning and
design for Cedar Fair, chief architect for the ride
“GateKeeper is unlike anything our guests have experienced before. It’s innovative thrills, like those our visitors will experience on GateKeeper, that keep them coming back year after year, earning us the honor of ‘Best Amusement Park in the World.’”
-John Hildebrandt, vice president and
general manager for Cedar Point
“This coaster is amazing and will give our guests so many thrills, on many different levels. From the amazing view of Lake Erie to the twists and turns of going through the keyholes, it has something for every thrillseeker!”
-Colleen Murphy, director of park
attractions, Cedar Point
-Finally here is the video of our ride.
Hope you all love it!
-Cris
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Special Treat
Hello readers, I have recently had the delightful opportunity to be invited to read an advanced copy of the book The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau, I will soon post the review I am slightly behind on posting my reviews because of classes, being sick, and vacationing to become a god mother, but have no fear I shall catch up on posting soon. To entertain you until then though I give you this.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Enchantment Day!
I just wanted to remind everone that Nikki Jefford's final book of the Spellbound trilogy is on sale today! I just picked up my copy over on amazon, look for my review in the next few days. I might not get it done tonight due to my aerial silks class, but watch for my review of Enchantment as well as my review of The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada
Amazon France | Amazon Spain | Amazon Germany
Smashwords | Barnes & Noble
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party!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada
Amazon France | Amazon Spain | Amazon Germany
Smashwords | Barnes & Noble
Enchantment (Spellbound #3)
Barcelona. Summer escape. Or so Graylee
Perez thought until her old adversary, Adrian Montez, brings his magic show to Spain.
Gray seeks out a Spanish wizard to help
banish Adrian from her life once and for all. Instead, she tumbles headfirst
into a love spell with the arrogant warlock.
After Gray follows Adrian to Paris, she
must face her true feelings and decide if Adrian’s worth fighting for.
Join the
party!
Guest
posts, daily prizes, and a live Facebook event on Thursday, April 18th at
8 p.m. EDT.
Hope to
see you there!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Spellbound Trilogy Announcement
If you've been as impatient as me waiting for Enchantment, the final book of the Spellbound Trilogy, the wait is almost over! It will be available on April 9th, and we have news from Nikki Jefford herself that in honor of the release it will be available for a limited time for the discounted price of $0.99!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
A Sneak Peek
Read here what others are saying about the book, as well as a synopsis.
"Bristling with red-hot suspense, The Ophelia Cut is the roller-coaster ride of a lifetime...You'll love this book."
--Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Spies
Imagine this: You are a defense attorney and your hotheaded brother-in-law is suddenly under arrest for the murder of the man who raped his beautiful daughter, your niece. The evidence is damning, but he insists he's innocent. To make matters worse, this same brother-in-law of yours is an alcoholic who is in the process of falling off the wagon. He gets chatty when he drinks. And the things he knows about you and your closest colleagues would make life very unpleasant for all of you if they were revealed...
For the first time since 2009, John Lescroart's most popular protagonist returns in a masterful novel that bears all his signature elements: a cast of flesh-and-blood characters, morally complex situations with no easy answers, and--of course--relentless, nail-biting suspense that will leave you breathless.
"Smart, riveting, and utterly compelling, The Ophelia Cut has and an incredible cast of characters from whom you will not want to depart...hands-down the best legal thriller I have read in years and a perfect case study for why readers love the brilliant John Lescroart." --Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Black List
"Nothing short of magic, dark and delicious. The Ophelia Cut is the work of a master at the top of his game."--William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author ofTrickster's Point
Monday, March 11, 2013
Duplicity
Duplicity by: Nikki Jefford Book 2 of The Spellbound Trilogy
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars. I will read it again and recommend it to others. I got this book because I enjoyed the first one so much and wanted to know what was next for the characters. I was worried it might fall flat as many sequels do, but it exceeded my expectation and was great! All of the main characters from book one are discussed, and most gained more depth. This book had several twists some of them were unexpected. I found it to be another great read that I finished in one sitting by this author and am looking forward to the release of the trilogy finale next month. Also I would like to add if you read and enjoyed these books check out the author's website and read Montez the Magician, it gives you background story for Adrian, it might change your opinion on how you feel about him after reading it.
Synopsis: Two Grays are Better than None
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 5 stars. I will read it again and recommend it to others. I got this book because I enjoyed the first one so much and wanted to know what was next for the characters. I was worried it might fall flat as many sequels do, but it exceeded my expectation and was great! All of the main characters from book one are discussed, and most gained more depth. This book had several twists some of them were unexpected. I found it to be another great read that I finished in one sitting by this author and am looking forward to the release of the trilogy finale next month. Also I would like to add if you read and enjoyed these books check out the author's website and read Montez the Magician, it gives you background story for Adrian, it might change your opinion on how you feel about him after reading it.
Synopsis: Two Grays are Better than None
If Graylee Perez thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn’t seem to get that Lee’s boyfriend, Raj McKenna, is off limits. Then there’s the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Graylees to be his.
Nearly a year later, the council is on to them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper.
If they work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right and making it out alive.
Coming soon: I am looking forward to reading and reviewing the following books: When She Was Wicked, Double Enchantment, The Prince, and India Fan.
Thank you for looking to our blog and be sure to share with your friends and keep sending us suggestions of books you want us to review.
Coming soon: I am looking forward to reading and reviewing the following books: When She Was Wicked, Double Enchantment, The Prince, and India Fan.
Thank you for looking to our blog and be sure to share with your friends and keep sending us suggestions of books you want us to review.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Entangled
Entangled by: Nikki Jefford, Book 1 in The Spellbound Trilogy
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 4.5 stars. I would read it again and recommend it to others. I also plan on buying the sequel as soon as I am done with this post. I loved this book. It had relatable characters with the twist of many having magical talents. I found myself feeling sorry for Raj for how Gray misjudged him at first and angry at Charlene for how self-absorbed and recklessly wicked she was. I read the whole thing in one sitting as I wanted to know how everything turned out, also why I am so interested in seeing how it continues on in the second installment. The only reason I dropped half of a star on the rating is I felt it a bit unrealistic that tragedy would happen to not only one but two teen girls especially from the same school and grade, without any further investigation or news interest into if there was foul play or if they were related. Other then that I found it well thought out and leaving enough end open to ensure people want to keep reading, while not leaving so much of a cliff hanger that it could still be enjoyed as a stand alone book.
Synopsis: Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.
Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.
The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.
Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Fetish Box What Escapes
The Fetish Box What Escapes by: Nicole Camden Part 2 of The Fetish Box
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 3 stars, and wouldn't recommend to others, however will eventually try reading when the series is finished as a whole book. I felt this book was similar to the first one in lacking enough content to be considered a whole book. It was a bit easier to read, though only as a continuation of book one and even the chapters were numbered as though it was the same book. I found the characters actions unbelievable, theres no beleivability a girl would go through that much of her life as a virgin and then suddenly become a total trollop over night having sexual encounters with multiple men, separately, in the same night the supposed first time involving clamps. This book basically focus on several sexual encounters of the previously a virgin main character, Mary, and a break-in to the sex store she inhereted from her estranged mother. I would have been more impressed with this series if they had just been one book.
Synopsis: The breathtaking second installment in the Fetish Box eBook series…open the box and see what escapes…Mary is surprised by the deep feelings that follow in the wake of her first sexual encounter, but fascination with her lover John doesn’t dim her desire for the unapologetically lusty Irish bar-owner, Max. Feeding one hunger has unleashed other needs, and Mary wants to experience everything her new life has to offer.
But Mary’s dark desires aren’t the only ones swirling in the depths of The Fetish Box, and violence erupts amid the passion. When one of the men is attacked and the people at The Box put in danger, Mary realizes that some desires are more dangerous than others…
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Friday Night Knitting Club
The Friday Night Knitting Club by: Kate Jacobs
Read & Reviewed by: Nemo
Nemo's Review: I would give this book 4.5 stars! Any single mother's life has to be hectic. Add in running your own business in NYC and things just become insane, especially when your little girl starts to become a teenager. The Friday Night Knitting Club focuses on Georgia Walker, her 12 year old daughter and the women that surround them. The stories of the various women in the book, while they don't so much intersect, are all very well developed and follow certain themes like betrayal and the woes of everyday life as a woman. I took off half a star because there are a few instances where the pacing of the book is an issue, but there are a few plot twists thrown in that keep you coming back for more!
Synopsis: Once a week, an eclectic group of women comes together at a New York City yarn shop to work on their latest projects—and share the stories of their lives…
At the center of Walker and Daughter is the shop’s owner, Georgia, who is overwhelmed with juggling the store and single-handedly raising her teenage daughter. Happy to escape the demands of her life, she looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club, where she and her friends—Anita, Peri, Darwin, Lucie, and KC—exchange knitting tips, jokes, and their deepest secrets. But when the man who once broke Georgia’s heart suddenly shows up, demanding a role in their daughter’s life, her world is shattered.
Luckily, Georgia’s friends are there for encouragement, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle-making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they’ve created isn’t just a knitting club: it’s a sisterhood.
Sugarbabe
Sugarbabe: The Controversial Real Story of a Woman in Search of a Sugar Daddy by Holly Hill
Read & Reviewed by: Nemo
Nemo's Review: I give this book 5 stars and then some! This memoir of one woman's struggle to figure out who she is and where she fits in society is extremely difficult to put down. I originally picked it up in paperback as something to read on the plane during those times when electronics are supposed to be turned off. I ended up reading it straight through, forgetting to even put in headphones to listen to some music! Holly Hills tells it like it is and delves deep into how the roles of men and women and the expectations of the two are so different in modern society. She explores the idea that some of the roles and (double) standards are outdated and really need to be done away with. A great, informative read that made me really examine what exactly it is that society expects of me as a young woman.
Synopsis: A sexy, fun memoir of a woman in search of love—and money!
“Attractive, professional, well-spoken, well-dressed 35-year-old woman seeks sugar daddy. I live in Darlinghurst on a 17th floor unit with fantastic skyline views to the harbor. The unit also features very discreet and secure undercover guest parking. I am looking for exclusivity so will (theoretically) be available to you 24 x 7. I am single and don't have any children. I am also a fabulous cook and can provide gourmet meals should you require them. I am a qualified psychologist so I make an excellent listener, and I have a great love of conversation. I have also worked for many years in public relations so am a clever, charming companion in just about any situation. I love sex. I will require a generous weekly allowance in return for all of the above.”
Holly Hill (pseudonym) gave up her job at the behest of her wealthy boyfriend—and then found herself dumped and penniless. After spending six weeks in bed pining for her lost love, she was encouraged by a friend to be "open-minded" about her career choices—and ended up placing an online ad for a sugar daddy. She received an almost overwhelming response from all sorts of men, but most of them were married men whose wives had lost interest in sex. As Holly interviewed the men and settled on a candidate, she decided to record what happened next. Those almost-daily observations became a journal documenting Holly's extraordinary experiences—not just the men she meets, but the things she finds out about marriages, in particular, and what men need from them. Sugarbabe is her real-life account of the emails, meetings, employment of and interactions with the applicants for the role, and the five men she eventually chooses (not all at the same time!). It is by turns funny, enlightening, challenging and thought-provoking.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Best Quote Poll
In honor of Valentines Day being the 14th we have a poll for you with 14 possible options. Please vote, and if you select other please be sure to put your other quote in a comment on this post, and include the book title and author.
1. "I love you, Char. I love how clever and imaginative and courageous you are. How kindhearted, loyal and caring you are. And God, you are beautiful. Ever since our afternoon in the folly, I've thought of little else other than you, and wanting to discover you more." The tears in her eyes were not summoned at will. They were happy tears, glistening on their own accord because this man knew her. He understood her. He loved her. And he was telling her so in a rather romantic speech in the garden on a moonlit night.
2."Had anything happened to you, Sophie,"- Patrick shuddered and took a deep breath as he remembered the terror he had felt at her abduction-"I could not have borne the pain. I love you so very much." "I am here, my love, safe with you as I will always be," Sophie whispered as she moved closer to kiss his lips, a soft aching kiss that was filled with tenderness. "Yes," Patrick said, lifting her into his arms and sinking beneath the hot water. "Always," he whispered.
3. I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.
4. “I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them.”
5. He knew, then, as he watched her sitting on the flint wall, he loved her more than his own life. The thought of losing her worried him more than one day being recaptured.
6. And she loved him. It was as simple as that. It was more than merely having become accustomed to his company. Loving Winfield had crept up on her slowly with every touchof his hand, every shared laugh, every argument. He had slipped into her heart and captured her soul when she wasn't looking, wasn't aware it was so much a possibility. Now, the thought that she had lost him, the idea of living her life without him brought with it a pain nearly too great to bear. She had to set things right, although she had no idea how to do so. At this point, agreeing to an engagement was obviously not enough.
7.“This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.”
8. “Do you know how many ways love can hit you? So it makes you happy, or miserable? It makes you sick in the belly or hurt in the heart. It makes everything brighter and sharper, or it blurs all the edges. It makes you feel like a king or a fool. Every way love can hit you, it's hit me when it comes to you”
9. “I'd run my whole life long to reach you; paddle my way across Atlantic and Pacific; traverse Jungle and Desert to find you; climb cliffs and drop from the sky to rescue you. Anything to be close to you. Any way to say I love you.”
10. He closed his eyes as she put her hand on his shoulder, and in that instant, nothing else mattered. Not the song, not the place, not the other couples around him. Only this, only her. He gave himself over to the feel of her body as it pressed against him, and they moved slowly in small circles on the sawdust-strewn floor, lost in a world that felt as though it had been created for just the two of them.
11. “I have so much love for you, I could fill rooms with it. Buildings. You’re surrounded by it wherever you go, you walk through it, breathe it...it’s in your lungs, and under your tongue, and between your fingers and toes...” His mouth moved passionately over hers, urging her lips apart. It was a kiss to level mountains and shake stars from the sky. It was a kiss to make angels faint and demons weep...a passionate, demanding, soul-searing kiss that nearly knocked the earth off its axis. Or at least that was how Poppy felt about it.”
12. So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real."
13. "I care," he said in a trembling voice. "I care so much that I do not know how to tell you without it seeming inconsequential compared to how I feel. Even if I am distant at times and seem as if I do not want to be with you, it is only because this scares me, too."
We have now closed the poll We had 76 people vote. Results are as follows.
First place with 26.3% of the vote is #12.
Second place with 19.7% is #7
Third place with 13.2% is #4
Fourth place with 10.5% is #6
Fifth place with 9.2% is #10
Sixth place with 6.6% is #8
Tied for seventh place with 3.9% is #13 & #9
Ninth place with 2.6% is #2
Tied for tenth place with 1.3% is #1, #5, & #11
And options that received no votes were #3 and #14
1. "I love you, Char. I love how clever and imaginative and courageous you are. How kindhearted, loyal and caring you are. And God, you are beautiful. Ever since our afternoon in the folly, I've thought of little else other than you, and wanting to discover you more." The tears in her eyes were not summoned at will. They were happy tears, glistening on their own accord because this man knew her. He understood her. He loved her. And he was telling her so in a rather romantic speech in the garden on a moonlit night.
2."Had anything happened to you, Sophie,"- Patrick shuddered and took a deep breath as he remembered the terror he had felt at her abduction-"I could not have borne the pain. I love you so very much." "I am here, my love, safe with you as I will always be," Sophie whispered as she moved closer to kiss his lips, a soft aching kiss that was filled with tenderness. "Yes," Patrick said, lifting her into his arms and sinking beneath the hot water. "Always," he whispered.
3. I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.
4. “I hope you find someone you can't live without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them.”
5. He knew, then, as he watched her sitting on the flint wall, he loved her more than his own life. The thought of losing her worried him more than one day being recaptured.
6. And she loved him. It was as simple as that. It was more than merely having become accustomed to his company. Loving Winfield had crept up on her slowly with every touchof his hand, every shared laugh, every argument. He had slipped into her heart and captured her soul when she wasn't looking, wasn't aware it was so much a possibility. Now, the thought that she had lost him, the idea of living her life without him brought with it a pain nearly too great to bear. She had to set things right, although she had no idea how to do so. At this point, agreeing to an engagement was obviously not enough.
7.“This is me, Ana. All of me...and I'm all yours. What do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you. That I love you.”
8. “Do you know how many ways love can hit you? So it makes you happy, or miserable? It makes you sick in the belly or hurt in the heart. It makes everything brighter and sharper, or it blurs all the edges. It makes you feel like a king or a fool. Every way love can hit you, it's hit me when it comes to you”
9. “I'd run my whole life long to reach you; paddle my way across Atlantic and Pacific; traverse Jungle and Desert to find you; climb cliffs and drop from the sky to rescue you. Anything to be close to you. Any way to say I love you.”
10. He closed his eyes as she put her hand on his shoulder, and in that instant, nothing else mattered. Not the song, not the place, not the other couples around him. Only this, only her. He gave himself over to the feel of her body as it pressed against him, and they moved slowly in small circles on the sawdust-strewn floor, lost in a world that felt as though it had been created for just the two of them.
11. “I have so much love for you, I could fill rooms with it. Buildings. You’re surrounded by it wherever you go, you walk through it, breathe it...it’s in your lungs, and under your tongue, and between your fingers and toes...” His mouth moved passionately over hers, urging her lips apart. It was a kiss to level mountains and shake stars from the sky. It was a kiss to make angels faint and demons weep...a passionate, demanding, soul-searing kiss that nearly knocked the earth off its axis. Or at least that was how Poppy felt about it.”
12. So after, when he whispers, "You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real."
13. "I care," he said in a trembling voice. "I care so much that I do not know how to tell you without it seeming inconsequential compared to how I feel. Even if I am distant at times and seem as if I do not want to be with you, it is only because this scares me, too."
We have now closed the poll We had 76 people vote. Results are as follows.
First place with 26.3% of the vote is #12.
Second place with 19.7% is #7
Third place with 13.2% is #4
Fourth place with 10.5% is #6
Fifth place with 9.2% is #10
Sixth place with 6.6% is #8
Tied for seventh place with 3.9% is #13 & #9
Ninth place with 2.6% is #2
Tied for tenth place with 1.3% is #1, #5, & #11
And options that received no votes were #3 and #14
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Happy Valentines Day Readers!
Hello readers we hope that you are having a wonderful Valentines Day! Since many of the books we review we thought a few extra holiday inspired, romance themed posts.
We are busy collecting romantic suggestions from our members of books, songs, recipes, crafts all sorts of ideas. So please stay tuned, also feel free to comment and make some suggestions of your own.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Fetish Box Open All Night
The Fetish Box Open All Night by: Nicole Camden Part 1 of The Fetish Box
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
Max is a playboy who knows how to give women what they want, but John… John might just be able to give Mary something even she doesn’t know she needs…
Read & Reviewed by: Cris
My Review: I gave this book 2.5 stars. I would only read again if I had all parts to the series to get the equivalent of a full book. I found it hard to get into and ending so abruptly that I thought I hadn't gotten the whole download. I felt that the story was made of to many weak characters with too little back-story, and interactions that are so random and far fetched made this one not satisfy me. Hoping book 2 will continue where this left off and possibly save the series for me.
Synopsis:Virginal twenty-two-year-old Mary has just inherited a sex shop in Florida from her mother. After a long drive from California, she arrives at her deceased mother’s house only to be confronted immediately with two equally sexy strangers: the strong, silent John and the irreverent, taunting Max. She’s innocent, almost completely untouched, but feels a completely uncharacteristic pull to each man. Shocking even herself, she realizes it’s not an unwelcome desire.
Max is a playboy who knows how to give women what they want, but John… John might just be able to give Mary something even she doesn’t know she needs…
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