Friday, April 12, 2013

Cover Reveal: Tremble





Synopsis

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug the Denazen corporation used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their backs on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.

Until, of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman whose blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kids' defects. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her.

Dez's father is willing to throw away everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.



Exclusive Excerpt

“I told them you wouldn’t come alone. Yet here you are,” Kale’s dark voice said from the doorway. “You’re an odd one.”
“You don’t realize it, but coming from you, that’s kinda funny,” I said, swallowing hard and turning to face him. The light from the hall lit the entire right side of his face, leaving the left cloaked in darkness. Two sides of the same dangerous coin. I wanted to back away but resisted, meeting his gaze straight on. My Kale was in there somewhere—and he could sense weakness. “Did you kill her?”
            “She’s dead.”
            “I figured as much,” I said, jaw tense. Another step closer. “But I’m asking if you did it.”
            He cocked his head to the left and I could see his expression. Confusion. “You asked the same thing about the other girl. Why does it matter?”
            “Because it does. It matters to you, too. You just don’t remember.”
            He took another step. Inches. He was inches from me now, the warmth from his body radiating like the sun. Every one of my muscles plunged into an all-out war with my heart. Common sense screamed for me to match his steps forward with ones away. Keep your distance—he’s dangerous!
My heart wanted to move closer. I wanted this to all be nothing more than a bad dream.
            “I feel like...when I look at you—” He shook his head and placed a hand on either side of me, up against the mattress, and brought his face close to mine. For the longest moment all he did was stare. When he did speak, there was so much rage in his voice. “You stabbed me. When that didn’t do the trick, you pushed me from the bridge. I’m asking you why?”
            “I never did that, Kale. No one’s ever pushed you from a bridge as far as I know. I promise. As for the scar, yeah. You were stabbed. Alex did it.”
            “You’re lying, Kiernan.”
            “I’m not. And my name is Dez,” I said, voice cracking under the weight of his words. “Deznee.” I wasn’t ready to give up, so I went with what had always worked for me. Something insane.
            Pushing forward, I crushed my lips to his, wrapping both arms around his neck to lock him in place. He didn’t resist and, to my surprise, didn’t shove me away. Instead, after a moment, he responded, his lips moving fervently with mine.
            The kiss only lasted a few moments. I was the one who broke it, pulling away as the clouds passed, allowing the moonlight to shine through the bedroom window once again. For a second, neither of us said a word. His cheeks glistened with my tears, making it look like he’d been crying, too, as he stared—eyes wide and mouth agape—like he’d never seen me before.
            For a crazy, insane moment, time froze. I thought maybe the kiss had done the trick. That this time the princess had woken the prince. He looked at me with a mix of shock and awe, the tiniest hint of my Kale gleamed through. My heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear anything else. It was there. I could see the spark in his eyes. “Kale?”
            But it didn’t last. Or maybe it hadn’t been there at all. Maybe I wanted to see it so badly that I imagined the whole thing.
            His lips parted and the corners tilted upward just a hair. “Roz is right. You are crazy.”
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Author Bio

Jus Accardo spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing.

Jus is the bestselling author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction.
A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch was released in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is currently working on the next book in the Denazen series.




Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Doctor Who In Review: The Rings Of Akhaten

The Rings Of Akhaten is one of those episodes that really remind you why Doctor Who is such a great show.

I've found that the first real traveling episodes with the new companions are always fantastic. With Donna it was The Last Days Of Pompeii, which this episode strangely reminds me of and in other ways it reminds me a bit of Gridlock from the Tennant years...sans the cute cats.

This episode packs a punch from the starting scenes where you get a glimpse into the life and family of Clara Oswald to the Doctor saving the day as always.

But aside from getting a few more clues, or not, about Clara, its is the Doctor's interaction with the little girl who plays the Queen of Years that really reminds you how good Matt Smith can be in this role.

He isn't all about getting the cute companion, and even as a girl myself, I have to admit Jenna Louise Coleman is flipping cute. 11 just has a way with kids. You saw it in The Eleventh Hour with the young Amy and in the prequel to The Bells Of St John with the young Clara. Matt Smith is just great with kids. It is a shame that Lis Sladen passed away, if he could have made a few more appearances on Sarah Jane Adventures, things would have been really fab. Glad he did get to go on that show once.

Another highlight of this show was the music. Completely stunning.

But back to the scary. The grandfather/God that they were singing too is a rather psycho parasitic vampire of sorts that kinda looks like a jack-o-lantern!


This episode brought back all that is good about Doctor Who. A little scary, but something you can't pull your eyes away from.

Oh and super 50th Anniversary nod in the episode as The Doctor said he came to that planet once with his Granddaughter. Love that some of the classic show is popping up, rather than stuff about the reboot and whinging and wining about Rose etc.

This episode will definitely go down as one of the best in the 11th Doctor's era.



Sunday, April 7, 2013

Is It Country?

This little cutie is all over country radio with his single Somebody's Heartbreak.

The song is really fun, catchy and well, it is good. But how does it pass for country?

It is kind of like Taylor Swift?

There's no country left to that girl anymore. (If there ever was).

Now I'm not knocking his music, because the song is good. It is what pop music should be like for the most part, a little bit of cheesy fun, that anyone can listen too.

But country?

There's not one bit of country sound to the song. And if you listen to clips from his album, you'll see, not much country there?

So why is he an up and coming Country singer?

I don't know.

Maybe because country music needs a few tweenybopper cuties?

Whatever, at least his music is worth listening to.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Doctor Who In Review: The Bells Of St. John

It feels like forever since we've had a new set of Doctor Who episodes.

Well all that changed last night as The Doctor stormed back onto our screens with his new companion Clara Oswald, played by the almost too cute to be true Jenna Louise Coleman. She's the typical Who companion a little bit of a misfit, just like the Doctor, plus she is the girl twice dead. (And the Doctor needs to find out just who she is)

That sets up the story arc for the rest of the season, as well as finding out who the "Big" villain is going to be this season.

The secret is getting her in the Tardis, or as she aptly names it at the end of the epi, his snogbox.

Hey, I'd get in his big blue box and snog The Doctor, in at least 7 or his 11 selves.

But anyway..back to the episode at hand. The wifi is taking your soul by downloading it to some cloud. All that's left are shells of people saying, "I don't know where I am!"

I'm kind of on the fence with this episode.

Things I liked:

Clara was awesome, not as fun as Amy but still a good companion.

Some nods to the Ponds...pay close attention to the book Summer Falls and who it is written by. Kinda neat after the Melody Malone mystery in the Pond's swansong.

The doctor's bike! (I hear we'll be seeing it again in the 50th with Tennant and Piper)

11's new outfit. Tres sexy.

Clara and the tea..now that's impossible..she didn't spill a drop!

The Great Intelligence: a newish foe that really seems like it could be quite formidable.

What I didn't like

Clara thinking the Doctor was going all leg humpy on her.

The ending seemed to easy...no real fight, which was a bit ho hummy.

It was a decent enough intro to the new companion that we've already seen twice this series. I hope the next episode is a bit more exciting.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Cover Reveal: Laura Kreitzer - Burning Falls

Summer’s in the midst of a rivalry between the scientifically altered people living on Forsaken Harbor. As things heat up on the island, our heroine and her friends are thrown in the middle of a war that will rip them apart. When Summer discovers those she trusted most are keeping life-altering secrets, she flees the violent harbor for the wild jungle. Realizing Summer’s missing, Julian and Gage fight their way through the jungle and come across a mysterious burning waterfall. Summer’s there, but so is someone else . . .

Will it be fight or flight for our battered heroine? Who will win her heart? Who will betray her? And who will make the ultimate sacrifice to save her? Find out in the shocking third installment of the Summer Chronicles as more than one battle is waged on the island.

Dive into this Phantom Universe by downloading the first book for FREE here: http://bit.ly/YQcXeh

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Top 5 TV Gingers

Every time the Doctor regenerates on Doctor Who, he wants to know if he's a ginger. So in honor of Doctor Who returning to our screens on Saturday, I bring you my favorite tv gingers!

1. Lucille Ball


2. Karen Gillian 


3. Reba


4. Molly Quinn


5. Catherine Tate




Monday, March 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: Hard As It Gets - Laura Kaye


Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome—pure catnip to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...




About Laura Kaye: 



Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Movie Review: Les Miserables



The movie adaption of the musical version of Victor Hugo's epic novel is probably one of the best stage to screen movies in many years.

The cast is full of well known names, though some of those names you didn't realize could sing until you sat down to watch.

Hugh Jackman's portrayal of Jean Valjean is probably one of the best seen since Colm Wilkenson created the role back in the 80s. Oh and Colm? If you watch the film closely, you'll see his part and hear his remarkable voice again. It is a shame Lloyd Webber couldn't have found a place for Michael Crawford to make a cameo when he ruined his Phantom of the Opera by taking it to film. Maybe Crawford could have taught Gerard Butler to sing too..

But back to Les Miserables.

Anyone who questions Jackman's performance should only listen to "Bring Him Home" and then they should shut the hell up!

Anne Hathaway was stunning as Fantine. Her emotional and soul stirring rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream" took this song to new levels. Thanks to reality tv and many many cover versions, the true depth of this song has been lost, but not anymore. She was truly a surprising gem in this film.

There are some people that didn't know Russell Crowe could sing, this film will clear all of that up. As Javert, you have remarkably human if not still obstinate man. His performances of "Stars" and "


Probably the only vocal performance that wasn't stellar was Helena Bonham Carter's Madame Thenadier. It felt like she was holding back, rather than belting out her parts of "Master Of The House" and that was a shame, because otherwise, she along with Sasha Baron Cohen brought the comic relief via their dastardly characters. Some may think that Sasha's inclusion is a sacrilege, but you just have to watch him become Thenadier to know that he was perfect for this part.


I found this film brought some of the characters more into focus. Javert was one of those characters. He was really humanized when he laid his medal on the fallen Gavroche a street child who is part of the revolution. His part is played by Daniel Huttlestone. The other character you see in a more vivid light is Eponine.

In the stage version, you feel sorry for the poor young street girl that longs for Marius Pontemercy (played by Eddie Redmayne), but here you really get the picture of the little spoiled Thenardier girl that was well loved, as opposed to Cosette, who was used a slave to the family.

Anyone who has read the book in either its abridged form or the full 1000+ page tomb will feel Victor Hugo's story come to life in the setting that it was written in.

The movie is lengthy just like the musical and there is almost no spoken dialogue, which really keeps the integrity of the musical.

There were only minor changes made. One is the absence of Gavroche's "Little People" though the reprise of the song is used. The absence of that particular song is a bit sad, because of how wonderful Huttlestone plays the part. He's just as good as Isabelle Allen who was remarkable as the young Cosette.

Amanda Seyfried was a beautiful Cosette, but after her performance in Mamma Mia we know that she could sing and do it well.

The only disappointment was the new song "Suddenly" written for Jackman and sung about Cosette. It just didn't didn't feel right and didn't do justice to Jackman's wonderful voice.

This finely done film is a must see for anyone that loved the musical of has always wanted to see it.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Cover Reveal: Wolf Protector - Milly Taiden


Blurb:
A woman with a secret…
The Federal Paranormal Unit is an elite squad of supernaturals dedicated to solving missing persons cases. Erica’s gift allows her a special connection with the crime, but it comes at a deep personal cost… Until now, she’s kept her gift a secret, even from the other members of the team. But this case will throw her together with Agent Trent Buchanan. He’s the object of her secret desires, but he’s also a cocky womanizer. She’d rather swim in shark-infested waters with a paper cut than admit she has feelings for him.

A man with one desire…
Wolf Shifter Trent wants Erica more than he’s ever wanted any woman. He’s spent years patiently waiting for her to admit that she wants him too. Working one-on-one in a race to find a serial killer, Trent’s patience and Erica’s resolve wear thin. When Trent discovers the truth about Erica, will he accept her for who she is? And can he protect her from the horrors that her gift brings?

A case that pushes them to the edge…
Erica will have to risk it all if she wants to stop the killer, and when she does, Trent may have to put his own life on the line to make sure his mate is protected…





Author Bio:
Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.
A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter and Dianne Duvall among others.


Contact Info.
Email: millytaiden@gmail.com
Website:  http://www.millytaiden.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/millytaidenauthor

Books:
As Milly Taiden
Caged Heat
Wynter’s Captive
Halloween Heat III – Mate Event
Fate’s Wish
Sharp Change

Coming Soon
Fever
Wolf Protector

As April Angel
Party Crasher
Wicked Valentine – Sizzling Encounters – Book 2
Stranded Temptation
Mr. Buff – Sizzling Encounters – Book 1

Coming Soon
Lucky Break – Sizzling Encounters – Book 3
A Hero’s Pride 


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Album Review: Justin Hayward - Spirits Of The Western Sky


Justin Hayward returns to the music scene with his first album in yonks entitled Spirits In The Western Sky. It is a beautiful offering by the Moody Blues frontman.

To come to that conclusion you have to remember a few things about the music industry.

1. Musicians over 60 aren't supposed to make new music and if they do, it isn't supposed to be taken seriously.

2. Songs written by musicians over 60 aren't likely to be of the same caliber of the stuff they wrote 20 - 40 years ago.

That said, this is why Spirits  is worth the $15.00.

1.  Justin still has his voice, which many artists from the 60s can't say.

2. His writing is still good. No its not as good as the stuff he was writing during the days of The Core 7 (God I hate that classification of those albums)

Having given the album a listen, it can be deduced that many of these songs are throwbacks from past albums and projects.  "In Your Blue Eyes" is the lead single and the album's opener. Definitely something from the 90s.

"One Day, Someday" which is Justin at his sappy romantic best. This arrangements and the whole tone of this song scream View From The Hill. It is a strong and beautiful ballad.

"The Western Sky" is a little bit to long and more than a little bit boring.  Perhaps it is Justin's answer to fellow Moody, John Lodge's equally snoreworthy "Words You Say." The guitar is too simple. There is nothing about this song to catch your ear.

"The Eastern Sun" is exactly opposite. Again Justin delivers with a simple acoustic melody, but unlike "The Western Sky" Justin's vocal is full of emotion, and you get his full vocal range here. This song is Hayward at his best.

Jumping out of the acoustic mode is "On The Road To Love." This song is pure fun and the guitar is lively and it is co-written by Kenny Loggins. It makes you wonder if Justin is about to cut loose, footloose. Oh and don't forget these two words when you listen, EAR WORM!

The album slips back into its more adult contemporary/easy listening niche with "Lazy Afternoon." Justin is still pining for some lost love. Big sighs here. Is he trying to top "Words You Say" again?

"In The Beginning" is another gem. Every time you here a bit of electric guitar, you'll smile. Even if the songs are more than a bit slow, hearing Justin work the guitar's strings is enough.

One of the shining tracks is "Its Cold Outside Of Your Heart" done bluegrass style. This song was featured on The Moody Blue Grass Two Much Love. The original version, of course, was featured on The Present. Unlike a lot of songs that are reworked years later, the bluegrass version freshens the song up and makes it come alive again.

That's not the only song that gets reworked by Justin here, "Broken Dream" from View From The Hill however in this case, there isn't much of a change in the arrangement. The thing that you have to remember here, is that this new recording is done 17 years later, and Justin's voice is still just as good on the new version as the original.

What is most troubling on this album are the "Out There Somewhere" mixes. Techno/Dance Justin is a bit freaky and remixing this classic song and renaming it seems almost sacrilegious. The mix isn't all that interesting either and it certain isn't worth extending it to eight minutes.

"Captivated By You" is one of those songs that you won't be sure why you like it, but you will. Perhaps it has to do with Justin finding as many words that end in "ated" or maybe it is the killer guitar that seems almost out of place in this song, but whatever it is, you will like it.

"What You Resist Persists" is another bluegrass number and you have to wonder how Justin spits out those words throughout the song. It is quite the tongue twister.

Sure there are some misses on this album, but the songs that are good are very good and again, unlike some 60s artists, Justin's voice is still clear and pure. This album should be listened to and enjoyed by Moody fans and new comers to his music.


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Documentary Review: Making The Monkees


Sometimes you find things on TV unexpectedly and that's what I did last night at about 11:00 PM. The Smithsonian Channel was airing their Monkees documentary and for some reason I sat down to watch.

Since Davy Jones passed away last Feb 29th, I've avoided all things Monkees.

Why?

Its depressing to watch.

Making The Monkees is really no exception. Any hard core fan will know most of the story. It has been documented in countless bios of the band, and autobiographies by the band members. One thing is for sure, they may have been the only 4 guys in the height of the 60s that seem to remember it all.

This documentary does put a lot of focus on the shows creators Bob Rafelson & Bert Scheinder as well as the guys themselves. There was also some focus of Don Kirschner who was the music director for the guys until the big rift in the Beverly Hills Hotel sent him packing.

One thing that anyone watching the documentary will likely take away is that Don Kirschner was the big butt head that the guys made him out to be.

Maybe it was editing or maybe not, but he came across as arrogant and "I think I'm Godlike" which makes it easy to understand how someone might put their fist through a wall after having a discussion with him, or pouring a Coke over his head.

The best part of the documentary was seeing the guys talk about that period in their lives. It is also the saddest part, because this special is a few years old, and Davy took part.

Of all the guys, it seems like Peter is the most at ease with things and still seems like his old self, albeit a clean and sober self.

Not sure if this is a documentary that fans need to see, unless they have a hankering to listen to the guys talk about stuff they've talked about hundreds of times before. There's nothing new here at all, but then if you are a fan of The Monkees, you might not care.

~ As an aside, this Davy fan fought back tears every time he came on the screen.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Sad Sad Ebook Library

I love ebooks and I love the fact that our library is online, but there are so many things about ebooks and lending that annoy me.

Allow me to rant about the whole sad sorry ebook mess.

1. You are almost always on a waiting list for books because there's just not enough selection.

2. No renewing your ebook lending period. If you don't finish in 14 days, jump back in the queue.

3. I've heard through the grapevine that the lending thing with most libraries isn't too friendly with Kindle, which makes me glad I own a Nook for once.

4. Poor categorization at the elibrary. I want wider genres for searching.

All in all, ebook libraries are nice, but they are lacking. It seems like they have all the books by certain authors, and none by others, and you'll seldom get any surprises which really takes away the joy of looking for books.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Welcoming Back Agnetha!

I was so excited to see that Agnetha Faltskog was going to have a new album out May 14th.

Here's the link to the video lead single When You Really Love Someone

It is really like stepping back into time.

The album entitled A is available for Pre-order on i-tunes. I have no idea why Amazon doesn't have it yet, except maybe to aggravate me.

It is great to see a classic artist putting out new music that is fantastic and it not only keeps up with a quality she was known for back in the ABBA days, while still having a modern synth pop vibe.

Welcome back Agnetha!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Album Review: Bogdan Ota - Day Of Wrath


Artist: Bogdan Ota
Album: Day of Wrath
Review by Andrea Guy

At first listen Day Of Wrath may seem like a score to an action film, or some supernatural flick where evil is out to ruin the world.

Storms seem to be brewing in the first notes of "Black Friday." It is obvious that this piece is about something more ominous than the start of the holiday shopping season. The music is a reflection of several points of history, Good Friday included where bloody acts took place on a Friday.

The music is dark and sinister sounding. It creates a mood that let's you know that death is near.

"Mourning" is the next piece. The piano and strings convey the sadness of the song. It truly brings forth the feelings of those grieving the loss of a loved one, in the case of this song, Jesus.

The title track is truly fearsome and at times soothing. "The Day Of Wrath" is about The Judgment Day. The first half of the song perfectly illustrates the destruction of the world as we know it. The melody is fierce and dark. About midway through, the music shifts to something lighter where paradise has been found and sorrow will cease.

All of the music on Day Of Wrath is emotionally driven and powerful. "The Story Of My Life" is one such piece. The brass and the percussion are so strong at times, you can feel your heartbeat quicken just listening.

"Glimpse of Happiness" is a turning point in the tone of the music. The music is a reflection of love in the course of ones life. The melody is soothing and the piano is the perfect instrument to reflect that emotion.

Perhaps after you glimpse happiness, you'll need "Solitude" to take it all in. The instrumentation on this song is very simple and very solitary to begin with. As it progresses the melody becomes more intense and complex.

"Harald's Dream" is a song that tells a story on its own. It is based on a love story between a prince of Avar and a beautiful princess with golden hair.

"Fantasy For Piano and Orchestra" is just as it sounds, a beautiful piece of music that takes the listener to a land of happily ever after. It is a dreamy sounding song full of hope and possibilities. The music seems to spill out in waves.

As much as "Fantasy" is full of hope, "Reverie" is full of reflection. It is a quieter piece, almost somber, but not quite, with the piano again in the forefront. The melody is somber, which is perfect for looking back on things that once were or could've been. Bogdan, describes it as looking at door that is forever shut.

Edgar Allen Poe's poem of the same name is the inspiration for "A Dream Within A Dream." When you think of Poe, you think of things of a darker, spookier nature, yet this song is light, with a relaxing melody. The sweeping melody speaks of a perfect love that doesn't exist

Just as the album opens a crash of thunder rolls by in the opening strains of "Sahara." This is a haunting middle eastern melody.  It is a touch of world music, on an album that is primarily orchestral.

Each piece of music found on Day of Wrath is full of emotion and tells a story. This is more than just instrumental music that can play idly in the background. Bogdan Ota has created a masterpiece of sound that fills your ears with breathtaking beauty. This is music that you can't forget once you've heard it, and once you've heard it, you'll want to play it again and again.


Rating 5 (out of 5 stars)

Buy: Amazon

Listen: Story Of My Life

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Got Food?

I love to cook. On my own terms.

What does that mean?

I like to try new recipes and I love to bake.

I didn't really start cooking until I was in my mid-thirties. I had no reason to. My mother was the Queen of the kitchen.

However, now her health isn't as it should be and we need to eat.

She always collected cookbooks and in the past few years, I've weeded through them, finding some real gems along the way.

But I have to say that the main source for finding great recipes has been the internet.

I want to share two of my favorite sites for recipes.

Six Sister's Stuff

These gals are awesome. I'm actually going to be reviewing their new cookbook on March 9, over on my book blog. I've already tried 3 recipes, 2 dinners and 1 dessert and they were fab and super easy to make.

They also have great craft ideas for the family. They make me wish I weren't just a mom to a passel of kitty cats.

 Mennonite Girls Can Cook

The Mennonite Girls share great recipes that range from easy to complex and they do it with a touch of spirituality.

I've found some fabulous recipes here and I hope to be able to buy their 2 cookbooks soon. I check out this site once a day, in case I miss something yummy.


If you love to cook, these are two sites you should seriously consider bookmarking for future reference.

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania


Blurb: 
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania Dracula's lavish five-stake resort where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend Dracula (Adam Sandler) has invited all his best friends Frankenstein and his wife the Mummy the Invisible Man the Werewolf family and more to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's (Selena Gomez) 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!

Review: Anymore I find myself watching more animated films than regular ones. Go figure! I have no kids, but I am a kid at heart.

Hotel Transylvania has quite a cast doing the voices; Adam Sandler (who sounded more like Steve Carell's Gru from Despicable Me then Dracula), Fran Drescher as Frankenstein's wife and Selena Gomez as Dracula's daughter, Mavis.

The movie is really cute without being childish so parents and kids will have a good time watching this one.

When you compare it to this season's other animated Halloween film (Paranorman) I have to say, Hotel Transylvania comes out on top.

Why?

This movie stays lighthearted and fun. It is really a story of an overprotective father and his coming of age daughter set in a Monster Hotel. Think an animate Suite Life with monsters.

There's nothing to scare you with this film, overall it will make you laugh more than anything. The animation is good without being over the top. The werewolf kids are hilarious to watch when they come to the hotel for Mavis party.

Johnny voiced by Andy Samberg is human, Dracula is trying to hide from the other monsters and he is a hoot, especially as the teenage? love between him and Mavis blossoms, much to dad Dracula's chagrin. Johnny-stein (as he's named to keep the other monsters from freaking out) is really the highlight of the film. His antics bring all the laughs.

Recommended to fans of light monster movies and animated films

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Cover Reveal: An Invitation To Sin

Here's the gorgeous cover of Sarah Morgan's May release for Harlequin Presents!

Isn't it gorgeous!


Book Blurb: Snapped and seduced: there's nothing more dangerous than a restless Corretti... Taylor Carmichael holds one thing precious: the reputation she's spent years rebuilding. Then one encounter with Corretti lothario Luca, a bottle of chilled champagne and a skintight dress and the paparazzi have their shot.

Cool, calm and irritatingly aloof, Luca couldn't care less. Splash his face over the papers-he has bigger fish to fry. But Taylor is fuming. Luca had the chance to halt the press and refused. Well, this time she'll make the headlines work for her:

STOP THE PRESS: BAD BOY LUCA CORRETTI TO WED SCREEN SIREN TAYLOR CARMICHAEL

Preorder: Amazon

Friday, February 22, 2013

Doctor Who Humor

Any other Whovians out there?

I saw this on Facebook and had to share it.


Monday, February 18, 2013

Cover Reveal: His Clockwork Canary

Out June 6th by Beth Ciotta

Tell me this isn't one of the hotest Steampunk covers?

I totally want to read this one.

So far no blurb or excerpt, so I'm judging this book by its cover.

Bad me, right?

I don't care!

I love gorgeous book covers.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Audio Book: Like Em Or Hate Em?

I have to say, I can not see the appeal of audio books. Something is lost when a book is read to me.

Why?

My mind wanders.

I have one Doctor Who novel in audio format.

It takes up 6 CDs!

I doubt I'll ever be able to listen to the whole book let alone remember what the book was about.

I've tried short audios, and I'm ok with them, especially if they have a great reader, like David Tennant.

He can read to me any time he wants.

What are your feelings on audio books?

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

CBLS Book Review: Finding Justice


Author: Rachel Brimble
Title: Finding Justice
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Publish Date: Feb 5, 2013
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: CBLS Promotions & the author
Book Blurb:  Old friends, new secrets Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett—a man from her past—is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. And as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Review: Finding Justice is Rachel Brimbles debut novel for Harlequin Superromance and it doesn't disappoint. This book could easily have been published under the Intrigue line, but I'm glad it didn't.

Cat is the kind of heroine you very rarely find in Harlequins where any level of mystery is involved. She's a top notch inspector and there's not a weak bone in her body when it comes to finding a killer. Now when it comes to her personal life that's another story.

I loved Cat and I especially loved how she put the case first, over her blossoming relationship with Jay, a childhood friend that she shared a one night stand with.

There was a good mix of personal feelings as well as intrigue to this book and a big plus was how the romance part was there, and at times it sizzled, but it wasn't the focal point of the story, that was left for the mystery of finding their friend Sarah's killer.

Rachel also adds a bit more to the story, having both the hero and the heroines mother as addicts, Jay with drugs and Julia with alcohol. Its not something you usually see in Harlequin romance, but it really humanized Jay. It also took him away from the "Alpha Male" category that most heroes from series romance fall into. He was flawed very much so, and that makes me love him all the more.

As for the whodunit, I figured it out pretty early on, but I'm pretty good at that.

Anyone that likes a good mystery will enjoy this one. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 stars



About the Author: 
Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012. 

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

Connect with Rachel Brimble:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Monday, February 11, 2013

CBLS Book Tours Interview : Rachel Brimble - Finding Justice

Finding Justice
by Rachel Brimble
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Published by Harlequin Superromance
Release Date: February 1, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 85,000

Available at:
Amazon | ARe | B&N | Harlequin

Blurb:
Old friends, new secrets…

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett-a man from her past-is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case-solving it is top priority. And as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult situations and language and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Interview: 

1. Tell us 5 things most readers wouldn't know about you.

- I love to knit
- I have a phobia of bridges
- I regularly eat four jelly donuts from our local bakery in one sitting ;)
- I ‘speak’ for my dog in a stupid voice
- I was rescued by helicopter from a hotel roof during the 2010 French floods

2.What is your favorite genre to read? and what is your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense – although a close second is historical from either the Tudor or Victorian eras. I have attempted a Tudor novel twice so far and abandoned both of them. I just don’t feel confident as I’m writing that period. I’ve just finished third Victorian which will be sent to my agent in the next couple of weeks.

3. What is the most challenging aspect of writing romantic suspense?

The plotting! I LOVE writing romantic suspense but getting the suspense thread and relationship thread right is tricky. I start out with a sketchy plan but it always ends up completely different that I thought at the beginning. ‘Upping the stakes’ is the most important element and I constantly worry about it – I seem to be doing something right, thank goodness!

4. If you could be a character in any of your novels, which one would you be?

I love Cat in Finding Justice – she’s a feisty, hardworking cop who has all sorts of personal problems going on. Yet she manages to balance them and keep her heart in the right place too. I really enjoyed creating her and telling her story. As she’s the star of book one in what I hope is an ongoing series, I intend to keep up with Cat by featuring her as a secondary character in the following books.

5. What is your favorite book?

For a classic – Gone With The Wind

For modern – The Chesapeake series by Nora Roberts or her single title, Montana Sky. Fabulous!

About the Author: 
Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

Connect with Rachel Brimble:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Follow the rest of the tour: http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/02/vbt-finding-justice-by-rachel-brimble.html


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Book Promo: Identity Crisis



Identity Crisis by Grace Marshall
Reclusive romance novelist Tess Delaney is the alter ego of Garrett Thorne, bad-boy brother of business tycoon Ellison Thorne. When Tess is nominated for the Golden Kiss Award, Garrett recruits PR specialist, Kendra Davis, to keep his secret and be Tess for the awards despite their mutual animosity. But when Tess is stalked by a rabid fan, an identity crisis is eclipsed by a battle for survival, and Tess Delaney, the woman who doesn’t exist, just might understand Kendra and Garrett’s hearts even better than they do.
Available from:
http://www.xcitebooks.co.uk/Book/7769/Identity-Crisis.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00B2PLCOK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00B2PLCOK&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelthouse-21
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2PLCOK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lucyfelt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B2PLCOK
Other links will be added here as they become available: http://gracemarshallromance.co.uk/books/identity-crisis/
*****
Excerpt:
Garrett felt like a naughty teenager as they sneaked out the back door, through the gate of the privacy fence and down the alley. He wore a shapeless track suit with the black hoodie pulled up over his head and a scruffy pair of Converse sneakers that weren’t exactly meant for dancing. And Kendra, well she hardly looked ratty, in his opinion. She wore low rider jeans, and where they weren’t hugging her body like a second skin, they were full of threadbare, flesh revealing holes. The black sweat top she wore was cut short enough to show a tantalizing flash of her navel and hips bones when she moved just right. It slid off one shoulder to reveal the thin lacy strap of a red bra. She wore all of her russet locks tucked up under a leather beret. Her fashion statement was topped off with black ankle boots. She looked very, very dangerous. And hot. Of course she didn’t need to dress the part for either, he thought. He was already certain on both counts.

‘You live a little closer to The Boiling Point than Dee does.’ She took his hand and nodded to where the alley T’ed with the street, and then gave way to the park on the other side. ‘She never goes there, of course. Well she did once, but that was just for Harris, then he hated it.’ She giggled. ‘God I wish I could have been there for that.’

‘Am I going to hate it?’ he asked.

She shook her head. ‘Probably not. You’re much more of a bad boy than Harris is, or is that all an act?’

The long line of shiny chrome Harleys out front of the squat cinder block building gave Garrett the first clue that this was not Dancing with the Stars. Kendra waved them away absently. ‘The Boiling Point’s not really a biker bar, but it’s kind of the warm-up act, I suppose you could say. Lots of bikers start off here before they head on to their usual haunts. Makes for an exciting mix. Later in the night there are almost no bikers. But there are always lots of interesting people.’

Any other time, Garrett would have been up for meeting interesting people, but tonight he couldn’t imagine anyone interesting him more than the woman on his arm. He paid the fee at the door and a surly man the size of small house with fire-engine hair and a scruffy beard stamped their hands with a red ink TBP.

Inside a live band had just begun to play to a full, but not yet crowded house. ‘The place gets raided from time to time,’ Kendra said. ‘I don’t know what all goes on. I just come here because it’s interesting.’

‘A good raid and us carted off to the police station will really give the press something to talk about,’ Garrett observed.

‘Don’t worry,’ she yelled to be heard above the band’s bass-heavy version of Highway to Hell. ‘They just got raided last week. They’ll be good to go for a while now. We can relax and enjoy ourselves.’ She pulled him onto the dance floor. ‘Best dance while there’s room. In a few hours it’ll be a real tit squeeze.’

Kendra Davis was just as stunning dark and dangerous as she was golden and romantic, as she was naked in his kitchen, and she definitely knew how to move on the dance floor. But it made Garrett more than a little nervous that he wasn’t the only one who seemed to be noticing the way the woman could shake her booty. He thought about asking her to try not to draw to much attention to herself, but he wasn’t even sure it was possible for Kendra Davis not to draw attention.

The place smelled of leather and beer, and sweat. Already there was a thick haze of pheromones invisible to the eye, but everyone there breathed them it, gave them off and reveled in the dark anticipation of what the night might bring. The look in Kendra’s eyes was bright and wicked, like she would do anything, try anything, like all the boundaries were suddenly negotiable.

And fuck, as amazing as she was like that, as much as he wanted to lose himself in the place, in the experience, there was no way he could keep from thinking about who might be watching her in that crowd, about who might be waiting for just the perfect opportunity.

As though she were reading his mind, she pulled him to her with a hand curled around his neck and spoke against his ear. ‘Oh would you relax, Garrett. Do you really think this is the kind of hang-out Tess Delaney would frequent?’

Then she slid both arms around his neck and let him pull her into a deep, hungry kiss. When it ended with an aggressive flick of his tongue, she offered a throaty giggle. ‘Marking territory, are we?’ Before he had a chance to respond, she returned the favor, plunging her tongue in deep, and tightening a fist in his hair to pull him closer.

He moved a hand to the small of her back and gave her the full frontal rub-up, enough to be sure she knew she’d gotten his cock’s attention. ‘You see where this is leading if you keep that up?’

She pulled away and gave his crotch some breathing room as the music settled into a heavy metal beat that filled the dance floor with lots of heavily booted bikers and their spandex and leather women. Garrett was surprised to find more than a few men in pressed jeans and designer polo shirts bellied up to the bar in the mix that looked like it was probably mostly low-brow. He wasn’t the only man who looked like he’d just come from a work out at the corner gym and Kendra’s shredded jeans seemed to be the fashion statement of more than a few women among a smattering of Goth and grunge and plain old red-neck jeans and tee-shirts with baseball caps.

With each song the band played, the dance floor became fuller and fuller. The strobe light flashed and the disco ball bathed the floor in sparkles as people rocked and strutted and sweated, and it became more and more difficult to tell who was dancing with whom. Garrett was about to grab Kendra by the hand and reel her back in so they could stay connected when a biker in a ZZ Top tee-shirt that smelled like an ashtray and looked like it might have been painted across his bulging pecs managed to slide in between them, turn his back on Garrett, and focus his full attention on Kendra. And suddenly all Garrett could see was his broad back.

‘Kendra,’ he called, but his voice was drowned out in the roar of Def Leppard. And that might have been okay if the man hadn’t been so fucking big. Kendra was certainly entitled to dance with whomever she liked. But he couldn’t see her. He fucking couldn’t see her! Not even her feet between the man’s shuffling boots. ‘Kendra!’ He called again. Louder this time. That at least got the man’s attention, but when he turned to see what Garrett wanted, and he could see beyond the biker’s bulk, Kendra was not there! The woman the man was dancing with had cropped blonde hair and a leather bustier several sizes too small.

‘Kendra!’ Garrett called out, louder this time, shoving his way past the biker, who pulled the blonde to him protectively. Frantically Garrett scanned the burgeoning crowd on the dance floor, scanned the women with hats. There were cowboy hats, police hats, even a few stocking caps, but there were just too many people, too many lights, too much noise. In his mind he could only think of Razor Sharp’s horrid email and Kendra’s response to it. Why the hell hadn’t he forced the issue? Why the hell hadn’t he made her tell him why she was so upset, made her tell him about the stalker Dee had mentioned. And fuck! Why had he let her talk him into bringing her here?

*****
Grace Marshall lives in South England with her husband and the growing gang of hooligan birds who frequent their feeders. When Grace isn’t busy writing something sexy and romantic, she’s busy digging in her ever-expanding veg garden or walking across the British countryside. She finds inspiration outdoors in nature, and most of her best story ideas come to her while she’s walking or gardening.
Grace is the author of the fast paced, quirky Executive Decisions Trilogy  published by Xcite Romance. The first and second novels in the trilogy are out now.

Grace Marshall’s alter-ego, K D Grace, writes critically acclaimed, best-selling erotic romance. Whether it’s sexy romance or romantic sex, between The Graces, there’s a story for you.

Find Grace here:

           

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Lyric Videos? WTF

I have to admit, lyric videos have me a little perplexed. I mean, why spend money on something, when you're likely to be making another video?

It just doesn't make good sense, but then again, it gives your fans something to look at until the real thing comes along.

Case in point: Lady Antebellum's Downtown



But some are a bit more involved like Matchbox Twenty's She's So Mean



So what do you think? Cool or a waste of money for the band?

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Intriguing Reads

Here are two books I've been contemplating buying from Carina Press, well three, if I get book one of The Magnocracy Series.

Vacant Graves: 

Description Book two of The Magnocracy Series Donovan Schist's current job was supposed to be an easy one: grab Phoebe Mosey before pimp and murderer Stanny Slash does, and drag her back home to Ohio--kicking and screaming if necessary. But when a blazing river halts their steam train in the middle of nowhere, the veteran turned detective starts to wish he had stayed in New York.

 With a homicidal Stanny hot on their trail--maybe poisoning Stanny's man was a bad idea--Donovan needs to get Phoebe out of Juniper Junction fast. Even if that means taking a few jobs for some quick cash.

He doesn't expect to find a mining company on the brink of war with a union, or bloodthirsty strike-breakers itching to use a steam tank and other weapons he hasn't seen since the War of Southern Secession. Or that underneath it all lies something much darker--an unspeakably diabolical conspiracy... For more Donovan Schist mysteries, check out Cruel Numbers.



Getting Skinny:

Owning a restaurant is as crazy for Nicky Landry as an alcoholic owning a bar. But despite having to cram herself into a body shaper to look decent in a dress, life is pretty good. She's throwing the party of the year for her graduating doctor boyfriend, Rob, who she's sure is going to propose--until his new girlfriend shows up at the party.

After ordering Rob to get his stuff out of her house and get lost, Nicky finds him faceup with her expensive Chroma knife sticking right out of his cheating heart. As the prime suspect, Nicky is in hot water. And no matter how hard she tries to clear her name, her problems only mount. She's convinced she can solve the murder--if only she can figure out the identity of the skinny person seen walking away with Rob after the party. Getting "Skinny" won't be easy for Nicky, but she never imagined it would be life or death...