Tuesday 19 March 2013

Book Review: The Officer Breaks the Rules


Book Title: The Officer Breaks The Rules (Semper Fi 2)
Author: Jeannetter Murray
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romance
Format: ebooks, paperback
Cost: $6.99
How I got it: NetGalley
My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating:N/A




Synopsis:
Captain Jeremy Phillips believes in doing his duty...both as a son and as a friend. This means that he should obey the "friend code" and stay away from his best friend's little sister. Too bad Madison O'Shay doesn't believe in his code and is ready to break all of the rules As a Navy nurse, Madison is finally stationed next to the man she's been dreaming about for years. And she's ready to launch a full-scale attack to show this thoughtful, handsome Marine that they belong together.

My Review:
So apparently there is a book before this one & I'm sooo going to have to get it and the one after this?? Yes I NEED that one I can't wait to dive in. Navy Nurse Mad has been in love with Marine Jeremy ever since her brother brought him home from basic training many years ago.  But how does she show her brother's best friend that loving her doesn't break the rules??

I enjoyed the role reversal of the story. And that Madison didn't have to compromise her career, I loved it!!  This story was funny, quirky, immediately draws you in & keeps you hooked in. I really fell into the story because it was so beautifully written.  I also loved the wit and conversations between the characters. I really enjoyed Jeremy's journey to accepting what he wanted for himself and not what his Dad wanted for him, he struggled with his desire for Mad because he didn't want to ruin his friendship with his best friend but he so wanted her.  Jeremy got real clear when he realized that Madison was willing to move on and the thought of losing her made him get his stuff together real quick.

The growth that takes place between the characters as a couple and for Jeremy as a man was awesome and inspiring to read. I really loved Matthew & can't wait to read his story.

I really loved how well this book captured the love of service that many Navy Nurses feel; I enjoyed reading the military speak especially Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF, incidentally this was used in my favorite show Scandal this season. & this was really perfect because I'm really trying to break my extremely bad habit of cursing up a storm).

I like how the author also confronted the aspect of them getting into trouble with the military for breaking the rules, even though they are in different branches, it's still a big deal.  So the title is very appropriate for all the rules he was breaking, his own personal rules, the military rules, his dad's rules, his belief of societies rules. Yeah this is one of my Favorites and I will be getting a physical copy for my shelf.  I highly recommend this book.
***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Sunday 17 March 2013

Celtic Tree Month of : Alder

Alder 3/18-4/14

The alder is native to Europe & Britain, it is found growing in swampy land near banks of streams & river.  It's a cousin of birch & hazel & generally grows near them in forests.  It needs the rivers to proprogate itself,  it grows up to heights of 70 feet; it matures after 30 years.  It grows up to 150 years old.  The ripe seeds falls in October and November.  

In the Norse legends the month of March was called the "the lengthening month of the waking alder", the specific time was called "Lenct", & was a time of enforced fasting as the last of the winter's provisions became scarce.  This practice eventually became known as Lent, once the church came into power.  

In Irish legend the alder was the first male created, & the first female was made from the rowan tree.  It's also known as the faerie tree, said to grant access to the realms.


Correspondences: 
Irish: Gaelic Name:  Fearn
Ogham/ Rune: ; |=, Ansuz
Ruling Planet:  Venus
Abilities: Divination, prophetic, Protection of self & country, 
Seasons:
Spring, Autumn
AspectColors: PurpleHeart Chakra
Birds:  Hawk, Seagull & Raven
God/Goddess:        Cronos, Vernostonus, Bran, 
Element:   Water & Fire
Ogham/ Rune: ;
Ansuz means the mouth, the voice of the Goddess, signals, true vision. The other Rune is Isa standstill, time to turn inward. 

Uses: These are some ideas of how to incorporate Alder into your life
  • The bark, fruit & leaves can be used as a dye
  • Black Alder's inner bark can be used to make a wound wash especially for deep external wounds, & as a tea for internal injuries
  • Fresh bark is an emetic (vomiting agent)
  • If your going to be faced with an argument or dispute, bring a piece of alder bark with you for protection
Old Healing Lore:
  • Make a tea of the leaves or bark and use on burns or inflammation
  • Freshly picked leaves are great insect repellents
  • Native American Tribes used the alder for a variety of purposes from treating diphtheria, to cramps & vomiting, and for rheumatic complaints,  the innder bark & leaves were used for fevers, to stop internal bleeding. It was also used a wash for sprains, bruises, headaches & back pain.
Magical

  • Alder makes you confront your fears.  In the Ogham when Alder turns up. it is time to use the alder shield to protect you from the excess of emeotions. Call on alder's spirit to face down fear & anger
Lore:
  • Once used in the shields of the warriors, the alder tree is associated with a local warrior hunter God named Vernostonus in Scotland, his name translates to "The Red One" since when cut the tree bleeds red.
  • Tyrol (a German belief) states that the tree is associated with the dead & magicians after a young boy witnessed a dead woman being brought back to life when the wood was supsitited in her body for a part that was missing.  
  • In Scotland, there are tales of peope being taken by the faires and alder logs being left in their place. One such tale is of a groom who dies then returns to his bride and tells her he has been taken by the fairies when his tomb was opened, in place of his corpse was a log of alder.
  • In Irish tales it is associtaed with the white fairy horse  & water sprites. 
Fun Facts:  
  • When cut the wood turns from white to red making it look like blood
  • Before there were insect repellant or glue traps, wet alder leaves were gathered and strewn on the floor, insects got stuck to teh leaves and died
  • Alder was once used to create musical pipes, which were believed to be so harmonious that the top branches of Alder trees became known as the "oracular singing head of Bran" the raven god. 
  • The whistles made from Alder was believed to be able to 'whistle up' the North Wind
  • As a water tree, the Alder doesn't rot, so it was used to make boats, canal gates, bridges & platforms and piles. Out of water the wood will split making it an unlikely choice as fence post.  In Scotland it is nicknamed the "Scottish mahogany" as it was used to make furniture.  
Learn More Here then check out the resources below.


Resources:
Tree Legends for the Tyrol Lore
Celtic Tree Mysteries by Stephen Blamires
A Tree in Your Pocket by Jacqueline Memory Peterson
Alder Image (Your dictionary.com)
Druid's Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine

Welcome the New Month!!

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Book Review: Running for My Life

Book Title: Running For My Life
Author: Lopez Lamong
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Format: Hardcover
Cost: $24.99
Pages: 226
How I got it: From the Publisher's 
My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:
"Running for My Life" is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more. Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless. "Lopez Lomong's story is one of true inspiration. His life is a story of courage, hard work, never giving up, and having hope where there is hopelessness all around. Lopez is a true role model." ―MICHAEL JOHNSON, Olympic Gold Medalist "This true story of a Sudanese child refugee who became an Olympic star is powerful proof that God gives hope to the hopeless and shines a light in the darkest places. Don't be surprised if after reading this incredible tale, you find yourself mysteriously drawn to run alongside him." ―RICHARD STEARNS, president, World Vision US and author of "THe Hole in Our Gospel"

My Review:
When I was prepping for the Olympics ( to watch, not compete) the Visa commercial came on about Lopez Lamong and how he ran. I was so intrigued I started looking into his story, the publishing company for his book happened to be Thomas Nelson which is the originator of the Booksneeze book exchange program I was so happy. I had to snag that book immediately.

When I started reading I was immediately drawn in by his story.  I was both heartbroken and devastated when reading the book. To think that people who would do that to children, & to know that it wasn't being covered by the news, that the information wasn't being shared with the western world.

The book has strong religious overtones, but considering that his how he dealt with the trauma of his life, you can't escape how instrumental it is to his survival.

Reading about the life he had in the refugee camp and what happened there, about the food situation especially, just really made me sad.  How could the organization thing that one meal a day really helped?? I mean considering the option of starving, yes it helped, but to give only one meal?? What happens to all the money we donate?? Who the hell is getting it then?? Is it like the Reservation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, where when they were first created, white supervisors would take the food, blankets and aide sent by the government to the Native Americans forced onto the reservations, and would sell the best cuts, then give the rotting meat, the infested blankets and dirty tools to the Tribal members, until it was exposed and brought to the attention of the President.  Is that what is happening, because I don't understand how these organizations collect so much money each year and can only afford enough food for these refugees for one meal per day and meat only once a year.  I think we need to start asking questions about this.

I remember that moment in the Olympics as well; the moment that sparked his interest, that gave him something to hope for, watching Michael Johnson tear up that track was inspiring for me as a kid as well.  His story of writing the plea, of being on the plane and being too afraid to eat, to the language barrier, it all just pulled your heartstrings and pulled you in.

 I laughed when reading about his many discoveries when he immigrated to America, & I totally understood his determination to do more for himself and for the others that weren't allowed to immigrate as well.The devastation & fear he felt on September 2001, I totally get it, feeling you were safe then discovering that violence goes everywhere must have really thrown him for a loop. I know it did many of us that day.

Reading this story made me grateful, grateful for the family, friends and experiences I have had. It made me thankful for the relative peace we have had growing up.  It has made me re-evalauate many of the people & things I have allowed into my life, & has reminded me that not everyone is so lucky.  Yet he did it, he made something of himself, when many here can't.  He has done more with his opportunity than many of us Americans have.   it's a humbling experience and one I don't mind sharing.

This is a definite must read and a book we should all pass on to our friends and book lovers.
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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Monday 11 March 2013

Blog Prompts: One Book..

If you could recommend just one book to a newcomer, what would it be?
Alright, we all know that's not very fair. So you can share up to 3 books that you feel all people looking to explore Paganism should read. Prompt
Today's post is a blog prompt. As you have seen I have a deep abiding passion, love, obsession with books.  A book is how I found this path, many books have kept me going and have given me the knowledge to deepen my walk, now there are many 101 books out there, but there aren't as many 402 books as we need, so I have found that I have ended up getting a lot of academic books to help substitute for the lack 

For those seeking information into paganism, I would highly suggest reading books about the myths and legends of the Pantheon you most favour. If you feel like you are home then I suggest going deeper into that Pnatheon, but for now I will list below my thoughts on what books to look into.

For newbies to the path a a plain pagag I would suggest  they check out:

Paganism : Goodreads | Amazon |

If you are interested in Celtic Paganism like I am these are the authors I trust:
Emma Restall Orr
John & Caitlin Matthews
Druirdy Handbook: Goodreads | Amazon

I also love the Complete Iditots Guide for Women's Spirituality, as it covered everything you could want to know about the women's spiritual movement & suggested a few books and resources.
Amazon | Goodreads

Well those are the ones I would recommend for those seeking, once you have chosen your path there are many places you can go to get even more information on books for that faith.

Good Luck & Goddess Bless


Saturday 9 March 2013

Erotica Book Review: Table for Three

Book Title: Table For Three ( New York Book 1)
Author: Lainey Reese
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Format: ebook, paperback
Cost: $4.24 $11.90
Pages: 208
How I got it: Purchased from Publisher
My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis:

She’s taking two bites out of the Big Apple. New York, Book 1 Riley Ramirez knew that moving to New York would change her life. She just didn’t expect it to start on her very first night in town. Her attraction to nightclub owner Kincade Marshall is instant, mind-blowing—and mutual. When she finds he is a Dom who requires her complete surrender, even when it comes to submitting to his best friend, Trevor Wellington, she finds herself willing and eager to embrace the sexual adventure. From their earliest days, Cade and Trevor have shared everything, including women. Yet it only takes one night with Riley to know she is their forever lady. Convincing her that this is more than a temporary fling, though, will take every tool in their sensual arsenal. As Cade and Trevor set their sights on Riley, however, they’re unaware—until it’s almost too late—that someone is targeting their fragile relationship. Someone who’s taking deadly aim at Riley. Suddenly their struggle to keep their forever woman is a fight to keep her alive… Warning: This book contains m/f/m ménage, bdsm play, lots of steamy p.d.a, and a fine dining experience that will leave you salivating for more.
My Review:
I got this book because a reviewer I love (Emily) gave it a high rating, & it sounded awesome (confession I only read the synopsis after i purchased it, because she loved it so it had to be good). OMgosh, I love this book. I loved this book, I laughed pretty hard @ nerdy moments, got really into the adventure of their love, & was really drawn in to their stories.

Riley is new to New York, and the first club she walks into belongs to slightly jaded Dom Cade, he thinks she doesn't belong there (and he is right) but he decides to get to know her and after he meets her knows that she is it, the one he and his best friend Trevor have been looking for.  This book for such a small tome really a had a great tale. I enjoyed it because the characters were well written, the adventure, the building of a couple trio was well written with all, even the 'side' characters.  

The villian in this story went all out, I mean really though?? Who does all that?? They don't even know you exist, but a woman scorned and all that jazz.  When Riley ends up in the hospital and all the nurses are betting on who is her boyfriend I had to laugh, because so sounded like a couple the nurses I know. 

Ummm I so need to read Brice's story, he was everything awesome. That scene with Cade & Riley, with Brice watching is just so hot. I can't even begin to describe how hot it was.  Riley was pretty good, someone I woul like to know, she had spunk, & according to her "gumption".  There is a slight BDSM theme in there, no real heavy stuff, but it is there, especially in that first scene between the trio & Riley couldn't  pick which was more dominant, yeah that was a good scene as well. And at dinner when Riley first met Cade, WOW!!  

I really enjoyed the book & it will definitely be a favorite re~read. I'm going to go buy the second book in the series, I'm sure it will be just as good. Happy Reading my loves

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ARC Book Review: Stolen

Book Title: Stolen
Author: Shiloh Walker
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Format: ebook
Cost: $7.99
Pages: 400
How I got it: NEtGalley
My Rating:★★★★1/2
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:
Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself—targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself. Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before—it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets.

My Review:
Coming in here had been a BFM. Big fucking mistake. She should have just waited in the car…“I miss you." Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Don’t.” His lips brushed across her brow. “Don’t want? Tell you that I miss you? Miss us?”
“Us?” She laughed hollowly as she turned to face him. “There is no us, remember? You said that. There’s me…and there’s you…and sometimes we’re together, but there’s no us.”
His gaze held hers. “I never wanted it to be that way. And maybe there was more of an us than I realized. Seeing you…” he paused, took a deep breath. “Seeing you just drives that home.”
Those intense, hypnotic eyes held hers. Her heart kicked up a few beats, stealing her breath away. As he started to dip his head, Shay stood there, frozen. Shit. What now…
His mouth, so warm, brushed against hers. She gasped and then almost wished she hadn’t as he used that opportunity to tease the inside of her lips with his tongue, moving deeper and deeper. His hands came around her waist, tugging her closer.
This is a bad idea…
The warning was already screaming in her head. She couldn’t give him what he needed. And he couldn’t accept what she had to give. They would just hurt each other again—
OMG.. this book is so good, so heart wrenching you become hooked from the get go. Just amazing. best description of the emotions you go through with plagiarism. 20% in and I'm going to say it's ...yep I picked out the killer from the beginning. See I just knew it!! That biotch is just cray cray.  This however highlights that you can't shove your head in the sand then be surprised when it all goes to shyt around you.


Shay's had a pretty awful life upon until this point, really bad things have happened to her. And in response she has hidden herself away, instead of facing it head on. This made her the perfect target, she never knew what hit her; this hiding away?? Yeah it clearly didn't work out either.  Shay need some serious therapy, lots and lots of it.  Her family is just so wrong, my heart just broke for her, while reading this, I'm devastated for her as everything was revealed.

I loved Elliot & I really liked Shay.  Shay was both strong & stupid I mean she makes some seriously dumb decisions just so she doesn't have to face reality (at least at first).  Most of what happened could have been prevented if she would listen to advice and gotten justice and closure instead of ...well  I'll let you read and see.

I'm happy for them but Shay's going to have her work cut out for her in this relationship; and so is poor Elliot.  I loved him, he was the perfect boyfriend, he was patient when she needed it, he gave her the room she needed and boy oh boy he let her have her way when she needed him to let her do so.  Reading from Elliot's point of view it made me wonder about how partners deal when their lovers are harmed and they can't do anything.  Especially when they meet and marry wo/men who have survived childhood abuse.  It made me heart sick for those whose partners are raped,  and they are left to pick up the pieces, left to deal when their partners flinch each time they come near, or look at them with terror if they do something unexpected. I have to admit i never really thought about the partners who are left with wounded lovers.

This book was excellent for highlighting that, the strain on the relationship  the daily terror that some victims live with.  How people shut down to cope. She kinda reminded me a bit of Eve from the In Death series, & gave me a better glimpse of what Roarke must go through with her.

Slight Cons:
We needed more from Elliot. He started off strong but then he kinda became just a shadow there to help her along but not really his own character, he seemed to only be there thinking about her feelings and what she needs from him, never what he needs (which is let's be real a human trait).

I also would have loved to get more from the other characters, more background on Angie & her 'bad-ass cop" & Lorna & her cop Mark.  We really didn't learn much they were just on the periphery of her life.  Integral but not at the same time.  The background information about each character was only enough to let us know how the interact with Shay.  We only know enough about Elliot to know he's a good guy,and I noticed there were hints to some damage done to Leslie as well but not much information  was given about her either.

Even without all that it was still a great book and one I can see reading again. Ohhh I really really loved that he was just an 'average' guy, not picture perfect six feet tall and ripped, he was a little over five feet ten, yeah that really caught my eye.  This is my first time reading this author and I have added all her books to my list. Yep it was that awesome.

It's a must read, have tissues handy book. Enjoy my loves!!
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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Tuesday 5 March 2013

Book Review: Crochet One Skein Wonders


Book Title: Crochet One Skein Wonder
Author: Judith Durant
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Format: ebook
Cost: $10.42
Pages: 288
How I got it: Netgalley 
My Rating:★★★★★
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:
Finally, a One-Skein Wonders book just for crocheters! Edie Eckman and Judith Durant offer 101 great crochet projects--from jewelry and scarves to bags, hats, dresses, and home dec items--that each use just one skein of yarn. Whatever your experience level, you'll find something here to delight you!

My Review:
Hello my name is Aisha and I am a yarn addict.  I love yarn, the feel the smell of fresh wool, I love moving my hook and watching a new project forming. I love creating scarves, hats, baby booties & afghans, crocheting works way faster than knitting (although I love that too).  I have seen so many one skein wonder books, but when I saw one for crocheting I had to jump for it of course.  And I don't regret it, I will have a good ten more projects on the hooks by time I get this book in hardcover.

It has an easily adaptable kindle cover project that I have started on as quickly as I started reading the book.  I am deeply in love with this and can't wait until I purchase more yarn and different varieties so that I can actually make it through the book.  I never realized that there were so many different kinds of yarns, I have gone into a local yarn shop and fell in love and stayed and stayed until she had to kick me out so that she could close. I haven't enjoyed so much yarn and the different textures in forever and I'm now going through my yarn at home and looking at it like "your not worthy to be on my needles, I need REAL yarn" Bamboo silk recycled saris, Goddess I have never been so in love with skeins, hanks and roving oh Goddess the roving, a spinning wheel, and and the wonderful wonderful yarn that flows through your fingers and makes you want to dive into the pile. Yep it's official I am now a yarn addict.

I'm so excited.  Please get a copy if your a yarn lover and crochet fanatic.  It's well worth it.

**FTC regulations require that I state I received this book for free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review**
Buy from Amazon                    Add to Goodreads
***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Monday 4 March 2013

It's not easy being Green:

Yeah I said it. Don't gimmie those looks, it isn't easy confessing this mess. When I lived at home, I ate organic, recycled never used plastic bags, heck I even taught several girlfriends all my nifty tricks that helped save the environment and them some serious cash. And who doesn't love keeping green in their pockets??

Well now I have different priorities, paying my bills, keeping a roof over my head those take precedence over purchasing high priced organic over the cheaper stuff, and to be real I kinda just got lazy. It's true, without friends who loved the green lifestyle, or books, or movies, or even tv shows that validated my feelings I begun to fall back into old rhythms. It was easier to just take the bags at the grocers since I would use them as trash bags as well, but eventually even I had to admit defeat beneath the onslaught and back to green bags I went.
©AishaO 
Because I'm a crafter and I would find any excuse to use my yarn stash, I was so excited when I saw a pattern for a market bag in my yarn magazine.  I loved that idea so much that I made small ones to get the fruits and veggies that normally go in a clear plastic bag.  I used Lily Brand Kitchen (cotton) yarn, which is easily washed and reused as often as you need it.  This of course save plastic bags from going into the landfill and the added benefit of some awesome looking groceries.

Here are a few different ideas for y'all to try:
Recycled Plastic Bag,
©Lion's Brand Yarn
Lion's Brand Market Bag
©Sugar n'Cream (Lily Brand Yarn)

Lily Brand Yarn Market Bag

Don't have a crafting bone in your body?? Love your plastic bags too much?? How about saving the bags in a container, like another bag, or a old lysol cleaning bottle like this one:
©Lysol
You can wrap it with your favorite wrapping paper to hide the label. Place plastic bags inside and pull out new bags when you need them. This makes it easy to carry in the grocery store.

Want to get rid of some of those bags?? Don't toss them in the trash, take them with you to the grocery store, many of the larger chains have a recycling bin set up right at the front door, just dump your bags in there and they send them off to recyclers for you.

Many stores also now give you money back for having your own bags, and a few (at least here in CT) are now starting to charge for bags, so save that .05c and bring your own. That adds up fast.

So there, that's how I have started to kick the green slump I have been experiencing.  How do you do green daily?? Share in the comments please.

Happy New Week

Saturday 2 March 2013

Book Review: Three Musketeers: Midnight Heat

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 3: Midnight Heat
Author: Donna Kauffman
Publisher: Loveswept: Random House
Format: ebook
Cost: $2.99
Pages: 240
How I got it: NetGalley
My Rating:★★★1/2
Erotica Rating: N/A
Synopsis:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Friendship is the most important thing in Dane Colbourne’s life—apart from his job as a determined investigator who never leaves a case unsolved. After the near-catastrophic midair collision of two planes, Dane focuses his laserlike intensity on the air traffic controller who appears to be responsible. But when she claims innocence with equal ferocity, Dane knows he may finally have met his match. Adria Burke has gone over the details of “the incident” in her head: She is certain there was a third plane in the air at the time of the collision, and that she actually saved hundreds of lives with her commands. But how can she convince Dane of the truth? As they try to ignore the fact that there is an undeniable spark between them, together Adria and Dane uncover evidence that there was something else going on in the sky the night of the incident. But will their passion leave both of them permanently grounded?

My Review:
Good story, this is the first book in the series that I read & I am looking forward to reading the rest. These men seem captivating.  This story in particular had well written characters, it's also apparently picking up where Born to Be Wild left off, which is great if you have read the other story (which I haven't done so yet).

Donna writes in a way that draws you in and allows you to fall in love with her characters.  they are so well written & rounded that you feel like you know them.  In this book she smoothly brings back the other characters without them taking over the book, but enhancing this story at the same time.  I enjoyed how Adria & Dane met, especially because they both had to hold back their natural inclinations: to be a smart ass in Adria's case and rampant curiosity & attraction in Dane's care. Right away you could tell they were going to be a fun couple to read & they didn't disappoint.

Adria's & Dane's love & passion for flying planes & being around planes provided them with great common ground & so did their past, both having had tough times with deep loss.  I loved that they were drawn to each other & decided to explore it.  Despite everything going on around them they still made the decision to be together.

Adria has a few issues she needed to deal with and when it seems like Dane has gone against everything she thought they had, she decided to take matters in her own hands.  That final confrontation between then was both sad and endearing because here were two people trying to decide if they were in it together or if they should stand behind their pride.

Poor Adria, her whole career in the balance, being threatened, a co-worker who allowed her to take the rap for him, considering their job, she actually was being foolish there, but I get helping out your friends. The only thing good out of this situation had to be meeting Dane, and the family he brought along with him.


This is perhaps out of the two I read that is most dated, they talked of beepers, and payphones, while talking about cellphones, but I get it, some places still have payphones (not DC where they are but some still do)


A very good, quick read, I highly recommend this one as well as the rest of the series.

Happy Reading my loves
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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

ARC Book Review: Three Musketeers: Surrender the Dark

Book Title: The Three Musketeers # 1: Surrender the Dark
Author: Donna Kauffman
Publisher: Loveswept Harlequin
Format: ebook
Cost: $2.99
Pages: 240
How I got it: NetGalley
My Rating:★★★★☆
Erotica Rating: 
Synopsis:
They call themselves the Three Musketeers: three lifelong friends, men who will put it all on the line in the name of honor and loyalty. Jarrett McCullough values those bonds as seriously as he values his job heading a covert group of operatives skilled in handling sensitive international information. But his current mission has suddenly gone very wrong—and he finds himself wounded and near death in the last place he ever expected to be. Rae Gannon is stunned to find her ex-boss bleeding from a gunshot wound, mere paces from her front door. It has been two years since her move to the remote Blue Ridge Mountains, where she tried to erase the memories and the pain she suffered from having been part of McCullough’s team. Yet as Rae tends to Jarrett’s battered body she realizes that the air between them is still sizzling with a slow-burning need. But this time there are more than just hearts at stake. The mission that almost got Jarrett killed threatens to put Rae back in harm’s way. And if they surrender to their desires, it may cost them their lives.

My Review:
It's a re-issue that has been updated for the times, this is the first time I am reading it however.  I read this book after the third in the series, so I got a glimpse of the characters before reading their story. I really enjoyed reading this book. It's emotional, the characters are well rounded and written in a way that makes them easy to love.  Of the three men who grew up together Jarrett is the one who goes into military intelligence, it's a job that suits him, it gives him something to look forward to and is a way for him to honor his father, his inspiration & hero.

It's a beautifully written story about the healing power of love, of knowing that there is one person in the world to whom you matter and who matter to you.  Rae got out of her job away from those she considered a family two years ago, when all that was important to her was tainted.  Lost, confused & broken, she retreats to the seclusion & safety of the mountains.  Using crafting as a healing therapy  she slowly comes to create her own haven & finds peace.

Then a little pup comes knocking at the door & with it her old world comes crashing back in.  She does what she has to do to protect the wman who trained her with the goal of kicking him out the second he's conscious  but it all changes and slowly they both learn to open up to their emotions and to each other.  It doesn't take long before the walls begin to crumble and in their place stand two lonely and world weary people who are battered by their fight for justice and the battles that has chosen them.

It's a beautifully written story that bring you in, this glimpse of Jarrett & rae was both heartbreaking & endearing, they both desperately wanted to belong to someone but feared sharing their world with anyone, because who else would understand what they need from each other?  I liked that the characters are well written, well rounded & fully vibrant. They clicked well, which made their sparing moments awesome & when they stripped themselves raw you just felt the emotion.

I loved it.   The emotions felt so real and were strongly described, the sense of growth, of love of belonging, just amazing. I especially loved that they were strong separate but choosing each other made them even stronger; which then of course made their intimate moments beautiful.

Because it's a re-issue some of the 'age' shows especially in the comment about women and equality and fighting in the front. Sadly even though this was written many years ago it's still applicable to now. It's an amazingly fast read as well, so make sure to go get it!!!
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***FTC Rules require I state that I received this as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**** 

Friday 1 March 2013

Follow & Follow Up Friday (16)


Welcome back to another fun week of Follow Friday. It's a chance to share about the things I love and think you should take a quick look into. It's another week of showing love to some of my favorite bloggers:
Blogger to Show Some Love:
One of the first blogs I read when I started has got to be Lyn's Witch Blog, Everyday there was something on how to make your life more magickal. I was so excited for her when she started the Soul Path Tribe, where she has classes, books and plenty more discussions.  I was super proud to hear that she was up as a contestant for an award from About.com. I have made it my mission to vote for her and get as many people as I can to do the same. She is an amazing woman, she shares so much of herself and inspires many.  Check her out on Facebook

Have a great blogger for us to show some love?? Please share in the comments, I'm sure we would love to all check it out. Now on with the show:


Here's a run down of the last week of reading. * indicates an ARC (advanced readers copy of the book)

What I have Read So Far: 
Surrender the Dark by Donna Kauffman
Stolen by Shiloh Walker
Candle & the Crossroads by Orion Foxwood

Recent Reviews Posted: 
What I'm Currently Reading :  
Running for My Life by Lopez Lamong
What Else I've Been Up To: 

Well I made it five days without fast food this week. I also realized that the definition of fast food is extremely broad and that I should list the companies that I wouldnn't be eating any more (or at least the ones I used to eat from anyway).  I personally broke my fast twice this week, both of them due to time constraints, but they highlight ways in which I can more efficently plan so that I won't have to stop and get fast food.

I used to love eating Popeye's (actually I had never tried them before I moved to New Haven) but it was so easy when going to the bookstore to study to just stop and pick some up on the way home.  So no more of that. I did fall off and eat it one day when I had no time to cook and I went from several appointments to work.

I stopped eating the golden arches, and take out pizza, I'm not a huge fan of what passes for "asian cuisine" (I do adore sushi & hibachi however, but those aren't fast food anyway) so those will be on the menu as well.

Even though Wikipedia says that anything prepped quicjly is considered fast food they also said it's mostly fried food that they consider as fast food.  That leaves me the option of Subway, for when I have no food to cook and need to have lunch for work.  Other than that, if it's not a sit down resturant then I won't be eating it.!! (When I go out, mostly I will be cooking clean at home, but for those dates and times we go out, these are the rules)


365 Photo Challenge:
I'm going to keep sharing my favorite photos from those taken each week here. However I didn't get a chance to take any pictures this week.