Get Wicked w/ Entangled Blog Hop!! (Oct 27-28th)

Hmmmm getting Wicked! Gah we do love doing that here :)

So a little Wicked then a little Treat. Or maybe they're one in the same?! Hmms.

A wicked treat?

Tasty Delights--Flourless Chocolate Torte + review Let UsAll Eat Cake

A delightful collection of gluten-free takes on your favorite cake recipes, from everyday coffee cakes, layered cakes, and cupcakes to show-stopping special occasion masterpieces.

Celebrate your favorite holidays and special occasions from birthdays to bake sales, Halloween to Christmas—and even the everyday—with delectable gluten-free cakes. In this delightful collection, Catherine Ruehle, a pastry chef and cake artist turned wellness foods chef, shares sixty classic cake recipes that are every bit as indulgent as the gluten-heavy ones we adore, but gluten-free, all-natural, and with alternatives given for vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free renditions. A few of the luscious cakes that await: Pink Velvet Strawberry Cake made electrifyingly pink with strawberries instead of food dye, Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcakes that children of all ages will be thrilled to find in their lunchboxes, and a dramatic White and Dark Chocolate Checkerboard Cake that’s a cinch to prepare in advance. With positivity and careful guidance, Ruehle provides basic and advanced decorating, piping, and plating techniques that will take your cakes from pretty to breathtaking. So go ahead: lick the frosting off the beaters, cut yourself a nice big slice, and let us all eat cake!

Type: Cookbook
Difficulty: moderate to difficult (dedication required)
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Value: Overall--Okay. If gluten free--Excellent

Amazon | Goodreads

One of the ladies in my book club is "gluten free" and when I saw Let Us Eat Cake I just had to get it since it's a baking book of only gluten-free recipes. Cakes, pies, torts, etc all created by a pastry chef that for medical reasons had to go gluten/dairy free and wanted to still bake and provide help for others in need of tasty treats that took into consideration gluten free living.

And it's a gorgeous cookbook. It's not for your every day baker though. These recipes take some serious commitment--from hunting down ingredients to prep. But if you're gluten free or want to bake something for friends/family that can't have gluten it might be worth the pick up.

Happiness Challenge--Day 21--swearing like a sailor, awesome grocery stores & calling out Braine (Talk Supe)

Whew boy these are getting harder and harder now that it's up in the 60s. lol I keep almost repeating myself.

1. dirty words. But...yall know that I'm sure. lol
   
2. having been able to travel quite a bit in my life and visit amazing places with amazing people.
3. being able to smell my favorite smells...rain storms, fresh cut grass, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon, puppy breath and coffee to name a few

Rock the Blog-- Backing up your Blogger blog!

Rock the Blog is a "How To" for bloggers!

From graphics to html and all kinds of bloggery goodness!

Since I'm based on Blogger most posts will revolve around the Blogger platform though some ideas may apply to Wordpress as well.

*waves* Well it has been a while since I've done one of these. Dang how the time can motor!

But I wanted to get this post out before Blog Ahead kicks off next week. So...

Today's post is a pretty easy one but so damn important.

How to back up your Blogger blog.

Happiness Challenge--Day 20--cardio can bite me, inappropriately naughty things & calling out Pat Fordyce & Mary (The Book Swarm)

1. my curiosity. I so got it from my granddad who was a doctor/inventor and always curious and exploring things. It can get me in trouble now and again but I love that there are things that interest me and that weird random questions pop in my head and I'm able to just see where they go.
2. inappropriately naughty things. kinda ties in to #1 sometimes. ::snort::
3. the buzzfeed videos. They crack me the hell up. I love the food tasting ones. And the guys doing weird things. The Asian guy and the big burly one with the scruff--I have no idea what their names are--are so dang cute!

Taking It All (Surrender Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks

Chessy and Tate have been married for several years. In the beginning, their relationship was everything she wanted. Passionate. All consuming. She offered her submission freely and Tate cherished her gift with a tenderness that made her feel safe. Content. Wanted. And loved beyond all measure. But as the years have gone by, Tate has become more immersed in making his business the success it has become, and Chessy has taken a back seat to his business obligations. Growing unhappier with the status of their once blissful marriage, Chessy knows that something has to give. Or they stand to lose it all

Tate loves his wife. Has always loved her. Providing for her has always been his number one priority. But lately she’s seemed unhappy, and he’s worried. Worried enough that he arranges for a night together that he hopes will reignite the fire that once burned like an inferno between them.

But a business call at the wrong time threatens everything. Chessy’s safety, his concentration, his wife’s faith in him as her husband, a man sworn to love and protect her above all else. Gutted with the realization that he’s going to lose her—has already lost her—he readies for the fight of his life. Whatever it takes, he’ll get her back. And prove to her that nothing is more important than her love. And that if she’ll allow him to prove himself one more time, he’ll take it all. Everything. But he’ll give far more back. Himself. His undying love.

Type: Erotic Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Sometimes a book just hits you at the right time and it really speaks to you. That was Taking It All for me. When I read this one--yeah I'm way late posting my review I just couldn't finish it up at the time--life had been way beyond awful. It'd been hard and I'd been feeling kind of at my wits end. Heart sick and stretched thin. So when I picked this one up as a distraction I wasn't thinking it would hit me quite so strongly but it did because I really related to Chessy and her struggles. Our struggles were different ones but the way she was feeling for so much of the book I could relate to in an incredibly strong way. Loving something or someone but it just not working and not knowing what to do. So it wasn't an easy read but it was one I really felt for in the end.

Fright Night Giveaway Hop (Oct 24-31st)

Join us for a little Halloween fun in the Fright Night blog hop! Stop by each blog to check out their favorite paranormal or spooky reads and enter their giveaways!

Take Me, Break Me (Pierced Hearts #1) by Cari Silverwood

Jodie is scraping the barrel trying to stay afloat. An idea arrives that could rescue her finances and bring her together in a kinky way with a man she never gave up on. She's terrified and fascinated, and tempted as hell.

Capture fantasies rule her eBook. Re-enacting one in a documentary would surely be irresistible viewing to millions of women?

But Jodie and Klaus discover that underneath an ordinary man dark desires may lurk. What will win in the end? The man and lover, or the monster?

Warning: Capture fantasy; dubious consent; anal play; M/f as well as one m/f/f/m scene; BDSM themes including caning, spanking, bondage, and needle play. Also contains one beginner Dom who is exploring sadism but is still working out how and when to stop.

Type: Dark Romance/Erotica-BDSM
Heat: 4.5 out of 5--Pretty much everything goes
Rating: 4 out of 5

(ON SALE TODAY--99cents)

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Imma just start out this one by saying there are some things that should never, ever, never meet. Nipples and needles. Hell fucking yeah. That's at the top of my damn list. *nods* Ho geez. But the rest of the book? Loves! Take Me, Break Me was full of all kinds of delicious mind fuckery as Jodie's carefully planned out month long capture fantasy goes dark and twisty and the gentle man she asked to help her realizes he's got a bit of an inner sadist inside him that really wants to come out and play. 

Happiness Challenge--Day 18 & 19--thunder, recipes and calling out, erm, a dick pic afictionado?

Yups I'm WAY behind and getting caught up a little today. So two days worth :D

day 18

1. Not getting all stressed when I get a bit behind on something *cough, my happiness challenge*
2. a good thunder storm-- I love the sound of thunder
3. antiques--I've got a bit of something family related in each of the rooms. My coffee table is my great grand mom's hope chest, my desk was my granddad's when he was a little boy, a side table is an instrument cart from his medical lab in the 70s, etc. I love having a bit of each of them around. It makes the house a bit eclectic but I love it. 

Keep Me Safe (Slow Burn #1) by Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux's younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie's vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her—including his heart. . . .

Type: Romantic Suspense-Paranormal-Psychics
Heat:3 out of 5
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Keep Me Safe. I liked it. I really did. It was an exciting psychic based romantic suspense that got my blood pumping as the hunted becomes the hunter and a killer is brought down by the woman he's determined to get into his clutches. Psychics in romance are always intriguing to me and seriously I was ALL over this one. A good psychic is being hunted by a crazed psychic that has been out to get her since she helped the police save one of his victims and that has formed a mental connection with her that lets him basically stalk her. Ack! Yes, I was totally in on that!

Doms of Dark Haven Anthology w/ Cartwright, McBride, Sinclair

Three women, three Doms. One extraordinary night. Welcome to Dark Haven, and may all of your darkest wishes come true...

Type: Erotica- BDSM/ One with paranormal (shifters)
Heat: 4.5 out of 5--anal play, bondage, public displays, BDSM, etc
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Oh yes, Doms of Dark Haven was an absolute treat of an anthology! A Victorian style theme night at Dark Haven and three couples finding all kinds of kinky mischief to get up to. I loved the set up. Each author focused on one couple during the theme night. There were slight overlaps as the different characters ran into each other during the night and it was just so much fun seeing those connections during this slice of time. This was a very hot and steamy read and a nice showcase of the three authors. While they all didn't hit me quite as hard I enjoyed each of the offerings and can't wait to read more from each of the ladies.

Happiness Challenge--Day 17--dirty minds, chapstick & calling out Sheri (For the Love of Bookends)

1. Friends that love you for your dirty mind and join you in the gutter for a bit of fun :)
2. Good chapstick-- I use the herd chapstick for the most part. It's some of my favorite. Tastes and smells good :)
   
3. The thrift store. Two of ours have fantastic used book sections. I love going and just browsing. Never know what you're going to get. Brand new releases or ones from the early 1900s. I ove the whole treasure hunt aspect of it. And 50cents to a buck per book? Yes, please!

New Releases, 99cent Sales & Freebie Deals!

Ack! But it's been a LONG time since I've done these posts. Sorry about that yall!

Hopefully you'll find some fab deals in these. I added...a lot of them. lol Be sure to double check prices before one-clicking. Sales can end any time. Let me know what you're grabbing so I know what kinds of books to add next week :D

Happy browsing!  ~Anna

Quote-tastic/Revew--Wait, what now? --Loving Him off the Field by Jeanette Murray

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

No blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

I have been LOVING Murray's books lately. They're just so blasted fun! And steamy too. This was one of those scenes. I just busted the hell out. Totally gigglesnorted.

Happiness Challenge--Day 16-- purrty flowers, chocolate eggs & calling out Miss Lisa Salvary!

Whew. These are getting harder to do! Holy cow. And a couple I've accidentally almost repeated. Guess I'm real thankful for those things. lol

1. Pretty flowers. Weird since nature freaks me out but I do love some pops of color. Sunflowers and Spiked Blazing Stars together in an arrangement. I don't know why but that combo has always been my favorite. And gerber daisies because they're sunny and cheerful. 
2. Cadbury Eggs. I'm still not sure about these Halloween ones. But I love the regular ones.
3. a steaming hot shower on a cold day. Gah. So good!

Interview w/ Jennifer Faye-- Princes, Santa, Needlepoints & Tudors!

A royal kiss under the mistletoe

Prince Alexandro Castanovo arrives in snowy New York intent on protecting his royal family from scandal. And when Reese Harding—down-to-earth and heart-stoppingly beautiful—finds room for him at her inn, it seems like the perfect twist of fate.

Not long ago Reese's world came crumbling down, shaking her foundations. But this enigmatic stranger intrigues her! She's learned to be wary of secrets…but when she discovers Alex's true identity, might there be enough magic in the air to make this regular American girl a princess by Christmas…?

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Morning Jennifer! Come in come in. It's so chilly out these days I thought some hot tea and cookies would hit the spot while we chat a little about your newest release! *passes the cookies* I can't wait to hear what these two are getting up to!

Hi. *scarfs up one cookie and then can’t resist taking another* How’d you know cookies and tea are my favorites? *adds a little sweetener and milk to the black tea and takes a long yummy sip* Delicious. *smiles* I’m so happy to be here and to be able to share my new release with you. Thanks so much for the invite. :-)

I'm so glad you could come by too! It's always lovely having ya stop by. *fluffs some pillows and gets comfy* Alright now. If you had 10 seconds to hook someone what would you tell them about A Princess by Christmas?

Take an ordinary girl and drop her in the middle of extraordinary circumstances add in a dashing prince, a sprig of mistletoe and a sun-drenched Mediterranean island and you’ve got a holiday romance that isn’t your typical holiday romance.

Happiness Challenge--Day 15-- letters, the 'hoe and calling out Bridget (Bea's Book Nook!)

1. Finding the perfect "favorite" no matter what it is. Bag, tea, notebook. 
2. the 'Hoe. I love my car. He's an older guy--a 99--and well, erm, loved. He's solid though. He can handle a ding or getting banged up and keeps on rolling with his solid metal self. 
3. Man Candy--not even gonna lie. I'm thankful for a pretty pretty man. And the occasional Chick Candy too. 

Happiness Challenge--Day 14--candle death, the herd & calling out... Sharonda (Brazen Babe Reviews)

1. Good bedding. Pillows, blankets, throws, soft sheets. 
2. Winter clothes. I love winter gear. Pulled out my pretty scarves today. I love looking at them.
3. the herd. Even when they're horrible little beasties and break my pretty new things (my Prize Candle--those ones that have the rings in them--was brutally slain not even 30 minutes after arriving). Even with that. I love the herd and am thankful for each of their furry paws. They're sweet most of the time. And funny. And more or less get along even though there's a mighty herd of them. They definitely make life...lively :)

Tasty Delights--Cheesy Baked Pasta w/ Eggplant + review (The Skinnytaste)

Gina Homolka is America’s most trusted home cook when it comes to easy, flavorful recipes that are miraculously low-calorie and made from all-natural, easy-to-find ingredients. Her blog, Skinnytaste is the number one go-to site for slimmed down recipes that you’d swear are anything but. It only takes one look to see why people go crazy for Gina’s food: cheesy, creamy Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli with only 420 calories per serving, breakfast dishes like Make-Ahead Western Omelet "Muffins" that truly fill you up until lunchtime, and sweets such as Double Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies that are low in sugar and butter-free but still totally indulgent.

The Skinnytaste Cookbook features 150 amazing recipes: 125 all-new dishes and 25 must-have favorites. As a busy mother of two, Gina started Skinnytaste when she wanted to lose a few pounds herself. She turned to Weight Watchers for help and liked the program but struggled to find enough tempting recipes to help her stay on track. Instead, she started “skinny-fying” her favorite meals so that she could eat happily while losing weight.

With 100 stunning photographs and detailed nutritional information for every recipe, The Skinnytaste Cookbook is an incredible resource of fulfilling, joy-inducing meals that every home cook will love.

Type: Cookbook
Difficulty: easy
Rating: 5 out of 5
Value: Excellent. Well worth the price.

Amazon | Goodreads

If you're going to buy a cookbook...make it this one! The SkinnyTaste is one of the best cookbooks I've seen and it's focus is on healthier lower-cal meals/dishes that don't skimp on the taste. I really loved everything about this one. From the authors voice--she's matter of fact but I liked her attitude towards eating healthier and her approach to tasty meals--to the recipes themselves and the photography. There's a nice opening with the author's experiences and why this is important to her which was nice plus one thing that stuck out...even if you mess up on a recipe sometimes the best dishes are discovered that way. Recipes were easy to understand and simple enough for most to jump right in and try and ingredients easy to find at the local grocery. 

Happiness Challenge--Day 13--Ketchup, tagging frenzies & calling out Renee (Addicted to Romance)

1. Ketchup--Food would not be worth it without it. (and did I use this one already?!! I need to write down my whole list so far lol)
2. being able to get into and explore all kinds of reads from totally innocent to flat out filthy smut and everything in between. 
3. Everyone that tags me in stuff. I know I joke about it sometimes but I absolutely adore seeing what people tag me in. Man candy, food, cats being crazy, pierced peni, It really makes my day every time and I'm so thankful for everyone that takes a second out to send me something :D

Kitten Confessions w/ Elizabeth (Expressions of a Hopeful Romantic)

Kitten Confessions! That's right. I'm putting blog followers on the hot seat and getting them to dish all their readery secrets! Bwaha...

*waves* Hullo Elizabeth! I totally had the urge to do a hello ala this guy at like :35 seconds.

Bwahaha. I might be a little punch drunk on a Krispy Kreme creme filled donut. *looks around innocently* Maybe. *whispers* there's a couple more right over there if ya want one :D Anywhos, Welcome to herding cats! Reading to dish those readery secrets to everyone?!!

Thank you so much for having me! It is truly an honor to take the hot seat! I loved the welcome and enjoying the yummy donuts!

Happiness Challenge--Day 12--NCIS, the cardio ban and calling out Michelle (The True Book Addict)

1. NCIS--I really don't think I need to explain that one, do I? :)
2. Pierced cocks of the fictional variety. Maybe of the real variety as well. Just haven't played with one yet. We shall see... I have a Goodreads Listopia List for anyone curious :) 
3. Being able to laugh at my quirks. I know I have a, erm, couple of them. 
   

Interview w/ Grace Burrowes--nightgowns and tide and kilted heroes!

To escape a scandal, Lady Joan Flynn flees her family's estate in the Scottish Highlands. She needs a husband by Christmas, or the holidays will ring in nothing but ruin.

Practical, ambitious mill owner Dante Hartwell offers to marry Joan, because a wellborn wife is his best chance of gaining access to aristocratic investors.

As Christmas—and trouble—draw nearer, Dante and Joan's marriage of convenience blossoms into unexpected intimacy, for true love often hides beneath the most unassuming holiday wrapping...

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

*waves* Good morning Grace! Welcome to herding cats! With the weather turning I thought we'd settle down with a spot of tea and scones while we chat your new release. I just adored Dante so ready for some scoop on that sexy man. Alright, say you have only 10 seconds what would you tell someone about Lady Joan and Dante's story to have them good and hooked?

You know how, even though you're not a kid anymore, you still watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Rudolph?" Dante and Joan's story is like that--warm, touching, sweet, feel-good, gently humorous, holiday happily ever after.