Used Bookstores and Vacation! (A to Z)

Be still my heart! I do love a good used bookstore. 

I'm cheating a little bit and combining my U and V posts. But they're kind of connected so I'm going with it :)

One of my favorite places to spend time is a bookstore. It really doesn't matter which one. I love them all. On bad days I'll usually end up visiting one or two of the ones around my house and just browsing. Then again, when I'm happy I tend to end up at them too!

Things I wish had NEVER been in my mouth! (A to Z)

Over the years I've learned there are some things that should just never, ever, never end up in your mouth. And I really do mean never! Just thinking about it ::shudder::

Campari
A few years back we went to Italy for our friends wedding (for those of you that came over for the P post this is the same trip from the whole penis biting incident). 

We were having a great trip. And then Venice happened. After a long day traveling people got a little cranky and there was a little tiff. We all went to our rooms to settle down and not wanting to go out we raided the mini fridge and met....Campari Soda. 

Aws. Cute little bottle. Darling, really. And it turns out....evil. 

Spooky Foods! (A to Z)

Ghostly Shepherd's Pie

A few years back I closed up shop and headed back home to Florida to help care for my granddad. They needed a good dose of fun and entertainment in their lives and I was so up for the job.

So we celebrated. And I mean we celebrated everything. 

Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1) by Jill Shalvis

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover. In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5

Oh, I LOVED this one. It really did live up to it's title and was Simply Irresistible. Okay, that was kinda corny but it's so true. I got absolutely nothing done today. Read until my eyes burned then woke up and grabbed it right back up. The main characters and their individual struggles were wonderful, the town and secondary characters hilarious. The whole premise of sisters that have really never known each other getting a second chance at being a family and getting to know each other. The writing was excellent. From the hysterical first meet-up between Jax and Maddie to the oh-so-sweet ending. It was all very nicely done.

Running late! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! (A to Z)

Ack. [R]unning way late with today's post and I'm so blaming Jill Shalvis! I picked her book Simply Irresistible up early this morning and I just couldn't put the thing down long enough to come up with my R post. She's a terrible terrible woman! An excellent book and so very worth it :)


I'm going with [R]educe, [R]euse and [R]ecycle for today's post. All 77 minutes left of it. Well, even less by the time I get through the post together!

I love coming up with new uses for things that are just lying around the house. 

Quirks (A to Z)

It's been brought to my attention, maybe a couple of times, that I might just have a couple quirks. Figured I'd go ahead and get them out there. And, yeah, I'm a vegetarian animal rescuer. I get "but you rescue animals.." or "but you're a vegetarian..."all the time. 

Let's just ease ya in here....I'd rather see 4am than 4pm. 

Nature! Ew! It can be pretty but only with a nice thick piece of glass between us at all times. I'm all into concrete, steel and glass.

some foods just should not break the rules and join with others.

Smart and Sexy (Sky High Air #1) by Jill Shalvis

Noah Fisher has worked for months to make Sky High the most prestigious charter airline in California. He's long overdue for a break—something involving ski slopes, cold beers, and hot ski bunny babes. The itinerary doesn't include being hijacked by Bailey Sinclair, gorgeous widow of one of Sky High's wealthiest (ex-) clients. But here they are, and being crammed in a cockpit with the scared, stubborn, unbelievably sexy former model he's been fantasizing about invokes Superman tendencies that could get Noah in serious trouble.

Bailey is desperate to find the stash of money hidden by her conniving, thieving late husband —before the bad guys he owed find her. It's a long shot, but nothing compared to the gamble she's taking by being so close to Noah. Every minute in his company has Bailey thinking about doing crazy, reckless things like touching, grabbing, kissing...and oh wow, being kissed right back...

Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 3 out of 5

This was my first Shalvis book and I think the first time I've read about pilots. It wasn't a bad read, exactly. I liked the set up of the series. Best friends who own their own private charter airline business. I really enjoyed Noah Fisher, the hero, and the guys who fly with him. How they interacted, teased, and really care about one another.  And I loved Maddie, the woman behind the scenes of the company. I'm really looking forward to reading her story. 

“Hey,” Shayne said through the door. “You going to stay in there all night, because we’re getting tired of trying to eavesdrop from out here. Can’t hear a damn thing.” 

Follow Friday - the fight!

Q: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?

A: The first that came to mind...

Bones from Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress (fantastic series!) and Edward Cullen from Twilight. 

Preston's Penis (A to Z)

Preston and Roma at 6 months

I'm going to tell you a little story about Preston and his penis. It's a story of tragedy, loss and extreme embarrassment. At least on the part of his mom. See, 11 years ago this May I decided, on a whim mind you, to become a turtle mom to Preston and Roma . They were the damned cutest things. Hardly bigger than a quarter and supposedly SO easy to care for. Yeah. Ooookay. 

High Stakes (Vegas Vampires #1) by Erin McCarthy

He's a bloodsucking freak of nature. But, unlike other politicians, Ethan Carrick is actually a nice guy. Not to mention a very hot, wealthy, casino-owning vampire. It's an election year for vampires, which means he'll first have to escape his opponent's hit men. Then he'll have to find a suitable First Lady, preferably here in Vegas.

Brittany Baldizzi fits the bill. She's smart, pretty- and sweeter than a glass of diabetic O-Negative. But her protective sister Alexis steps in with a message for Ethan: Bite me. It's then that he realizes it's the sexy, no-nonsense Alexis who raises his stake. And as much as she denies it, Alexis wouldn't mind a romp in the coffin with him. But can a mere mortal, even one who risks her life for him, make a centuries-old, womanizing vampire feel something entirely new?


Type: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 3 out of 5

McCarthy's Vegas Vampire series was a fun way to spend a few hours. Nicely done, McCarthy. Not too many could make a politician up for reelection and a lawyer so damn likable. Ethan, the President of Vampire Nation, turned out to be a pretty good guy. Easy going with a great sense of humor. And in desperate need of a woman who challenged him. A role Alexis fit perfectly. She's an absolute riot. Very in your face with some serious attitude. Says what she thinks, doesn't take crap from anyone and isn't one for sugar coating things. 

Oatmeal Cookies (A to Z)

Mmmm. I LOVE a good cookie! I make a mean chocolate chip butterscotch cookie. It's fantastic! But it's time to spread my wings. Try new things. Get a little bold! Okay, not really all that bold. But new to me. Oatmeal cookies! Can you believe I've never made an oatmeal cookie? And I love these things!

Running short on time to figure out my O post I raided my kitchen and realized I had everything I needed to make these suckers! Perfect! 

They were really easy to make and turned out pretty tasty if I do say so myself. I was running a little short on raisins so I threw in a handful of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mix. Yeah, that's my excuse and I'm so sticking to it! 

Will definitely be making these again one day. 

Naked Edge (I-Team #4) by Pamela Clare (A to Z)

I just finished Naked Edge by Pamela Clare today (perfect timing, right?) so thought I'd combine my A to Z challenge post with it's review :) There's also a giveaway going for this one until 4/22/12 if you're interested.

The day Navajo journalist Katherine James met Gabriel Rossiter the earth literally moved beneath her feet. Nearly killed in a rockslide while hiking, she found her life in the tall park ranger's hands. Although she can't forget him, she thinks she'll never see him again. She is crushed when she recognizes her rescuer among the law enforcement officers raiding a sweat lodge ceremony one night, throwing her and her friends off Mesa Butte, land they consider sacred. 

Gabe long ago swore he would never again lose himself to a woman--not even one with long dark hair and big eyes that seem to see right through him. But from the moment he first sees Kat, the attraction he feels is undeniable. Appalled by what he has been ordered to do, he's determined to get to the bottom of recent events at Mesa Butte--and keep Kat safe. 

But asking questions can be dangerous--almost as dangerous as risking one's heart. And soon Kat and Gabe's passion for the truth--and each other--makes them targets for those who would do anything, even kill, to keep Native Americans off their sacred land...

Type: Romantic Suspense
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5

I absolutely loved this book from page one to the very end. The writing is fantastic, the storyline/suspense both interesting and captivating and the characters are people I'd love to know in real life. It's the perfect combination for a wonderful read in my opinion. Naked Edge centered around Navajo journalist Kat James and attacks against the Native American community in her Colorado town. The detail and research Clare puts into her books is just fascinating. It's not just a bit of fluff that skirts around the issues or uses the Native American culture for a backdrop but one that actually delves down deep to help you understand another culture and feel what they believe. From experiencing sweat lodge ceremonies and the connection they believe people have with the land to problems the community faces with losing their lands and the issue of single parenthood.  It's definitely a book you don't just read but you experience. 

The pairing of man-whore Gabe who didn't believe in love and virginal Kat who was saving herself for her other half  is one of my favorites. I loved how Gabe supported Kat's work and helped her explore her sexuality. And that she helped him deal with his emotional turmoil and regain his trust in other people. She's a very grounded and strong woman. I loved that she'd say what she was really feeling and that she had an amazing understanding and appreciation for other people. She's definitely a heroine you can look up to and respect. Then there's Gabe, who is nothing less than a hero, putting his life on the line saving lives, protecting innocent people from overzealous cops and Kat from an unknown attacker. His inner dialogue was hysterical, especially concerning Kat and sex.  Gabe has a lot to emotional baggage to deal with and it's not always a pretty thing to see.  He's definitely not perfect but that's part of why I love his character. He's a bit rough around the edges but he's pretty damn great.

Got a case of performance anxiety, buddy? 

Hell, yeah, he did. He'd never had sex with a virgin, and he didn't want to disappoint her or, worse, hurt her. And yet he was pretty sure she would feel at least some pain. If he hadn't been fairly certain it was sacrilegious, he'd have asked the Patron Saint of Men Who Fuck Virgins to help him do this right.

The last 70 pages are some of the absolute best I've ever read. They're so freaking intense they'll have you beyond antsy and your palms sweating. This was my second time reading Naked Edge so I knew how everything was going to end and still I could hardly stay in my seat I was so nervous. Danger, twists & turns, amazing courage, sacrifice and one of the most emotional scenes between a hero and heroine out there. It's an ending that will just blow you away it's so damn good. Naked Edge is a fantastic addition to the I-Team series and easily one of my favorites. If you like an interesting story, steamy romance and little bit of humor this is definitely one you should check out. 

Hunky Hero Giveaway Hop!

Big thanks to Riverina Romantics for doing such a fabulous job putting together the Hunky Hero Gveaway Hop!

Hope everyone's having a blast on the hop. For our stop we're giving away one of my favorites! Gabe Rossiter from Pamela Clare's Naked Edge!

Yep, rock jock Gabe and all his yummy deliciousness! A rock climbing, blue-eyed Park Ranger that's a little damaged but one damn fine hero who goes to freaking amazing lengths to save his heroine!

Yeah, we're totally smitten.

If you've already met Gabe and would like to check out one of Clare's other hunky heroes that can so be arranged. They're all pretty damn good guys!

Come Hell or High Water (Broken Heart #6) by Michele Bardsley

Everybody makes mistakes-and my first one was named Connor, a heart- stealing Scottish hottie. I thought our night together was the beautiful beginning to a love story, which turned out to be my second mistake. I, Phoebe Allen, lifelong Broken Heart resident and vampire, am now mated to a half-demon. 

Thankfully Phoebe's four-year-old son Danny is safely away at Disneyworld with his human father. Because Phoebe's right in the middle of major paranormal drama, helping Connor and his rag-tag group of friends retrieve part of an ancient talisman in order to ward off Connor's vicious stepmother, an uber-demon named Lilith. Phoebe swears she isn't falling for any of Connor's demon charm. But still, he's willing to do anything to protect her and prevent demons from storming into Broken Heart. And her undead heart can't resist a bad boy with identity issues...


Type: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Demons, Shifters
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 2 out of 5

Bardsley's Broken Heart Vampires series is one of my oh so delicious guilty pleasures. It's a bit ridiculous, the characters aren't too refined or classy but they're endearing. It's a fun, light campy series to get lost in for a few hours. Come Hell or High Water, though, didn't feel at all like it was part of the series and left a lot to be desired and had me wondering what the hell had just happened. From a lackluster relationship between the hero and heroine to choppy writing that felt more like reading an instruction manual. It was a far cry from the fun, light, humorous read I expect when I pick up the series. 

The storyline was decent, with Phoebe and Connor working together to keep his evil demon step-mother from breaking out of hell and destroying the town. It took place mainly outside of Broken Heart and a ton of new characters were introduced which was a little overwhelming and had me backtracking more than once to figure out who they were. Was kind of frustrating. While the overall book wasn't too humorous there were a couple funny moments that came up because of Connor's demon side. 

"You have to punch me in the face," I said. "C'mon you...you goat fucker! Hit me!" 

Rusty chuckles escaped. 

"What?" I asked, trying to pitch my voice into the meanest tone ever. "You like fucking goats?" 

His laughter spilled out, sounding like the unoiled hinges of an old gate. He pressed a palm against his stomach. "Stop, lass. It hurts." 

"I'm not trying to be funny, stupidhead!" 

He laughed harder. 

"You suck." - Phoebe trying to provoke Connor's demon side so he could heal quicker

 I didn't find Phoebe all that captivating but I did find myself liking Connor even though he was a little bit deceitful in hiding both his motives for being interested in Phoebe and his demon side. There was just something a little sadly sweet about him and how he really wanted someone to care about him even though he was half demon. Demons aren't thought of all that fondly in the world Bardsley created.  Even though he was willing to use Phoebe to protect everyone he made up for it by really caring about her. He had some very sweet moments that had me going aw and falling for him just a little.  

Connor came out of a door down the long hallway, a conference room, if I remembered correctly. He hugged me.  

"I'm not even late!" 

"I know," he said into my hair. "But it still feels like years."

Even though it was a fairly disappointing read it did have some okay moments and I'm holding out hope the next book will get back to the feel of the rest of the series. 

My Little Corner of the World (A to Z)

Now, I just LOVE my home. A couple years back I decided it was time to make it my own and create a place that makes me happy.

I think it suits me even if makes my mom's eye twitch a little.

I like stuff and I LOVE color. Things a little unexpected and bold. A little random, sure. Thought I'd take yall on a little tour :)

Lollipops (A to Z)

Tasty Delights and Dazzling Disasters is all about playing in the kitchen and having some fun.

I'll share my delights or my disasters. Yall feel free to join in and create your own posts, share your favorite recipes, what have you. 

Oh. Epic. Failure. Phahaha. This one totally kicked my butt.

So, last night I'm sitting there trying to figure out what in the world to do for L and finally landed on making lollipops. Yum!

5 ingredients. 20 minutes total time. Excellent! Plus it'll knock off a bit of my New Years Resolution of trying 52 new recipes this year. Perfect! Yeeeaah.

Follow Friday

Q:What is one book that you would be nervous to see a movie adaption of because you think the movie could never live up to the book?

A: If I have to pick I'd go any of the Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. They are some of the funniest books I've ever read and I just love the characters. They're a little crazy and beyond quirky. I don't think Hollywood would be able to capture the series without making it into a way too cheesy over the top campy mess. I don't even want to think about how they'd pull of bear shifters. Too horrible to even think about! ;)

      

Ketchup (A to Z)

I love ketchup. I mean LOVE it. L.O.V.E. love. It's my favorite food right after chocolate and really food's just not worth eating without the stuff. Well, a couple things might be okay without it but really not all that many things. Dessert. Dessert's not good with ketchup. Pasta's a no go. Um....ah...hmmm...yeah, that's all I got, pasta and dessert. Though there are ketchup macaroons but I think really those would end up on the "things to never put in my mouth again" list and I'm so not going there.

Tallchief by Dinah McCall (April Random Read)

Ever since the night Morgan Tallchief lost the only woman he would ever love, he has struggled to seal away the past. But now Kathleen Ryder is back in his life--still pursued by the deadly secrets that forced her to flee before. And even though Morgan swears to protect her, he is helpless against his own rekindled passion.

Kathleen has never forgotten the achingly sweet hunger that bound them together years ago. Now, still on the run, all she dares ask is that Morgan keep her safe--never expecting that he has the power to breathe life-giving fire to an ember that has grown cold.


Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 2.5 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Tallchief wasn't all that high on my to read list when it was picked as my Random Read for April. I'd never read McCall, it's an older book, the cover's kinda cheesy and it landed here pretty randomly but damn what a fantastic surprise it turned out to be! I really enjoyed this book and McCall's writing style, which flows very nicely and pulls you into the story. Tallchief had a wonderful achingly sad-sweet feel to it. There's so much pain and heartache mixed with a once in a lifetime chance at recapturing a love that never ended. It's filled with characters you want desperately to find their happily ever after, that tug at your heart strings and leave you a bit choked up and misty eyed from the emotional turmoil they're going through. It's a very moving read that quickly captures your heart. 

Just the girls. (A to Z)

The girls are actually Julie and Jaime. I'm the odd one out with this being an A but they still love me. So, I'm gonna tell you a little about these two insane girls and how we ended up "the Burnt Toast Mafia". 


Jaime's been around for going on 10 years. We met in college through Habitat for Humanity and the girl stuck :) Then a  couple years ago Julie and I met through a mutual friend because of animal rescue. Around a year and a half ago I had the fabulous idea of introducing Julie and Jaime even though I usually keep friends from different parts of my life separate. It really worked out well though. Yay!