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Showing posts from March, 2011

Review–Fang Me

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  Book Description   The vampires want it. The demons want it, too. And someone is willing to kill Val for it. Val and Fang have to find the powerful Encyclopedia Magicka before either of San Antonio's warring underworld factions locate it or the consequences will be deadly for the entire city. As usual, Val's vampire enemies (they still call her The Slayer) want her dead. Even some of her fellow demons may be less than trustworthy, since they'd like to grab the legendary book of spells before she does. Val has a personal claim to the Encyclopedia--her demon father left it to her when he died--but someone stole it recently. And that can't be good. Battling vamps and dodging demons, Val struggles to unravel the mystery and find the thief. At the same time, she's fighting her attraction to sweet, sexy Shade--her favorite shadow demon. Rumor has it that Val will lose her part-demon, vampire-fighting powers if she gives herself to him. With a crow

Review–Try Me

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  Book Description   This part-demon teen vampire fighter and her faithful terrier hellhound are once again patrolling the dark city streets of San Antonio, Texas. Val's hunky human partner, Detective Dan Sullivan, is giving her the cold shoulder since she beheaded his vampire ex-fiancĂ©e. Vamp leader Alejandro is struggling to keep the peace between vamps, demons and humans. The mucho powerful Encyclopedia Magicka has been stolen, someone in the Demon Underground is poisoning vamps, and Val's inner lust demon, Lola, is getting very restless since Val's now partnered with sexy Shade, the shadow demon with the blond good looks of an angel. The second book in Parker Blue's Demon Underground urban fantasy series plunges readers deeper into a heady world of passion, friendship, intrigue and mystery. Parker Blue lives in the wilds of Colorado with her own faithful hellhound, and she's hard at work on the next Val Shapiro book in the Demon Underground series.

Review–Bite Me

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Book Description   Young Adult Vampire Hunter A Fictionwise Fantasy Bestseller An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not. Book Review   This is the first book in a series by Parker Blue.  I wasn’t sure what to expect since I had never read anything by this author, but I wasn’t disappointed. I felt that the characters were extremely likeable.  My favorite has to be Fang, Val’s half-hellhound terrier.  There was a great bond between them due to their telepathic communication. There was quite a bit of action in this book.  And I was extre

Book Tour–Surrender The Dark

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Book Description   National bestselling author L.A. Banks’s electrifying new paranormal series is set in a sizzling world where Dark and Light are trapped in an eternal struggle for the fate of mankind. Celeste Jackson has fought all her life against a fog of hallucination and substance abuse, but it’s not until she meets her protector, Azrael, an angel who has left the safety of the Light, that she learns of the evil forces that have been trying to ruin her, and why. A fierce battle for control of the mortal realm is brewing, and only Celeste—with the help of the Remnant, her half-human, half-angel brethren—can stand in the way. Together, Celeste and Azrael must gather an army of sensitives to defeat the dark powers that have ruled humanity for centuries, but time is running out. If Azrael surrenders to his growing desire for Celeste, he risks being trapped among humanity forever. But the longer he stays, the harder she is to resist. To save the world, Celeste must draw on her

Early Review–Swept Away

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Book Description   Decisions, decisions! How is a girl supposed to choose? Lessons of right and wrong are put to the test in the Scenarios series, where you can test your decision-making abilities in an eye-opening, but safe, way. Each book follows a character up to the point where she has to make an important, life-changing decision—then it’s your turn to choose. Will your choices lead to a happy ending? Book Review   I had already reviewed one of the other books in this series, Dare To Be Different .  Once again, even though it is touted as being interactive, the only interactive part is at the end of each story.  You get to choose how they end.  It would have been nice if you could have picked along the way so you can see how different decisions can affect things differently. Even though this book is geared towards tweens, I felt that it might have been more towards actual teenagers.  One of the two stories deals with premarital sex and how you get pressured into hav

Review–Mana Potion

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Product Description   Mana Energy Potion Each tiny shot is loaded with 160mg of caffeine and tons of other energy boosters. As much caffeine as two cans of Red Bull® Provides 5-8 hours of smooth energy. No sugar, so no aftercrash. Each six pack contains 6 (duh) 1.69oz bottles   Product Review   The bottles are really cute and I love the labels.  I was a little disappointed though that the Mana Energy Drink logo was printed on the plastic wrapper instead of the bottle.  However, I love the shapes of the bottles. So here I was in the middle of a raid that seemed to be lasting longer then it should have.  We had already wiped a few times and decided to try again.  I was running out of energy though.  So instead of yelling OOM in the raid chat, I decided to take a Mana Potion.  There is no sugar whatsoever in this drink.  It contains tons of vitamins to help get you going.  And of course the all so wonderful caffeine.  I was expecting something bitte

Early Review–Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer

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Book Description   In this thrilling story full of adventure and romance, Sleeping Beauty is more than just a lonely princess waiting for her prince—she's a brave, tenacious girl who never backs down from a challenge. With vampire-slaying talents that she practices in secret, Sleeping Beauty puts her courage to the test in the dark of night, fighting evil as she searches for a way to break the spell that has cut her off from her family. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Sleeping Beauty and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read! Sleeping Beauty: Vampire Slayer is an entirely new type of fairy tale–one that will keep today's kids guessing and offer them hours of magical fun. Book Review   If you are looking for another copy of that old Sleeping Beauty story that you grew up with, then this isn’t it.  This book is so much more.  I guess you cou

Early Review–Diagnosis Death

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Book Description   When her comatose husband died in the ICU while on life support, the whispers about Dr. Elena Gardner began. Another death during her training puts her under suspicion. When the pattern is repeated in the hospital where she is attempting to start over, the whispers turn into a shout: “mercy killing.” What is the dark secret that keeps Allison’s lips sealed when she should be defending herself? Despite her move to a new city, the midnight phone calls that started after her husband’s death follow Elena. Who is the woman who sobs out, “I know what you did?” What does she mean by “You’ll pay?” And what can Elena do to prevent it? Two physicians, widowers themselves, offer support, telling Elena they know what she is going through after the death of her husband. But do they? And is it safe to trust either of them with her secret? Book Review   This book is the third in a series.  However, this was the first one that I read.  Thankfully, the author did such

Review–Therabreath Toothpaste

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  Product Description   Brush with this toothpaste twice a day and you will stop bad breath, guaranteed! This formula is also great for gum health and nothing is more powerful at fighting cavities . Therabreath Toothpaste is designed to control the anaerobic bacteria that causes bad breath. Buy it today, use it regularly, and you'll breathe easier and smile more often. Product Review   One of the things I inherited from my mom are bad gums.  In fact, when she was pregnant with me, she had to have all her teeth pulled and start wearing dentures.  All because her gums were bad. In the last few years, I have noticed my gums receding and bleeding quite a bit.  It has been rather worrisome for me.  I had tried all the big brand named toothpastes and they just didn’t seem to help. I found out about this toothpaste and approached the company to see if I could try it for my blog.  Thankfully, they agreed. The toothpaste is a thick clear gel.  You don’t need to put much

Review–A Lesson in Secrets

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Book Description   In the summer of 1932, Maisie Dobbs’s career goes in an exciting new direction when she accepts an undercover assignment directed by Scotland Yard’s Special Branch and the Secret Service. Posing as a junior lecturer, she is sent to a private college in Cambridge to monitor any activities “not in the interests of His Majesty’s Government.” When the college’s controversial pacifist founder and principal, Greville Liddicote, is murdered, Maisie is directed to stand back as Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane and Detective Chief Inspector Stratton spearhead the investigation. She soon discovers, however, that the circumstances of Liddicote’s death appear inextricably linked to the suspicious comings and goings of faculty and students under her surveillance. To unravel this web, Maisie must overcome a reluctant Secret Service, discover shameful hidden truths about Britain’s conduct during the war, and face off against the rising powers of the Nation

Early Review–Cinderella: Ninja Warrior

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Book Description   In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince—she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next—but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read! Book Review   So this brought me way back to the 80s.  I used to love those Choose Your Own Adventure stories back then.  This one was no different.  One thing I really loved was the fact that Cinderella was no longer a wimpy girl who was just sitting around waiting for her prince to come.  Instead, she finds strength within herself.  I love the

Review–A Conversation With God

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  Book Description   A front row seat to a fascinating conversation between God, Jesus, and other biblical characters answering important questions about life and faith. A Conversation with God allows readers a one-on-one dialogue with God, his son Jesus, and other important men and women from the Bible as they respond to questions and concerns relevant to the Christian faith. The questions, in some cases hard-hitting, cover issues that have troubled believers and seekers since the beginning of time. Each answer is based on Scripture and written with the warmth and intimacy of a Heavenly Father relating to His child. Categories and sample questions include: *God, how can we believe that You created us? *Why weren't all early writings included in the Bible? *How should we prepare for the end of the world? *Jesus, can I lose my salvation? *What will we look like in heaven? *God, does choice extend to abortion? Book Review   The concept of this book was interesting

Review & Giveaway – RelaxZen Day/Night

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Product Description   RelaxZen Day   Stress affects the body and mind. RelaxZen works with your body to de-stress your mind, increase your focus and balance your mood. With natural herbs, vitamins and amino acids, there’s never been a better time to live a RelaxZen Life. RelaxZen Night   Sound sleep is the foundation of a healthy life.  A good night's sleep can help with everything from weight control to improving memory.  RelaxZen NIGHT's sleep ingredients help you get the best night's sleep you have ever had.   Product Review   The first thing I did when I received my shipment was to look at the ingredients on the bottles.  The majority of the ingredients I already knew about.  When I saw valerian in the night time drink, I was a little hesitant.   Most of the products that I have tried with valerian either smelled horrible, tasted horrible, or both.  I was pleasantly surprised that neither drink smelled bad at all.  In fact, they smelled nic

Early Review–Blood of the Maple

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Book Description   A seduction-gone-wrong leaves vampire Parker Hollis with a new vegetarian lifestyle and on the run from a vengeful witch. Moving to small-town Maggie’s Grove, Parker meets a redheaded dryad with green, leafy blood that draws him in a way he hasn’t experienced in decades. His new neighbor smells divine, and it isn’t long before craving gives in to need. In a unique community of supernaturals, tree-loving outcast Amara Schwedler has never quite fit in. She’s scarred by a traumatic incident and feared by the local townsfolk. She’s convinced Parker will look elsewhere for a mate once he discovers she’s not one of the O-positive set, and can’t believe it when Parker finds her irresistible. When the witch who’s been plaguing Parker’s life discovers the newfound attraction between Parker and Amara, she takes out her anger on the town. Can the supernaturals of Maggie’s Grove accept Amara and band together in time to withstand the assaults of the enraged witch

Winner–SnorgTee

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And the winner is…   Wendy R.   In her responses, she said she wanted the t-shirt “When I was a kid, the world looked like this.”   I will be emailing her to verify.  Congratulations Wendy. And thank you all for entering.  I will be having more giveaways in the very near future…  So stay tuned.

Book Tour–The Ice Princess

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Book Description   The American debut of internationally bestselling Swedish writer Camilla Lackberg’s haunting first novel. Returning to her hometown of Fjallbacka after the funeral of her parents, writer Erica Falck finds a community on the brink of tragedy. The death of her childhood friend, Alex, is just the beginning. Her wrists slashed, her body frozen in an ice-cold bath, it seems that she has taken her own life. Erica conceives a book about the beautiful but remote Alex, one that will answer questions about their own shared past. While her interest grows into an obsession, local detective Patrik Hedstrom is following his own suspicions about the case. But it is only when they start working together that the truth begins to emerge about a small town with a deeply disturbing past. Book Review   If you follow along with many of my reviews, you will notice that I rarely mention the covers of the books.  I absolutely loved this one.  Not only was it beautiful, but

Early Review–Plain Proposal

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Book Description   Miriam Raber enjoys life in her Old Order Amish community, and she is hopeful that Saul Fisher will propose to her soon. But when Saul starts talking about leaving the only world either of them has ever known, Miriam imagines what her life might look like as an Englischer . One thing she knows for certain, she loves Saul and feels he's the one God has chosen for her. But Saul's indecision has come at an inconvenient time as Miriam is noticing advances from Jesse Dienner, a man she went to school with, who is committed to marry and live his life in the Old Order community. Complicating matters is the arrival of Miriam's cousin, Madison, a worldly Englisch girl sent to live with Miriam's family following trouble back home. Who will Miriam choose a life with, and who will choose to stay in the Old Order Amish community? Book Review   As you have probably noticed, I have been reading more and more Amish fiction.  There is a reason for thi

Early Review–Catch The Wind Harness The Sun

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  Book Description   Kids ages 8—12 will love these 22 exciting activities and experiments focused on producing and playing with renewable energy. Projects range from the quick and simple — like the Pie Plate Wind-Maker — to the thrillingly large-scale, like Pedal Power, in which kids use a bicycle to power a 12-volt battery. Each activity teaches children about renewable energy and larger environmental issues. Education doesn’t get more fun than this! Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun offers more than enough to get any kid charged up about renewable energy. Book Review   Are you looking for ways to teach your child about environmental issues?  Are you hoping to show your child how to create a greener future?  Is your child just generally interested in science and experiments?  If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you need to get this book. First off, the author explains the impact that the current sources of energy are having on the planet.  He does it in fun and easy to

Review–EvilTron

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With April Fool’s Day fast approaching, what better way to prank your friends, family and coworkers then with the EvilTron from ThinkGeek . Shane from ThinkGeek was kind enough to send me one to try out on family.  Of course, the first person I decided to do this on would be my brother-in-law, Steve.  He thinks he is the practical joker of the family.  And we sometimes let him believe it too.  However, my sister Brenda and I are the ones that usually get him good.  My sister Debbie (his wife) just doesn’t even come close to measure up. First let me tell you about this little gem of a gag.  As you can see in the above picture (from ThinkGeek website) it is just slightly bigger then a quarter.  What you can’t tell from the picture is that the small metal disk on the back is a magnet.  So you can stick it just about anywhere.  The EvilTron makes five different sounds.  Then it also has a random mode.  The sounds are something creaking, something scratching, a gasping breath, a

Early Review - The Journey

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Book Description   Discover along with Titus Fisher how life can begin anew in Christian County, Kentucky. Moving from Pennsylvania, finding rewarding work, and leaving a broken romance behind is the best decision Titus ever made. But is he ready to consider love again when he meets two women: one who seems perfectly suited for any Amish man and one who challenges long held ideas of the woman’s role. Who will Titus choose, and will it be the right choice? Book Review   This book is the first in a new series by Wanda Brunstetter.  It is a spin off from another one of her series though.  I have not had the chance to read any of the other series though.  However, this book was still a wonderful read.  There were some references made to the prior stories, but they didn’t detract from this story at all. I loved that Suzanne was a strong willed woman who knew what she wanted in life even though they didn’t always go along with the rest of her community.  She didn’t feel a need to learn to co

Early Review–Courting Disaster

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  Book Description   She's Gone Too Far… A year ago, criminal defense attorney Carling Dent woke up in a conference room with a bullet wound, a murdered client and no memory of what happened. Since then, she's grown reckless. She's gained a reputation for representing defendants no one else will, and her own partners are beginning to question her conduct. Then a car accident triggers flashbacks, and Carling is driven by the need to find out what really happened that day. Her investigation begins to uncover a twisted web of secrets someone doesn't want exposed. The threats against Carling escalate, and she turns to the one person she wants to trust—her former lover, prosecutor Jared Manning. The passion between them is as hot as ever, but when more memories start trickling back, Carling starts to wonder just whose side the man she loves is on… Book Review   If you are looking for a great suspense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then

Review–This Girl Is Different

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  Book Description   This girl is different... That s what Evie has always told herself and it s true. Home-schooled by her counter culture mom, she s decided to see what high school is like for the first time for her senior year. And what a year it is. As it turns out, it s not just Evie who s Different. Lots of people are. Many of her assumptions about others are turned on their heads as she makes friends with kids her own age for the first time, discovers what s good and what s bad about high school, and learns lessons about power and its abuse both by the administration and by Evie herself. Book Review   Even though I finished the book, I am still on the fence about it.  On one hand, I liked the story a lot.  On the other hand, some of the characters were either flat or way too clichĂ©.  Evie had been raised by her flower power mom.  She was even home schooled.  However, Evie decides that she wants to spend her last year in high school with the regular kids.  So s

Review–Hunting Human

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Book Description For two years, Beth Williams has run from the past-and the beast that dwells inside her. She is haunted by memories of being kidnapped and the savage attack that killed her best friend. Now Beth finally thinks she's ready to move on...with Braden Edwards, a charming, irresistibly sexy man who tempts Beth to embrace the present. But the past lurks closer than Beth realizes. Markko Bolvek, one of the werewolves who kidnapped her, has tracked her to Portland, Oregon, his pursuit fueled by a hunger for vengeance. Only Braden, a werewolf himself, senses the danger shadowing her steps. The Edwards and Bolveks have been enemies for centuries-and despite the instant connection he feels with Beth, Braden isn't sure which side of the war she's on. With suspicion at odds with their attraction, Beth and Braden must learn to trust one another to stop Markko for good. Can Beth accept the wolf within-and love a man who embodies everything she fears? Book Review

Review–Secrets of Paris

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Book Description   Irresistible, long sought by readers, and now in paperback for the first time, Secrets of Paris shows New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice at her most incandescent — a deeply moving story of true love, abiding friendship, and a once perfect marriage in precarious balance. Lydie McBride has always embraced life to the fullest. But when an unthinkable tragedy strikes her family, everything she believes in is shattered. Her art-historian husband, Michael, watches the passion disappear from Lydie’s eyes and from their marriage, and hopes an assignment to Paris will help them reclaim a love that once seemed unassailable. But the City of Lights holds secrets and seductions for them both, including the mysteries of an alluring Frenchwoman with whom Michael will work. And Lydie’s unexpected friendship with two dramatically different women will enable her to find a new life. Will there be a place for the man with whom she always wanted to share that life.

Early Review -The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus

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Book Description   Say hello to Holly—a writer way behind on her deadline whose fiftieth birthday is rushing at her like a freight train. Which might not seem so bad if her hormones weren’t making her feel like a Szechuan flambĂ©, her editor wasn’t calling every day to tighten the screws, and her eighty-year-old mother wasn’t biting her nurses because the doctor’s been feeding her enough steroids to kill an elephant. Not to mention the fact that Holly’s daughter has just begun applying to colleges (none of which are within a thousand mile radius of home) and, lately, her husband’s been such an irritating, finger-pointing stinker that she’s found herself dreaming of ways to spend his insurance money… The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus dances effortlessly between the hilarious and the heart-wrenching, the preposterous and the painfully familiar, leaping from the page in a completely unexpected and original way. Sonya Sones is the author of four acclaimed novels for teens—Stop Preten

review–groOrganic Garden Planner

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    Product Description   Organic gardening is a popular subject today. Many are becoming aware of the benefits of eating organically and growing vegetables and fruit in their own backyards. This is not a new concept. Rather it is a very OLD concept. The “conventional” gardening and farming of today relies on the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. “Organic” gardening and farming restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, organic growers rely on developing a healthy fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. This is the way our grandparents or great grandparents grew their produce. Unfortunately, we have to re-learn how to grow food. This is a lost art to many inexperienced gardeners. We have many sources to help begin a new gardening project if we have the desire to do so. New ideas to make gardening easier for the novice as well as for the experienced gardener are readily available on the internet and in gardening books. How-