Book review of Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life by Jocelyn de Kwant

Title: Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life 

Author: Jocelyn de Kwant

Source: Netgalley

Genre: Craft, hobbies, nature and outdoors

Rating: 5

Nature Tonic is a beautiful mindful workbook to cherish. It encourages us to connect with nature and grow our own meditative awareness every day. Exploring meaningful ways we can all experience and appreciate the natural world, this precious guide helps us to notice and note nature’s enchanting wonders focus on the seasons, and experience simply being in nature. 

Author Jocelyn de Kwant invites us all to embrace the earthy roots of a beginners’ mind with a daily dose of ecotherapy to soothe our souls. Practical prompts entwine with lengthier meditative notes on the joy of journaling sensory nature, the zen of forest bathing, the simple pleasures of botanical drawing, and ways to reconnect our souls with the soil. This lovingly-illustrated workbook is a timely reminder of the ways in which natural connection can enlighten and enrich our lives. 

Years ago, I would have never picked this book up, not that I hate nature, it’s just life gets in the way of simple natures pleasers, but as I am seeing more of my town taken over by large developers and businesses I am seeing my nature being destroyed and that makes me want to be out there more before it’s all gone and Nature Tonic: A Year in My Mindful Life would help anyone out there today at any age to get out and explore before it’s all gone.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to have some nature time with their kids during the summer this workbook would provide a full summer of fun and learning. I know this is a yearlong workbook, but sometimes we just don’t have everyday time to spend when you work 2 or 3 jobs, so one summer would be great to get some nature in.

I would also recommend this book for us older people who use to spend their days outside having fun exploring nature with their dog, as I did when I was a kid. This book will bring back fun memories and will also provide you with a newfound love of what you’ve lost and hopefully make you fight for what we have left.

A year in My Mindful Life is a workbook, I recommend those who are not a creative artist to grab the paperback copy, those that have artist talent, I would recommend the Kindle edition so you could use this workbook and create your own Nature Tonic journal.

Cozy mystery review of Toxic Toffee (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #4) by Amanda Flower

Toxic Toffee (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #4) 

Author: Amanda Flower

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Source: NetGalley

Length: Novel

Reviewed by: Laurie

Rating: 5 

A sweet tooth for murder . . .  
 
Bailey King’s in New York wrapping up a six-week shoot on her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, when she gets a call from her Ohio town’s resident busybody. With Easter around the corner, Bailey’s been recruited to create a giant toffee bunny for the weeklong springtime festival that will also feature live white rabbits. But back home in Harvest, death becomes the main attraction when Stephen Raber keels over from an apparent heart attack—with Bailey and Raber’s pet bunny as witnesses.
. 
Except it wasn’t Raber’s heart that suddenly gave out—a lethal dose of lily of the valley was mixed into a tasty piece of toffee. Who’d want to poison a jovial rabbit farmer who reminded Bailey of an Amish Santa Claus? To solve the murder, she and her sheriff deputy boyfriend Aiden must uncover a twenty-year-old secret. She’ll need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep a healthy distance from toxic people, including one venomous killer . . . 

I always look forward to reading one of Amanda Flower's books, she is an amazing storyteller, you can open up one of her books and your daily problems fad away as you become one of her characters.

Bailey is one of my favorite characters, not only does she get to play with candy at her grandma's candy shop, but she also has an amazing community of fun and crazy people and animals to be around so, your never bored with the village and the people. Oh, and I cannot forget about her hot cop boyfriend Aiden ;)

I love how Amanda can toss enough clues throughout the story to keep me guessing and at the end, I am surprised that none of my suspects is the one who did it. 

The added rabbit in this story was a very nice touch, I am always pleased when an author can write about a different kind of pet instead of the same cat or dog, not that I love dogs and cats but as you keep reading about the same old pets it gets kind of old. 

One of my favorite cozy mystery series and I highly recommend you bump it on top of your reading list.

Book review: Looking at Jewelry: A Guide to Terms, Styles, and Techniques by Susanne Geansicke, Yvonne J Markowitz

Title: Looking at Jewelry: A Guide to Terms, Styles, and Techniques 

Authors: Susanne Geansicke,  Yvonne J Markowitz 

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Art reference

Reviewed by: Laurie 

Rating: 5
Release date June 25th 2018

What is a cabochon? What are the various types of gilding? What is vermeil? This accessible book—the first of its kind—offers concise explanations of key jewelry terms. The fascination with personal adornment is universal. It is a preoccupation that is primal, instinctive, and uniquely human. Jewelry encompasses a seemingly endless number of ornaments produced across time and in all cultures. The range of materials and techniques used in its construction is extraordinary, even revolutionary, with new substances and methods of fabrication added with every generation. In any given society, master artisans have devoted their time, energy, and talent to the fine art of jewelry making, creating some of the most spectacular objects known to humankind.

This volume, geared toward jewelry makers, scholars, scientists, students, and fashionistas alike, begins with a lively introduction that offers a cultural history of jewelry and its production. The main text provides information on the most common, iconic, and culturally significant forms of jewelry and also covers materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Containing more than eighty color illustrations, this guide will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of jewelry.

I recently started making handmade jewelry and have been looking for a book to help take me deeper into the art of jewelry. This book did that and so much more. 

This book gives you history, detail of material that is used in making jewelry, different techniques, and anything that has to do with any type of jewelry past or present you’ll find in this book. You also get nice images of works of jewelry makers past and present.

Once you start reading you’ll notice right of the bat that there was a lot of research that went into this book, that will help newbie – advance jewelry makers which are looking into knowing more about the craft.

Book review of Growing Your Own Tea Garden: The Guide to Growing and Harvesting Flavorful Teas in Your Backyard by Jodi Helmer

Title: Growing Your Own Tea Garden: The Guide to Growing and Harvesting Flavorful Teas in Your Backyard 

Author: Jodi Helmer
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Gardening and cookbook 

Reviewed by: Laurie 
Rating: 5

You Love To Drink Tea. Why Not Grow Your Own?

If you’ve ever considered raising your own tea, this comprehensive guide is the place to start. Growing Your Own Tea Garden is packed with inspiration and practical instructions for cultivating and enjoying delicious teas. Author Jodi Helmer helps you plan and plant a productive backyard tea garden, with sample garden designs and cultivation advice. She shows you how to choose the right crops for your soil and climate, starting with the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and going on through a comprehensive survey of tisanes, or herbal teas. Discover how to grow the full range of herbal infusions that make wonderful teas, from flowering chamomile and lavender to chicory roots, rose hips, lemon verbena, peppermint, aromatic bergamot and more. Jodi shows you how to harvest, dry and store your tea to enjoy all year long, along with brewing tips and creative recipes.



Inside Growing Your Own Tea Garden

· Everything you need to know to create a healthy, bountiful tea garden and enjoy high quality tea

· How to grow dozens of crops that make marvelous teas, herbal infusions and decoctions

· Sample tea garden designs, including instructions for growing tea in container gardens and raised beds

· Understanding the differences between black tea, green tea, white tea and herbal tea

· How to dry and store your leaves for consumption on cool autumn days

· Let it steep: how to brew the perfect cup of tea

If you’re like me love growing all kinds of herbs and tea this book is for you. This book will help you learn what leaves have vitamins and nutrients and how to brew them. 

I really enjoyed the history of tea section so informative as a matter of fact, this whole book is full of useful information, heck I never know you could use blackberry leaves in for tea either.

Are you wanting to kick the habit of those carbonated no healthy syrup drinks? Well, grab this book pick some herbs you would like, buy the dirt and containers and get to growing. I plant most of my herbs into containers so they are easy to keep up with and handy to cut off when needed so this book just adds more excitement for me to use more of my herbs.  Oh, and don’t forget a lot of flowers are great in tea, yep, this book covers it all herbs, fruit, and flowers.

Highly recommend to anyone that would like to expand their tea drinking horizons.

Cozy Mystery review of Claws for Celebration (Cat Lady Mysteries #3) by Linda Reilly

Title: Cozy Mystery review of Claws for Celebration (Cat Lady Mysteries #3)  

Author: Linda Reilly

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Length: Novel

Reviewed by Laurie  

Rating 5 

Feline deadly this Christmas . . .

Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town’s annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone’s Santa-themed treat, Lara’s recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner.

The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town’s roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara’s best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off’s cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes—a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara’s mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime . . . 

Linda Reily creates great characters and edge of your seat mysteries that will keep you coming back for more. I totally love this series and hope it never ends.

Caws for Celebration, is my favorite so far, in the series. I enjoyed the twist of the cookie contest and I really enjoyed how the mystery began, who would have ever thought a library book would be the start of an awesome mystery.

If you love cozy mysteries this series is a must try. 

Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by 

Author: Karyn Gerrard 

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Historical romance 

Length: 

Rating: 5

Sexual: 4

Reviewed by: Laurie 

He's as dangerous as he is irresistible...

The heir to his family's fortune, Aidan Wollstonecraft is ready to put his prodigal ways in the past and prove himself worthy of his illustrious name. Going undercover in a factory to expose the wretched working conditions, Aidan believes his noble act will lead him to a better future. Until he's reunited with the sweet beauty who saw him through his darkest days. Cristyn Bevan stirs him like no other woman before. Makes him yearn to claim her, despite the damning curse that dooms any Wollstonecraft wife to an all-too-early death...

To fall for Aidan would be her undoing. Yet, something about the blue-blooded scoundrel draws Cristyn to him like a moth to a deadly flame. Is it a desire to heal him that keeps the lovely nurse close? Or her secret hope that somehow, some way, Aidan can let go of his dark past and see the light—and the love—waiting for him? 

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will take you into our past and even present working conditions.

First off I want to say kudos to the author for the amount of research that she had to have put into writing this book. People tend to think child labor was thousands of years ago, but it really wasn’t and even in the 1920’s America corporations was still using child labor and even today several countries including China still uses child labor so keep that in mind while you are paying for cheap goods.

I have loved Cristyn’s character since I first meet her, I knew she was a strong willed and minded woman of her time and she just proves this in hers and Aidan’s story.  These two go into horrible working conditions to help those that don’t have the means to help themselves and before you know it they are working together to fight for those less fortunate, this is true romance at its best.

Warning this story is not for the faint of heart if you love kids, but for those of you who buy cheap goods, you really need to read this to find out what real child labor is all about and this is why I look high and low for made in the USA or any country goods that don't have child labor and I will pay more for these goods because of things such as this.

I recommend this to everyone, you need to remember our past and present in child labor and you get a good romance story along with it. 

The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering by Elizabeth Heiskell

Title: The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering 

Author: Elizabeth Heiskell

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Cookbook

Length: 368 pages 

Rating: 5

Reviewed by: Laurie 

Say “hello” to the modern-day reinterpretation of the best-selling Southern Living cookbook of all time, 1972’s Southern Living Party Cookbook.

This new essential guide to entertaining is divided by occasion, offering a fresh lineup of menus and ideas for every celebratory scenario life serves up from What Can I Bring? Author, Elizabeth Heiskell, In this update to the best-selling book of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ era, Elizabeth’s tell-it-like-it-is voice provides a twist to the classic Southern advice that is a refresher for entertainers of any age or experience. Packed with delicious recipes from the original book like Smoked Salmon Canapes, Hot Cheese Squares, and Brandy Alexanders, the book also includes popular picks from the current pages of Southern Living as well as Elizabeth’s treasured recipe box. The Southern Living Party Cookbook is an entertaining handbook loaded with lifestyle tips and hilarious Heiskell stories, along with lush photography to help you get the look from table setting to plated dish. 

This cookbook is not only great for entertaining and parties, but it’s also excellent for everyday use.  

Each chapter offers you a different party and at the beginning of the chapter, you get a picture of a decorated table so you can grab some inspirations off of that and then you dig into the recipes for that party. You have parties such as Graduation Coffee, Welcome Tea, Tailgating, Thanksgiving dinner, Garden Club Luncheon, Impress the boss and many more party choices.

Now, as I said this cookbook can also be used every day, but with the majority of these recipes severing 10 and up all you have to do is cut the recipes in half as I did. So, far I have made the Chocolate –Bourbon Pecan Pie and The Cowboy Bean and loved both of them.  

Great images, easy to follow recipes what more can anyone ask for.

Take this from someone who has way too many cookbooks and cooking magazines, this cookbook would be an excellent addition to your ever-growing collection.  

Gardening book review of Starting & Saving Seeds: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden by Julie Thompson-Adolf (Goodreads Author)

Title: Grow the Perfect Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, and Flowers for Your Garden 

Author: Julie Thompson-Adolf 

Genre: Gardening 

Source: NetGalley

Reviewed by: Laurie 

Rating: 5

Grow fabulous food and flowers from seeds, then save seeds to make next year's garden even better.

Creating dinner from food you’ve grown provides a fantastic sense of accomplishment. Now, imagine the pleasure of starting plants from seeds, tending them, planting them in your garden, harvesting their fruits, and enjoying a delicious meal or bouquet. But that's not the end of the journey. Now you can turn around and save the best seeds for next year’s garden. Suddenly, you’re self-sufficient; you’ve grown your own garden from seed to seed.

In this book, you'll find the tools you need to become a seed starting and saving champion. Author and gardening expert Julie Thompson-Adolf walks you through every step of the journey, making the entire process a joy. You’ll find hints to encourage stubborn seeds to germinate, lists of varieties to add to your garden, charts for quick growing reference, and simple DIY projects to aid your seed starting and saving adventure. (Learn how to make seed bombs and an indoor seed-starting station.) The extensive plant entries inside cover all the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Get started with tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons, or chamomile, cosmos, sweet peas, and poppies—accompanied by beautiful photography from Libby Williams.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener new to seed starting and saving or a brand-new grower, you’ll soon have healthy, productive, beautiful plants for your garden.

Awesome reference from starting seeds to saving seeds book, I for one will be buying this book for my future gardening journey.

When I put in a request for this book I didn’t expect to get approval being a romance book blog but when I see the book in my Netgalley shelf I jumped for joy and I was not disappointed.

I started raised beds for my vegetables a few years back and had figured out how to save several seeds myself and have been pleased with my progress, but as I bring in new vegetables there are some I have no clue how to save the seeds so, I need some kind of reference or help to figure out how I save seeds for them plus, this year I expanded my gardening and bought over 300.00 dollars worth of flowers this summer so I knew I had to do something to save the seeds because I refuse to spend that kind of money each year. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley you know how happy I was to see it on my approved shelf.

Now, for the book review, I really loved how the author starts with simple sowing technique and brings you to save the seeds. No, she does not go into each plant on how to save the seed of that plant but she gives you both methods and she lists the way to save the seeds in each plant reference in the back of the book.

I’ve been direct sowing my seeds because my indoor seeds were a flop the first year, so I am hoping the simple tips will help me try indoor sowing again and succeeded next spring.   

This is a great book for any gardener to have on their shelf. 

Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1)  
Author: Karyn Gerrard 
Genre: Historical romance 
Source: Netgalley 
Lenght: Novel
Review by: Laurie 
Rating: 5
Sexual rating: 4

“Build a wall about your heart.”

Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more.

Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?

Who knew a temporary marriage of convenience could be sexy, dangerous and yet fun!  

When Lady Sabrina offers a marriage of convenience to the schoolmaster Riordan she wasn’t expecting to truly find a husband, all she wanted was an escape, she also has no clue what her father has done behind the scenes that come back to haunt her.

I really enjoyed both Sabrina and Riordan, their sparks flew off the pages as they both unravel each other’s hidden mysteries. You also get a peek at other great characters that will be in future books.

I recommend this to any historical romance lover out there that wants a different twist. 

Must Love Wieners by Casey Griffin ~ Review

Title: Must Love Wieners (A Rescue Dog Romance #1)

Author: Casey Griffin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 359 pages
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Release Date: August 2, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Piper Summers works like a dog juggling three jobs to put herself through veterinary school—driving taxis, delivering pizzas, and singing telegrams. Thankfully, Piper has her devoted dachshund Colin to help her keep things in line. That is, until she gets fired...and someone throws her a bone that is too good to resist.

Aiden Caldwell is an Armani ad come to life—a billionaire CEO who’s just adopted a dachshund from the rescue center where Piper volunteers. He’s hot on Piper’s tail to be his personal dog walker...but he may be after more than a walker for his wiener. The gorgeous, spirited Piper is everything he’s ever wanted from a woman—and more. But can Piper ever love, and trust, a man who has never learned to open his heart—or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Must Love Wieners is even more fun than the title sounds. This was such a fun read from start to finish. A couple that just worked great together, some amazing dialog, a little over the top personality, and of course a couple cute pups. It was the perfect recipe for a book I couldn't put down.

Piper is a struggling student, trying to make ends meet until she can pass her vet exams and land a real job. In the meantime, she's working three jobs at once and things are just piling up and ready to topple. And topple they do, right into the lap of Aiden Caldwell, a super rich CEO that didn't know he needed to have his life shaken up until Piper does it.

When Piper's life begins to crumble around her, and they someone seems out to get her. When clues point to that someone being Aiden - well, there's trouble in paradise. I loved how the suspense element built up. The answer always seemed to be just out of reach.

The nice little topper on the cake of this romance was the dogs. Even a bit of romance there when two long lost buddies are allowed to re-connect. Well written and a great story. You won't regret picking this one up.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo 

When a Laird Finds a Lass by Lecia Cornwall ~ Review

Title: When a Laird Finds a Lass (A Highland Fairy Tale #2)

Author: Lecia Cornwall
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 283 pages
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: November 1, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

She is his greatest enemy and his only salvation.

Malcolm MacDonald, a lawyer in Edinburgh, unexpectedly inherits his father’s title of Laird of Dunbronach, forcing him to return to a place he hasn’t seen since he was a small child. To gain the trust of a wary clan, Malcolm must act upon their insistence that he cast aside his English betrothed and marry a Highlander.

However, they have one condition—no lasses of the barbaric clan MacLeod.

When he finds an unconscious woman in the sea, he brings her back to his clan but not before doing the one thing that could save her life—hiding her all too telling MacLeod plaid. When she wakes with no memory of who she is, Malcolm vows to keep the little he knows about her identity a secret. As new dangers threaten his clan, the mysterious lass teaches Malcolm some very important lessons about how to be a Highlander and a laird.

But secrets never stay secret for long, and when she finds her plaid, her memory returns and she flees. Malcolm is forced to make a difficult choice to win her back, facing his darkest fears and his worst enemy for a chance at true love.

This series has completely wrapped me around its finger. It's not often I give two books in a row from a series 5 stars, but A Highland Fairy Tale is just enchanting. The subtle nods to classic fairy tales, mixed with exciting highlander romance seems to be the perfect combination for me. And Lecia Cornwall does a great job mixing them together just right.

Malcolm may not look much like a highlander at first, but deep down in his blood he's highlander through and through. When his clan tracks him down in the city to come be the new Laird of Dunbronach, he thinks it's a joke. He's a lawyer - not a highlander. But to honor his estranged father's dying wish, he'll go back, but he won't be staying.

But the mysterious woman who washes up on shore may make him change his mind. The clan is convinced she's a selkie, but there's a secret that Malcolm hides from everyone - she's the daughter of a clan the MacDonald's have sworn to kill.

There's a dash of lies, some mistaken identity, and a just a hint of mermaid and selkie lore to add a hint of magic to the story. A finding of yourself theme for Malcolm, and he'll need his mystery woman to pull it all together. A great romance, and a great story. I can't wait to see what's next!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

A Highland Fairy Tale

Beauty and the Highland Beast #1

Beauty and the Highland Beast by Lecia Cornwall ~ Review

Title: Beauty and the Highland Beast (A Highland Fairy Tale #1)
Author: Lecia Cornwall
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 279 pages
Publisher: Swerve
Release Date: June 21, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Powerful and dangerous highlander Dair Sinclair was once the favored son of his clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. With Dair at the helm, Sinclair ships circled the globe bringing home incredible fortune. Until one deadly mission when Dair is captured, tortured and is unable to save his young cousin. He returns home breaking under the weight of his guilt and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.

When a pagan healer predicts that only a virgin bride can heal his son’s body and mind, Dair’s father sets off to find the perfect wife for his son. At the castle of the fearsome McLeods, he meets lovely and kind Fia MacLeod.

Although Dair does his best to frighten Fia, she sees the man underneath the damage and uses her charm and special gifts to heal his mind and heart. Will Dair let Fia love him or is he cursed with madness forever?

So much fun! This was such a great, light-hearted, historical romance with just a enough of a hit of classic fairy tale. Dair is a wonder beast - haunted by tragedies in his past that he blames on himself, he haunts Carraig Brigh with his nightmares and terrors. When it is foretold that only a virgin can save him, everyone loses hope (apparently there aren't many in the area). But when Dair's father visits the lands of the Fearsome McLeods, he finds a couple that just might work.

Fia was a breath of fresh air. She was a helper and a healer. Satisfied with her place in life and the knowledge that she would be there for the rest of her days - until Dair. Once she meets Dair her dreams change, and she finds that her presence and voice offer a comfort to him that none have been able to provide. She may really be able to magically vanquish his crazed side.

But there are rumors of a witch, and Fia will find herself caught up in the superstition. Her life will be at risk, and along with it, the very sanity that allows Dair to be laird of the land. A great mix of suspense and daring, love, and a bit of fairy tale magic (but no actual magic) brings this story together in a way that I just loved.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Do It Yourself by Nikky Kaye ~ Review

Title: Do It Yourself

Author: Nikky Kaye
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 86 pages
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: September 26, 2016
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Sarah began her DIY education by ditching the biggest tool in her garage—her husband. Now she’s realizing that not just her marriage was boring, beige and transitional, and she’s in over her head.

Luckily, Chris the hot young handyman is teaching her how to screw, drill, and hammer—and also how to use her power tools.

Together they’re updating her wiring and unclogging her pipes. But when Sarah worries that she’s treating Chris like her own personal power tool, what will she do? Will she pull the plug?

This sexy 25,000-word novella features adults in adult situations and using adult language.. 

This is the ultimate handyman romance come to life. There is just so much hot goodness in the little novella that I read it twice - back to back - which is unheard of for me! The witty and pun filled dialog was too good for me to walk away after the first time. And, like a good meatloaf, the seconds were just as good as the firsts.

But this book isn't all fluff and sexiness. Somehow, Nikky Kaye threw a couple little life lessons in there without me even noticing them at first. Sarah has a lot on her plate, and her way of dealing with things is to do them all on her own. I was rather impressed with her home improvement abilities and skill with tools.

But she does run into a project that's just too far beyond her skills and youtube tutorials. So she hires a handyman to show her how to do it. Which I love! He isn't doing it all for her, but teaches her along the way. And he's such a great teacher too!

But handyman Chris isn't exactly what Sarah thinks at first. She jumps to conclusions, feelings get hurt, and everyone comes out of the experience having learned a little lesson. So pick an afternoon and just curl up with Do It Yourself. Tell everyone you're furthering your home improvement methods and tune them out for a couple hours. You won't regret it!

Goodreads | Amazon

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 434 Pages
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: September 5, 2006
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

I loved Zsadist. In all the previous books he is continually portrayed as a hard, mean, almost-evil type of person. But, I wanted him to be something different. And J.R. Ward let him be that something different without actually changing him. (Confusing, I know, but it is what it is.) Zsadists's past has left him beyond scarred - and as you read through his and his brothers memories, you will see exactly why he behaves the way he does. It is the only way he knows to survive.

But when Bella is taken by the Lesser Society, Zsadist is determined to find her and set her free. Not just from them, but from himself. It's one of the most selfless acts I've ever seen in a romance book. Knowing that it will destroy him, he pushes her into the arms of someone he views as "more appropriate" and "worthy" than he is.

A lot of the "action" in this book is within Zsadist and Bella, watching the work through and around their issues and fears was amazing. I think they are going to be one of the strongest couples - at least from what I've seen so far.

There's a lot of tragedy in this book - which really surprised me. I thought for sure it was all going to be a joke - but..... Overall, an amazing story that will hit you right in the heart in so many ways.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo 

Black Dagger Brotherhood

Dark Lover #1
Lover Eternal #2

Lover Mine #8