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.

Craft book review Bead Jewelry 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily Through Step-by-Step Instruction by Karen Mitchell, Ann Mitchell

 Title: Bead Jewelry 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily Through Step-by-Step Instruction 

Authors: Karen Mitchell and Ann Mitchell

Source: Netgalley 

Genre: craft

Rating: 5

Bead Jewelry 101, now in paperback, is a complete entry-level course for creating beaded jewelry taught through 30 step-by-step projects that demonstrate fundamental methods for stringing and wirework.

Have you always wanted to try jewelry making but aren’t sure where to begin? Bead Jewelry 101 teaches you everything you need to know to create beautiful jewelry with beads.

The Basics walks you through all the tools, materials, and basic construction techniques you’ll use for the projects.

The Projects are organized by various findings, or jewelry elements, so you’ll learn new techniques and build new skills with every piece you make. Beautiful variations will inspire you to create your own designs.
Beginners will also find the accompanying online videos that capture the techniques in action an invaluable resource.

Written specifically for beginners, the books in the 101 series are complete illustrated guides to the basics of a craft that use projects presented with full-color, step-by-step instructions and photos to teach essential techniques.

Great book for anyone wanting to learn how to make jewelry, plenty of projects and very easy steps for anyone to be able to learn, heck I wished I would have found this book when I started making beaded jewelry a few years back.

I would strongly recommend this for anyone that would like to test the water of jewelry making, this book is simple and full of information on materials and tools, but I have to admit it would benefit an advance jewelry maker that is in need of inspiration because after reading though the book I found some inspiration with a few of these projects to twist to my own.

Review One Night to Burn by Autumn Dawn

Title: One Night to Burn (Fire, Stone &Water, #1)
Author : Autumn Dawn
Source: Self Purchase
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (318 pgs)

When the stylists told her they would make her hot, Kira didn’t believe they meant literally. She never dreamed that at the end of the free makeover, a stranger would toss the torch that would burn away her former self. To her horror, she would find more changed than her hair color. For Kira, life would never be the same.

Humans feared the power of the elementals, so they locked them away. In the process they altered the balance of nature…

800 years later, the elements have awakened. Maddened by centuries of imprisonment, these powerful beings crave vengeance. Three unsuspecting women will have to soothe the savage forces before it’s too late.

About me

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my corner, where you’ll find a fusion of a few of my passions: animals, reading, baking, gardening, and jewelry brought together in one corner.

Growing up surrounded by all kinds of animals, they have become such a huge part of my daily life. Throughout my 56 years, I have never been without an animal around me. Currently, my life is taken over by one Border Collie and 9 cats, of which 8 are rescues, and one sassy Maine Coon named Sookie from one of my favorite book characters.

Over 15 years ago, I went on a romance reading kick and created a blog named Bitten by Paranormal Romance, which changed to Bitten by Romance and is now Laurie's Cozy Corner. I have not given up reading romance, but I have returned to reading cozy mysteries alongside romance. At one time there were several reviewers on the blog, but they all have busy lives, and it's just me left so I wanted to change it and create a blog just for me and my life. 

With the creation of social media, I found so many animals needing homes, so I try to help when I can with local rescues and trapping feral cats in my city to get them fixed. My husband is very supportive because he, too has always been a cat lover. I have one rescue named Roxie, who came from a high-kill shelter. She will have a special spot right here on the blog to help you realize how bad the needs of animals are. All of the other animals, too, will have a special spotlight right here on the blog.

Whatever your passion is—animals, reading, baking, or gardening—I hope you will find something here to help you along your way. 

Here are some details about my clower clan and our crazy schnauzer. 

Roxie came from a high-kill shelter in GA, and yes, my husband drove over 8 hours to get her and bring her back to middle TN. 

Pandora was rescued after her mother was killed on the road. We took the whole family in, thinking we would re-home them all since we had 3 cats already, but Pandora and her brother captured our hearts, and they stayed. 

Wolverine is Pandora's brother. He has a special mark on his belly that looks like a heart. 

Sookie, our Maine Coo,n and yes, she is named after Sookie Stackhouse. LOL 

Trubel (AKA Booboo). We found her on the side of a busy road near starvation. We decided to name and keep her. 

 
Mitten was found at one of the feral colonies. She is a polydactyl cat with horn toes

Spuds, our Schnauzer, was rescued from an abusive neighbor. Sadly, Spuds passed away in 2021. RIP 

 















Daisy is our new sable Border Collie

Guest Post Em Petrova

Please welcome erotic romance author Em Petova.

Child's Play

By Em Petrova

Halloween is over, the trip to the dentist to nix those cavities is planned, and my children's beloved costumes are stashed in a drawer. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and probably many of yours. After it's over, I feel a letdown. No more little ghouls and goblins traipsing up to my door, or happy jack-o-lanterns grinning from porches. Then I realized that for those of us who are avid paranormal or fantasy readers, we can continue to live it every day.

As kids, we dig through our grandmother's costume jewelry, put on our mother's high heels, and sometimes even cross-dress in our daddy's belts and ties. When we grow up, our imaginations and a world of books carry us away into foreign lands and, if we're lucky, transport us into the psyches of the characters we read about. For a few priceless minutes a day (or more, if we call for a pizza!), we get to try on new hats, silk gloves, stolen diamonds, and even a hot new mate or two.

In my debut book, Runes, I've created a world where immortals Walk amongst mortals. Each immortal has a tattoo which is unique to the owner, and reflective of his or her traits. My hero, a mathematical genius, has cramped rows of numbers spanning his six-pack, and his immortal mate sports a stunning collection of runes and stars which climb her throat and end at the corner of her eye.

As I write, I get to explore new personas and worlds with the careless abandon of a child. No wonder I adore my job! As readers, writers, or both, books inspire our imaginations and allow us to escape the humdrum--swim lessons, dog grooming, lunch packing. For a few minutes a day, we get to be that girl who wins the hunk or robs a bank to pay her bills. If she's lucky, she gets a happily ever after. When we read, aren't we actually playing? Practicing for our own happily ever after's?

I'd love to hear about your favorite book and how it has inspired you. Leave a comment and enter to win a free copy of RUNES. I'll announce the winner on Friday, November 5! Please read on for an excerpt of Runes, available now from Red Sage. And thank you to Bitten by Paranormal Romance for welcoming me today.


Em Petrova~


Blurb: When immortals Will and Evangeline are thrown together by a phenomenon known as The Calling, they share their blood and bodies, entwining their minds and souls. But Evangeline has been yanked from the arms of her mortal love, Sean, and the echo of his touch never leaves her. Will and Sean make a pact to share the woman they love and find new desires arising in the arms of each other.

RUNES EXCERPT: ADULT CONTENT

RUNES--a paranormal ménage a trois available from Red Sage Publishing. ~Two men learn to satisfy their lusts for one woman, and eventually each other~


When Will Cochran straightened away from the woman on the bathroom floor, they were both bleeding. She was not fully conscious, but he had to escape before she recognized him. He grabbed a hand towel from the sink, clutched it to his bleeding forearm and swung toward the door.


She would be all right. It might take a few hours for the drugs to wear off, but eventually she would awaken to a new existence. Before he disappeared through the doorway and from her life, he allowed himself a final glance.


Sprawled on the white floor tile, she looked waifish and vulnerable. She wore dark clothing--a black off-the-shoulder top and dark violet miniskirt that matched the purple streak at the front of her pixie-short black hair. The blood had ceased to flow from the wound on her neck, and as he watched, the blue-black lines of runes and dainty stars climbed the bare flesh of her shoulder, up her throat, to curl around her ear and end in a spattering of stars across her temple--the immortal tattoo.



Where to find Em
http://www.empetrova.com/

http://twitter.com/empetrova

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/profile.php?id=100001140802024

buy link: http://www.eredsage.com/store/Runes_Em_Petrova.html

Sexiest Couple Alive by M. Clarke ~ Book Spotlight and Giveaway

Love can heal and love can make you soar, but sometimes love can break a soul…

Can Nathan and Olivia heal when hearts have been broken beyond repair? Visit the world of Knight Fashion in SEXIEST COUPLE ALIVE by M. Clarke….

About SEXIEST COUPLE ALIVE

Nathan Cross is living his dream. Not only is he modeling for Knight Fashion Magazine, recently voted “sexiest man alive,” but he is dating a beautiful photographer who could be his new future. When he unexpectedly reunites with his past love, his world crashes around him. Two loves. The past or the future: which one will he choose? 

Olivia’s past choices come back to haunt her and could ruin everything she has worked so hard to build. Troy has the power to destroy any hope of happiness. She will do everything to keep that from happening, even if it means giving up her second chance with Nathan. Lies. Revenge. Scandal. Olivia could lose it all.

On Sale in Digital: May 23, 2016

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Amazon AU | iBooks | Amazon CA |  Kobo

 Add SEXIEST COUPLE ALIVE to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Author Bio:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning, Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great.

Connect with Mary: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Newsletter | Instagram | Pintrest | Goodreads

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Non-Paranormal Review: How Hard Can It Be by Robyn Peterman

Title: How Hard Can It Be
Author: Robyn Peterman
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 17, 2013
Reviewer: Jasmyn

What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new?  Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lo of pastel fleece, and blackmail - just to start with...

Visualize and succeed, Oprah said.  I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order.  Okay, TV was not my strength.  But a lack of talent has never stopped me before.  Which is why I've embarked on a writing career.  I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance?

Leave it to me to wind up in group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath.  Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel.  And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn't commit - by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime.  Maybe I've found my calling after all...

Characterfest inteview # 17 with Jordan K Rose

Please welcome author Jordan K Rose 

Laurie, thanks so much for having us on Bitten by Paranormal Romance. We’re really looking forward to meeting your readers. After some debate we’ve decided that Lucia will interview Vittorio for Characterfest. I’ll apologize up front if he’s a bit gruff and this turns out to be more of a monologue. He’s been cranky lately.  

*Vittorio grumbles*

“Hi.” *Lucia waves* “I’m Lucia Dico—“

“Della Caccia,” Vittorio interrupts. “Our last name is Della Caccia.” 

*Lucia grimaces.* “Right. I forget. Sorry. I haven’t used that last name in this lifetime. Jordan, you know he’s pretty sensitive about the last name issue.” *rubs Vittorio’s arm*

“Right. I do recall that coming up in another interview.”

“Jordan, I’m sure if you spoke to your husband he’d feel the same.” Vittorio glances from me to Lucia.

*smiles* “Right. I’m sure he would want me to use the proper last name. Lucia, why don’t you ask those questions we discussed before Vittorio turns this into a debate?”

“I’d love to.” *turns to face Vittorio* “So, Vittorio, please tell us a little something about yourself.” *smiles intently at Vittorio*

*sighs and raises an eyebrow*

Interview with Catherine Green

Please join me in welcoming, author Catherine Green. She is here today to tell us a bit about herself and her book “Love Hurts”, the first in her Redcliffe series. Yesterday, I posted a review on “Love Hurts” that you can check out as well.

Author Bio:

Raised on books from a young age, Catherine was destined to be a writer. She was always a dreamer, always lost in some other world, and now she has finally started to write about it.

Catherine writes for Suite101, Write and Share, and is a keen blogger alongside writing the sequel to 'Love Hurts' and several other works in progress.

Aside from writing Catherine is a Medium and ghost hunter, a crafter and a married mother of one. She also loves dogs and has an adorable Staffydoodle.

Arc Review: Mercy's Deby BY: Sloan Archer

Title: Mercy's Debt
Author: Sloan Archer
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance Thriller
Length: 109 pages
Reviewed by: Emi

Mercy's Debt

MONTGOMERY’S VAMPIRES BOOK ONE

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2013

CATEGORY: Paranormal Romance Thriller;

light erotica elements, some explicit language,

contemporary, vampires

SERIES NAME: Montgomery’s Vampires

WORD COUNT: approximately 52,000 words

After graduating from the prestigious Dewhurst University, Mercy Montgomery finds herself in a bit of financial trouble: over $108,000 worth of financial trouble, in fact. She can’t find a job to save her life, and with bill collectors constantly at her heels, she has no idea how she will ever come up with the money needed in order to keep her head above water.

Mercy’s monetary worries seem to be over after a chance meeting with mystifyingly pale Michael Graves, who offers her a high-paying job at his company, Dignitary. But there’s a catch; the seemingly harmless Dignitary is an underground organization that offers human chaperones to wealthy bloodsucking clients.

As if congregating with the undead doesn’t make life complicated enough for Mercy, there’s a savage killer on the loose who appears to have a craving for her blood. Soon Mercy is torn between a dark and dangerous underworld of supernatural desire and a simple life of practicality, and business magnate Robert Bramson is the man she blames for her confusion. If he just wasn’t so damn sexy… And dangerous. As the killer closes in, Mercy realizes that she must make a decision. But will she make her choice too late?

Lustful Longings by Maggie Adams ~ Release Blast and Giveaway

Title: Lustful Longings

Author: Maggie Adams

Series: Lustful Trilogy #3

Genre: Women’s Erotica

Release Date: February 13. 2018

Length: 76 Pages

Blurb:
I have found my dream lover and, appropriately, his name is Morpheus. He has shown me how to be truly free in my sexuality; to trust another human being with my deepest desires; and to love without reservation or fear. We have a true power exchange when we play – no, we do not play, we live! Our lives and our sexual lifestyle have evolved so that one constantly compliments the other. I can’t imagine a happier, more fulfilling life.

Then, my world tilts on its axis.

Reality returns with a vengeance. My lover becomes ill and I find myself fighting for my former, happy life. Morpheus is ambivalent to his fate. He is more concerned with my future happiness without him. His abhorrence to leave me “a Widow” again, alone and afraid, leads him to formulate a plan to send me into the arms of another man. But his desperate longings to see me in passion’s embrace make him take the role of a cuckold. He has picked the man to help me if he should not survive, but it’s a double-edged sword as he forces himself to watch me falling deeper into the arms of the man he has chosen to replace him in all ways.

My guilt and longing for this man sends me to seek the help of an old friend. While I am welcomed with open arms, the lovely Bianca has plans of her own. In the end, it is up to Morpheus to either release me into the arms of new lovers, or allow me to ease his Lustful Longings in a new way.

Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt One:

I lounge upon the chaise, sipping sparkling champagne as the New Year begins. My lover is poised on the tufted velvet arm, his fingers gliding along the exposed skin of my collarbone. The mirrored walls reflect the beauty of our surroundings and the people within. The chandeliers twinkle brightly near the mahogany ceiling, the gilt and glamour of the 1920’s permeates this particular party, and yet, the myriad collection of apparatuses for bondage, pain, and pleasure take up most of the room. A surrealistic interpretation of the predilections (or perhaps peculiarities is a better word), of the Master of House.

And here we sit in the middle of it all, my lover and me. He is adorned in the requisite tuxedo, it is a formal affair after all, with the only nod to the true nature of this gathering, a slim crop in his hand. He told me he really should have a walking stick to complete the outfit, but I wasn’t quite ready for that type of fun yet.

While he was the epitome of formal elegance, I, on the other hand, was resplendent in a red satin Merrywidow with black lace overlay and pretty red bows fastening the finest silk stockings that encased my legs. Black opera gloves covered my hands and arms, pearl bracelets and ruby rings adding charm.  The large ruby and gold earrings that swayed when I turned my head and the diamond clip that held back my hair were the real thing.

My Master was a generous man and wanted everyone to know it, so for me it was jewelry; for others, it was a simple offer to one and all to sample the delight he was privileged to call his own. So, I sat with him, the corset pushing up my breasts until my nipples tipped the edge of lace and allowed strangers to rub or pinch “the raspberry perfections” that my Master tasted every night. I didn’t mind. There was something quite exciting about another man or woman touching me while my Master looked on. It stirred the recklessness within me and made our love play more explosive.

I smiled to myself and took a sip of the champagne. If the folks back home could see me now. They would raise scandalous eyebrows to the ceiling, send prayers for my sinful ways in the Sunday sermon, and whisper of the “Merry Widow” at the local Moose club.  All would be filled with righteous indignation that someone like me had ever graced their idyllic community.  

I parted my legs on the chaise as my Master requested, the warm air hitting my nakedness. The scent of my arousal permeated the air while a woman tentatively touched my slick labia. Yes, the old town would be in an outrage at my debauchery.  Especially if I ever published my dear diary.  More specifically, if I didn’t change the names to protect the not-so-innocent of their town within the pages of my sexual journal. That’s right; although many wore masks to the dungeon parties, I knew who each member or guest was. After all, my Master owned the most exclusive club in town.

I sighed as a wave of pleasure coursed through me while the young woman licked her fingers. I raised my glass as her companion shouted, “To the Widow and her Morpheus! You make all our dreams come true!”

About Maggie Adams:
Maggie Adams is an Amazon Best Selling contemporary romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, humor, on November, 2014. Since then, she has consistently made the Amazon best seller 5-star list with Leather and Lace, Something’s Gotta Give, and Love, Marriage & Mayhem. She is also the recipient of the Dayreader Review’s Best New Series Award for 2015. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into International recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK.

Back home, she resides in the Midwest, with her high school sweetheart, Ned, and their children, Katie (Kyle) and Ross (Valerie) and first granddaughter, Lorelei, otherwise known as “The Boss”

You can connect with her online at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest | BookBub

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The Djinn’s Dilemma Birthday Bash with author Mina Khan

Hi, this is Mina Khan and I write genie romances. And I have some fun news for you!

Remember when you were a kid and you used to love birthdays? Well, I still do…especially when it’s of my first published story. So we are going to CEL-A-BRATE! And I’m thrilled to be here, sharing the deets!

The Djinn’s Dilemma, my sexy paranormal romance about a genie assassin who falls for his human target, celebrates its one-year publication anniversary November 1st! Woot!

So much has happened in a year!

Authors and Their Pets day 5 with Sam Cheever and her pets

Bitten Pet Week Post – May 10^th

Help a Pet Hint: Do you love animals and want an easy way to help those who haven’t found their forever homes yet? Both Petco and Petsmart allow you to donate a small amount to shelters each time you buy something at the pet store. With the press of a button on the card scanner, I donate a few dollars each time and it definitely adds up!

ADDICTED AND LOVING IT!

Let me just get something right out there…I’m a dogaholic. Yup. It’s true. I’m addicted to dogs. But I don’t need an intervention. I’m perfectly happy with my addiction. I have 11 dogs and at any given moment my husband and I are in danger of adopting another. We don’t go on vacations. I don’t crave jewelry. My husband doesn’t collect machinery or spend money going to sports events. We spend our money on our two daughters and our 11 fur babies.

We’re pleased that we’ve been able to rescue dogs who needed a good home and we feel lucky that they’ve found us. Our fur babies are a labor of love, pure entertainment, and part of our extended family. 

And I’m also happy to say we’ve passed the addiction on to our girls. My oldest daughter has 3 

fur babies and my youngest has 2. 

Now I know that many people have multiple dogs. We’re not all that unique. However, most people with over five dogs are breeders or run shelters. LOL My husband and I hoard our babies. We don’t let them go once we get our greedy hands on them. I realize we’re lucky that we can do this and we’re very thankful. We have a hobby farm so there’s lots of room for our dogs to run and play.  

We’re both fortunate to work from home. And, though we occasionally travel with our jobs, we’re mostly able to stagger our travel so that one of us is always home with the fur babies.

Aside from the many joys of having so many dogs, there are, of course, challenges. Feeding time is interesting, yearly visits to the vet can be a challenge, and keeping track of all the little furry heads is a near impossible task. I find I’m constantly doing head counts to make sure I haven’t lost anybody. Especially at night, because we have lots of coyotes around here. Ish! But our biggest challenge is finding room on the bed at night. We have a king sized bed but, when you add 7 to 8 dogs to the space, there isn’t much room left for the human-type critters! Despite my whining though, I don’t think I could sleep without all those soft, warm bodies draped around me every night. They’re very cuddly. #:0)

I created a video of what it’s like to spend a day with so many dogs and I’d like to share it with you. As a bonus, if you can find the typo in the video (Yes, I know it’s there but I’ve changed software since I created the video and I can’t fix it without redoing the whole thing, LOL), just send me a note telling me what it is and I’ll add you to a drawing for one of my books, winner’s choice. Send the email to samcheever@samcheever.com, Subject: Typo. I’ll pick the winner on May 24^th. Good luck!

Here’s the link to the video: http://www.samcheever.com/bio.html  It’s on my bio page so just scroll down a bit and you’ll see it. I hope you enjoy my fur babies!