Double Clutch
A Brenna Blixen Book: Vol 1
Liz Reinhardt
Published Sept 6th, 2011
466 Pages
CreateSpace
What happens when you fall for the perfect guy...twice...in one day? Brenna Blixen spent her freshman year homeschooling in Denmark; now that she's back in the States, she's determined to make her sophomore year unforgettable. What she got was a whole lot of romance, and all at once. The same day that dark, brooding Saxon Maclean charmed her with his killer good looks and whip-smart wit. Jake Kelly stole her breath away with his heart-wrenching smile and intelligent, thoughtful focus. Complicating the matter is the fact that Saxon and Jake were once best friends and are now arch-enemies...and the more Brenna finds out about their connection to each other, the more intrigued and worried she becomes.
Between keeping the peace with her lovingly over-protective parents, designing t-shirts for her high school's rising punk band, keeping up her grades in classes split between academic and technical high school, and running the track like a maniac, Brenna has enough to worry about without juggling two guys who make her heart thud and drive her crazy all at once. She has to make a choice, but how is she supposed to do that when giving her heart to one of them might mean breaking the other's?
A little slow to start, but picked up as we get to meet Saxon and Jake. At first didn't feel any connection with Brenna, but as we get further into the story and her feelings for these two guys surface, we can sympathise with her, and the dilemma she finds herself in.
Saxon reminded me of every guy that I went to High School with. The cool guy, who was always hitting on the hottest girls in school, but really had a crush on you, since you were the ONLY person who really saw them for who they really were.
Jake was the classic good/bad boy....motorcycle, tortured artist...ahhh love those guys!! So I have to say I am on Team Jake, and I hope that things continue to go well between these two.
I will definitely invest in the next book of the series.
Dear Service Men and Women, Past and Present,
THANK YOU!!
Without all of you, who knows where this country would be.
This post is especially dedicated to all of my family that had served, and is still serving:
Vincent Puccio
Lorenzo Posillico
Jared Filosa
Steven Lodigkeit
William Heath
And to anyone that I missed.....I love you and THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your dedication and strength.
You are the TRUE HEROES.
For a great way to say, THANK YOU, to our Veterans, pick up
The best part about SEAL of My Dreams, besides the fabulous authors involved, is its purpose: All proceeds from the sales of the book go to Veterans Research Corp., a non-profit fundraiser for veterans' medical research. Click the link below to read more about this SMOKIN NEW RELEASE. http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2011-11-07/release-week-for-seal-of-my-dreams-/562347/1
And in Honor of it being Veteran's Day....I will be giving away a copy of SEAL of My Dreams. All you need to do is leave a comment below telling us about a "TRUE HERO" that you know or a wonderful story of HEROISM that you have heard!! It is humbling to hear about all of the wonderful "TRUE HEROES" that exist among us!!
Please leave your email address with your post so I can contact the winner.
~Hoo Rah
Truly Madly Yours
Rachel Gibson
Released Jan 31st, 1999
384 Pages
Avon
Pretty hairdresser Delaney Shaw has returned home to Truly, Idaho, for the reading of her stepfather's will, which stipulates that, if she wants to collect her inheritance, Delaney must remain in town for an entire year. And she must have nothing to do with sexy Nick Allegrezza. Unfortunately, Nick is as irresistible as ever and Delaney must truly decide if he is truly, madly the man of her heart.
This one ties with See Jane Score and Not Another Bad Date. I LOVE me some Nick Allegrezza!!
Its just such a great story, shows where love begins and where it takes you through your life. Sometimes it might be just one person who holds the strings to your heart, they might not even know it, but its them.
Delaney comes home for her step-fathers funeral and is thrown into a life she didn't even know that she wanted, but is enjoying it every step of the way, even if it includes a little flirting and a lot of kisses from Nick. They have a long history between them and it only gets longer...and better, every step of the way!
"You cut your hair?" Delany asked.
"You once told me to get a haircut."
Now that's love!! Get it, read it, love it!!
Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday
Susan Mallery
Released Nov 1st, 2011
Harlequin
E-Book Exclusive
Another Fool's Gold Hit!!
This Sweet Holiday Novella gives us a look into the life of Cameron, our very handsome Vet, and his "Friend" Rina, the pet groomer.
Rina has been in love with Cameron since the first day she saw him a year ago, but the love she has for his daughter is special to Rina and she doesn't want to do anything to threaten their relationship, so she knows that she can't tell Cameron that she is in love with him. Then she gains the courage on night to tell him the truth and things don't end up exactly how she planned. Will these two end up together in time for Christmas?? I think you will have to read the book to find out!!
This was a quick read for me. The story took us on a sleigh ride of friendship, love, heartbreak and overcoming fear. It is a sweet, little Holiday read that will warm your heart. A little hit chocolate for the soul, as only Susan Mallery can do!
Enjoy!!
Hey Everyone,
With the Highly Anticipated Release of Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas on February 28th, I am giving all My Tasty Readers a little Sneak Peak to satisfy your appetites until then.
Click Here: http://bit.ly/j5qdP8
Which cover is your favorite??
Leave a comment about why it's your favorite and if the cover of a book makes or breaks the book!!
I am one of "Lisa's Divas" - a group of select fans who share info & content related to Lisa's novels and get sneak peeks & swag in return.
Just made these muffins today and they are DELICIOUS!
What you will need:
1 1/2 c. All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 c. Canned Pumpkin
1/3 c. Veggie Oil
2 Large Eggs
1 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
2 tsp. Cinnamon, Divided
pinch Nutmeg
1 1/4 c. Sugar, plus 1 tbsp separated
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
Icing:
1 c. Confectioners Sugar
2 Tbsp. Hot Water (Not Boiling)
Vanilla
Directions:
Oven 350 degrees, Rack in middle of the oven
1. Whisk together in large bowl, Pumpkin, Oil, Eggs, Pumpkin Spice, Nutmeg, 1 tsp. Cinnamon, Sugar, Baking Soda and Salt, until smooth.
2. In separate bowl, sift together Flour and Baking Powder, then add to the Pumpkin Mixture until combined.
3. Fill cupcake tins with paper muffin cups before filling 3/4 full of mixture. Mix 1 tsp. Cinnamon and 1 tbsp. Sugar and sprinkle tops of muffins with mixture.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but I found that 25 was a bit too long, try 22 minutes, but check middles with toothpick or fork. Let them cool in the pans for a few minutes and them cool for about five minutes on a rack.
Recipe can make 22 Small Muffins or 12-18 Larger Muffins
If you are like me and enjoy a bit of sweet on top, here is an easy icing recipe to drizzle along the top of these warm muffins.
1. Mix the confectioners sugar with the hot water, add vanilla to taste. Add drops of water to get the desired consistency.
2. Drizzle over muffins using a fork, and let the icing slide through the slits. Give a minute or two to harden.
Then, ENJOY!!
Against The Storm
Kat Martin
Released Oct 25th, 2011
400 Pages
Mira Publishing
Trace Rawlins has a thing for feisty red heads, but they all seem to have one thing in common, they can't be trusted, and Maggie O'Connell seems to be no different. Even if he does feel things he shouldn't be feeling every time she comes around. Maggie is being stalked. Notes on her car, hang up phone calls, but the police don't care. All they care about is a past mistake that makes her untrustworthy. Maggie need Trace's help, but can he put aside his personal feelings and help her find her stalker?
I hadn't read the first three books in the series by Kat Martin, but Against The Storm was a good stand alone book. To be honest, the book dragged slightly. By the middle of the book I didn't even care to find out who the stalker actually was. The suspense just didn't hold my interest, it was drawn out and no really exciting.
BUT, I will say that the CHEMISTRY between Trace and Maggie was OFF THE CHARTS HOTT!! I really enjoyed the love scenes between the two characters and was very much invested in seeing that things worked out between the two.
I also enjoyed the secondary relationship between Maggie's sister, Ashley and Traces' friend, Jason. Jason was such a sweetie and exactly what Ashley needed in her life. I liked that she took her time to fall for him and wouldn't just accept his money, that he was all too willing to give her. He respected her and loved her, but didn't push her into a serious relationship too soon!!
All in all, the book was OK. The suspense could have been better planned out, but Kat did a nice job on creating likable characters and a nice, descriptive story.
Wanted by Her Lost Love
Pregnancy & Passion #2
Maya Banks
Released Nov 1st, 2011
192 Pages
Harlequin
When Ryan believes that Kelly has betrayed him, he writes her a check and tosses her out. Kelly and her battered heart head to Texas to start a new life for her and her unborn child. When Ryan finds her living in a shabby apartment and waitressing in a run down Diner, he vows to do whatever it takes to get her back to NY with him. She wants nothing to do with the man who turned her away when she needed him the most. Can these two lost loves find the love again that was lost between them?
What an emotional, heart wrenching experience. I really enjoyed this book and was pulling for Ryan and Kelly from the first book of the series. I really liked Ryan, even though he was a stubborn ass and couldn't see past the lies that his stupid-ass brother told. He redeemed himself and became a protector, which was exactly what Kelly needed. Kelly was a GREAT heroine. Head-strong, nobody's gonna push me around kind of gal. She left town and moved on, making the best of the life she was left with.
My heart hurt for these two from the first chapter and I just wanted all the pain to be gone so they could love each other without all the past bullshit attached.
Thank God Maya left us as she did, I would have been devastated if something happened to Kelly or the baby. I hope to find out more about them in the next two installments of the Pregnancy and Passion series by Maya Banks. We still have Dev and Cam's stories.......SO EXCITED!!!
This is one recipe that is ALWAYS a winner!! The Oreo Balls are delicious and VERY rich!! Almost like a truffle but soooooo much better. My brother-in-law actually requests these every year for Christmas.....These are a true Holiday Hit!! And SOOOOO easy to make.
You will need:
8oz Package of Cream Cheese, Softened
18oz Package of Oreos
2 cups of chocolate chips, Milk, Dark, or White.
Sprinkles or any decorative topping of your choice
Directions:
1. Grind the entire package of Oreos together (whole cookie), until they look like coffee grounds
2. Mix cream cheese until fluffy, then add ground up oreo and mix together. I suggest using your hands to really get a nice consistency.
3. Roll the dough into balls, 1-1 1/2 inch balls, place on cookie sheet covered in wax paper, then place the balls in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
4. In a double broiler, melt the chocolate, then using tooth picks dip the ENTIRE ball into the chocolate. Then place back onto wax paper. Make sure to decorate the balls before the chocolate hardens....unless you are drizzling another kind of chocolate, then wait until they harden slightly.
5. When finished dipping all of the Oreo balls, place them in the refrigerator for another 3-4 hours. Should be able to make 3-4 dozen, depending on the size ball.
6. Remove from the fridge and ENJOY!! Just make sure you have PLENTY of MILK...you will need it for these decedent treats!!
This Lullaby
Sarah Dessen
Released March 8th, 2004
345 Pages
Puffin Rublishing
When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?
This is one of my ABSOLUTE favorites by Sarah Dessen. Not that I don't LOVE everything she has published, BUT This Lullaby just holds a special place in my heart. It might be because Remy worked as a Salon Receptionist, and so am I. Or it might have been Dexter. Crazy, curly haired Dexter. Who didn't fall a little in love with Dexter while reading the book.
I loved how REAL Remy was. A real teen with a crazy mother, a past she wasn't so proud of and a hard shell on the outside to keep away the reality of her feelings for Dexter, someone that she was starting to fall for.
Don't want to give too much away...BUT if you have the chance to pick this one up, you won't be sorry!!
P.S. HATE SPINTERBAIT
