my disorganized ramblings

Missing you all...

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:32:00 +0000

I'm actually a little surprised at how much I miss blogging. I was definitely happy to walk away for a while, but I miss just expressing myself. I don't know if I will ever really get back into the whole book blogger thing, but I might throw up some reviews again every once in a while.

This semester for school has not been the best. I had issues getting focused on anything, and it is definitely going to affect my grades (which I don't know yet and it is making me antsy). All I need is a 70%. I need that to transfer the course to the accounting designation I want to work towards. *fingers crossed* I guess we will see.

As for home life, I'm excited because we are hoping to be moved by August. Yes we still need to list the house but we are hoping that when it does go up, it will go quick (which houses in our area are) and we can get a short closing on it.

I've lived in a basement for 9 years now. I CRAVE sunlight. I can't wait to grow my own plants, and to sit out on my back patio, and all the other mundane stuff that home owners face, like mowing the lawn. Now we aren't buying right away. We are hoping to rent something for a short period, and then we are going to look at getting a house in a new subdivision further out of Toronto.

I've been possibly obsessing over decorating. Paint colours, furniture, accessories, oh my! I can't wait to actually be able to put my imprint on a place.

How are you all doing? Like I said, and I know I keep saying, but I hope to do this a bit more regularly....

Comments Closed

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:58:00 +0000

Just an fyi....
While I'm not really decided on the future of this blog - I do really want to do some writing, just not sure what and when - the spam comments have gotten ridiculous! SO I've hidden comments for now. I hope this should solve some of my issues for now.

Having said that..
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I wish you all the best in 2013!

Twitter Giveaway - Kindle copy of City of Bones

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:39:00 +0000

FYI
I'm doing a Twitter giveaway.
I'm giving away a Kindle copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
All you need to do is Tweet me saying if you read books before or after the movies come out. I'll pick a winner some time after dinner today!
@natashaw1
If you don't have twitter, just leave me a comment here.

Back to normal....at work

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:12:00 +0000

For the past 9 months or so, I was doing a secondment at work. I was filling in for someone who was taking a paternaty leave. It was great experience. I feel that I learned a lot, and that includes stuff about myself too. As you read in my last post, I've learned that I don't think I will be challenged in this field. I don't think that my analytical mind will get enough stimulation. There are aspects that I LOVED about the job. Reference work is amazing. Helping someone learn how to navigate databases, or helping them find that elusive article/information; it made my day! The rest of the job? Did you know that there is an end to the interwebs? I found it... a few times ;)
Also, my commute was 2 hours longer every day. So 10 extra hours a week commuting.
I was tired. I was eating out all the time because I didn't have time or energy to cook.

But I'm done the secondment now! I'm back at my regular job.

And I have hours to my day again - except for the homework I have to do now!

I'm cooking healthy, yummy food!!
The Mr. and I have even decided to throw in some vegetarian days, which is amazing coming from meat eaters!!
I'm making smoothies for breakfast with protein powder, and kale, and yummy greek yogurt.. and they are just delicious!

So what have you all been up to?? Anything new in your life?
Read any good books lately?
I'll save that for another post :) No reviews, just some book talk!

What on earth is a #GlossyBox?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:50:00 +0000

Well, this is a Glossy Box!

For $15.00 a month, I get this pretty pale pink box in the mail.... well I assume it's always pretty pale pink. You see, this is my first time!!

Anyways, what's in the box?
This!

Dove ClearTone - a deodorant specifically created to help reduce underarm discolouration caused by dry skin from shaving.
Wella Professionals Mirror Polish Shine Spray - illuminate your style with an exquisite shimmer.
B.Kamins Lip Balm SPF 20 - Soothing anti-aging lip balm with Bio-Maple Compound and UVA/UVB sunscreens that repairs and protects.
B.Kamins Maple Body Lotion - Luxurious anti-aging lotion infused with honey, Vitamins A&E and Bio-Maple Compound for ultimate hydration.
NYX Cosmetics: The Crimson Amulet Collection - enriches your beauty by adding glamour to your red carpet splendor.

I totally can't wait to start using these!

What about you, have you ever done a subscription to a beauty-esque type box?
I've also been eyeballing this one: Julep Maven - It's all nail polish/hand/feet stuff!! Woot!

My thoughts on Vlogs....

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:43:00 +0000

I have to write this. It's been bugging me for a while...

I hate vlogs.

I hate them with a fair bit of passion.

You see, most of the time? I'm quickly going through blogs while I'm at work. Sure I have speakers, and I have headphones if I wanted to.... But I really can't be watching that stuff at work.
And even if I was home, I don't have time to sit and watch a 10 minute video on the books that you got.
And really, it's not the vlogs that irritate me...
It's when people don't let me know what was IN the video. See I need to read the post. I want the LIST of the books you got (preferably with covers - cause yeah, I totally judge...lol).

Oh and don't get me started on when someone announces a winner for a contest in a video, but then doesn't put the name later in the post.....
That right there? That pretty much guarantees an instant unfollow!

I don't watch book/movie trailers that people post. I don't watch funny youtube videos people post.
If I wanted those, I'd take my ass over to youtube and watch them there.

Anyways, just my $0.02.

I'm feeling happy...

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:46:00 +0000

It's been a while! How is everyone doing?
Can I just say how good I'm feeling? I honestly believe the pressure of doing book reviews was getting to me. Having given those up? I feel more productive, just in that I am getting other things done rather than stressing about writing a review!

Also, I'm making some changes in my work life - but they won't really happen for many years! I have come to the conclusion that I just don't think the library is right for me. I'm bored. I'm not being challenged. I know part of that is the specific job I'm doing, but I honestly can't see it being different in other positions. And I don't want to teach...

SO - I'm taking a math course and an accounting course. I'm going to see how these go. Next semester, I might just take a couple more. If all goes to plan, and I like and get the whole accounting thing - this might just become my future!

The Mr. and I are also making plans. Plans that actually might come to fruition. In the past, most of our plans were LONG TERM - like more than a year, probably closer to 3 or 4. Now? We are making plans for 6 months, and it feels amazing. I'm so excited. We have a lot to do though in 6 months to make this happen.

Blizzard

We also went up and saw my family a couple of weekends ago. It was amazing and made me so completely happy. And I want a dog! These are my brothers puppies (not really puppies, but you know what I mean!).

Sasha - Blizzard's mommy!

I've just been feeling a lot of this. This calmness. I am feeling happier with the world. I'm taking more pictures (as seen by the Instagram pics I'm posting here lol). I'm reading and not stressing. I'm starting to cook occasionally again -although this mostly isn't happening because I'm still currently working 2 jobs kinda. This is probably the one area in my life that I'm stressing and not feeling happy about. Hopefully it all settles by Oct 22. Hopefully.

What have you all been up to?

I think maybe I missed blogging a bit. I missed doing a bit of basic writing. Hopefully I'm around a bit more often now....

The End?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I've spent a long time pondering this. It isn't something I'm taking lightly and it wasn't an easy decision to come to.

I'm not going to shut down my blog, because I want to keep an outlet available should I need it.

I however won't be doing any book reviews, or guest author posts. I may still post about books that I am reading, and maybe host a contest or two to get ride of some of my books on the shelves, but I'm done with reviews. I've been questioning my ability to even write them for a while, and I think that this will just ultimately relieve some stress in my life.

I want to do more, different, things with this site.
But I haven't figure out what yet....

stay tuned...

Winners - Slow Summer Kisses and At Last

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:37:00 +0000

I'll be emailing the winners shortly! Congrats!

Winner of
Slow Summer Kisses is:
Evie


Winner of At Last is: Onge

Special Guest - Jill Shalvis + Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Hey all, we have a special guest today... Author Jill Shalvis. She's talking about the next 3 books out of her Lucky Harbor Series....

And we have a giveaway!!

***********************

Greetings, all! And thanks, Natasha, for letting me visit everyone at My Disorganized Ramblings.

It’s been a Lucky Harbor summer, and great things have been happening with the Chocoholics trilogy. LUCKY IN LOVE and AT LAST hit the The New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, giving me a huge thrill. I’m so grateful for all the enthusiasm readers have shown, not simply in putting them there, but for letting me know their reactions to my books.

The trilogy starts off with LUCKY IN LOVE. We’ve got a badass ex-Navy SEAL hero trying to go good and a good-girl heroine looking for a walk on the bad side ... As for who wins that battle, you’ll have to read the book.

In AT LAST, we have Matt Bowers, a sexy forest ranger who stops to help a damsel in distress. Except she’s no damsel in distress. She’s waitress Amy Michaels, beautiful, tough, jaded … and she is in desperate need of rescue. She just doesn’t know it yet. But my favorite scene is definitely where she has to save Matt – and no I’m not telling you more. J

In FOREVER AND A DAY, hero Dr. Josh Scott is on the edge of burnout. He’s got his practice, his young son, his wheelchair-bound sister, and a crazy puppy. Not to mention the weight of the world on his shoulders from taking care of everyone in his life. Enter dog walker Grace Brooks who, in a turn of events, saves Josh for a change, in more ways than one.

Lucky In Love and At Last are out now. Forever And a Day shows up on shelves and ebookstores on 7/31. Hope you get a chance to visit Lucky Harbor! .Join me at my daily blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. I’d love to know what you think!

Best wishes and happy reading,

Jill

www.jillshalvis.com/blog

www.facebook.com/jillshalvis

***********************

Now, onto the giveaway!!

We have a copy of At Last up for grabs - open to US and Canadian residents.

Also, keep a look out for my reviews for this series
You can see the review for Lucky in Love here, and I will be posting the reviews for At Last and Forever and a Day (<3) in just a few days!

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QUICKIE REVIEW - Yours to Take by Joely Sue Burkhart

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Yours to Take by Joely Sue Burkhart

All fire and gunpowder need is a stray spark…

The Connaghers, Book 3

The day one of her old clients gunned down a cop, former defense attorney Vicki Connagher lost everything—her passion for justice, and her lover, Detective Elias Reyes. The dead cop’s partner.

Even though she’s following her dream to start her own fashion line, it’s tough with heartache as her only companion. Until she brings Jesse, a wandering street artist, in from a freak Texas snowstorm. His submissive flirting brings out dominant tendencies she never knew she possessed, yet she hesitates to let him take her as far and as hard as she wants to go.

Some homeless junkie in Vicki’s house? Not on Elias’s watch. Pride kept him away, but as long as Jesse is staying in Vicki’s downstairs shop, he’s staying with Vicki. On the couch, but it’s a start.

As the days go by, the three work out an uneasy alliance. But Vicki’s joy at having Elias back in her life is tempered with a growing desire to have it all. Elias in her bed, and Jesse under her command. The only question remaining is if her tough alpha cop is willing to embrace all that she is…

Product Warnings
Explicit sex, BDSM, a tough alpha cop, a reluctant Domme, and a smoldering submissive street artist willing to do anything to belong to her.

ebook, 194 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN13: 9781609286804

series: The Connaghers #3

My Rambles:

I really am going to be rambly today... mostly because I failed and only have my GoodReads notes to fall back on for this review.

What I wrote back when I read this?

I'm not sure what to say.
I felt like I was only seeing part of the picture, that there was a bunch of stuff missing, that would have made the story more complete.
The whole fashion story line felt incomplete.
However the eventual dynamic between the three of them was excellent.

I think I remember rolling my eyes a lot in this one. I honestly had a lot of hope for this. The premise was great, but I just found it a bit lacking.
Also, I should say, that my PERSONAL preference, is that I don't enjoy female tops/doms/dommes/dominatrixes/whatever. They don't float my boat - so that could be it entirely.
I'm definitely curious about the others in this series, and I may just go back and do some reading! Burkhart really does write some good BDSM.
2/5

QUICKIE REVIEW - Her Cowboy Distraction by Carla Cassidy

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Her Cowboy Distraction by Carla Cassidy

She'd been watching the handsome rancher for a while, just a lone cowboy eating pie with an empty chair beside him. One night, Lizzie Wiles, Cowboy Cafe's feisty new waitress, went over and dared to interrupt his tortured solitude. Daniel Jefferson seemed shocked by her boldness as he buried himself in guilt over his wife's mysterious death. Lizzie tried to penetrate his gloom, but in the end, found herself falling in love. Having plans to leave town, she didn't want to think of these consequences. Worse, someone "really" wanted her to disappear--now Attacked and warned to leave, Lizzie had every reason to go...but she had one undeniable reason to stay.

Paperback, 224 pages

Published June 19th 2012 by Harlequin

ISBN 0373277814 (ISBN13: 9780373277810)

Received a copy for review via NetGalley

My Rambles

I have to admit I had some issues with this book. I honestly just couldn't understand some of the motives and I felt like I wasn't given enough insight into the motives that were given. The suspense portion of the story didn't make complete sense to me, I felt that it was a bit of a distraction from the story.

However.

I devoured the book.

It was an easy read. The characters were emotional and angsty but soon go over themselves. I love the "cowboy" setting. Having lived part of my life out on the prairies in Canada, it made my heart go pitter patter.

3/5

GIVEAWAY! Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I grabbed a Kindle copy of Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey while it was on sale, so that I could do a giveaway of it for you all.
Cause this book? *happy sigh*
Shannon Stacey writes funny, happy, quirky characters. And they are of the amazeballs.
So yes, I have a copy for someone.
Yes, it is ONLY available in KINDLE.
BUT it's all of 80 pages, so it's an easy read on your PC or smart phone....
How do you win this?
Just fill out this form...
and I'll pick a winner July 30th.
I have a question in the form, please feel free to answer in the comments, or shoot me an email, if you aren't entering the contest - if you have an opinion :D

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to "go, go, go, " Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea--until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old--and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Why I didn't like The Siren by Tiffany Reisz...

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

ebook, 432 pages

Published by Harlequin Enterprises, first published September 20th 2011

ISBN13: 9781459234499

series The Original Sinners #1

My Rambles:
This should have been a story I loved. It's sexy, it's gut wrenching, it's completely wrong. And completely up my alley. A Priest who's into BDSM? After I pick my jaw up from the ground, I'm gonna say booya! A sexy Dominatrix who submits to the Priest? Yup. Sign me up.
Unfortunately, it was everything else.
I felt like there was just too much story. The story inside the story, the 2 or 3 side stories, it was all just to much for me. THAT is where the real problem was for me. The way the story was told.
I wanted more, I needed more. I wanted the angst, and trust, and shock... I just found it so hard to actually find it within the words that were written.
I know they were there. I know this because others found it. And maybe this is just my reading style that is hampering my efforts to love this story... I've read like this for .... a while... and I can't change that up now.

I actually had this as a DNF for a while. I had read about 1/4-1/3 of it, and I was just so completely bored.

But everyone else LOVED it.

So I picked it back up, and stuck through it. And I honestly just didn't get the big deal. I didn't find it THAT shocking. I didn't find it that taboo. Yes, there were definitely a few pieces that I tsked at, but nothing worse than I've read elsewhere.

Also, they say this isn't a romance, but I disagree. It's not a traditional romance, but Zach? He get's his happily ever after. Isn't that what romance is about?

Is that what this series is going to be? Do we see the world from Nora, as others find their HEA?

Don't get me wrong, I will be reading The Angel - book 2 in the Original Sinners series. And I'm going to read the short stories around the series...

I truly do have high expectations for them!

2/5

QUICKIE REVIEW - Archer's Lady by Moira Rogers

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Archer's Lady by Moira Rogers

Accused of betraying the Bloodhound Guild, Archer's only chance to regain the trust of his fellow hounds is to earn it--one dangerous job at a time. Crystal Springs may be the worst yet. The town has been deserted by all but the poor and the desperate, yet the vampires stalking the edges of the settlement haven't closed in for the kill. Question is, why?

Grace Linwood, professional liar, has been hiding under the guise of a border schoolteacher for so long, she's almost fallen for her own con. The frontier was supposed to be her chance at a respectable life, but now the cowardly part of her wants to flee. When Archer catches her considering a run for safety, she knows it's only a matter of time before he sees through her charade.

They become reluctant allies in the quest to uncover the mysteries of Crystal Springs, but every unraveled knot ties them closer together. They both know their pasts are too shattered to hope for a future--until their investigation uncovers a secret. One that could make betraying the Guild their only path to redemption.

Warning: Contains a partly reformed con-artist heroine with a bruised heart and a mostly retired bank-robbing hero with a weary soul. Also included: vampire schemes, mad scientist plots, an alarming amount of dirty talk and some borderline-criminal bedroom antics in an alternate Wild West.

ebook, 137 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by Samhain Publishing Ltd.

ISBN13: 9781609288044

url http://www.moirarogers.com/archers-lady

series Bloodhounds #3

I received a copy of this book from the author for review.

My Rambles:

I LOVE the tortured hero. And dang - these bloodhounds? They are tortured to the max!!! These books are cross between steampunk/westerns/romances/paranormal and are ALL Moira Rogers. The team of Bree and Donna (the two ladies who make up Moira Rogers) have this unique talent of creating these amazing stories that are completely their own. How on earth do you categorize this??

This series/story reminds me so much of Firefly - every time I finish a new addition to the series I need to watch me some Mal... This is NOT a bad thing!

Anyways, the story...lol

The whole story is completely action packed, page turn after page turn. This is a series that I think should be read in order, and the reason I say that is because the story is built and expanded with ever new release. You CAN read on its own, but I feel that for a more worthwhile experience, you really need to read them in order.

5/5

P.S. Have you read the Keeping Company With Bloodhounds: An Instructive Guide?

REVIEW - Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis RECOMMENDED

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis

Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone...

For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't -- including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all...anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

Paperback, 341 pages

Published May 22nd 2012 by Grand Central Publishing

ISBN 145550372X (ISBN13: 9781455503728)

series Lucky Harbor #4
copy received via NetGalley

My Rambles:

I absolutely love Jill Shalvis' writing. She makes these fairy tale stories that are so realistic and tangible. Her small towns draw you in and the characters make you stay.
The first three books in the Lucky Harbor series were great, and were definitely the end of an arc. And then Shalvis came out with the next batch - three more books in the same amazing town we've already grown to love. You definitely don't have to read the prior books in the series. This is an excellent standalone (I would recommend reading 1-3 in order and 4-6 in order though).
Each chapter starts off with a really cute/poingnant quote - that perfectly ties into the story. I wonder how long it took Shalvis to write/find them. Normally I bypass any of those - just get me to the story... BUT I read one, and then went back and read them all. Totally perfect, and I continued to read them as I read the story.
Ty and Mallory were perfect - but in that way that was actually not perfect... Let me explain. They were perfect because they weren't perfect. They each had flaws, but by being together they helped each other overcome them and become better people - how a relationship should work!
Definitely a recommended read from me. I can't wait to read the rest in this story arc...
I'm loving the Chocoholics... I love that they came together in a crisis and that chocolate definitely fixes everything!

4/5

Keeping Company With Bloodhounds, an Instructive Guide - Chapter 12

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I have Moira Rogers here sharing a chapter from Keeping Company With Bloodhounds. To read all the chapters, please visit the link!

***************************

Hello there! I’m Bree, one half of the paranormal romance writing duo of Moira Rogers, and I’m on a wild and crazy blog tour talking about dangerous men and the women who love them. And I’m not just talking about their heroines—I mean all the women who love them, including those of us who read & write about them! That’s why I’m here with an excerpt from Keeping Company With Bloodhounds, a book that gives all the dirty details about those dangerous warriors. (Even if it only exists in the fictional world of the Bloodhounds.)

When you're writing a series about vampire hunters, it's almost inevitable that the vampires have to start out, at least, as the bad guys.

In the Bloodhounds series, the vampires aren't just bad. They're relentless, megalomaniacal, scheming, hungry and, at times, downright evil. But no vampire world is complete without a few exceptions...and the farther we get into the series, the more of those exceptions we'll have a chance to reveal. As the excerpt below can attest, however, they're certainly out there.

They might even be heroes.

CHAPTER TWELVE - VAMPIRES: THE BLOODY TRUTH

Vampires. Few topics can offer more in the way of controversy and misinformation. I won’t bore you with dull or sophistic histories meant to sway your thinking. I’ll leave that to John Foster, whose romantic novels featuring brooding, tormented vampiric heroes, I hear, happen to sell quite well.

No, I believe I shall offer you something of a personal anecdote instead, a tale I’ve not often shared, but one of inarguable, unassailable truth. You see, it happened to me, and the event was etched quite indelibly into my memory.

I was sixteen at the time, and my family had embarked on a rail trip out West. My father intended to see to some investment interests, whereas my mother intended to determine whether the prairie air lived up to its reputation as a curative. I’d always been something of a sickly child, and she was quite desperate to find a treatment that would restore my good health.

A series of circumstances led us to stop short of our destination, at a small town called Monroe. From there, we chartered a steam coach. Some miles shy of the border, the coach was beset by a vampire highwayman, and our driver and coachman murdered. Initially, we suspected robbery, but our attacker’s motives soon proved to be more primal in nature.

You may think I’m about to tell you a dashing bloodhound came to our aid, but nothing could be further from the truth. We wererescued--by a tall man in velvet brocade who rode in, literally, on a white horse. It wasn’t until we’d reached the next town and were saying our goodbyes that I realized our savior had fangs of his own.

Make of that what you will.

* * *

Read more about Moira Rogers & the Bloodhounds series at http://www.moirarogers.com/bloodhounds Book #3 in the series, Archer’s Lady, is available on July 3^rd, 2012.

* * *

Winner!! The Theory of Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:52:00 +0000

I have my winner!!
Congratulations to JenM!
Seriously people? Fun book!! Definitely recomend that you check it out!!
Oh, and be on the lookout.. I have another giveaway coming up - Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

QUICKIE REVIEW - Three is NOT a crowd! Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 04:30:00 +0000

Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

Hailey Anderson's deep, dark secret? She's been madly in lust with her overprotective brother's two best friends for years. Gorgeous woodworking artist Mark Allen and sexy doctor Tony Adamo have no idea they star in her fantasies every night.

After a nasty breakup with her abusive boyfriend, Hailey's looking for a little distance. Headed for a two-week Hawaiian vacation with her brother and his hot friends, Hailey can't wait to feast her eyes on Mark's and Tony's rock-hard, ocean-slick bodies. Even if she can't touch.

But instead of treating her like their little sister, Mark and Tony have a surprising proposition: a monogamous ménage à trois. The three of them—and no one else. Both men want Hailey and have agreed to share her. The red-hot reality is even better than the forbidden fantasy. Until Hailey's ex threatens their newfound happiness…

Kindle Edition, 240 pages

Published: July 9th 2012 by Carina Press

ASIN B00814K01Q

My Rambles:
Wow!! This book was very hot and very sexy. Mark and Tony were incredibly sexy. Hailey and the two men make a beautiful menage. It's one of those menages where nothing really goes wrong. They have some problems with family acceptance, but it gets resolved. For me, the menage plot is what sold the story for me.
The abusive ex? That's why the story only got a 4. Well that, and the use of the word Slut. Once or twice, yup, that is ok... but it was completely overdone in the story - Hailey just kept calling herself one!
One thing I found is that this almost felt like a 2nd in a series. I feel like there was more to Hailey's brother's story. There is just more angst than was explained.

4/5

QUICKIE REVIEW - The Virgin's Revenge by Dee Tenorio

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 04:00:00 +0000

The Virgin's Revenge by Dee Tenorio

If you can't beat 'em...seduce 'em

Amanda Jackman’s love life is the stuff dreams are made of...which is fitting, because it’s all in her head. Thanks to six oversized, overbearing brothers who treat her like the family jewel, she’s lived in a padded little box.

Determined to get a life before she needs a padded little cell, she sets out to throw off the yoke and live on her own terms. Except she seriously underestimates the lengths to which her brothers will go to keep her safe and sound.

Cole Engstrom’s life might just be at an end. Cornered by all six of the massive Jackmans—men he normally considers his friends—he learns he’s their choice to marry their sister...or else. Make that first choice, but not the last.

Rather than watch Amanda’s brothers club their way through potential mates, Cole figures it’s best to just play along for a while and buy her some time to find a man of her own. It’s a good plan. Until Amanda figures it out—and decides he’s the one to relieve her of her “sheltered little virgin” status. One seduction at a time...

ebook, 253 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN139781609288662

series Rancho Del Cielo #4

My Rambles:
The first thing I should say is that this is the first Rancho Del Cielo book I have read in the series. There were some things that I missed out on, but I think this book had enough within that made it good enough to be a standalone.
The second thing I need to say? You can always count on Dee Tenorio to write good contemporary!
This story? I did find the beginning a bit hard to get into. But once I did get in it was wonderful.
Funny with a touch of angst.
And the brothers? They ALL deserve a smack up the side of the head!!

3.5/5

Winner!! Rock Star in Seat 3A

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Thanks for all the tweets guys!! That was awesome!
I have a winner for you all today...

Maria Smith!!

Congratulations! You'll get an email from me in just a few minutes! I have another giveaway going this week for a really hot/adorable BDSM...

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REVIEW/GIVEAWAY - Sheldon Cooper as a Dom? What? Yeah!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 04:01:00 +0000

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it’s hard to connect with a man who doesn’t seem to know she exists…

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it’s not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn’t expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of “lessons”.

Cami soon discovers Ivan’s schedule isn’t the only thing he likes to be strict about—he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She’s shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation…

ebook, 136 pages

Published: July 9th 2012 by Carina Press

Jim Parsons - Actor who plays Sheldon Cooper

ISBN13: 9781426894046

My Rambles:

Sheldon + BDSM = FTW*!
And of course I mean Sheldon from Big Bang Theory! I had to Google a picture for you all, JUST in case you haven't seen BBT. And well, I found this one.. Dang! I'm totally going to look at Sheldon in a different light! That look? Yeah, that does it for me!

Sorry, back to the book.

Sheldon and his mortal enemy
Wil Wheaton

I found this book to be very refreshing. It was unique. I've read other "nerd" books but this one, it was done so well. Ivan is just so socially awkward. He's completely OCD. In fact he's so OCD that his neighbour Cami has memorized his schedule, almost stalker-like. But that OCD? Yeah, it equals control.

Ivan REALLY likes control.

And Cami learns that she totally wants to give it to him!

This is where Ivan is the complete opposite of Sheldon. Most actually wonder if Sheldon has ever had sex. Ivan? Yeah - he totally knows what he's doing. His scientific nature probably helps with that. He gets the human body.

I feel that this book would be a really great intro book for anyone who hasn't read any BDSM before. See Cami? She hardly knows anything about it, so Ivan does a lot of explanation of how and why. And he does a pretty good job of it too.

It's sexy and steamy.

It's fun and quirky.

Just a good quick read.

4/5

* FTW = For the win!

**If you follow by email/rss feed you may need to go to the actual site to see the giveaway entry form**

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REVIEW w/ GIVEAWAY - The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:01:00 +0000

The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman

It's Hazel's thirtieth birthday and she has everything she's ever wanted: a kickass job, a dream apartment in New York City, and the perfect boyfriend—who's just days away from proposing. Hazel thinks she's happy but isn't quite ready to settle down. So when her most far-fetched fantasy enters the realm of the possible, shouldn't she drop everything to see it through?

The morning after her birthday, Hazel boards a flight to L.A. only to get the surprise of her life. When she's bumped up to first class, extra legroom and free drinks are absolutely the last things on her mind when she catches sight of her seatmate: her all-time biggest celebrity crush, rock star Finn Schiller! Only the night before she'd confessed her infatuation with the gorgeous musician, and her boyfriend joked that she had a free pass if she ever met him. Hazel can't believe fate has actually thrown them together.

Even more unbelievable is that during the flight they genuinely connect. Finn likes her uncensored cursing and wicked sense of humor, and that she's unlike all of his groupies; Hazel likes his killer looks, ripped physique, and soulful music. But what started as a fantasy quickly becomes a real attraction, and after a dream date and taste of the rock-star life with Finn in L.A., Hazel is forced to examine the track her life is on. Indulging in a passionate affair with a rock star seems crazy—but could she ever forgive herself if she walked away from her wildest dream coming true? And is her wildest dream the stuff that happiness is made of?

A lively novel about a down-to-earth New York City girl who suddenly finds herself in a rock 'n' roll Cinderella fantasy, The Rock Star in Seat 3A is seasoned with Jill Kargman's signature wit and hilarious dialogue. This is a fairy-tale romance with a twist.

Hardcover, 208 pages

Published May 22nd 2012 by William Morrow

ISBN13: 9780062007209

My Rambles:

I think this is a book for those who really like the chick lit. I enjoyed the book to a degree, but because I'm not a huge chick lit fan.... well parts of this just fell a little flat for me. The concept was kinda cool - getting to sleep with your free pass. But that isn't really what this is all about. I felt somewhat mislead. I felt cheated. I felt like Hazel was an immature bitch, and she didn't deserve her second chance.

The writing style was fun and quirky. It drew me in and that is really what kept me reading. I couldn't connect to the characters, I wanted to hate a few of them actually. But that writing style meant that it was a very quick read.

I can see people enjoying this and I hope whoever wins this from me enjoys it, I personally just didn't like the overall message that it sent.

3/5

If you follow via email/rss you may need to visit the site to see the giveaway form.

The giveaway is open to US/Canada residents only, sorry! I'll pick a winner on July 2nd.

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Cookbook Review - The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners by Betty Crocker

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 17:16:00 +0000

The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners by Betty Crocker

A huge collection of easy weeknight dinners the whole family will loveDinner will never get boring with this compendium of weeknight dinner recipes from Betty Crocker. You'll find soups and stews, skillet meals, main-dish salads, pizzas, sandwiches, casseroles, and much more. With meals that are just as easy to prepare as they are delicious to eat, this book will help you keep the family fed with minimum effort.
Whether it's a light summer meal or a hearty winter meal you need, The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners has you covered Includes more than 200 simple, no-fuss recipes with mouthwatering full-color photographs throughoutHelpful icons highlight fast recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less while an introductory section offers helpful tips on meal planning and smart shoppingWith more than 200 recipes at just $19.99, this book is a fantastic value
When it comes to feeding families, no one has you covered like Betty Crocker. With "The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners, " you'll have plenty of great dinner ideas to dig into.

Paperback, 336 pages

Published March 20th 2012 by Betty Crocker

ISBN13: 9781118133262

I borrowed an awesome cookbook from the public library a couple of weeks ago. This cookbook was so awesome that the day I HAD to return it? I went and bought a copy from the book store! In the time I had the book out, I mad 5 or 6 recipes from it. Every single one? I LOVED. They were quick and easy. They were delicious. And I can't wait to try more!!

The pasta there with broccoli and chicken? Chicken-Lemon Rigatoni with Broccoli. So easy. AND tastes REALLY good as a cold pasta salad!! Took 20ish minutes prep time, and a total of 45 mins from start to finish. Yesterday I made DELICIOUS Chicken Patties Parmigiana (I made them into a sandwich), this one? Start to finish? 20ish minutes.

What I love about this book is that it gives you awesome recipes using available premade stuff. Like using that roaster chicken already cooked at the grocery store, or canned soup.

Take a look at the index here. See all those awesome recipes? The book includes some tips on meal planning, grocery shopping, and even has thrown together some meal plans for you.

Two of my favourite recipes? Chicken and Noodles Skillet and Lemony Asparagus-Prosciutto Ravioli. And here are those two recipes!!

Chicken and Noodles Skillet
4 servings (1 1/4 cups each)
Prep Time 40 Mins
Start to Finish 40 Mins

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (I used 1/2 a roaster chicken, precooked at the grocery store)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots, cut lengthwise in half
1 cup frozen cut broccoli
1 cup uncooked egg noodles (I would throw in a bit more than 1 cup next time)
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
Fresh chopped parsley, if desired

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and onions; cook 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and onion is just tender. (I did this to the onions and then when they were brown, added in my shredded chicken)
Stir in remaining ingredients except parsley. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Uncover and simmer 5-8 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center and noodles are tender. Sprinkle with parsley.

1 serving: Calories 340; Total Fat 13g

Lemony Asparagus-Prosciutto Ravioli
6 servings (1 1/2 cups each)
Prep Time 30 mins
Start to Finish 30 mins

1 package (9oz) refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli (I ended up needing two, and I found an amazing ravioli with buffalo mozzarella in it, made by President's Choice here in Canada)
10 fresh asparagus spears (about 1/2 lb), trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 tbsp finely chopped shallots
1 pkg (3oz) thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin bite-size strips (about 1 cup) (I used about 1 cup of diced/chopped ham)
1 cup whipping cream
3 tbsp white wine or chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1 tsp grated lemon peel

Cook ravioli as directed on package, adding asparagus during last 4 minutes of cook time; drain and rinse. (My ravioli only needed 4 minutes, so it all went in at once)
Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet, cook shallots and prosciutto (ham) over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until prosciutto is slightly crispy (until ham has just started to brown). Remove from skillet; set aside. In same pan, cook whipping cream and wine over medium heat 4-6 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
Stir in ravioli with asparagus, prosciutto mixture and cheese. Cook 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Stir in lemon peel. (I also added a squirt of lemon)

1 serving: Calories 300; Total Fat 19g

Cookbook Review - Born to Grill by Rob Rainford

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha A.) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Rob Rainford's Born to Grill: Over 100 Recipes from My Backyard to Yours

Rob Rainford was born to grill, and now he's taking grilling to a whole new level! In Born to Grill he brings his barbeque prowess to over 100 recipes and 20 complete menus from arond the world-- designed for hosting family and friends around your backyard barbeque.

For Rob, grilling is about entertaining; it's about spending time together, cooking and eating outdoors. It's also about pushing the boundaries of what you think you can do on the grill. In Born to Grill he shares his unique slant on grilling with 20 menus for you to mix and match, for both charcoal or gas grills. Born to Grill's recipes are international, influenced by Rob's travels and experiences in different countries and cultures. There are plenty of great grill classics (with a Rainford twist) but he really pushes BBQ boundaries with some true grilling originals and expert techniques, like cold smoking. Born to Grill takes you where no barbeque book has gone before, because Rob knows the grill can handle so much more than burgers and steaks. There's still plenty of beef in here, but also lamb, chicken, fish, seafood, veal, duck, a huge range of vegetables, plenty of sides, and even salads! All cooked on the grill.

Format: Trade Paperback, 288 pages

Publisher: Appetite by Random House

ISBN: 978-0-449-01563-6 (0-449-01563-7)

Pub Date: May 8, 2012

Price: $29.95

My Rambles:
This is a very beautiful cookbook with many gorgeous colour pictures. This book is definitely not for the beginner cook. The recipes sounded fantastic and were making my mouth drool but were also very time consuming. This cookbook would be great for entertaining - you could make some very impressive things from it.
I feel that it should have some cook/prep times listed - I want to know how long this is going to take approximately.
Overall - I'm excited to try some of the slow cook meats! There is a great little tutorial at the beginning that talks about direct and indirect heat.
If you take a look inside the book (see above) you can see some of the amazing pictures and it even includes the index so you can see what all is going on inside the book.
My one issue is that the book isn't organized by type of food - side, main (chicken, beef, pork, fish, seafood), dessert, but rather by what Mr. Rainford considers to be Menu's. Most of the menus are 80% meat and 20% side/drink/dessert/other. It makes it somewhat difficult to find a recipe you want. I often want to just browse a section to see if something jumps out at me. This way I have to go through the index.

I thought I would share with you the two recipes I made: Grilled Middle-Eastern Patties and Sweet Fennel and Citrus Apple Salad! I would like to point out that The Mr., who does not like salad, loved this and has asked me to make it again!

Grilled Middle-Eastern Patties
Beef, chicken or turkey all work well in these tasty patties so use whatever ground meat you prefer

2lbs (1kg) ground beef, chicken or turkey
6tbsp (90ml) finely chopped fresh cilantro
4tbsp (60ml) grated onion (I finely chopped)
2 jalapeno or serrano chilies, seeded and diced
4 cloves garlic, finely grated (I used my garlic press)
1 tsp (5ml) each ground coriander, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt to taste
Canola oil for greasing
24 slider buns

The Rainford Method

Combine ground meat, cilantro, onion, chillies, garlic, and spices.
Make a tiny patty and grill it off so you can taste it to ensure the flavor and seasonings are to your liking. (I didn't bother)
Make 24 even-sized mini round patties and place them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Fire up the charcoal grill and prep the grill for cooking over indirect heat. You need a medium-high temperature of around 350F (180C) to grill the patties. For gas grills, preheat the grill to medium-high then turn off one burner to achieve indirect heat. Oil the grate with canola oil. (I would next time make regular sized burgers - they were tasty!! Also, as I kinda don't have a BBQ, I just used my panini press *grin* to cook the burgers)
Grill your patties for 3-4 minutes on each side on direct heat. Then move them to the indirect side for an additional 5-6 minutes.
When the patties are done, remove them to a clean plate and allow to rest. While the patties are resting place the buns on the grill to warm them, then assemble the sliders -- they're great served with homemade mayo (recipe included in the book) -- and enjoy!

Makes 8 servings

Sweet Fennel and Citrus Apple Salad

2 medium oranges and 2 medium grapefruit
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
2tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
1tbsp (15ml) liquid honey (I only had Agave so that is what I used!)
1 fennel bulb, quartered and thinly sliced
2 granny smith apples, cored and cut into matchsticks
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1tbsp (15ml) balsamic glaze (I used an aged balsamic instead rather than making the glaze)

The Rainford Method

Using a sharp knife, peel the oranges and grapefruit, removing all the pith (that's the white stuff under the skin). Slice the oranges and grapfruit into 1/8-inch (3mm) thick rounds. Set aside. (I would remove the segments and chop them up next time - we found eating the rounds to be difficult)
Whisk the oil with lemon juice and honey in a large bowl. Add the fennel and apples and toss with the oil mixture until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Arrange the citrus fruit in a large circle on a serving platter, alternating the orange and grapefruit rounds. Season with salt and pepper. Mound the fennel mixture in the center of the circle and spoon any remaining dressing from the bowl over the citrus fruit. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

Makes 6-8 servings

Balsamic Glaze
The glas will keep for 1 week in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before using. If you store it in a squeeze bottle in the fridge, place the bottle in a bowl of hot water to warm the glaze up quickly.

1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 small sauce pot

The Rainford Method

Place the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Simmer until the vinegar develops a syrup-like consistency. Simmer time will depend on the width of the saucepan.
To test if it's ready, dip a teaspoon into the glaze, making sure to coat the back of the spoon. Let cool slightly then, with your index finger, draw a line through the glaze on the spoon. If the line stays in place, the glaze is ready.

Thanks Random House!

my disorganized ramblings

Missing you all...

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Twitter Giveaway - Kindle copy of City of Bones

Back to normal....at work

What on earth is a #GlossyBox?

My thoughts on Vlogs....

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The End?

Winners - Slow Summer Kisses and At Last

Special Guest - Jill Shalvis + Giveaway

QUICKIE REVIEW - Yours to Take by Joely Sue Burkhart

QUICKIE REVIEW - Her Cowboy Distraction by Carla Cassidy

GIVEAWAY! Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Why I didn't like The Siren by Tiffany Reisz...

QUICKIE REVIEW - Archer's Lady by Moira Rogers

REVIEW - Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis *RECOMMENDED*

Keeping Company With Bloodhounds, an Instructive Guide - Chapter 12

Winner!! The Theory of Attraction

QUICKIE REVIEW - Three is NOT a crowd! Sharing Hailey by Samantha Ann King

QUICKIE REVIEW - The Virgin's Revenge by Dee Tenorio

Winner!! Rock Star in Seat 3A

REVIEW/GIVEAWAY - Sheldon Cooper as a Dom? What? Yeah!

REVIEW w/ GIVEAWAY - The Rock Star in Seat 3A by Jill Kargman

Cookbook Review - The Big Book of Weeknight Dinners by Betty Crocker

Cookbook Review - Born to Grill by Rob Rainford

REVIEW - Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis RECOMMENDED