The Billionaire’s Touch by J.S. Scott – A Book Review

Book Title: The Billionaire’s Touch (The Sinclairs Book 3)
Author: J.S. Scott
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 22nd, 2016
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Premise: 

After a troubling childhood, wealthy Evan Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.

Miranda finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly. The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way. Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her world upside down.

Soon their red-hot desire is scorching the sheets and has them both spinning out of control. But when secrets are revealed, will their insatiable attraction keep them together or force them apart? In J.S. Scott’s The Billionaire’s Touch, the eldest Sinclair just might have met his match.

 

My Thoughts:

 

After having read a few books which included billionaires in their plot, I thought way too many Authors trying to copy the success of 50 Shades Of Grey, by copying the style – which is not a good idea, because, in my humble opinion, the book was one of the worst once I have ever read, and I have read a lot of romance novels over the years. This book, on the other hand, was refreshingly not trying to be what should not have been, even though it had plenty of sex scenes hidden within. Nothing wrong with lovemaking and even though, I thought they could have used a few less scenes of the horizontal kind in this book, I was still smitten with the well-developed character and interesting, warm, and sometimes truly charming plot. I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed

I felt deeply for the scars that Evan had to bear, due to his cruel father, and even more so after what was revealed toward the last third of the book. J.S. Scott managed to make her male lead noble, without being unbelievable, his self-sacrifice a reason for his personality, and his  need for control, which gave him depth, likeability, and make for an interesting, emotional read.  Like I said earlier, the only thing that could have done better was the fact that there were almost too much sex too soon. Yet, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the overall story. Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

Because this was my introduction to the Sinclair series, I am looking now forward to reading all of the other books about the brothers and extended family.

 

 

The Billionaire’s Touch is available on Amazon now.

The above post contains affiliate links. I have received this book free via Kindle Unlimited, an Amazon service.

 

 

Time To Prep For The A to Z Blogging Challenge!

Are you participating in the A to Z Blogging Challenge? If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out this website for more information on the Blogging Challenge for the month of April, that has many bloggers preparing ahead of time, contemplating their subject matter, and looking forward to connecting with the many (hundreds ) of bloggers participating each year.

In this challenge, we are called to write something about a particular letter of the alphabet starting with of course A and working ourselves through to Z. Not everyone chooses a topic, in my first two years of participating I did not either, but I began to do so last year, and will again this year.

Mixing Spices Available On Amazon

Last year my  topic was Herbs and Spices, because of the release of my book “Mixing Spices”

This year, because I am working on a book about tea and mindfulness, I chose the topic “Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary”.

Every single day of the month of April, (minus Sundays, because we all take a break on Sundays for this challenge), I will be posting a few symbol meanings specifically for Tea Leaf Reading, including some tips and suggestions on how you work your own tea leaf reading sessions. I will also talk about symbolism in general and how this dictionary will relate to divining dreams as well, with a few tweaks and considerations.

 

Loose Tea Sampler available at Amazon

I am so excited about this entire project. And because I love you guys and you all have been such amazing partners throughout this blogging journey for me, I am giving away the entire series at the end of the month as a PDF – just to say thank you.  There are more freebies to come in the coming weeks, so if you like free stuff (and who does not), come back often.

Oh, and for those of you who are not interested in Tea Leaf Reading and Tea, I will continue to post my regular stuff, like marketing tips for creative people, some design updates,  book reviews, motivational stuff, giveaways and product reviews.

After all, as a brand ambassador, NetGalley reviewer and a designer, I cannot and am not willing to neglect my regular duties, because of a mere challenge.

I am so looking forward to the crazy business.

At the end, an extended version of the PDF, which contains the  challenge content  will be made available on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.

Blessings!

P.S. Don’t forget to stock up on Tea!

Quick, Fun And Entertaining – “His Stubborn Lover” by Leslie North

Title: His Stubborn Lover

Author: Leslie North

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: Sept. 24, 2015

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Rating: 4/5 Stars

A very quick, fun read, that could have been turned into a little longer novel, but it was perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon (while I was waiting for my computer to be fixed). The characters – Brock and Keira are charming, and their connection steamy. I would not recommend this book for anyone who is looking for something rated PG 13, but if you don’t mind the physical, is cute.

I am surprised to have not found this to be a Harlequin book, considering that it fits perfectly into what that publisher offers, so if you read their books, you will like this one.
I am planning on reading the next installment of what is promising an action filled, quick entertaining read.

The only downfall of this book was that the title does not fit it very well. It makes it sound a lot cheaper and less thought-through than it actually is.  I almost did not read it,  because of that,  but like I stated above, I was unable to work and needed something to read, so I gave this book a shot and was glad I did.

 

P.S. This book was provided to me free via NetGalley, in return for an honest review.

Want to be a book reviewer? Need a website? Go to SiteRubix right now for two free websites! What are you waiting for? 

Bay Leaf – An A to Z Challenge Blog Post

B – Bay Leaf

There are two different types of bay leaves, the more narrow-leaved California, and the broader, more oval shaped Turkish version of the plant, the latter being the stronger one in flavor.

Matches well with: beans, lentils tomatoes, soups, risotto and shellfish

Healing properties: Infusions of this herb  can soothe the stomach, relieve flatulence as well as colic pain.

Magical uses: used  to enhance psychic ability, often added to a dream pillow. Also used in exorcism and for banishing, as well as for getting people out of your life, that you need to let go off.

Happy Release Day Everyone! 

Today, “Mixing Spices – A Flavorful Guide to Creating Awesome Herb and Spice Mixes” is available on Amazon Kindle for only 2.99 US$

>>>>>> Check it out here! <<<<<<

Book Review: Making Vegan Frozen Treats

Is there a way to make ice cream and frozen desserts healthy, cruelty-free, vegan and yummy? The following book is attempting to teach us just that:

Title: Making Vegan Frozen Treats: 50 Recipes for Nondairy Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Other Delicious Desserts. A Storey BASICS® Title

Author: Nicole Weston

Publisher: Storey Publishing

Release Date: March 24th, 2015

Rating: 5/5 Stars

What a delightful book, filled with information and recipes that are easy to follow, yet produce a wonderful result! I am impressed by the easy-going style, and the clear instructions of this recipe book, that not only includes 50 recipes, but additional information for anyone who is transitioning to a vegan diet, or has already adopted the lifestyle. Even if you are not following this way of life, this book can open your eyes to the possibilities of treating yourself with healthier choices. What is not to love? The chocolate ice cream alone makes me want to run and get a second ice cream maker. But the Vanilla and Toasted Coconut Ice Cream is my all time favorite. I am inspired by the possibilities!

(Disclaimer: This book was given to me for free from the publisher, via NetGalley, in return for an honest review)

If you like my reviews, why not subscribe to my blog? Just click the link below for news, updates and upcoming freebies, and special deals on my books. Blessings!

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Thank you

Healing With Raw Foods – A Book Review

Title: Healing with Raw Foods
Author: Jenny Ross
Publisher: Hay House
Release Date: Jan. 6th 2015
Rating: 5/5 Stars
I am going to begin this review by stating that I am not living on an exclusively vegan raw food diet. I am interested in the recipes and concept, because I am always looking for innovative ways to add healthy food ideas to my diet, and raw food “cookbooks” have brought some of that inspiration with them. That was the intent, and it is what I received.
The recipes and images were wonderful, not too complicated, well thought through and mouth-watering. I have never been a fan of cold soups, but there were some real winners in this book, for example, the Sweet Almond Soup, which was a completely different experience, or the Earth Soup, which included Butternut Squash, my favorite type of winter squash.
What I also enjoyed was the fact that this book is filled with information on top of the recipes, that encourages a healthy, informed lifestyle. While again, I am not promoting 100 % raw eating as a personal choice, this book covers many aspects of how healthy such a choice can be, if done right, and armed with the correct information.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about eating healthier and incorporating raw foods into their lives. Well done!

(Disclaimer: I was given a free copy by the publisher via NetGalley, in return for an honest review)

Marked by Rebecca Zanetti- A Book Review

Title: Marked
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: Dec. 22nd 2014
Publisher: eKensington
Rating: 5/5 Stars

This book was my introduction to Rebecca Zanetti, and I enjoyed it tremendously. While not familiar with the world that was already established, I had no problem getting acquainted with it, which to me is a sign of a good fantasy Author, as she managed to write a book within a series that can stand on its own. Her characters where interesting and three-dimensional, no flat villains, and no predictable heroes, instead a great flowing story, that centered around a young, Janie and the dark Zane.
Hot enough to make this a steamy romance, while action driven enough to make this an interesting plot, I truly enjoyed this book. In fact, I could not stop reading.

This book was provided to me, free of charge via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Celebrating the Release of “A Darker Slice of Life” – Author Interview

I am so exited about the release of my new book “A Darker Slice of Life”, and wanted to share with you the Smashwords’ Author Interview today.

SW: When did you first start writing?

I began writing relatively early in life, first re-writing my favorite novels into scripts at 11, than writing for screenplays for our drama club.Since then, I have been writing in both English and German, for my blogs, various publications as well as for my personal pleasure.

SW: What is the story behind your latest book release?

I began to write flash fiction as a form of personal challenge. I wanted to see if I could write a complete story within such a small space, and to my surprise I fell in love with this format. While I do still and always will enjoy the freedom to write longer stories and novels, I find the shortness of Flash Fiction freeing, and a wonderful exercise crafting a theme down to its essence.. It never stops to amaze me to read the depth of stories written in such small space.

SW: What motivated you to become an indie author?

One of the most important lessons I learned as a writer, is to know when to let go off a project. It was important for me to move from holding on to the stories I love, to sharing them with its intended audience. Being able to use smashwords as a vehicle to do so, was a freeing experience. While I am not against working with agents and publishing houses – to the contrary – I consider it a privilege to be a part of a growing community of Authors who considered the freedom of indie publishing as their home.

SW: What are you working on next?

My next projects are two of completely different format and subject matter. The first project is a horror script focusing on psychological terror rather than the gory kind, and a the stand alone novel I am currently working on is called “The Farm”, and is a paranormal suspense romance.

SW: Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Heather Graham, Kay Hooper, Dean Koontz, and Neil Gaiman. I am hooked on Kay’s paranormal series, which center around an FBI Unit with special abilities.

SW: When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

When I am not writing, I am assisting my husband with running our growing business, as well as homeschooling our children. Of course, I can not forget to mention the rescued members of the household, two wonderful dogs, and a very patient cat.

( A Darker Slice of Life is available on Smashwords for only 99 cents! Buy it here now!)

Self-Determination – A Haiku

Self-Determination

no faith in the stars
destiny of our own make
creators of dreams

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

 

The last two days where were asked by Daily Prompt to write about Horoscope, first to create one, then to write our own from the past month. Which brought me to write the above Haiku, as well as the “horoscope” below:

Scorpio – Monthly Horoscope for the Month of October (and every month from now on)

This is a good month to do what every you choose to do. Make decisions based on your intuition and what feels right for your family. Be kind and considerate, show gratitude, and believe in your own dreams. If you follow this advice, you never have to read another horoscope again. You determine your life. Now stop reading horoscopes and follow your passion. You determine your future, not the stars.

That would be the horoscope I would write. 

Now go out there and live your dreams!

P.S. Two more days until the release of my Flash Fiction collection “A Darker Slice of Life”! I am so exited! Group hug to everyone who has been congratulating me all over social media, and to all of you whom have commented and read my flash fiction. You guys are awesome!

 

Book Review: The Herb Book by John Hurst

Title: The Herb Book
Author: John Lust
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publishing Date:July 16 2014
Rating:4/5 Stars

Description:
Also known as “The Natural Remedy Bible,” The Herb Book provides a comprehensive resource for building a livelier, healthier, happier life. More than 2,000 listings offer remedies for ragged nerves, nightmares, and coughing fits as well as suggestions for adding spice to recipes, coloring fabrics, freshening breath, and a host of other benefits. Complete and concise descriptions of herbs, illustrated by more than 275 line drawings, offer the most comprehensive catalog of “miracle plants” ever published.
Written by an expert and pioneer in the field, this easy-to-use reference features three parts. The first presents introductory historical information and background for using the rest of the book. The second part features individual numbered listings of medicinal plants with their botanical descriptions and uses. The third part emphasizes the variety of uses for the plants listed in Part 2, including mixtures for medicinal treatments, nutritious and culinary plants, cosmetic and aromatic purposes, plant dyes, and other applications. The book concludes with a captivating look at plant-related astrology, lore, and legends.” (Description by Netgalley)

Overview:
I was really looking forward to finding a reference book that promised to be not only comprehensive and thorough, but included additional information, even if only in its basic form, to add to my library.
The book is large and detailed, reaching 480 eBook pages, with very specific and thorough information on many herbs, even those who are not too common, as well as their uses.

What I loved:
In addition to the information on the individual herbs, this book offers an extensive list of resources, which includes websites for further studies. The author also took his time to add information on the various methods of preparing herbal remedies, and did this in a more extensive way, than most reference books of this nature offer. I loved the addition of the astrological associations, as well as the tidbits of lore. It added a charm to the book, even if I would recommend to purchase separate and specialty volumes if you are interested in that subject matter.

What I did not like:
The illustrations where very basic. As they were called in the introduction, they are line drawings, nothing more. In order to really identify a specific herb from the visual clues given, or for those like me whom are visually oriented, a different volume would be more appropriate.

In all, I liked the book. It does deliver what it promises, an extensive and comprehensive catalog of herbs and their information. This is a resource to keep on our shelf, and enjoy over and over again.

This book was provided to me by Netgalley.