"Thief" by C.L. Stone The Scarab Beetle Series Book1----Book Review

Oh my gosh she's done it again.  CL Stone has out done her self with the newest edition to "The Academy".  

I just don't even know where to start.  The new group definitely has some great characters in it.  The guys within "Thief" are scrumdiddlyumptious!! I am going to have to say that the female lead character within this series is mind-boggling awesome. She's strong, stubborn, loyal, talented, smart, and is a very gracious pick-pocketer.  

The twists, turns, and all out awesome background to the first book will have you gripping your seats.  CL Stone has a very good way of pulling you so far into the book that you are struggling to stay awake just to finish another chapter, and next thing you know your 3 chapters further along.  I love how C.L. tied "The Ghost Bird" series within this book.  If you have kept up with that series you will clamoring for more that is for sure.  When you start to realize OMG thats *insert a character* you will be giggling at yourself for not figuring it out earlier. 

I will say I just don't understand why there was a warning put on this book.  It really didn't have much more sexual content than her YA series "The Ghost Bird".  Maybe her next book in this series will have more.  There is a little bit more violence.  I will give it that.  

So overall, who can go wrong with not picking up this book.  I will warn that this does have a warning attached to it for the violence, and sexual content.  So I would not recommend it to the faint of heart, or the younger crowd. 

CL YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN GREAT JOB!!

So that being said ladies/guys if you would like to read her synopsis or pick this great book up click the picture below!!

Happy Reading--

Gena

"Thief" The Academy -Scarab Beetle Series---New Adult Genre---By CL Stone is Released!!!!!

It's here you guys!!

 The 1st book for the The Academy-Scarab Beetle Series "Thief" by CL Stone!  If you fell in love with her YA book series I am sure you will adore this series to. Guess what its New Adult genre so for the adults this book series might fit you more.  I will be doing a review soon on this book!!

By clicking the picture the picture below you can purchase your copy of Thief!! 

As I have said before I fell into absolute love with this author.  I immerse myself into her books.  She has that way of completely bringing you into the book, and making you feel like your a part of it!!

Happy Readings-

Gena

"Retribution" The Artemis Series by Virginia Brasch ARC Book Review

Book Cover Reveal

I want to start off this review with a BIG thank you to the author Virginia Brasch & Entranced Publishing for giving me the pleasure of receiving an early review copy of her first publishing,and the amazing chance at doing a review of her book--"Retribution" The Artemis Series.  I will say that I patiently waited for the chance to jump on this early ARC review copy.  Okay, not patient at all I was chomping at the bits.  Now you get to because this wonderful book does not release until March 3rd.

The characters within the book are full of spunk!  Life of hard-knocks will bring that out of anyone for sure.  But, it will also make a group of characters into super-talented, overly-intelligent spitfires.  The girls within the book are just that.  Bailey the main female character within the book of "Retribution" is by all means, and words a very uber-smart women that sure knows that women can do everything a man can do, and better!  She takes all the things the world has taught her, and put them to great use.  As do all the rest of the girls in her tight knit group.  Thanks to Amelia the matriarch of Artemis for picking them each for their talents they have, and the ones they learned; honing those talents until they were in their prime.

Then you bring in good ole, Ben.  The british intelligence HOTTIE!  Talk about putting two characters into a tough spot, and bringing them out at their best.  His background/job makes him a bit maybe skeptical of everyone.  Bailey sure knows how to get his attention thats for sure.  The dynamic between the two lead characters keeps you enthralled throughout the book.

Virginia has brought this book through a great level of twists & turns.  Who doesn't like a book with just the right touch of romance, espionage, action, crazy contraptions, and 007 type work.  I totally loved this book.    It's very well written, and I would recommend it to everyone that loves the ideal of a good strong woman that has a no holds barred attitude.  Oh girls, let's not forget BEN he will definitely suck you into the book, and make you wish you were looking into his eyes.

I believe that Virginia has a great series on her hands, and I for one will be waiting with baited breath for the books that follow in this series.




You can contact or find Virginia Brasch at the following links:
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Ps.  Boy was I nervous about this review.  I sure hope that Virginia Brasch & Entranced Publishing love this review.  :)  I hope that in the future I get the same chance to review other books for authors!!  This was great fun!!

2nd Anniversary Jeepers Anonymous Event!! Love my Jeeps!!

Yesterday was a blast for me!  Not so much for John.  He woke up with quite a headcold.  I felt so bad for him.   But, I didn't let that stop me from celebrating our Jeep clubs 2nd Anniversary!!  I finally made it to an event, and met up with 100+ awesome people.  Our Jeepers Anonymous group is filled with every walk of life, and so many interesting lines of work.  We come together, and fun ensues!!  

There was some excitement let me not kid you there was alot of that.  But, at one point the guys were using the "RTI" ramp which helps test flex with your vehicles.  And, well Chad's awesome yellow Jeep got a little bit frisky, and the girls I was standing with kept telling me I might wanna move my Jeep.  Check out the picture below(my jeep is the green/tan beside the ramp).

See what I mean... *thank you Kelly Drown for use of this pic*

Frisky doesn't cut it theres 3 tires of the ground here.  And a crew of guys still leaning on my Jeep!!

*Thank you Tracy Lanktree for use of this pic*

But it was a blast I tell you I was asked if I was scared when I went to move my Jeep.  My answer was nope, but I thought it might be a smart move.  :)  I figured Chad had his insurance paid up.

Here's another shot of one of the other Jeepers flexing!!

*thank you Kelly Drown for use of this pic*

I LOVE MY JEEPERS ANONYMOUS FAMILY!!!

Now, if I can just get John feeling better we will have a lot more Jeep related fun going on.

This club is filled with the most amazing group of people I have ever met in my entire life.  Of course thats not counting all my family, and friends that I held on to!!

Thanks to all my Jeepers family for allowing me to enjoy myself, and share the Jeep family on our blog!!

TJ's RULE!!

Gena

Jeep Crazy & Family Medical.....

I'm sure you guys are just sitting back ready and waiting on updates on our lives.  Well our family has had a rough little patch for sure.  John's nephew was put in the hospital, and we found out he had fluid on the brain.  It was caused by a 3inch cyst on the back of his brain.  There were complications, and he will be having another surgery.  They placed a shunt to keep the fluid off his brain.  He is out of the hospital, and home at this time, but we could still use prayers.

We will have an enjoyable weekend spending it with our "JEEPERS ANONYMOUS" family celebrating the groups 2nd anniversary!!  This group of people are amazing they will help you get unstuck from a big mudpuddle, or come and change a tire on your Jeep.  Along with teaching you how to climb big hills, and just where not to go wheelin'!

We will definitely be bringing that family into this blog in the future for sure.  So be prepared we are pretty much "JEEP CRAZY"  haha.

So needless to say with everything going on it will be nice to get out with a great group of friends, and have a little fun.

Jeeps Rule,

Gena

"That Boy" by Jillian Dodd Book Review

“But the Oklahoma game is this weekend.  He can’t be sick!”

Seriously that line in the book just made me jovial!! I died laughing I mean who could get that wrong.  This book kinda grew on me a lot.   I love Jillian Dodd’s style of first person-narrative writing.  She allows the main character to tell the story, and that in itself just draws you into the book.  That being said Nebraska & Oklahoma were truly rivals when Jillian & I for that matter were growing up.  Wait a second I still haven’t really grown up.  I deem that they still are even though they are no longer in the same conference as us Sooners!!  Go Sooners beat Huskers!! 

Way off track now.  This book is one that you, your teenager daughters, and friends would adore.  Seriously need to have your tissues handy though there is one or two spots in this book that will suck you and and have you bawling.

Overall the character, storyline, and settings are on spot.  The football theme, collegiate background, and romance will have you swooning!!  I say get this book read it, and then read it again.  You will laugh, cry, and fall in love with the story.   I will be getting the 2^nd book in this series “That Wedding”  I will put a link below for that book also, because honestly I think your gonna want that to follow up with for sure.  Her 3^rd book in the series I do not believe is out yet.  But will be this year!!!! CANT WAIT!

Hurry up y'all this set with 12 full length novels is still on sale $2.99 but its only for a limited time--you can click the picture below to be taken to Amazon to see the information on the book set.

As promised here is a link for the 2nd book in the "That Boy" series!! Click the picture below!

As Always Happy Reading--

Gena

Love Revolution by Michelle Mankin Book Review!! Great book!

I totally adored the book #4 in the Kiss Kiss set.  Who in the world can go wrong with a little country & a lot of Rock & Roll?  

Throw in some totally bad circumstances, and a bit of drama, and romance you got one hell of a book!!

The Daniel sisters have gone through a heck of a lot of drama in their lives.  The hardships went through made them the strong, sassy, and brassy girls they are today.

Overall, this book is "amazeballs"!!  I am totally going to get the other books in her Brutal Strength series.  

You have to read this book to get the just of everything I just said.  So get to it y'all.  It's worth the time!!

Also, as you know this book set is still on sale at $2.99 on amazon.  You can click the picture below to be taken straight to the set.  

Also if you'd like to know more about the author Michelle Mankin you can find her at the links below:

Website

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Twitter

Summer Rush Book Cover Reveal!!! ARC TOUR!!

Book Cover Reveal

ARC Blog Tour!!

Book Release: April 28, 2014

You can find more information on this book rewrite by following the link below:

Good Reads

Synopsis:

Hope Taylor is a smart southern girl. With a good head on her shoulders, strong family morals, and the perfect southern boyfriend, life is complete.

At least it was. 

When Hope gets one glance of Long Island native, Joey Puccino, her life is immediately thrown upside down. And, although Joey is nothing that Hope has ever been attracted to, she is drawn to him. There is something about him that she can’t look away from or even avoid. Joey is a drug, and she’s become an addict, leaving Hope having to decide…

Will the comfort and love she has for Trent be enough? Or will her desire and attraction for Joey be too much to walk away from?

Author Bio:

Living in Upstate, New York, Ashley Wilcox is happily married to her husband of over six years, and a mommy to two little boys, and one little girl who is expected to be here in March 2014. Through her addiction of reading, Ashley has discovered her passion for writing. She loves reading and writing anything romance. Some books that Ashley is most commonly known for are The Forever Series, Summer Rush, and her latest, Permanent Lines.

To find out more about Ashley and what she is currently working on, please visit her website at ashleywilcoxauthor.com.

You can find more about the author by following the links below:

GoodReads

Facebook

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A Beautiful Lie by T. E. Sivec Book Review

I sincerely apologize for my reviews not going up this week as I had expected.  We have a major medical issue going on within the family, and my focus has been on the family.  

So I started reading the book, and struggled just a bit in the beginning.  I had to chock it up to to much going on in life.  So I restarted the book, and I am really glad I did.  

The author has a great insight into the military which makes this book almost realistic.  Ok, who am I kidding it was really real :).  The detail put inside the book will soak you up, drag you in, and make you want to know just where the book is going to lead.

The characters within the book are brought together in such a way that you can't help but feel like that they may never get the ending we all wish for.  

As a sister of a military soldier this book holds a bit of a special spot in my library.  What girl doesn't adore a soldier that looks good!  Am I right? Of course I am!!

Overall, this book is a great find for any library.  Girls, keep in mind that this is an adult genre book so please don't pass out when there is relations within a book.  I'm not going to tell you to close your eyes, and hum out loud if you can't handle those types of spots in a book just skip a paragraph...

Happy Reading-

Gena

If you would like to dive into this book set click the picture below it!!

You can also find more of Tara Sivec at the links below:

Tara Sivec Website

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"Unlikely Allies" by Tiffany King Book Review

Oh my I am on a reading roll.  I am so glad I bought the 12 novel set #KissKiss.  So far its 3 great books out of the set, and I am full of faith the last 9 will be just as good.

Tiffany King's "Unlikely Allies" is definitely a must read.  I think I read this book faster than ever.  It's not a fast read style book either.  I just couldn't get enough of it.

For those of you folks that have gone to camp as a kid/teenager you will enjoy the background for most of this book as "Unlikely Allies" is a camp for children that have hard backgrounds.  It brings those less fortunate together, and they learn to do a lot of things they would never have the opportunity to do otherwise.

The characters in this book are brought together in such a way that you can't help but root for each one of them.

There is a lot of sarcastic banter between two of the main characters Kimmie & Mason who really make you fall in love with them both, and their story line.    Kimmie's life is by all means changed immensely by things she was not made light of until she turned 18. You will just have to read this book to find out what all Kimmie goes through.

Overall, y'all this book is one you need to put in your must read list.  It's full of twists & turns, sprains, and bandages.  Haha just a lil secret again you have to read it to understand that last sentence.

Happy Readings-
Gena

You can purchase this book by clicking the picture below:

It's still on sale $2.99 you can't beat 12 novels for that price.

You can follow Tiffany King on:

Blogspot

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The joy of owning a Waterpik.

The past week or so has been a little crazy with the metal mouth.  I have quickly learned that arch wires are easily popped out of my molar bands.  And, boy howdy does that feel weird when your trying to ease it back into that little bitty hole.  Thankfully it didn't mean another trip to the orthodontist to get anything fixed.  Lately though I have a couple of teeth that hurt a bit when I chew.  I am assuming that this is due to them being a bit loose.  It's pretty interesting to say the least.  I recently was gifted a Waterpik.  That my friends is the best dang thing ever made.  It sure has made my painful flossing; a thing of the past for sure.  However, don't let that Waterpik fool you if you don't own one, and its your first time using; be prepared to clean up a lot of water!!  I sprayed the sink, wall & mirror; drenched every ounce of myself all in the name of flossing. :)

So I am still a ways out before my first official appt. following my getting my braces put on.  Eating is getting a little bit easier, but I still haven't gotten to talented on picking it out of the wires without having to brush my teeth like 40 times a day. You laugh I know you do.  It's a serious obsession if I can't tell if there's anything there I literally would swear I have brushed that many times a day.  It's probably more like 5 times but hey my next dentist appt. should go really well right... :)

"Back to You" by Priscilla Glenn Book Review

I'm on a role y'all.  Two book reviews in a week.  That's got to be a new record.  Think I might try and beat it next week.  I think its the only way I might be able to get all 12 books reviewed in the shortest month of the year.  It's going to be a challenge, and I am up for it!

I just finished with "Back to You", and I will have to say it was a good book.

The main character Lauren I absolutely love how sassy she is.  She has a lot of spunk!  She's caring, helpful, and is great with children.  She is sarcastic, and straight-forward, and honest.  All in all she's what every girl should aim to be.  A teacher with a sorted past with her best friend, Michael.  She just can't seem to make any relationship work for her though.

Michael is rough around the edges, and soft in the center.  Best of all he's got a best friend in Lauren.  His past mingles within hers, and their future well you will just have to read to find out.

Although, the author sets the scene  throughout the whole book so that you know what has happened between the two main characters of the book. I will say that caused me to be a bit confused at first.  The author would spring back & forth from past to present every other chapter.  But, after finishing the book in its entirety I would have not changed a thing!

Overall, I adored this book, and I think you will to!  To all you girls out there that love your romance with a bit of drama its a must read!

If you would like to check out any of the books I have reviewed thus far from this #kisskiss novel set click the picture below.

You can also find Priscilla Glenn on :


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Twitter

Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown Book Review

Bouquet Toss By Melissa Brown was an enjoyable read.  I will say have a tissue with you there are some spots in there that will definitely bring tears to your eyes.

The storyline is that of a Daphne a girl that has an inherent ability to catch every bouquet at any wedding she attends. Her exboyfriend Mayson whom she met while in college, and the heartache that their storyline brings will bring any girls past relationships to a surface.  Therefore, I would say if you are fresh out of a relationship that was not that great beware you will need a gallon of ice cream, and loads of tissues.

However, throughout this book I seen much love, and adoration brought to Daphne's life.  She learned many life lessons.  She gains new friends that help her along her journey from the heartbreak she finds herself fighting through.  She just might find the love of her life you will have to read this book to see what happens. I do recommend you do just that!

Overall, I adored reading this book!  The love story was amazing.  I give this book 5 stars.  I definitely will be checking out more of Melissa Brown's books in the future.  I believe she knows how to pull you into her story line, and touch your heart.

If you'd like to check out her book within this book set please click the picture below.  

You can also find Melissa Brown on:

Twitter
Blog
Facebook

Winter Weather and Beef Stew Go Hand In Hand

Well the Supper Bowl is over and the Seahawks opened a can on the Bronco's.  And we received 2.7 inches of snow.  For us here in Oklahoma that is not bad we don't shut down for that, but we are expecting more snow Tuesday, and Thursday thru Saturday.  So I thought why not make some beef stew.  This one is not fully homemade, but is close enough and for someone that doesn't have much time to cut up the veggies it works.  I favor soft carrots in my stew so I do use can carrots and I for the most part used can potatoes also, but this is all put in a slow cooker to cook all day.  So use fresh veggies and whatever you enjoy in your stews.  Also I am trying out for the first time "Hunts Beef Stew Starter" it comes in  can, and can be found by the canned tomatoes in your grocery store.

Ingredients:

• 2lb Beef Stew Meat
• 1 15oz Can Hunts Beef Stew Starter
• 1 14.5oz Can Hunts Diced Tomatoes(Basil, Garlic, & Oregano)
• 1 14.5oz Can Sliced Carrots
• 2 14.5oz Cans Dices Potatoes
• 2 Celery Stalks
• 1 4.5oz Jar of Mushrooms
• 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
• 2 Tbsp Oil

Directions:

      In a large skillet over med/hi heat cook garlic in oil for a minute, add beef and brown on all sides.  Place Beef in slow cooker, place skillet back on stove lower heat to med/low add mushrooms and juice and heat for 3 minutes, breaking up any bits from the beef.  Add this to the slow cooker.  Open all cans and add them to the as well, and slice the celery in.  Stir the stew to mix everything well, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Happy Eating, John

P.S. Hunts Beef Stew Starter in my opinion did very well for flavor I enjoyed this stew, and if you can not tell so far with most of my recipe post I enjoy garlic... :)

Book Review February! Kiss Kiss!

The month of February will be pretty exciting.  I found an awesome books set on Amazon Kindle that has 12 full length novels included inside.  I thought it would be fun to do reviews on all 12 books throughout the month of "LOVE".  You know your going to love it when all the books are romance related, and the set is called "KISS KISS"!!  I mean who could go wrong with that.

The 12 authors that have books within the set are listed below:

Melissa Brown (just read her book totally enjoyed it)

Jillian Dodd ( have been in love with her books forever)

Priscilla Glenn

Tiffany King
Michelle Mankin
Charles Sheehan-Miles
Michelle Pace & Tammy Coons
Andrea Randall
Tara Sivec
J.Sterling
Michelle Warren
Ashley Wilcox


I am going to start off this month with Bouquet Toss by Melissa Brown.  Check back on Thursday for my review of her book.  I believe you will love it as much as I did.  Read that bad boy in 3 hrs.  Could not put the thing down.

You can still purchase this set by clicking the picture below--

Happy Reading--
Gena

What about those Seahawks & Snacks!

I can not believe that game last night!! Way to go Seahawks.  Had fun at the in-laws watching the game feasting on all things not healthy ;).  Okay, there was no fried food so it wasn't to unhealthy.  It's so nice to be around people that enjoy the game like I do.  We had a little bit of every kind of game time snack even some homemade stuff.

Started it all out with that "who can go wrong with" cheese dip made with Velveeta.  My father-in-law makes it every year, and adds hamburger & sausage to it.  This year a bit of spicy was added to it, and it really brought out the flavor.

There were also those all time favorite 'Lil Smokies' in BBQ.  Those are my all time favorite thing.  We typically use the cheese filled ones when we make them at home.


My mother-in-law the night before had prepped some sausage balls.  If you have not had those OMG they are amaze-balls!  She also made that Macaroni Salad we featured last week.  She added hard boiled eggs to hers this time.  Gotta love that Italian side always changing things up.  And, who could forget the Bean & Corn Salsa.  Yummo!


The last thing we had was home made sloppy joe pockets.  We prepared the sloppy joe mix as you typically would, and then made wheat & white biscuits.  Rolled them out flat, and filled with cheese & the mix.  Pinched them closed and baked until the biscuit was golden brown.  These turned out so yummy!


So who did you root for?  The underdog who pulled a fast one, or the crowd favorite that lost their pants.....


Snacktime fun,

Gena