Spotlight On . . . Lessons from Zachary

Lessons from Zachary: Turning Disability into Possibility
Author: Sandy Scott
Publisher: Sandy Scott
ISBN: 978-0997596205
Published: October 2016
genre: Memoir
284 pages

format available: paperback, ebook

Facebook | author's website | Linked in

Description:
Sandy Scott had it all: A beautiful country home, a successful husband, and the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom.

Then the news crashed down on her like a Tsunami: her infant son Zachary not only had severe brain damage but probably wouldn’t live past his first birthday. As denial gave way to despair and grief, Sandy looked out over the new, strange world her family suddenly found themselves thrown into, and wondered if they would ever know happiness again.

But it was in the very challenges that Zachary’s condition presented to her that she discovered a whole new level of compassion among others as well as her own inner resources. She eventually took on greater roles in the disability community and found her calling as a life coach.



internal use:
First contact: January 8, 2017
Rebecca at The Cadence Group



format: print
arrived: Feb 4
started review:
posted review:
email Rebecca

Thoughts on . . . Captured Innocence by Kennedy Layne

Hey family? This book is sexier than I usually tell you about so could you please skip this post? ;-)

Captured Innocence
by Kennedy Layne


series: CSA Case Files
publisher: Kennedy Layne Publishing
release date: Sep 2013
ISBN: 978-0989973908

formats available: print, ebook

author's website

from the author:
When former Marine, Connor Ortega, was ordered into the offices of Crest Security Agency on a Saturday morning, he didn't expect the latest case to hit so close to home. A submissive has been murdered in a particularly vicious manner and to bring her killer to justice, he must go undercover. Not hard to do considering he's already part of the BDSM lifestyle.

Lauren Bailey, a local vendor of bejeweled erotic implements, lives vicariously through her clients due to her fear of bondage. When Connor's dominant side can't resist trying to ease her anxieties, she accepts his proposal and agrees to his one stipulation...keep things casual.

When the killer sets his sights on Lauren, Connor is forced to rethink their relationship. He has the training it takes to catch a murderer, but does he have the courage to escape his inner demons and capture Lauren's heart?

my thoughts:
I've been avoiding a favorite genre ever since 50 Shades came out. I read too many reviews to be happy buying it then someone asked, "Don't you think you should read it before you explain why it's a bad book?" Fine. Wow, couldn't finish it. Not like the usual BDSM books I buy at all. I thought he was a stalker and never even got to the sex.

So this book comes up and I'm wondering if it will follow the same way.

Nope. First, the review I read was from Anna (here) and I trust her. Started the book early Friday morning and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Friday night I'm reading through dinner.

Now that you know where I'm coming from . . .

Lauren is no shrinking violet, or a virgin, and has some knowledge of the lifestyle. Conner surprises us both with his willingness to "go vanilla" for the most part. It eases Lauren's mind but I'm sure Conner is also thinking "hey, sex".

The nice thing about the story is that it isn't a sex story with a plot. It is true that a submissive is killed while in what looks to be a scene. Also true, the main male lead is a Dom and the lead female works with sex toys but I feel the who-done-it part would be just as strong with sexual tension instead of sex. That being said . . . I liked the sex. A lot.  ;-)  At one point they're snowed in and they're playful in their interactions. I didn't say the sex wasn't hot, just that they felt real to me.

She stared at his lips a little too long, but found that her body was ready for another tumble in the sheets… even though she couldn’t remember what round of sex they were on. She was coming to really appreciate this snowstorm.

back to reading . . .

Things weren’t going as planned. . . . It was time to clean up his mess. Loose ends had to be clipped and he knew just who to start with.

See? Not only great sex but a great story. Can't wait to find out how this ends!

back to reading . . .

Wow. I did not see that coming! My copy has a sneak peek of book 2 which I'll read later. Time for dinner, finally.

Don't be scared of the BDSM aspect, it isn't that heavy, and while the sex is there and you shouldn't skip it, it really isn't a sex book. Think jalapeno when mainstream books are chili pepper.




Disclaimer: This is one of my own purchases but was reviewed no differently that if it had been a book I was asked to review. Book information courtesy of amazon and the author.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Spotlight on . . . Before I Fall by Jessica Scott

Before I Fall
by Jessica Scott

series: Falling, book 1
Publisher: Jessica Scott
ISBN:  ASIN: B00TCV5Z1C
Published: March 3, 2015 
genre: romance
223 pages

format available: ebook

author's website - twitter


Description:
Stay focused. Get a job. Save her father's life.

Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She'll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah - a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.

Noah Warren doesn't know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he's going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn't break his promises. Except he doesn't count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.

A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.



internal use:
First contact: Feb 15
Jessica Scott

ebook
arrived: Feb 16
started review:
Notified Jessica that review is live:

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2015

Review: The Possible Police by Wylde Scott

The Possible Police
by Wylde Scott


Publisher: Wylde Press
ISBN 9780996031509
Release date: October 15, 2014
picture book
32 pages

author's website

What happens when you remove all obstacles to a child’s imagination? Anything is possible. Unless of course, you let The Possible Police stop you. They will do whatever it takes to stop children from believing. Wylde Scott believes that all children should live in a world of endless possibilities. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Wylde takes your child into his boundless imagination as he fights off the possible police. Join him as he inspires children to truly believe, and teaches them that no one can stop them from doing what they dream.

My Thoughts:

Just so you know, I love children's books, I am still purchasing them and my children are in their 20's. That being said, I really wanted to love this one but it was just okay for me. The illustrations are great, watercolor-like with a distinction between the police page and the dreamer page. Even when it is night where the dreamer is.

I was confused about the character wearing a nightgown at the beginning and being a grown man at the end.  And the author's name is used as the character's name.

What saves this book from being ho-hum are the illustrations and the spots of "can you really do this or just dream it" that may lead to real life discussions (astronauts). (wondering if you can teach elephants to dance)

I'm glad I read it but do not believe I will be purchasing it for any of my friend's children.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary electronic file of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of NetGalley and amazon.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Finished Reading . . . Hidden Talents by Emma Holly (NSFW)

whew ~fanning self~ First things first, the sex is HOT! That being said, the story is fabulous. Fey, were and gargoyles. The news anchor is an unicorn but she only makes a brief appearance.

I'm not sure what I was expecting. I had already read book 5 (it is m/m) and it should have prepared me but aside from the sex being hot, the story took me by surprise. I guess I was expecting a quick, light read but there was depth. I started with book 5 because it was m/m but I'm glad I bought 1-4 at the same time. :-D

Ari was following the neighborhood bad boy (bad bad, not sexy bad) and was prepared to take him out all by herself in order to protect her friends. The whole mate thing throws her off as well as the werewolf she's mate of but it doesn't throw her off course for long. She's determined to protect her friends. Isn't it a good thing the werewolf is a cop and just as determined to protect his town?

I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.

Hidden Talents
by Emma Holly

series: Hidden
ISBN: 978-0983540236
Publisher: Emma Holly
Release date: June 2011
202 pages

paranormal romance,  erotica

author's website, excerpt  (18+)

Description: Resurrection, NY is America’s only supernatural friendly town, built on an outfolded pocket of Faerie. Werewolf cop Adam Santini is sworn to protect and serve all of Resurrection’s races - including unsuspecting human Talents who wander in from Outside.

Ari stumbles into Adam’s town from the Big Apple. She’s hot on the trail of a mysterious crime boss who wants to exploit her telekinesis for his own evil ends. If she can’t get Henry Blackwater off her back, she and her two most trusted friends in the world had better kiss the decent life they’ve built for themselves goodbye.

Ari’s mission puts her on a collision course with the hottest cop in the RPD. Adam wants Blackwater too, but mostly he wants Ari. She seems to be the mate he’s been yearning for all his life, though getting a former street kid into bed with the Law could be his toughest case to date.

When biology knocks boots with justice, more than bad guys go up flames.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg (#192)

Fun and colorful, playful with a message. I really liked Candy, didn't like the neighbor boy, Chucky (he's not nice but really, Chucky?), wanted to slap the Dad upside the head.

This is a children's book so I am happy to report there was a happy ending.

Candy's dad travels all over the world and always brings home a new toy for her but when she wants to play with her Dad he sends her outside. Chucky pesters his parents for a larger and cooler version of the same toy.

Mister Wellington loved his daughter very much, but he’d forgotten that having fun was more important than having things. He decided Candy needed an amazing, spectacular and fantastic pet for companionship.

Chucky is so jealous of Candy's new pet he sells it to the circus only to realize he just wants her attention. He didn't want to hurt her.

I liked watching Candy train her Cankersaur to be a good pet. I like the lesson her dad and Chucky both learned. The Cankersaur finally learns rule #1 and when he can break it. There is even a lesson for us to learn. Candy decides to train her cankersaur to be a good pet. Too many times the pet comes home and the training doesn't happen.

The quote above is all the words on a page but each page has this many words. I don't believe it will be a quick read for the younger children but the pictures are great and they could make up stories with you.

This is a book I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed is mine. Book details and synopsis are from the publisher or amazon.


Candy and the Cankersaur
Jason Sandberg
978-0615655796
Jason Sandberg June 2012
32 pages
ebook (kindle, nook, kobo and iTunes)
age range: picture book, 4-8?


fiction, dinosaurs
source: author (in exchange for an honest review)


Grade: C
This is the sweet and funny tale of a young girl named Candy and her Cankersaurus Rex! Candy receives a dinosaur as a gift and is determined to train him to be a good pet.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #67: The ABC's of Freezer Cooking (clean)

The ABC's of Freezer Cooking

K. M. Logan

ASIN: B009QO5S44
self-published
October 2012
62 pages
ebook
Age range: 10+? Old enough to cook? Old enough for this book

author's website

instructional, cookbook
source: personal library

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have an extra hour in the evening to yourself and not have to worry about the dreaded question, "Hey Mom, what's for dinner?" then freezer cooking just might be for you. The "ABC'S of Freezer Cooking" covers all the basics to teach you how and how not to prepare freezer meals for your family. From cooking all your meals for a month in just one day, or preparing just a few extra meals for when you're family is particularly busy, this book is full of helpful tips and tricks to help you make it happen.

Included is how to write a meal plan, money saving strategies, 15 basic recipes, and there is even a section on how to utilize freezer cooking as a weight loss tool. If you're looking for a quick read, and an introduction into the world of make-ahead meals then this book is the perfect place to get started. Written with the beginning freezer cook in mind.

~*~*~

This was fun! She literally goes through the alphabet (Baked Goods, Food Safety, Ice Cream won't fit, Quick Cooking Tips) while explaining how she does freezer cooking. What works for her, what doesn't.

She even includes some of her families favorite recipes that freeze well. That's one of the main tips, if it doesn't freeze well, why use it?

I'm not sure how this will work with my family, she uses a lot of potatoes and I'm Diabetic but she gives me a good base to start. And the encouragement to start small. Sure having 30 different meals in my freezer would be great but just having an extra one or two is a good place to start.

~*~*~

Challenges this counts towards:

150+

Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways
Outdo Yourself
Foodies
Monthly Mix-up Mania
ebook

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Finished Reading . . . #14 (NSFW)

Worth the Weight
The Worth Series
(Book 1: The Nice One)
Mara Jacobs
978-0985258658
284 pages
amazon (kindle-still free? and print)
self published
18+ (sex and language)

ebook
Contemporary Romance
source: private library

Lizzie Hampton is literally a shadow of her former self. Having lost half her body weight, she's headed to her small hometown to test out her new body on an old flame. Just a harmless fling to get her self confidence back before she returns to the city and the new man in her life. But Lizzie's plan has a few bumps in the road.

Finn Robbins can't believe Liz is back in town. Desperate to be the holder of her innocence eighteen years ago, he never got the chance. Now she's back and he can finally check her off his to do list.

But her friends, his son, and the mysterious Annie may have something to say about that.

~*~*~

All of the emotional scars that come from being, not just overweight, but fat, come through. The strength Liz needs to admit there is a problem is "off camera" but still evident. I love the way Finn's heartache and happiness is portrayed.

A lump grew in Finn’s throat as he watched the minivan drive away. Tomorrow. They would now have a lifetime of tomorrows to say thank you. And please. And I love you. And pass the bread and every other mundane thing that members of a family said to each other.

I love that this is part of a series and am looking forward to reading the other two, Worth the Drive and Worth the Fall.


Other challenges this works for:
Where are you reading?/50 States
Contemporary Romance 
Read 52 books in 52 Weeks
ebook
150+
Let Me Count the Ways

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Quick Thoughts on #3 . . . (sexy)

Moosed-Up
Wild Men of Alaska #2
Tiffinie Helmer
ASIN: B007W51VP4
128 pages
April 2012
ebook 
Romance

Grade: B
source: private library

Nurse Practitioner Eva Stuart’s life is messed-up. She found her fiancé in bed with her best friend Jeremy, which has killed her confidence as a desirable woman and brought her judgment into question when it comes to men. Needing a change of scenery, she leaves Cincinnati behind for the wilds of Alaska and opts for running a medical clinic in a remote town. Her life quickly changes from messed-up to moosed-up as nature takes a stab at her.

Wildlife Refuge Officer Lynx Maiski is big... and hot... and hungry for a mate. He’s more than willing to show Eva just how sexy she is. After all, sometimes what a street-smart woman really needs is a forest-smart mountain man. But he’s keeping a secret that seems destined to ruin his chances at love.

Soon they are dealing with small town interference, a sun that refuses to set, deadly poachers, out of control lust, and a matchmaking moose on the loose.

~*~*~

This was a fun read with a little sex. Defiantly bedroom scenes even if they don't take place in the bedroom, but the romance, and the moose, is the story. I started reading this series with book ... 5 and didn't realize this was the same series.

Eva is sassy and petite but hurt. Lynx is 6'3" and enthralled. I loved watching the city-girl deal with not only small, small town but also living in the land of the midnight sun.

I'll be buying more in this series as soon as my buying ban is over. :-)

Other challenges this works for:

Self-published (googled the publisher and didn't find it.)
Contemporary Romance
ebook
What an Animal
Where are you reading/50 States
Let Me Count the Ways
Mt TBR - An Embarrassment of Riches
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
I Double Dog Dare You


purchased Dec 30, 2012 so it counts as a tbr book. Finished Jan3

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Self-Published Reading Challenge

Self-Published

Reading Challenge

2013

hosted by Sarah at Workaday Reads

Sign- up here



The 2013 Self-Published Reading Challenge. Encouraging readers to look beyond the traditional, and experience pure imagination.
Challenge Guidelines:

• This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013.
• Anyone can join, you don’t need to be a blogger. If you don’t have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
• Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is self-published by the author.
• You can plan your books in advance or as you read them.
• When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the Self-Published Reading Challenge.
• You can move up levels, but no moving down.
• Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2013, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

Levels:

• Sentence – 5 books
• Paragraph- 10 books
• Page – 25 books
• Chapter – 50 books
• Short Story – 75 books
• Novel – 100 books
• Series – 150 books

At the beginning of each quarter there will be a roundup post for you to add your reviews. If you forget, feel free to add your reviews in the following quarter.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Reviews? ahhhhhh!

Well, we do want to tell others so I guess I can give a quick why I did/didn't like this book reviews but that will cut into how many I can read.

I'm going for . . . Sentence . . . and will read/review 5 books. Also Hoping to move up a level.

Books Read

1. Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer ~ reviewed
2. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray ~ reviewed
3. Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs ~
4. The ABC's of Freezer Cooking by KM Logan ~ reviewed
5. The Gift of Running by Dr. P. Mark Taylor ~
6. Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg ~ reviewed
7. Hidden Talents by Emma Holly ~ reviewed

~ Challenge Complete ~

December 22

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012