It sucks being a vampire who wants something she's afraid of; the simple touch of a human. There are lines she's afraid she might cross that keep her...moreIt sucks being a vampire who wants something she's afraid of; the simple touch of a human. There are lines she's afraid she might cross that keep her from finding that fulfilment, so she's a very lonely lady. Until one night Fate decides to take a hand and deliver unto her the very thing she craves, in the form of two very hunky shifters. Jane has never in all her decades felt as confused as now.
Jude is an alpha with several things on his mind,not least of which is the woman they've been tracking who smells like home. Only he's not prepared for the fact that not only he,but his second, Cray are destined to be her mate. Now they have to learn to share, find the rogue out for revenge and keep Jane safe at the same time, for this ousted pack member has already killed once.
For a good quick read full of steamy sex, humour (whether intentional or just my perverted sense of) and strong characters Calista Fox's Claim Me is a fine choice. Jane has the kind of alpha female confidence that makes for great dialogue, while both Jude and Cray are sexy, strong men who learn that sometimes the joke is on them. The biggest disappointment for me was the length (but I always like more than less) because just as I was getting into all of it, their part was over. Knowing this is part of a series I still like a little more in-depth exploration of their stories, but it's still well-rounded, complete and I enjoyed it.(less)
Anne's been using this site that caters to women for quite awhile without knowing that in reality the model who has become her all-time favorite is he...moreAnne's been using this site that caters to women for quite awhile without knowing that in reality the model who has become her all-time favorite is her lifelong best friend. Now she's in a quandry she's not sure how to handle; she and her best bud are becoming roommates. How's a girl supposed to live with a guy who stars in every fantasy she has?
Chase doesn't know that Anne has discovered his secret,but it's an outlet for all these repressed feelings. . A friends with benefits package sounds tempting to both,especially when a single dance starts a fire even he's not sure how to put out. But the no-strings arrangement is starting to sour when emotions neither expected rise up and bite them when they're not looking.
I love to read a story that can arouse many emotions and make you "see" what the words paint. Whether intentional or not the author, Saranna DeWylde, made me chuckle, shake my head, wonder if that can really happen-well, I'm sure you get the point. The biggest disappointment for me with this read was that the situation between them when that "bite" took place was there wasn't enough exploration of their feelings. While fully rounded as is, being an old fogey, I like to get into the hows, whys, and where's it going.....still a good read.(less)
Kameron McBride receives a letter from a court in Oregon saying she has been appointed the executor of Salvador Vasco's estate. She decides, with much...moreKameron McBride receives a letter from a court in Oregon saying she has been appointed the executor of Salvador Vasco's estate. She decides, with much prompting from her mom and best friend Sue, to go.
After arriving in Oregon, the frustration of getting lost in the near-desert territory is offset by meeting a tall, dark and handsome Deputy Mitch whose very arrival at the spot runs would-be attackers away. This was just a beginning. Before long, Kam finds herself in the middle of a seven year old murder with danger lurking behind her throughout her brief stay in Rosewood. Mitch becomes her protector only to be gone when the real danger appears.
Marva Dasef's Missing, Assumed Dead is a short book at 127 pages, but it is packed with excitement and raw nerve. Each event follows the previous one with logical precision. The story reads fast just the way I like them to do.
The heroine, Kameron McBride, is a daring woman, and, despite her claims to the contrary, she cannot take care of herself. Enter the hero: brave, courageous, and handsome Mitch Caldwell. Both characters are well-rounded people and still just a normal woman and man. Believable? Yes. The setting is exciting for me with my love of old western movies and the novels written by Zane Grey. These I grew up on and Mitch reminds me of the heroes portrayed in these. And the touch of romance always adds a sweet touch. (less)
Lizzy Greenley, female werewolf, who up until this moment thought she knew where her life was going. Now she wonders if this train-wreck she's trying...moreLizzy Greenley, female werewolf, who up until this moment thought she knew where her life was going. Now she wonders if this train-wreck she's trying to muddle through will ever approximate her original plans for a life with football boyfriend, Jeremy Sanderson. All she wanted was to marry him, have babies, raise horses and teach. Now she'd appreciate just staying ahead of those hot on their trail.
Jeremy has been taking an enhanced steroid made from werewolf blood known as W. The problem? He's human and this drug tends to have consequences to it that make it illegal to administer to anyone. To save his life, Libby breaks the law, now they're both on the run-from the pack, rogues and trial.
I have to admit that the romantic scenes need a bit of polishing in this one as they came across a bit repetitive and bland, but the premise is good, the plot strong and the characters memorable. Just when I got comfortable with where things were going there would be a new element added to send it in a bit of a different direction, which kept it interesting. There were a few places where some of these twists weren't as smooth as they could have been, but they were minor.
The segues into the erotic scenes were a bit stilted at times making me go back and re-read the beginning of it to see if perhaps I read it too quickly. The strong plot and hearty characters still make Lee Pearce's, Rapture's Claim, a good read.(less)
While a young boy, Clay learns quickly there are rough times ahead because a child who has grown up in an Indian environment is not welcomed by many w...moreWhile a young boy, Clay learns quickly there are rough times ahead because a child who has grown up in an Indian environment is not welcomed by many white people.
At thirteen years old, Clay escapes from being slave to the Apaches only to become a slave to the White man. By chance he escapes and disappears. Now he is all grown up and he has come back to town as Clay. Clay wanted only to see McGee who had helped him escape the Apaches, but the Hoodys think he has returned to avenge himself. And what of Te, a woman who has been reared by a different tribe? "What's your white name?" Clay asks. "I have none. I am one of The People. I am Witoka Te. Never will I be white again." Will she help him or hurt him? Clay is going to find out real soon.
Larion Wills, a multi-genre author, also writes under the name of Larriane Wills. From science fiction to western romances she holds up to her tag of 'two names, one author, thousands of stories.' Born in Oklahoma, but raised in Arizona she feels a native to the state and has settled in the high desert country. In a quiet, rural area with a family who tolerates her writer's single-mindedness, she presents us with a series of unique westerns while still producing contemporary romances, many laced with paranormal settings, all with strong characterizations and suspenseful plots, capable of dragging you into a story in a genre you thought you didn't care for previously. At her website, you can keep abreast of releases under both pen names.(less)
The Gold Eagle Mystery is a short story set in the 1800s in America. Ethan Edwards, a Pinkerton Detective, investigates h...moreBe prepared to be surprised.
The Gold Eagle Mystery is a short story set in the 1800s in America. Ethan Edwards, a Pinkerton Detective, investigates his first big case: Every Wells Fargo office along the Union Pacific railroad is robbed. All the robberies have the same aspects: each Wells Fargo office had a Gold Eagle Model 31B safe, the safe door was found open without damage, no forced entry through door or window. The investigation led him out west which was his first trip into the new territory. His investigation led him back to Cincinnati where he talked to the people who made the safe. Then back to the last town on the list where he found himself in danger the closer he got to the truth.
An ordinary tale of mystery, but one set apart by the unexpected. Ethan Edwards attacks the problem at hand with all the tricks he has learned thus far as a Pinkerton Detective. Training is one thing, but, he finds out, that putting that training into practice isn't as easy as it seems.
I like the story by John Russo very much and believe that any lover of mysteries would also. It is a story patterned after the greatest mystery writers and the one that comes to my mind first is Agatha Christie. Ms. Christie was an expert at planting clues, having her detectives ask the right questions, and finally bringing the reader to a satisfying closure. This is such a tale. Be prepared to be surprised.(less)
Mesa becomes pack Alpha,but isn't complete without the mate that left him years ago,so the first order of business becomes finding and returning his m...moreMesa becomes pack Alpha,but isn't complete without the mate that left him years ago,so the first order of business becomes finding and returning his mate where he belongs-home with the pack. Life however has no intention of making his mission an easy one and finding Kody means finding the other part of himself as well. Kody was compelled to leave his mate because he knew that things would never be totally square between them as they were,so he followed his heart and found Samantha. When Mesa shows up on their doorstep an already emotional storm becomes a chaotic cluster as they sort through things never experienced by some and only partially understood by the others.
When Samantha finds Kody in a compromising situation,her already stressed emotions boil over into an inferno of conflicting feelings- for as much as she feel betrayed by Kody she's even more betrayed by her response to the big,growly man who seems to think he can control her.
B.A. Tortuga writes a complicated "tail" where the male doesn't get it all his way with the female falling at his feet in adoration, and I like that. The characters were fun as well as strong, pulled you into the story and let you enjoy their rather frenetic journey to finding their way to becoming what they're meant to be. Oh, yeah-the sex is quite as frenetic, stimulating and imaginative as any you could hope for; very vivid word painter is this author. Bravo.(less)
Brendan Fishback, his twin sister Edna, and his friend Cobb Kuzawa hitched up their bass boats and took off for Lake Charles for bass fishing. It turn...moreBrendan Fishback, his twin sister Edna, and his friend Cobb Kuzawa hitched up their bass boats and took off for Lake Charles for bass fishing. It turned out to be one fishing trip Brendan wanted never to repeat.
Danger stalked them every step they made on and around Lake Charles. Kill or be killed became the order of the day. Brendan, just a good ol' boy who only wanted to work during the day, smoke pot and have sex most of the night, was faced with choices he did not want to make. Having already suffered through being convicted of one murder he did not relish the idea of another killing on his record, but he had no choice. Kill or be killed...Sometimes bad situations turn out to be good for the person who must face them. Sometimes they don't.
The beginning set the atmosphere of a regular fishing trip: spend the day on the water reeling in large bass, peace and quiet while doing so, with a little sparring between husband and wife. Then all hell breaks loose. Nerves tense: flight or fight? I hope all readers decide to stay and read to the end of this story. The things Brendan faces on this fishing trip are so prevalent in today's world, I doubt that the reader will be shocked, but the story should give readers pause for thought. Take the many flashbacks as intended. This is how the back story is fed in and they are interesting in their own right. They fit the description of a story running simultaneously with the main plot line and they give us necessary information on the horror of being accused of murder and how it leads up to the fishing trip. The first, and maybe the second, flashback will have the reader saying, "What do I need these for? It's a waste of time." However, bear with them a short time and I promise you they will do their job well. [Continue reading review here...](less)
52FF is a concoction of short (and sometimes not so sweet) “Flash Fiction” stories all under 1000 words each.
The majority of stories were thought-pro...more52FF is a concoction of short (and sometimes not so sweet) “Flash Fiction” stories all under 1000 words each.
The majority of stories were thought-provoking vignettes with an underlying nefariousness portraying the horror of both fantastical and real life situations, which work on our human weaknesses (anxieties, fear and loathing) with a twist of satire and black humour thrown in.
In the Nursery, is a poignant example of this heady cocktail of emotions and descriptive prose, by which the author, Marc Nash, tells this heart-rending story through the eyes of a stuffed panda in the room of a child’s psychologist. There’s a wide variety of stories to read, from the violence suggested in a seemingly harmless game of bingo in The Caller to the Bingo Caller’s House Calls “House”, to Badges and the stark loneliness of Lost Sole, where Nash’s very British, analytical voice bubbles to the surface. My favourite story has to be Bittersweet, another fine example of how the author cleverly plays around with words, metaphor and new ideas showing a strong love for language.
With 52 stories, you can deal a story-a-day, there’s a gritty, down-to-earth quick appetiser to appeal to your varying taste-buds. A great “loo book” too, and I mean that in a good way! I felt, that in some cases, there were a couple of scenes as opposed to complete short stories with beginnings, middles and ends, however, these tended to be more experimental and came across more like poetry, or an alternative style of prose, which I rather liked as they enhanced their individual potency. This made for a good read as I never quite knew what to expect from one story to another, making 52FF very hard to put down.
At the end of the book there is a additional nice touch, the story prompts, which led to the ideas behind each piece of flash. A unique and effective idea. I found myself going back and re-reading some of the more mysterious ones armed with this additional knowledge, as though privy to inside information and looking for the things I may have missed, like one does when watching a film for the second time.
Overall, I do enjoy flash fiction and I think, Marc Nash, has done very well with his collection of 52FF. Whether you are new to this form of creativity, or a flash fiction fiend, 52FF is an electric mixture of small servings covering many flavours to chill, shake and stir you! What provides some thematic unity, as well as satirical bite, is the darkness, which lies around the corner in many of these stories. A veritable cocktail of real life incidents, metaphors and hidden meanings of an imaginative mind! (less)
There are only a few people Natches Mackay considers family and "Daddy" ain't one of them, but that's not k...moreSo intense the words set the pages on fire!
There are only a few people Natches Mackay considers family and "Daddy" ain't one of them, but that's not keeping his sperm donor from making his life miserable in ways that are worse than anything in the past. Now Natches is being drawn into an intrigue that involves not only his family, but the woman he shares some rather brutal history with- the one woman who means more to him than his own life. Now he just has to make her understand that that is where she belongs, because he means to keep her, forever. First he has to keep them alive.
Chaya Dane and Natches have some brutal history together, but not the kind most think. Having been owned by their government, she's back for one last mission, unaware that it will draw not only her, but the Nauti Boys and others into a miasma of trouble, deceit and destruction. Through it all, Chaya finds that her bulwark of strength is still the man who stood her through the horrors of the past and intends to be there through the future.
Nara Barns,shuttle Captain about to become an involuntary sex worker when she's caught trading things she's not supposed to avoids being auctioned to the weird looking aliens when she agrees to be sold to another Captain with an unusual (to say the least) requirement. Although making it with tall,sexy, in heat Captain Vellar doesn't seem such a tough assignment,keeping her heart in tact might be.
This one was good from the beginning and to tell the truth I hope it's taken and blown into a full novel,for there were a few things that just didn't get enough attention-such as traditions, how things came to pass as they did for the good Captains, etc. Although this does encompass all the criteria to make it a good story and fully engages the imagination I wanted more, which perhaps is the intent?
Dragon Heat by Mel Tescho
Betrayal is a dish best not served at all; yet it seems that Grace is about to find it a dish served to her once she's found her latest target-the sexy dragon-shifter who shows her what it means to become the hunted and what betrayal her agency plans. As an operative skilled in tracking and if necessary, killing paranormal creatures,she finds herself "caught" by the sensual pleasures he gives her as they elude their hunters.
This one flowed fairly smoothly,but there were a couple of places where it kind of lost my attention and I had to re-read it to pick up the story again. The premise is good,the sex hot, the characters both strong and smart, but too short to present the entire tale without more background on both.
When a man is ready to settle down after finally being able to facilitate his dream of owning his own place,that man is lucky to find the perfect woman and find her quickly. Only Fallon has been abused by her ex-Dom and that means Cord has to be willing to show her he's the man she needs as well as the lifestyle with a little bit of bondage, incredible sex-include expert flogging- but mostly a gentle hand and loving heart.
I don't usually like a lot of the bondage, but mostly it was so well written that it was actually stimulating. That said, I can't help, but wonder about submission after abuse and the possible effects on a person. The story was strong, the characters vivid and the descriptives easily pictured within the mind.
Being totally against men and love,wouldn't you know a hunk of Highland male would literally fall at Kari Howard's feet causing her to forget that promise to stay away from all men? There's nothing like there being nothing other than all man beneath that kilt he's wearing and Fin shows Kari he knows exactly what to do to rock her world. After all a man who has travelled through time should be able to show a woman how a man can truly cherish her, shouldn't he?
It was quick, it was hot- maybe not totally believable, but still fun. Where's a Highlander when you need one?
Sinful Designs,not just a name but an occupation as Sam and Anita find when they go there after being referred by another tattooed couple The witch who owns it can give you your wildest fantasy with a magical tattoo,but it comes with a price- each one comes with it's own dark and hoary curse. The spells can be broken,but at what cost- and are they willing to pay it?
This one was just plain good. It spoke to the darkness within and made me wonder if I would be willing to pay or break the curse. Incredible sex, temptation at its darkest and strength of character.
When you realize that you have everything you thought you wanted and that's not enough,what do you do? That's what John Calder wants to know. He has the money,material things, business acumen and any woman at the flick of a finger. Enter Shelli Rodgers -klutz extraordinaire- who teaches him the one thing he's never learned; the art of being happy.
I want to read more of these two. I have so many questions left unanswered and these guys just seem to belong together, yet the getting there is so quick that I feel a bit like that red-headed step-child; on the perimeter.
Over-all I enjoyed this anthology and if you're looking for something that has multiple reads that are quicker than novels this is great for it can be parcelled out and enjoyed in increments. It has a bit of something for multi-tastes and is a great way to curl up with some cocoa.(less)
Bridget is an aspiring writer whose dreams of literary success and finding the man of her dreams are blighted by a medical condition that has left her...moreBridget is an aspiring writer whose dreams of literary success and finding the man of her dreams are blighted by a medical condition that has left her with deformed eyelids. Though her friends reassure her it’s really not a problem, she hides away behind dark glasses and remembers every negative comment that’s been made about her appearance. Corrective surgery is available, but it costs more than she can afford. She lusts after her next-door neighbour, Clay, a Navy SEAL who always has a woman on his arm, but she doesn’t have the courage to let him see her without her glasses.
An invitation to a masked ball enables Bridget to share a night of unbelievable sex with Clay, and when she discovers she fits the criteria of a trust that offers to pay for cosmetic surgery in suitable cases, she knows she has the chance to change her life for ever. But how will Clay react when he learns the true identity of his masked lover, and will there be an unexpected price for Bridget to pay as a result of finally getting bedroom eyes?
This is the first book in the Skin Deep series, tales which revolve around one of the characters’ desire to have plastic surgery, and Desiree Holt picks up the brief and runs with it. She generates plenty of heat in the relationship between Bridget and Clay. Bridget might be the typical sparky but vulnerable heroine and Clay the hard alpha male with a soft centre, but they’re believable characters for all that. There’s plenty of sex packed into the book’s relatively short length, including a particularly sizzling scene where the lights are out and Clay and Bridget have to discover each other’s bodies in the dark.
Of course, the more intriguing storyline would have been one where Bridget doesn’t have the surgery and Clay falls in love with her anyway, but perhaps that’s going to be addressed in another book in the series. As it is, Bedroom Eyes is a sweet, nicely paced story that can’t fail to satisfy Desiree Holt’s many fans. (less)
When man messes with genetics, sometimes he gets things he doesn't understand even though he's under the misconception he's in control.
Mica Toler was...moreWhen man messes with genetics, sometimes he gets things he doesn't understand even though he's under the misconception he's in control.
Mica Toler was supposed to be safe,everyone said so, but deep in her heart, she knew different; had always known it. There had been a chemistry between her and Blaine forever- a dark, mysterious intensity that drew them together and created a heat they both knew would come to a bad ending. Mica was a woman determined to live her life her way and if that meant staying away from Navarro, then stay away she would, though he has an entirely different outcome in mind for them.
Now danger stalks Mica and Navarro has no intention of allowing Mica to leave his sight or her enemies to take his reason for being away from him- so if that means behaving like the animal she calls him ; so be it. As the danger converges upon the players, everyone is about to get a major lesson in what it means to let the animal free by stealing a Breed's mate, even if she won't allow herself to be fully claimed.
I adore books about shapeshifters, but I especially adore those who make them seem plausible, sexy, hot with an actual plot and sub plots as well as well defined characters. Lora Leigh has never failed to give me a book to read that holds my attention with all those requirements, but she also throws in a premise that is plausible as well as we have been working with genetic manipulation since the mid 20th century.
Most of all she makes me wonder what it would be like to have those abilities, live in the real world and struggle to find my place- again. I definitely keep these paperbacks as they are worth a re-read.(less)
Sister Cate Carter always ran ward 73 like clockwork, but when patients start dying around her and DS Charlie Hammond and his squad practically move i...moreSister Cate Carter always ran ward 73 like clockwork, but when patients start dying around her and DS Charlie Hammond and his squad practically move into Westwood General hospital, her strictly run world starts to crumble and fall. To cap it all, the very staff that care for her patients are all under suspicion. Including Cate.
During this stressful investigation, DS Charlie Hammond is dealing with his own monsters and finds himself drawn to Cate. Is he just trying to fill an empty void after the loss of his wife and just feeling sorry for Cate and what she is going through? Or could he actually be falling in love - a dangerous thing to do as she is also a suspect?
Maggie Wilson has written a fun and realistic medical thriller and as a retired nurse, she writes with authority on her subject without blinding us with medical science. In it, Cate is portrayed as a strong independent woman who still has to act in control for the sake of her staff, when inside her world is falling apart. Furthermore, while DS Charlie Hammond struggles to discover who the murderer is, this reader couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, and his flawed, sometimes over arrogant way of dealing with his emotions. With one shocking twist at the end of the story, readers are sure to be surprised and pleased to be privy to the final, exciting finale, which left me wanting more! An enjoyable, twisty journey through the medical world pushed to its limits. (less)
Authors, Jeremy Hope, Peter Bunce and Franz Röösli take us through how we can achieve an empowered and adaptive organization ba...moreA Must for ANY Leader!
Authors, Jeremy Hope, Peter Bunce and Franz Röösli take us through how we can achieve an empowered and adaptive organization based on 12 management principles. Think of the organisation as an obedient machine (where the assumption is everything is controllable) and compare it to the adaptive systems view in this book where the leadership style is more flexible, creative and empowering. But still in control.
Each principle is first summarised and then given its own chapter in which there are detailed lessons and case studies to learn from. I really like how, at the end of every chapter they highlight key points to consider for your organisation and provide suggestions for caring and ethical leadership styles that govern, not dictate. Something many organisations should consider incorporating into their own management styles. In fact, it's a must for any leader! (less)
The Idea Hunter, as the title suggests, looks for new and innovative ideas that make a difference in any industry or company. To assist your hunt, aut...moreThe Idea Hunter, as the title suggests, looks for new and innovative ideas that make a difference in any industry or company. To assist your hunt, authors By: Andy Boynton, Bill Fischer and William Bole explain the four I-D-E-A principles:
*Interesting - an incredible idea, which excites you *Diverse - different, seemingly unrelated, but potentially valuable thoughts *Exercised - daily, focused purpose driven brainstorming training *Agility - an awareness the ideas, which come to you, are forever moving, changing and combining and are hardly ever straightforward
They teach you to know your gig and look for ideas everywhere, all of the time. Each principle is explained and given a practical strategy named "idea work" and one is taught to constantly think where and how to get ideas, by nurturing the habit of hunt as a daily exercise routine. Here's a small favourite passage of mine:
"The goal of the hunt is not to get a great idea instantly, but to set it in motion, letting it stretch, ripen, morph, or otherwise develop in collision and combination with other ideas. That's how an idea becomes great."
This book excited me when I read it, as I am the sort of person who loves getting creative and what more could I ask for than a book, which assists me in discovering new ways to nurture my creative streak and find even more ideas when I am buzzing with them already? In all honesty, I cannot see this being everyone's cup of tea though. Or should that be everyone's idea of a good idea? I feel it takes a certain sort of person to want this sort of book to work. Much of it is common sense, but it's the `awareness' of it all that really works for me. The Idea Hunter is a very cool idea in itself and I am glad we crossed paths and found each other. (less)
There are thousands of books and courses on marketing tools, ideas, techniques and concepts from the old school...moreBlows the dust covered concepts away!
There are thousands of books and courses on marketing tools, ideas, techniques and concepts from the old school to the newly-formed, wacky approaches or latest fads. What Laurie Young has done with the Marketer's Handbook is to use her 35 years of experience to analyse these different concepts and marketing tools in depth, studying the good aspects and the drawbacks, which arise from the practice and principles of each method. Debunking misconceptions and realising the truth.
With additional case studies provided by a plethora of professional marketers and a rating provided by the author, which gives her view of what works and is a practical and powerful concept or tool to use, to the other end of the scale- the toxic, misunderstood and really damaging techniques, which should be avoided unless their limitations and risks are well understood first.
What you learnt at college all those years ago, may not always be the best option for your business in practice as the world (people and technologies) change so quickly, many of these concepts and the strategies behind them may not be so suitable anymore. It's also in alphabetical order making each approach easier to find. An interesting, academic handbook, which blows the dust covered concepts away! (less)
How many times have you had a compelling hunch that an opportunity is too good to miss or alarm bells have rung and you've ignored the feeling and did...moreHow many times have you had a compelling hunch that an opportunity is too good to miss or alarm bells have rung and you've ignored the feeling and did it anyway, later wishing you had listened to your `gut instinct' - that sixth-sense?
That's your intuitive mind at work and this book sets out to explain it in scientific terms to to give the reader the capability to understand and harness this power in business and management. The intuitive mind is a fast and spontaneous and speaks through feelings as opposed to the analytical (conscious) mind, which talks to us using logical and rational thought, and it quite often has the final say. Which is where this book comes in to train the reader how to spot the difference between the two by being more aware to what is more appropriate in a given business and management situation, paying attention to feelings and the hard facts. You're literally trained to be mentally ambidextrous!
I love this idea and think with practice I can be looking forward to more of those `Eureka/lightbulb' moments, where I almost feel like there is a higher force, or a hand guiding me to make the right business decisions. An interesting and intellectual read. Kind of like a new age book for the business mind. (less)
When three kids, Wolfie, Zi'ib and Tala come together from different parts of the world they realise they have a lot of things in common; the same eme...moreWhen three kids, Wolfie, Zi'ib and Tala come together from different parts of the world they realise they have a lot of things in common; the same emerald coloured eyes, birth date, a name, which means Wolf in their own language and, as if that isn't enough, each have a father who is missing from their lives. Mysteriously missing, that is. They know that the circumstances that bring them together are too similar to be put down to coincidence and this is confirmed by the new guy, Mr, Forester, who rents a room in Wolfie's house and starts talking about his favourite hobby of tracking down ley-lines and researching the wonders of magic stone circles and the forces they attract. A complete nutter in other words!
During a speech on lost energy paths by Mr. Forester, the trio all have their senses awakened and find they have special powers, which didn't exist before. Little do they know that for centuries the Chosen have lived among them undetected. Now a secret cult who call themselves the Manus Sacra are looking to the young trio to complete their customs, a mission that will project them into a world known as "The Hidden Realms of Wisdom" only reached by the inquisitive minds of the chosen few. Together they must play detective and decipher the clues of the sacred knowledge to discover the true meaning as to why they have been brought together. What they discover may not be to their liking! And Mr. Forester may not be as nutty as he first seemed.
Sam Osman's Quicksilver is a fun book and I feel the author could very well be likened to a Dan Brown for kids the way he has includes many codes to crack and a story rich in plot and theme. The cute and rather mysterious dog, Elvis, was a charming addition to the cast and I will look forward to reading the rest of the series. A great ticking clock read. (less)
Bookkeeping Workbook for Dummies (UK Edition - updated with £'s although the font is rather an unusual one!)
Although I am no expert, I have completed...moreBookkeeping Workbook for Dummies (UK Edition - updated with £'s although the font is rather an unusual one!)
Although I am no expert, I have completed an accounting (AAT) and a bookkeeping course (RSA) before, several years ago (and I know more about bookkeeping than bee keeping, that's for sure!) However, I felt my current circumstances would benefit from a refresher course and that's exactly what I got and more.
In true "Guides for Dummies" style, Chartered Accountant Jane Kelly, ACMA, and Finance Expert, Lita Epstein, MBA, share their joint knowledge through interactive exercises, which demonstrate a wide variety of financial transactions and highlight the problems that can occur.
From the bookkeeping basics (discovering your business type, understanding terms and day-to-day transaction management) through to the more advanced (corrections of ledgers, P&L statements and the "Top Ten Problems to Practise") it's a workbook packed with information, samples and solutions with that famous touch of humour to make it more fun and less of a number-crunching chore. A great reference and workbook to keep close by for anyone starting a business, or needing a refresher course produced by the popular "Dummies" brand many of us already know and trust and it gets top marks from me for what I need. Whether it is suitable for accounting professionals these days, I am uncertain, but if in doubt please check with your tutor. (less)
Authors and experts in their field, Adrian Payne, Malcolm McDonald and Pennie Frow set out to teach how to create a competitive advantage through the...moreAuthors and experts in their field, Adrian Payne, Malcolm McDonald and Pennie Frow set out to teach how to create a competitive advantage through the use of marketing plans for service businesses and other service organisations. In this complete guide, they focus on how markting plans should be developed, the planning process, theory, techniques and research and how businesses can use a new approach with this unique step-by-step teaching system. Marketing plans are not a once-a-year issue and there is a difference between operational and strategic plans!
In each chapter they highlight the difference between the "process" of marketing planning and the "output" of this process with clear objectives and examples, which are both detailed and easy to understand. Also included are the inevitable glossary of terms, references and index you get with books of this size. And at 495 pages long it's a chunky marketeer's buddy with more expert advice than you can shake a stick at. I loved it.
There's no hiding the fact that marketing plans are a challenge, yet they are proven to increase your success rate and produce a higher ROI, whilst minimising the unexpected and conflicts, purely because one is forced to think ahead and work out exactly what is needed within a certain time frame and hence spot possible problems before they arise. Besides, any marketing plan you make is always going to give you a marked improvement over no plan at all, and with these authors' tried and tested methods at hand failiure is not an option! (less)
Kyle has a mother who doesn't believe a word he says, a forgetful nan in a home and a father he has never seen. It's no wonder Kyle was troubled as a...moreKyle has a mother who doesn't believe a word he says, a forgetful nan in a home and a father he has never seen. It's no wonder Kyle was troubled as a child and made up an imaginary friend, a father figure, to keep him company.
But when he hears scratching noises in the attic above his bedroom, and a girl around his age called Ameena later comes to his rescue, it's clear that someone from his past is out to kill him. Could it be that his invisible friend, Mr Mumbles is back and even uglier and meaner than ever? And do both his mother and nan know more than they are letting on about Kyle's past?
For a kids book I found this an enjoyable read, although I do feel that being the first in a series the meat of the story is yet to come. The idea of a world named 'The Darkest Corners' where the neglected and forgotten ghosts of the past hang out, is pretty cool and I loved the scary Keller house next door - but we only touched lightly on these and I know there must be more to look forward to. An enjoyable and scary read that will keep your kids reading under the covers all night long, and possibly scared to turn the lights out, too. (less)
When she does something incredibly stupid like let someone she barely knows in her office after hours, Olivia gets exactly what she's not expecting,bu...moreWhen she does something incredibly stupid like let someone she barely knows in her office after hours, Olivia gets exactly what she's not expecting,but ought to be-trouble in the form of missing jewels. Now she has to ask the one person for help that has the most reason to deny her.
When Olivia Worthington comes seeking his help,ex-boyfriend Grady Long uses his security expertise to help her even though it's costing him much more than she knows. When she left him it wiped him and he's not sure if he's up to another stroll through the briar patch.
This one has a consistency which is nice, characters which are fully fleshed out, but my biggest disappointment comes from the female lead who is a bit of a "walk all over me type" . It is however a nice feisty quick read appropriate for a lunchtime break or before bed to warm you up.(less)
Sexton Dukenfield, self-made ghost hunter,gets roped into a business deal by the Queen Mother,Victoria to find and restore several missing specters wh...moreSexton Dukenfield, self-made ghost hunter,gets roped into a business deal by the Queen Mother,Victoria to find and restore several missing specters who are wanted returned to their haunts. In the course of his investigation he runs into Ceridwen,lush warrior from the past,who just happens to be transparent. It's not easy wanting a woman you can't exactly put your hands on,but is the epitome of your desires of what a woman should be.
Following several leads lands Sexton in of all places a match factory butting heads with one evil genius. All the while the one thing hanging in the back of his mind is finding a way for him and his "lady" to remain together-preferably with both of them hale,hearty and alive.
To Love A London Ghost started out rather slow and though the premise is one I adore (ghosts,etc.) it was hard staying in the story. I think much more could have been done with the investigation – the interaction with the spirits- and a little less in the description of the day to day lives of the characters. It was really well defined at the end and made it worthwhile getting there.(less)
I wanted to like this novel a lot more than I actually did. The central premise – that Lucy’s new tattoo is actually a symbol designed to make her a p...moreI wanted to like this novel a lot more than I actually did. The central premise – that Lucy’s new tattoo is actually a symbol designed to make her a potential mate for an alpha werewolf – is smart and original, and Tracy Kitts’ chatty, conversational style draws you in, helping you to believe in Lucy’s dilemma even as events unfolding around her become ever more monstrous. There are also a couple of scorching hot sex scenes, most notably one involving sex on a car in the pouring rain. The problem is, those sex scenes only make up a tiny percentage of the book’s two hundred plus pages. Sex Symbol comes across as a horror novel spiced up with some erotic content, rather than a full-on erotic romance – which is fine if that’s what you’re looking for, but personally I prefer a little more sausage with my sizzle. And when Lucy’s first coupling in the book – the aforementioned car scene – is fuelled by having had her drink spiked by a friend, it raises issues of dubious consent that some people won’t be comfortable with. But if you like Punk’d-style humour and a hefty dollop of gore with your romance, Sex Symbol should appeal to you – and it’ll make you think twice about booking that appointment at the tattooist’s…(less)
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