Educational, Kid Friendly Fun with Little Passports Review and Giveaway!

I had an opportunity to review the World Editions Little Passports Monthly Subscription Program and this has to be one of the greatest products I have ever seen for children! It is not only fun but educational and unique!

This is a monthly subscription that every child should have! It is so much fun, I even enjoyed helping her with it! 

We had the package come addressed to my niece, and we all know how much kids love to get mail! It is the cutest thing ever. It comes with a suitcase, map, stickers and boarding pass introducing the kids to the interactive online part of this program.

The online portion is really neat, easy to follow and features little educational mini-games. My four year old niece now knows hello in languages like Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese. The online portion of the program was a bit advanced for her (which Sara was nice enough to warn me about!) but we had fun doing it with her. She absolutely loves the map that she put up in her bedroom and likes to pick out the countries she wants to visit. Right now she seems to be partial to Australia and Koala bears.

Here is what their website says about it:

Subscription Details

For the first month, your World Edition subscription starts with our Explorer Kit which includes:

• Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sam and Sofia
• World wall map
• Travel passport
• Fun stickers
• Activity sheet
• Access to online games and activities with our boarding pass

Every month thereafter, your child will receive country-specific packages filled with:

• Adventure letters from Sam and Sofia
• Fun souvenirs (Japan sushi eraser, Egypt pyramid dig kit and more!)
• Stickers for your suitcase, passport and map
• Photos
• Activity Sheets
• Boarding Passes to access more online games and activities

The recommended age range for our World Edition is 5 to 10 years old.

After signing up, you will receive your first package with our Explorer Kit in about 3 to 4 weeks. New packages will arrive around the 3rd week of every month thereafter. (If you're purchasing a subscription as a gift, you'll also have the opportunity to send a gift email to the recipient during checkout to let them know their surprise is on the way!)

Countries included in the World Edition include (in order from top to bottom):

• Brazil
• Japan
• France
• Egypt
• Australia
• Mexico

• South Africa
• India
• England
• China
• Argentina
• Russia

• Israel
• Thailand
• Ireland
• Kenya
• Spain
• Antarctica

• Canada
• Italy
• Iceland
• Poland
• Turkey

I apologize for the stock photo but my camera is broken and I really need to replace it! Enter below for a chance to win a three month subscription courtesy of Cherry Lemonade!

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Broken Build By Rachelle Ayala Book Review and Giveaway!!

Now my followers know that I loved the last book written by Rachelle Ayala that I read. This book is no exception. I love the suspense/romance mixed with enough faith to give each of the main characters backbone. I really love romances that don't base the characters entire romance off of the characters libido.

Synopsis:

Jen Jones hides a horrible secret behind her new degree, toned body, and exciting job at Silicon Valley’s hottest startup—until a man linked to her past is killed in a hit-and-run.

CEO and founder Dave Jewell is about to land a huge deal. He doesn't need blood on his car, threatening phone calls, and Jen wrapped in broken code and blackmail.

A gang of thugs hunts Jen, and she takes refuge in Dave’s protective arms. Together, they must thwart a killer and rescue an innocent victim from their past. Love blossoms, but a damaging revelation points straight at Jen, threatening to tear them apart forever.

Review:

Rachelle Ayala wove a love story that wasn't a fairy tale mixed with enough suspense that I didn't want to put the book down! Broken Build radiated forgiveness, faith, and love & taught the readers how forgive as well. An amazing story of courage, uncertainty, love, and ultimately forgiveness.

Jen was a character that a lot of the readers could relate to. One who was haunted by past betrayals and mistakes. One who in the end would have given up everything for forgiveness. She is a character who will stay in the back of my mind for a long time.

The best way to describe Dave is haunted. He is haunted by the memory of his wife, the ache to find his missing child and haunted by a memory of the person he used to be.

Murders, mayhem, love and faith are really an amazing combination in this book. A powerful story that leaves the readers wanting more and more. 

Pick up a copy of this book today! You really don't want to miss out on it! While you are at it, head on over to Facebook and like Rachelle Ayala's page!

Enter below to win an e-book copy of Rachelle Ayala's Broken Build!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tantric Storm Book Review and Giveaway!

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Title: Tantric Storm

Series: 1 Night Stand

Author: Kali Willows

Genre: Paranormal, Interracial Romance, Erotic,

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Format: Ebook

Length: 63 pages

Buy Links: Decadent Publishing | Amazon |

Book Description:

Therapist Laura Wellington is eager to end her sexual dry spell. Her skill of helping couples achieve personal happiness is illusive in her own life. Through the services of 1NS, she jets off to a small island in Spain for a spectacular night of mind-blowing pleasure, but her match has a challenge that might make her goal unreachable.

Declan Tempest hasn’t had a climax in years. Not because he can’t, but because he won’t; his dire fear over the consequences of fulfillment deter him. Declan turns to the aid of Madame Eve to create a match that can allow him the satisfaction he desperately needs, despite the challenge he deems a dark curse.

Can the two of them find release while they battle a tantric storm?

Review:

This isn't the usual genre that I read but the book was enjoyable. I thought the author did a great job, but I still prefer longer books. It didn't take long to read so it would be good for busy ladies!

The characters were likable and well developed throughout the story. I enjoyed Laura's character, her patience and understanding make her a bit different then other leading ladies in books. It was different but good! I would recommend it to anyone!  

Excerpt:

“Wait a second. You’re saying you could tell things about me just by looking?”

“Yes, I can.” She crossed her arms and stared him down.

“Okay.” He faced her. “Give it your best shot.”

“Well, let’s see.” She considered his appearance. “You dressed in casual attire, so you wanted to appear relaxed and confident for our date, but you’re particular about your clothing. Silk, white, button down shirt, the first few buttons are open, and chino dress pants, so you aren’t uptight, but still somewhat conservative.”

Declan arched his brows. “Go on.”

“You shave your head, but from the looks of your five o’clock shadow, it’s more for convenience than esthetics. You have a solid build, but wear loose clothing. You don’t go out of your way to show your defined muscles, but you have an exceptionally competitive nature. I would say you’re a professional athlete. A full contact sport of some kind.”

“Wow.”

“You’re engaging and kind. The thin detailed line of facial hair framing your jaw suggests to me you like to have some mystery and can be a very private person, but you don’t hide. If people ask your opinion, you’re honest and open, sometimes more than you intend to be.”

“You’re good.”

“It’s a gift. What can I say?” She relaxed. Not everyone was as receptive to her “gift.”

“I’m speechless.”

“Do you want to try and figure me out?” What will he say?

“Sure I may not be as good at it as you are, but I’ll give it a try.”

“Ready.” Laura dropped her arms to her side and lifted her chin with a smile.

“Let’s see, you’re sweet, intelligent, and sexy as hell.”

She stifled a giggle. “Be serious.”

“I am.” Declan reached up and smoothed a stray tress from her cheek. She leaned into his touch.

“All right, more detail. You wore a soft, shell patterned dress, strapless, with a little glimpse of paradise, but not too much.” With a valiant gleam in his gaze, he traced his finger along her dipping neckline, causing a stir deep inside.

About the Author:

When Kali Willows isn't busy being the married mother of two, certified trainer or counselor extraordinaire, she is shadowing worlds of paranormal passion & intrigue.

Her goal in life? She has many, but her writing goal is creating emotional, compelling stories and characters you can't help but love, hate and cheer for.

A good cup of tea with the crackling fire gets her creative juices flowing in the wee hours of the night, when the house is quiet and she can type away to her heart's desire. Learn more at: www.kaliwillows.com

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Decadent Publishing

Sign up for Decadent Publishing’s Newsletter | Follow on Twitter | Like us on Facebook |

For more information about Decadent Publishing authors, books, and their submissions guidelines, visit www.decadentpublishing.com.

Decadent Publishing is current accepting submissions in all sub-genres of romance, including their ongoing series'.

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For The Love Of Big Orange Blog Tour

Title: For the Love of Big Orange

Series: A Bluegrass Country Novella #1

Author: Leta Gail Doerr

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Publisher: Self-Published

Format: Ebook

Length: 43000 words

Buy Links: Amazon | Kobo | B&N |

Book Description:

They say you can never go home. Well, Lacie Joe Jensen never wanted to.

Lacie Joe left small town Kentucky for the big city lights and never looked back. Until now. Her ailing foster-father needs her, his memory is failing. But townsfolk remember all too well the troubles Lacie Joe caused as a youth, and they're not afraid to remind her.

Lacie Joe has a few allies in town, for starters, ex-boyfriend turned police officer Jay Hayworth. Jay's kept the fire burning for Lacie during her long absence. He's one of the bright spots in Lacie's troublesome past, him and her truck, Big Orange. A suspicious accident forced Lacie Joe to leave town, Jay steps in to remind Lacie she no longer has the right to remain silent.

About the Author:

Leta Gail is a small town girl with big dreams, who shares her life with her husband, son, and little dog Kimmy. She enjoys exercise, (as if), planning family vacations, dreaming up places to go with her husband, reading, tinkering with computer software, and watching her son grow.

She is a Project Manager by day working in Information Technology, who moonlights as a writer. She has a monthly column, Blonde Bytes, in a women's magazine- Pastelle Magazine, where she writes about fun geeky stuff. 

She loves to write about great friendships and deep emotions. She finds the humor in everyday life and creates believable characters she hopes her readers will enjoy. She likes story lines like, life after divorce, strong-willed women making their mark on the workd, and finding love in unexpected places. She also enjoys writing tales that salute our nation's heroes.

She enjoys the super support of her husband and inquisitive son while she dreams big and ""shoots for the moon"", as her husband so aptly states.

If you enjoy Romance and Women's Fiction, contact Leta Gail via LetaGail@gmail.com

Website | Facebook | Facebook 2 | Website 2 |

Giveaway:

One random commenter will win an eBook copy of For the Love of Big Orange by Leta Gail Doerr!

To enter for your chance to win please leave a comment below. Must be 18 years or older to enter.  Ends May 13^th 2013

For more chances to win follow along with the tour here.

Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy

Werewolves Be Damned
Magic and Mayhem, Book One

Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Date of Publication: April 15, 2013

ISBN: 9781622661046

ASIN: B00CBFZVU6

Number of pages: 267

Amazon  BN  Kobo   iTunes

Book Description:

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

Excerpt

I’ve found you, fur ball.

Nexi peered from behind the large oak tree and spotted the small log cabin nestled in the thick forest. The porch light cast a warm glow into the night. Fog settled over the lush grass, and the night was dark, eerie.

Stepping away from her hiding place behind the tree, she strode forward and gripped the dagger tightly in her hand. Keeping the silver blade pointed outward, she climbed the cabin’s porch steps, taking each one slowly to avoid detection.

Once she arrived at the front door, she wrapped her hand around the door handle. Rich hunger for revenge burned in her veins and made her intent on one thing: to slaughter the werewolf who escaped the night of her parents’ murder. Not caring what awaited her, she stormed inside, dagger pointed, ready to kill.

The simple cabin had two large brown couches near a wood-burning stove, a kitchenette behind the living room, and a quilt-covered bed resting in the back. And that was it; there were no other rooms to investigate. No secret hiding places she could see.

No damned werewolf.

She cursed, shut the front door behind her, then trotted down the steps to return to her hiding spot. On her way across the yard, she glanced at the space to the right of the tree, which looked much like a heat wave, indicating that the portal to the Otherworld remained.

In some places around the world—or the Earthworld, as supernaturals had called it—there were permanent portals to the supernatural realm. This portal had only appeared because Nexi had travelled to this cabin from the Otherworld. Once she passed through the portal again, the gateway would vanish.

Magic had its perks. Quick travel was one of them.

Nexi shook her head at how normal all this magical stuff seemed now. Just over a month ago she’d never believed in anything that went bump in the night. Now she knew all those things existed, and in fact, she was one of them.

To her horror, she had learned that her birth mother, Tillie, had been murdered by a power-hungry vampire, Lazarus.  All those years ago, her birth father, Drake, had protectively decided to block Nexi’s supernatural abilities. He had planned for her to live and die as a mortal. Now with her return to the Otherworld and the removal of the block on her true identity, there was no going back.

She was no longer plain, human, Nexi Jones.

She was Nexi Jones, part guardian, part witch.

Looking away from the portal and to her hiding spot until the werewolf returned, she hurried her steps. She wasn’t ready to return to the Otherworld yet. Not until she had the werewolf’s head as her wall ornament would she dare go home.

Just as she neared the tree, a woodsy scent that had nothing to do with the forest mixed with the citrusy aroma of aftershave. A blink of an eye later, the dagger she held was now at her throat, a hard body closed in on her back.

“You smelled lovely when you arrived.” The low voice by her ear held a faint English accent. “But I never imagined you’d be so pretty.”

The blade pressed into her skin, not drawing blood, but implying that if the werewolf chose, she’d be destined for the grave. “I’m…”

“Going to explain yourself.” He lowered the dagger, took hold of her arm, and jerked her forward.

In a few short strides, the werewolf tossed her through the threshold of the cabin, and slammed the door behind them. He sauntered to the couch, sat down, and regarded her. “Now then, darlin’.” His olive skin was stunningly flawless, and his chocolate-colored hair was spiked tall. “Why would a pretty lass like yourself plan to attack me?”

“Don’t move.” That charm wouldn’t fool her. “Stay right where you are.”

“My mouth is the only thing moving.” His slanted amber eyes raked over her. “Would you like me to stop talking?”

“No.” She hesitated then added, “Only your mouth can move. Nothing else. Tell me what you know.”
He gave her a long look. “I’d be glad to tell you anything you’d like, love.”

His kind face and soft voice wouldn’t trick her. He was a werewolf. She was certain, which was another oddity.

After the block on her supernatural abilities had been lifted, she could identify a supernatural creature as if knowing the difference between a brunette and a redhead. “Tell me why you killed my family.”

“That’s an interesting accusation.” He cocked his head, studying her with a frown. “But I think the more important question is who are you?”

She lifted her chin. “The lass who’s going to cut off your furry wolf balls.”

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Website - http://www.staceykennedy.com/

Blog - http://www.staceykennedy.com/blog

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy

Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

Amazon Author Page –

http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Kennedy/e/B004G9KR9A/

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In The Garden Thursdays: Sun Gardens

In The Garden Thursdays

Mandevilla- Blushing Bride

It is time to relish the thought of full blown sun gardens. Plants that will not only survive, but thrive, in intense sun and heat. We all have our favorites. I know my full sun garden has irises, cone flowers, peonies, rose bushes, creeping phlox, hyssop, daylilies, foxglove, sedum, hostas, vinca vine, oriental lilies, Japanese blood grass, lilac, and tickseed. Which, in all fairness, are some pretty common plants that I found at Home Depot and Lowe's. With the exception of the 'Before The Storm' Iris that I picked up at a local garden center for a steal on the clearance rack.

But I wanted to give everyone some really good ideas on plants that will thrive in full sun. Each zone is a bit different, my zone 6 maybe part shade in zone 8, but I am going to try to give some good ideas that everyone will have to double check their own zone.

Tropical Hibiscus- Swamp Music

Tropical Hibiscus- I keep mine in pots and move them indoors for winter. My all time favorite flower.
Mandevilla- I bought my first one this past summer and it was exquisite. I loved everything about it. It was a bright white with yellow throat and quickly became one of my favorites.

Tropical Hibiscus

Passion Flower- If you have ever owned one of these you would understand. It has the sweetest smell and the flower is stunning. 

Oleander- The best way to describe the scent of this flower is a mix between baby powder and cotton candy. I have two HUGE bushes that come in during the winter.
Yarrow- In my experience this has been one of the more difficult plants to care for in my garden. It never takes, and I replace it every year. I love the red ones.
Sage- The foliage is the best part of this plant.
Red Hot Pokers- These are the best tropical looking perennials that I have come across for my zone. They put out a spectacular display of flowers every year!
Prickly Pear Cactus- Yes, they have some varieties that are perennial in Ohio. Who doesn't love having to take care of cactus? 

Passion Flower

Parrot's Beak

Yes, I know...

I missed this Thursdays in the garden post.... but I had a really good reason for once! My sister in law and brother had their baby that night. Yes, I am an Aunt again for the umpteenth time ;) Extremely excited, so of course I have to brag about how adorable he is! His due date was my birthday but he came a week early :( But at least we have him to hold and love on! Introducing Baby D :D