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Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Wine & Rumours

For years I’ve meant to stop in this little wine and art bar not far from my office. Today I visited the website for Rumours Wine & Art Bar and found that they happen to have a wine tasting every other Wednesday night. Now wouldn’t you just know that tonight happened to be one of those tastings! J So of course I took that as a sign that I had to go…

The wine tasting was from 5-8 and I arrived about 5:30pm. Tonight they had a selection of four of their favorite winter red wines. Red just happens to be my favorite for wine.

I was greeted by no less than three of their employees almost immediately upon entering the building. I was also welcomed by the wine distributor who was there to serve the wine and talk about the different vintages in detail.

I have to say, I loved the atmosphere and the welcome. Everyone was so friendly and warm, both employees and customers. It’s the kind of place where no one really feels like a complete stranger. The building is tiny from the outside, but inside it simply feels intimate. Very nice.

For such a small place, they boast a very nice, extensive wine selection. I’m definitely going to have to go back with a friend soon so I can try some of the interesting selections that are only offered by the bottle. I love wine, but drinking a whole bottle by myself isn’t really an option… They have a lot of wines by the glass, though, so a customer like me isn’t out of luck. And of course if you go on the evening of a wine tasting, even better. The tastings run approximately $20 and you get about a third of a glass of four different wines to taste. Once you’ve completed the fleet of wines offered in the tasting, you get a full glass of your favorite from the offerings.

I met some really nice people there, both customer and employees and can’t wait to go back soon! Even if it weren’t for the company, I would go back just for the food and the wine. They have a small but interesting menu, and have daily specials. Although the regular menu had several intriguing items, I opted for the pork dish on the specials menu today. It was tender, with just the right hint of spice, and was served atop a square of potato gratin (thinly sliced potatoes baked with parmesan cheese, I think), asparagus, and a green salad made with mesclun mix – my favorite salad green. The foog tasted amazing.

The service was fabulous and attentive long after the warm welcome and I could have stayed all night, except I had to drive home and I have an early morning staff meeting at work tomorrow. Dangit. I will definitely be back for another wine tasting at Rumours Wine & Art Bar soon, though!

Rumours Wine & Art Bar has two locations in the Nashville area – the one I visited on 12th Avenue this evening and another in East Nashville on Woodland Street. Check their website for hours of operation and complete addresses. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter! Website: http://www.rumourswinebar.com/

Sunday, November 02, 2008

My September & October 2008 book reviews

I'm a little late again, but here are links to my book reviews for September and October 2008. I hope you all enjoy some of these books too!

September 2008

October 2008

Monday, September 01, 2008

My book reviews - June, July, & August 2008

Wow. It’s been pretty hectic lately, what with launching Wild on Books, work, and personal life. I just realized I haven’t posted my review links here in a while. So, in the interest of catching up and putting them all in one place, here are my reviews for June, July and August.

I said I was behind, didn’t I? LOL

June 2008

Hide and Seek by Alyssa Brooks
Beyond the Dark by Angela Knight, Emma Holly, Lora Leigh, and Diane Whiteside
Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Haley's Cabin by Anne Rainey
Look What Santa Brought by Annmarie McKenna
Surprise by Arianna Hart
Take Your Medicine by Arianna Hart
Hara's Legacy: Resonance Mates, Book 1 by Bianca D'Arc
Davin's Quest: Resonance Mates, Book 2 by Bianca D'Arc
Wolverton Blood by Brenda Williamson
The Lord of Merewood Keep: Medieval Trilogy, Book 1 by C.H. Admirand
The Saxon Bride: Medieval Trilogy, Book 2 by C.H. Admirand
A Scot's Honor: Medieval Trilogy, Book 3 by C.H. Admirand
At the Edge: The Aislings, Book 1 by Cait London
Wicked Hot by Charlene Teglia
The Midnight Man by Charlotte Mede
Rescue Me by Cherry Adair, Cindy Gerard, Lora Leigh
The Courtesan's Daughter by Claudia Dain
A Red Hot New Year by Cynthia Eden, Diana Mercury, Virginia Reede, Denise Rossetti
The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley
Lyon: Lords of Satyr, Book 3 by Elizabeth Amber
The Gambler: Wicked West, Book 1 by Eryn Blackwell
Ceremony of Three by Evangeline Anderson
Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy by HelenKay Dimon
Bound To Please by Hope Tarr
Show Me by Jaci Burton
Play with Me by Janice Maynard
Unfinished Business by Jon Hargrove
Home for Christmas by Kate Davies
Pleasure Unbound: Demonica, Book 1 by Larissa Ione
Piazza: Italy's Heart and Soul by Joe Bauwens & MaryBeth Flower
Lynda’s Lace: City Heat, Book 1 by Lacey Alexander
Carter’s Cuffs: City Heat, Book 2 by Lacey Alexander
Return of the Beast: Knights of White by Lisa Renee Jones
Wild Hunt: Unbound, Book 3 by Lori Devoti
Destiny's Touch by Mackenzie McKade
Lisa's Gift by Mackenzie McKade
Second Chance Christmas by Mackenzie McKade
Teaching Elena by Maggie Casper
Let Me Love You by Mary Wine
His Forgotten Forever by Michele Hauf
Blush by Opal Carew
Shadows Across the Moon by S.F. English
Wicked by Sasha White
Bound & Determined by Shelley Bradley
Strip Search by Shelley Bradley
Watch Me by Shelley Bradley
Miracle at Midnight by Stacia Wolf
Star Struck by Susan Greene
Risqué Business by Tawny Weber
Swept Away by Toni Blake
Glorious Companion by Verna Hargrove
Mesopotamian Maiden by Verna Hargrove

July 2008

Lords of the Were by Bianca D'Arc
Sword of Rhoswen by Brenda Williamson
Patience by C.H. Admirand
Somebody's Lover by Jasmine Haynes
The Last Prophecy by Jennie Andrus
Voyeur by Lacey Alexander
The Price of Desire by Leda Swann
The Duke's Proposal by Leslie LaFoy
Primal Instincts by Lisa Renee Jones, Cathryn Fox
The Darkest Touch: Demon Hunters, Book 3 by Jaci Burton
Riding Temptation: Wild Riders, Book 2 by Jaci Burton
Nightwalker: Dark Days, Book 1 by Jocelynn Drake
Red by Jordan Summers
Nauti Dreams: Nauti Boys, Book 3 by Lora Leigh
Lost But Not Forgotten by Mackenzie McKade
Six Feet Under by Mackenzie McKade
A Warrior's Taking: The Sorcerer, Book 1 by Margo Maguire
Secrets and Shadows by Meg Allison
Demon Angel: The Guardians, Book 2 by Meljean Brook
Demon Moon: The Guardians, Book 4 by Meljean Brook
Consumed by Moira McTark
Mine to Possess: Psy-Changelings, Book 4 by Nalini Singh
Dipped in Chocolate by Renee Luke
Lucinda, Darkly: The Demon Princess Chronicles , Book 1 by Sunny
Hot Couture by Tilly Greene

August 2008

The Dragon Master: Dragon Series, Book 3 by Allyson James
A Diamond At Midnight: Bloodlines, Book 1 by Anne Rainey
Millions to Spare by Barbara Dunlop
Jaci's Experiment: Resonance Mates, Book 3 by Bianca D'Arc
This Year's Model by Carol Alt
Zack: Armed and Dangerous, Book 1 by Cheyenne McCray
Secrets Volume 25 by Cynthia Eden, Anne Rainey, Sedonia Guillone, Natasha Moore
A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill
One Knight Only by Julia Latham
Secrets of the Knight by Julia Latham
Immortal Warrior by Lisa Hendrix
Wild Card: Elite Ops, Book 1 by Lora Leigh
Surrender To Me by Sophie Jordan

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

When Bad Things Happen at Good Restaurants

Mimi's CafeTonight I dined for the first time at a restaurant called Mimi’s Café. It took them almost an hour to serve my dinner after I placed my order.

But it was still one of the best dining experiences I’ve enjoyed recently.

Why is that, you wonder? Simple – they may have had a problem that caused the kitchen to back up tonight, but they never forgot their customers. Throughout the entire experience, my server (Sean) was both communicative and attentive, ensuring that I knew what was happening and asking if I needed anything else while I waited. He never let me feel as if I had simply been forgotten or worse, was unwelcome. The entire time, I felt as if my business were important to them.

And that goes quite a long way, as far as I am concerned.

At no time did I believe that they were not honestly trying to get my dinner to me. They were simply backed up. With an excellent view of the kitchen line, I could see that the manager was on top of the orders and that the kitchen was bustling just as hard as the wait staff was.

Did I mention that about the wait staff? Yeah, they were definitely bustling. Almost immediately after I was seated, a server arrived to take my beverage order, which she brought right away. A few minutes later, my server arrived. I had no idea that the first server was not for me. She simply saw a guest that needed a drink and she got it. There was no, ‘but that’s not my table’ attitude here. As I watched the staff, I saw they operated that way the entire time – as a team. They were all about doing whatever it takes to make the customer’s dinner a pleasant one.

So back to my problem. When my dinner finally arrived, it was right after Sean had stopped by to let me know it would be out in less than two minutes and that a manager was going to bring it personally. That manager, Jason, arrived almost on Sean’s heels, and was just as solicitous and apologetic as Sean was.

Did I mention that at no time did I actually get mad or express any frustration or upset? Nope, they were apologetic simply because THEY knew that they were late with my meal. To be perfectly frank, with the bread basket, the soda refills and a good book to read, I really didn’t begin to notice how long it was taking until Sean brought it to my attention first. If he hadn’t, I might have become a bit irate when I realized it on my own. Instead, he headed off the potential for my upset before it happened simply by telling me what was going on.

Blackened Chicken & Bleu Cheese QuesadillaWhen Jason delivered my Blackened Chicken & Bleu Cheese Quesadillas, he insisted that they would be taking care of my meal this evening. I explained that wasn’t necessary as I understood things happen, and really appreciated the way they had handled the situation, especially commending Sean. Jason wouldn’t take no for an answer, though, and comped my meal anyway. He also explained that they had been short two cooks this evening, and just never could seem to catch up with the orders. I know that they gave it a good effort, because Jason rarely left the order wheel during my entire visit, directing the kitchen staff, calling for food runners as soon as an order was up, and assisting with preparing the orders with extras like dressing on the side, etc.

Sean stopped by soon after I began eating to see if everything was alright (the food was delicious), and mentioned that he would be packaging a box of their muffins for me to take home. He said they give all first-time customers a box of four muffins (Honey oat bran, buttermilk spice, carrot raisin nut, and low fat blueberry) to take with them, and he was going to include a fifth – their current seasonal specialty muffin in a lemon and cream cheese flavor. Mimi's Bread Pudding

As I said, my meal was delicious – from the bread basket to the quesadillas themselves. Sadly, I did not have room for the dessert I had my eye on, Mimi’s Bread Pudding, but I will most definitely be returning soon to try it!

When I was nearly finished with my meal, Tonda, who I believe was another manager, stopped by to deliver the promised muffins and another apology. She was just as warm and sincere as Jason and Sean had been, and again I was impressed by how important they seem to consider each and every one of their customers.

As I left the restaurant, even the hostess and other employees up front wished me a good evening and extended yet another apology for the long delay on my meal.

I truly felt welcome and my patronage valued. Mimi’s Café is a 30 minute drive from my home and workplace, but it will likely become a new regular spot for me. I cannot say enough good things about them. Honey oat bran, buttermilk spice, carrot raisin nut, low fat blueberry or seasonal muffin
How are the muffins, you ask? Well, I am still far too full from my dinner to try one tonight, but they look absolutely scrumptious, and I know just what I will be having for breakfast tomorrow!

Oh, and Sean? The dinner may have been comped, but he more than earned a gratuity. I tipped him $10, which was all the cash I had in my purse. I had planned to pay with debit card, but I don’t think they can run a debit card for just a tip… LOL I hope the tip showed Sean just how much I appreciated his hard work and consideration this evening.

Despite their problems tonight, I mean it when I say I had a very good dining experience. Mistakes happen to everyone, and I can most certainly understand the effect of a busy kitchen being down two workers during the dinner rush. Success in the service industry is not about never making a mistake – it is about how you handle those mistakes when they do happen. It is about treating your customers with respect and consideration. It is about working as a team to ensure that your customers receive value for their hard-earned dollars.

Café Mimi’s not only seems to understand all of this very well, they practice it. Bravo to Sean, Jason, Tonda and the rest of the staff at their location in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on displaying this mindset in everything they did tonight.


Jennifer A. Ray
www.jenaray.com
www.wildonbooks.com

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Plagiarism incident update - EDson Financial Group

Monday morning I faxed my VeRO forms to eBay regarding the three reviews of mine that EDson Financial Group plagiarized. Monday night I received an email from eBay asking for more detail concerning the issue. I replied this morning with links to where I’d posted my reviews at Amazon and where EDson posted their stolen copies of them at eBay.

So far, I’ve heard nothing more from eBay and the reviews are still up at eBay.

In my reply with the additional detail, I urged eBay to examine all of this member’s activity, as the issue extends far beyond my three reviews, and has a current count of 223 reviews, all of which appear to be plagiarized.

Meanwhile, more and more bloggers are spreading the word regarding this issue:

Dear Author
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Kathleen’s Book Reviews
Ramblings on Romance, etc.
Cheryl’s Book Nook
A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy
School Library Journal
Lurv à la Mode
Popin's Lair
Jem’s Thoughts

My blogs – Although each blog post is identical, they may have different comments. I’m posting links to each so it is easy for interested readers to find them and read others’ comments on the issue.

Wild on Books
Jennifer A. Ray (Wordpress blog)
Jennifer A. Ray (Blogger blog)
MySpace blog – Jennifer Ray
MySpace blog – Wild on Books

I’ll update this list as I learn of more blogs on this subject.

Take care, everyone!

Jennifer A. Ray
www.jenaray.com
www.wildonbooks.com
www.messageboard.wildonbooks.com

Sunday, July 06, 2008

My June Reviews, Interviews, and More!

June was a pretty hectic month… I spiffed up a few of the Wild on Books graphics, did interviews with Eden Bradley and Madison Layle, launched the new Wild on Books message board, and we had some great guest bloggers!

Oh yeah, and I guest blogged with Romance Vagabonds, and was Fan of the Week at Toni Blake’s new chat group!

With all of that going on, I didn’t do quite as many reviews this month, but I had some great reads amongst those I did!

My June 2008 Reviews:

Wicked Hot by Charlene Teglia

The Midnight Man by Charlotte Mede

Rescue Me by Cherry Adair, Cindy Gerard, Lora Leigh

Lyon: Lords of Satyr, Book 3 by Elizabeth Amber

Bound To Please by Hope Tarr

Pleasure Unbound: Demonica, Book 1 by Larissa Ione

Piazza: Italy's Heart and Soul by Joe Bauwens & MaryBeth Flower

Return of the Beast: Knights of White by Lisa Renee Jones

Wild Hunt: Unbound, Book 3 by Lori Devoti

His Forgotten Forever by Michele Hauf

Blush by Opal Carew

Risque Business by Tawny Weber

Mesopotamian Maiden by Verna Hargrove

Have a great week, everyone!

Jennifer A. Ray
www.jenaray.com
www.wildonbooks.com
www.messageboard.wildonbooks.com

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Reviewers being PLAGIARIZED

If you are a reviewer who prefers not to be plagiarized, you might want to check the link below. ‘Edson.financial.group’ has over 200 of other reviewers’ work that they have posted and claimed as their own on eBay.

http://search.reviews.ebay.com/members/edson.financial.group

I personally found three of my own reviews being stolen by this person. I’ve already contacted eBay concerning this. Of course, the more people who report their hard work being stolen, the better chance that eBay will put a stop to it.I used the Contact Us link under the Help menu in the top right corner of the eBay screen.

http://ebay-us.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ebay_us.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

For examples of the blatant plagiaries of my three reviews, I've posted links below.

Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke:


Shifter by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Alyssa Day

Witch Blood by Anya Bast

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I'm guest blogging at Romance Vagabonds!

I was very honored to be invited to guest blog by the Romance Vagabonds!

Head over to their blog and chime in with your comments or questions...

Jennifer A. Ray
www.jenaray.com
www.wildonbooks.com
www.messageboard.wildonbooks.com

Sunday, June 01, 2008

New reviews at Wild on Books!

I read a lot of great books this month! I'm so excited about my new review site, Wild on Books, and am having a great time with it.

I've got some interviews lined up with some wonderful authors in the coming month, so be watching for those. I post announcements concerning new reviews and interviews on the Wild on Books blogs as soon as they happen, so you can subscribe to the RSS Feeds there for quick notification when we have something new.

Meanwhile, enjoy the reviews below!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com
http://www.wildonbooks.com

My April 2008 Reviews:

Fallen: Seven Deadly Sins, Book 2 by Erin McCarthy

Something Reckless by Jess Michaels

Beast of Darkness: The Knights of White, Book 3 by Lisa Renee Jones


My May 2008 Reviews:

Tasting Candy by Anne Rainey

Paradise Island by Beverly Rae

FireDrake: Dragon Knights, Book 6 by Bianca D'Arc

Perfect by Bianca D'Arc

Pearl's Redemption: Irish Western Series, Book 3 by C.H. Admirand

Fallen by Claire Delacroix

Point of Combustion by Dawn Ryder

Kiss of Fury: Dragonfire, Book 2 by Deborah Cooke

Hot Nights, Dark Desires by Eden Bradley, Stephanie Tyler, Sydney Croft

My French Whore by Gene Wilder

Hard as Nails by HelenKay Dimon

Lover Enshrined: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6 by J.R. Ward

Show and Tell by Jasmine Haynes

Trial By Fire: The Firefighters of Station Five, Book 1 by Jo Davis

The Cougar Meets Her Master: The Cougar Club, Book by KyAnn Waters

Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander

Wicked Pleasure: Bound Hearts , Book 9 by Lora Leigh

Pursuing Penelope: Incognito, Book 9 by Madison Layle & Anna Leigh Keaton

Reckless by Maya Banks

Still Mine by Mary Wine

A Cruise To Remember by Michelle Hasker

Tigerheart by Peter David

Dangerous Boys and Their Toy by Shayla Black

The Anniversary Party by Sommer Marsden

Ask For It: The Georgian Series, Book 1 by Sylvia Day

Soul by Tobsha Learner

Sleeping With the Devil by Vanessa Marlow

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Oh, I love that swirl...

Nope, I'm not talking about Jerry Seinfeld's signature move from his hit series! LOL

I went to Arby's today and got a Berry Delight Swirl Shake. I'm a sucker for anything fruity, so I couldn't resist when I read the description of this frozen treat.

From Arbys.com: "Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, oh my! This refreshing fruit shake is made with all those delightful flavors swirled together and chilled to perfection."

The flavor absolutely bursts with berry goodness, no joke... It was bright, refreshing, and tasty enough that I'll go back again just for that shake even though my Chicken Cordon Bleu was overly salty and my potato cakes were inedible. The Berry Delight Swirl Shake, however, is a keeper. Too bad it is only offered for a limited time.

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com
http://www.wildonbooks.com

Friday, May 16, 2008

This just made my day!

OMG, I am so tickled about this I am just giggling! Bianca D'Arc blogged today about the dedication in her newest book in the DRAGON KNIGHTS series, FIREDRAKE. I'm tickled because she was really, really sweet and put lil' ol' me in the dedication!

But I'll let her tell you all about it... Check out her blog today: FireDrake - the Dedication.

Excuse excitement, but I have to admit I feel like that little girl on the old Shake N Bake commercials who exclaims, "And I helped!" in the cutest little southern accent!

Thanks, Bianca!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/
http://www.wildonbooks.com/

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

New reviews: Izze Sparkling Juice, Jackie Greene, & Bikini At Home Groomer

I've posted several new reviews for Amazon Vine! Last month, I found a great new musical artist to enjoy, was refreshed by a sparkling fruit juice, and tried my hand at cordless bikini grooming...



Giving Up the Ghost by Jackie Greene












Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe HP6378 Spa-At-Home Grooming System




My previous Vine reviews:

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/
http://www.wildonbooks.com/

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Wild on Books first brand new review!

Wild on Books has posted our very first review written just for us! I had the honor of reading Lisa Renee Jones' upcoming release in her KNIGHTS OF WHITE series, BEAST OF DARKNESS, and I can tell you this one is just as good as the previous two books in the series!

This is the review link for Beast of Darkness: The Knights of White, Book 3 by Lisa Renee Jones.

I've also reposted the reviews I wrote for the preceding books in the series, for those of you who are late to the series but interested in knowing more... The books can be read out of order, but they will be best enjoyed if you read them sequentially.

The Beast Within: The Knights of White, Book 1 by Lisa Renee Jones
Beast of Desire: The Knights of White, Book 2 by Lisa Renee Jones

I hope you all enjoy these books as much as I did! Have a wonderful weekend!

Jennifer A. Ray
http://www.wildonbooks.com
http://www.jenaray.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Lots of fantastic books this month! Reviews & Contest

I read some great books this month, once again. I had a couple that I was a little disappointed with, but even those had a good plot and interesting characters so I can't
complain...

CK2S Kwips & Kritiques has posted the new reviews for April 2008. You'll find links to my reviews below, but be sure to check out the rest of the team's reviews while you are there. We all had some great books to read this time around...


AND check out the contest at CK2S Kwips & Kritiques! Kwips has extended the contest another month, so you still have a chance to win! Look for a link on the front page of the website for details on how to enter.

This last month has been hectic, and I haven't had much time to blog, but I am hoping to have a little more free time this coming month, so check back with me soon...

Y'all have a wonderful night!

Jennifer A. Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/
http://www.blog.jenaray.com



April 2008 Reviews:


Irish Western Series, Book 3: Pearl's Redemption by C.H. Admirand

Night Rhythm by Charlene Teglia

Tales of the Demon World, Book 3: Demon's Fire by Emma Holly

The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Something Reckless by Jess Michaels

Making Over Mr. Right by Judi McCoy

Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander

Eternal Love by Maggie Shayne

Immortal Desire by Maggie Shayne

Tort & Retort by Maura Anderson

Stay With Me by Maya Banks

Blood Runners, Book 3: Last Wolf Watching by Rhyannon Byrd

A Perfect Match by Shelley Bradley

You Send Me by Toni Blake

Monday, April 07, 2008

New Amazon Vine Reviews - Movies, Cosmetics, and a CD!

Hi All!

I have a few new reviews I've posted for Amazon Vine recently. I enjoyed a couple of movies, tried some blush I didn't much care for, listened to a good singer in a mediocre album, and found that I prefer my Neutrogena Rejuvenator to the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser.

With no further adieu...

P2 (Widescreen Edition)



Tripping the Rift: The Movie



Mockingbird by Allison Moorer



Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser, Pink



Almay Smart Shade Blush, Pink 010, 0.5-Ounces



I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Jennifer A. Ray
http://www.jenaray.com
http://blog.jenaray.com

Monday, March 17, 2008

March Reviews live & Contest at CK2S Kwips & Kritiques!!

CK2S Kwips & Kritiques has posted the March reviews! I've posted links to mine below, but you can read everyone's by visiting the Reviews page at the Kwips site. Don't forget to check out our awesome anniversary contest while you are there!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/



March 2008 Reviews:

Touching Lace by Anne Rainey

Bridget's Rainbow by C.H. Admirand

The Perfect Ten by Janice Maynard

Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey

Love at Stake, Book 4: The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks

Girl-Bachelor Chronicles: The Wicked Ways of a Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke

Del Fantasma: Texas Tea by Maura Anderson

Blood Runners, Book 1: Last Wolf Standing by Rhyannon Byrd

Blood Runners, Book 2: Last Wolf Hunting by Rhyannon Byrd

One Night with You by Sophie Jordan

Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Beast of Desire & The Knights of White by Lisa Renee Jones

One of my favorite authors has a new release today. The Knights of White, Book 2: Beast of Desire by Lisa Renee Jones sees its 'official' release date today, March 1, although you may have already seen it in the stores for the last week or so.

This book marks the second entry in what is becoming a gripping paranormal romance series. The first book, The Knights of White, Book 1: The Beast Within, kicked things off with a delicious bang, but the second story proves that this series has stamina. Not only do we enjoy a compelling and sexy hero paired with a beautiful and courageous heroine, but we are teased with just enough information about the supporting characters to leave us yearning for their stories. Jones manages this while never allowing the secondary characters to overshadow the hero and heroine of her story, Des and Jessica.

Lisa has contracts already for the first 7 stories, and has an 8th book planned, if it is contracted. Judging by the first two books, I'm betting she'll have no problem selling the 8th book to Silhouette Nocturne!

  1. The Beast Within (released November 1, 2007) - My Review
  2. Beast of Desire (released March 1, 2008) - My Review
  3. Return of the Beast - Nocturne Bite (releasing June 2008)
  4. Beast of Darkness (releasing July 1, 2008)
  5. Captive by the Beast (releasing in 2009) - Rinehart's story
  6. Book 5 untitled but probably Kresley and Lucan -- 2009
  7. Primal Beast Book 6 - Eva's story
  8. Book 7 if contracted will be Rock's story

The Knights of White website has more information about both the series and the books.

Lisa Renee Jones' main website has information about all of her books, including The Knights of White series. I'd recommend anything by this talented author.

FYI, the Silhouette Nocturne books have a short print run, but you can usually find them sold online in digital format at stores like Fictionwise.com. Fictionwise currently has both The Beast Within and Beast of Desire for sale! This way, if you enter the series late, you can easily catch up on the first stories in the series.

Last, but not least, you have to love the hot covers! I can't wait to see the rest... And read the upcoming books, of course!


Have a terrific weekend! Read something fantastic...

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/

Monday, February 25, 2008

Contest for a copy of Dawn's Awakening by Lora Leigh!

I’ve found myself with duplicate copies of several books once again… So of course I am giving the extras away!

I’m kicking things off with a contest for my extra copy of Lora Leigh’s 4th book in The Breeds saga, Dawn’s Awakening. This book is in my top three favorite Breeds stories yet. It would be hard for me to choose between Elizabeth’s Wolf, Tanner’s Scheme, and Dawn’s Awakening.

Details of how to enter are on the contest page of my website. All you have to do is answer three little ol’ questions, the answers to which are easily found on my website. Email those answers to the specified email address, and you are entered!

And now, about the prize itself…


Read my review of Dawn’s Awakening here.

From Lora Leigh's site:
Dawn's Awakening
Publisher: Berkley

The runt of the lab she was created in, Dawn Daniels endured years of torture by her pride brother and the council soldiers. Finally freed from her torment, she’s now a Breed Enforcer, in control of her own life. Until she’s assigned to protect the one man destined to be her mate—and realizes it’s
far too easy to lose total control…

One of the Breed’s most important supporters, Seth Lawrence has spent years trying to forget Dawn, knowing that her lost innocence has made it impossible for her to get close to anyone. But suddenly neither of them can find the strength to fight the overwhelming passion between them. At least until the most brutal tormenter from Dawn’s past reappears—and threatens to destroy their newfound love, along with their lives…

Good luck to everyone!!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/

Monday, February 18, 2008

February Reviews Live!!!

The review gods are certainly smiling upon me again this month... It is books like these that make writing reviews not only easy, but a joy!!!

I hope you enjoy both the reviews and the books. The list below is just my reviews for CK2S Kwips & Kritiques in February, but don't forget to browse the rest of the Kwips team's wonderful reviews while you are there!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/



My February 2008 Reviews:


Dragon Series, Book 1: Dragon Heat by Allyson James

Dragon Series, Book 2: The Black Dragon by Allyson James

Resonance Mates, Book 2: Davin's Quest by Bianca D'Arc

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Charlene Teglia

Dragonfire, Book 1: Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke

Right Here, Right Now by HelenKay Dimon

One Knight Only by Julia Latham

Brotherhood of the Sword, Book 3: The Warrior by Kinley MacGregor

Destiny's Touch by Mackenzie McKade

Falcon Mercenary Group, Book 1: Into the Mist by Maya Banks

Sweet Surrender by Maya Banks

Wicked by Sasha White

The Georgian Series, Book 4: Don't Tempt Me by Sylvia Day

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Reviews: Harmony One Remote & Revlon 3D Extreme Mascara

I received two new products in January to review for Amazon Vine. I liked both a lot, although each had some room for improvement. Still, if I had purchased these myself, I wouldn't feel as if my money were wasted, so that is good. In fact, I would buy both of these myself.

The first item is the Logitech Harmony One Remote control. I have a previous model, the Logitech Harmony 880 Remote, and loved it, so I fully expected to enjoy the Harmony One. I was not disappointed. Read the review to see how I liked the Harmony One.




I've used Loreal's Lash Out mascara for years, but am always eager to try a new mascara if it means longer, thicker lashes. I had some disappointment with the tube for this one, but liked the formula and the brush enough that I will purchase this when I need more mascara. Read my review to see what I thought of Revlon's 3D Extreme Mascara.











And, as always, here are links to my all of reviews for Amazon Vine:

Have a wonderful night!

Jennifer Ray
http://www.jenaray.com/