Author: lizellyn

Lorelei James – “Raising Kane”

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This is the Rough Riders book 9, but it takes place between book 7 (Shoulda Been a Cowboy) and book 8 (All Jacked Up).

Is the fact that Kane was a complete man-slut in his past a bad thing?  Not for the lucky recipient of all of his experience.  Ginger is the fortunate winner of Kane’s affection.  Damn lucky!

In Raising Kane, Kane has reformed his wild ways.  He’s a responsible contributor to the family farm, caring uncle, and great mentor in the Little Buddies community program.

He might have refined his behaviors, but don’t get me wrong – he’s all dominant hot cowboy!  Much of the story takes place during the winter blizzard months, but this book sizzles!  Ginger and Kane’s lunch date nooners, make me think I definitely need to change my diet.

See my other posts about this series:

Lorelei James – “Tied Up, Tied Down”

Lorelei James – “All Jacked Up”

Lorelei James – “Branded as Trouble”

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Tiffany Reisz – “The King”

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This is the 6th book in the Original Sinners Series and the 2nd book in the White Years quartet.

Kingsley is now my favorite Original Sinner.  I love the contrary aspects of his character.  To the general public, he is incredibly self-indulgent, but yet he isn’t selfish.  He goes to great lengths to provide for and assist those that he cares about.  He is well-educated, but acknowledges his ignorance in comparison to Soren.  He is physically strong, but yet he is still vulnerable.  He is unrepentant but respects certain aspects of the church.  He is protective, but can viscously attack when provoked.  Finally, I like how Kingsley draws decisive lines between right and wrong.

My absolute favorite (non-spoiler) part of the book was when Kingsley is speaking with Reverend Fuller’s assistant, Chastity.  Kingsley’s use of double entendre is hysterically amusing (and of course fitting for the 1/2 Frenchman).

Check out http://www.tiffanyreisz.com for more stories related to the cast of the Original Sinners Series.

The next in the series is “The Virgin” to be released on March 31, 2015.

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Macaroon (not French Macaroon)

lizellyn more sweets, Sweets ,

macaroon

I just baked macaroons.  No, they are not the French kind, which are a meringue-based cookie with almond flour (sometimes spelled Macaron).

The above is the typical kind of macaroon and is made of coconut, egg, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla.  I usually make them during Easter in multiple pastel colors.  For Passover, I will make both vanilla and chocolate.  (I believe in equal opportunity celebrating and eating)  These are a lot easier to make than French macaroons.

I don’t believe either Macaroons or French macaroons are a substitute for one another.  While the name might be confusing, the tastes are distinct.  Both are delicious!

Laurelin Paige – “Hudson”

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The Fixed Trilogy  (plus 1)

“Hudson” – Hudson’s perspective before, during, and after the trilogy.

Hudson is a sexy complicated man with a huge capacity to love and to harm.  As a reader of the series, you known how true this is.

I was a huge fan of Alayna and Hudson since the beginning of the series.  After, being rewarded with the HEA, I was a little reluctant to read “Hudson” and delve more into his darkness.  In the end, if you love the character Alayna, who in turn loves and forgives Hudson, then you should read “Hudson.”  It makes the HEA richer and more fulfilling.

Reading this book was rewarding.  It made me think about forgiveness – forgiving oneself and forgiving others.

See my other posts about this series:

Laurelin Paige – “Forever With You”

Laurelin Paige – Fixed Trilogy

Whoopie Pies Are For All Occasions

lizellyn Sweets

red and green whoopie pies

It’s Christmas time – so here’s some red, green, and white whoopie pies (although the cookies would be good for Italian holidays as well :).  Even if you’re tired of the red and green theme of the holidays, these are still great little cookies.

Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between a whoopie pie, moon pie, and a macaroon?

A whoopie pie is a cake-like cookie sandwich filled with buttercream.

Whereas, a moon pie has a marshmallow filling between two circular chocolate-coated graham crackers.

A French macaroon is a sandwich style cookie made of light meringue-textured cookie (usually made with ground almonds) with a buttercream filling.

Lorelei James – “Tied Up, Tied Down”

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This is Book 4 in the Rough Riders Series.

Kade may be the closest thing to perfection: sexy, strong, helpful, thoughtful, good father, and has strong libido.  Let’s not forget – he’s also exceptional with rope.  He’s certainly perfect for Skylar whose mind is filled with “kinky bondage fantasies.”

Not to worry, Kade and Skylar make enough blunders to make for an interesting plot line.

In addition, the huge McKay clan adds humor and warmth, which make the Rough Riders a must-read series.

Check out my other Rough Riders posts:

Lorelei James – “Branded as Trouble”

Lorelei James – “All Jacked Up”

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Gooey Butter Cake

lizellyn Sweets

gooey butter cake   Never heard of gooey butter cake?  Well, it is a St. Louis tradition.  The name says it all.  It rich, dense, and of course gooey.  It is typically served like a coffee cake.  Supposedly, Walmart sells a version of gooey butter cake and calls it Paula Deen Baked Goods Original Gooey Butter Cake.  Since Paula Deen is the queen of butter, I would hope her cake is good.

In the photo, it is chocolate gooey butter cake on the left and a vanilla version on the right.

 

Katy Evans – “Ripped”

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If you liked the first three books in the Real Series, then you are bound to like “Ripped” (the 5th in the series) as well.

Young love can be intense, ever-lasting, and most importantly REAL.  Pandora and Mackenna prove that in Ripped.  I love how Katy Evans echoes the theme of real love in Ripped.  Kenna says, “She’s real to me.”

I also like how Katy Evan plays on the characters from her other books.  She uses the deep love between Remy and Brooke as the ideal attainable goal to which Pandora and Kenna are both jealous.

The desperate need that both of them have for each other is palpable.  “I want her deep and hard, like wanting to tie myself to a sinking ship and letting it take me under.”

This book makes you ache for REAL LOVE.

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