Jaci Burton – All Wound Up

August 12, 2015August 12, 2015 lizellyn Books Athlete, Strong Sexy Supermale

If you haven’t been reading the Play by Play Series by Jaci Burton – YOU NEED TO START NOW!

In All Wound Up, Tucker and Aubry’s busy work schedules don’t provide them with the opportunity to spend a lot of time together but they certainty make it quality time – hot and intense. The clothes shedding scenes were filled with heart pounding sexual tension and release. The heat on the pages made me need a shower after a few of the chapters.

While Tucker and Aubry come from two different types of families, their determination to forge their own paths in their careers makes them a believable couple. Tucker chooses to become a baseball player in a family of football stars; and Aubrey chooses to follow her pursuit of science academics to become a doctor in a family of business minded parents.

I love the simplicity of Aubry’s physical attraction to Tucker. She finds him gorgeous in jeans and a button down shirt. Well, his cut abs and amazing stamina are a bonus.

Tucker’s attraction for Aubry is charming. While he can compliment her ass and make her feel attractive, he also has a true respect for her quick witted intellect that can get him out of bind when the wrong words slip from his mouth.

One of my favorite lines:

Tucker says to Aubry, “I’m okay with being your dirty little secret, Aubry.” Then he adds, “For now,” just before kissing her.

I usually don’t have a preference for reading books on an e-reader or an actual book. For me, there’s an equal balance of pros and cons. However, I think this series is my one exception. With a covers like these, it’s nice to be able to check out the cover every time I’m forced to put down the book (and focus on real life). I conducted a poll in February 2015 to vote on people’s most favorite Jaci Burton cover. Quarterback Draw won.

See all the results at:

Results of Favorite Jaci Burton Play by Play Cover

Check out all the drool-worthy covers at my original poll post:

Which is your favorite Jaci Burton Play by Play Cover?

to Jaci Burton!

Happy National Smores Day

August 10, 2015August 10, 2015 lizellyn Sweets Chocolate

Here’s a small bite size alternative to traditional smores. It has a graham cracker based crust. I used dark chocolate instead of standard milk chocolate, which was less sweet and a nice compliment to the marshmallows. Of course, it’s topped with a toasted marshmallow.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

8 honey graham cracker sheets

6 Tbls of melted butter

1/4 cup of powered sugar

12 Hershey’s dark chocolate miniatures, broken in half

12 large marshmallows, torn in half

Directions:

Preheat one oven to bake at 350 and set another oven to broil

Spray 2 12-cup mini muffin tins with cooking spray

In a food processor, chop the graham crackers sheets until all is finely chopped. Add the melted butter and powdered sugar to the graham crackers and mix well.

Evenly separate the graham cracker mixture into the 24 cups. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom and sides. Bake for 4 minutes in the oven set at 350.

Remove from oven. Place one piece of the halved chocolate miniature in each cup. Top with a torn marshmallow, smooth side up.

Place in broil for about 1 minute. WATCH CLOSELY! Remove when marshmallow is lightly browned.

Allow to cool a bit before indulging.

HAPPY BAKING!

Oreo Cupcakes

August 9, 2015 lizellyn Sweets Chocolate, Cupcake

While I’m not a huge fan of store-bought cookies, I can’t argue with the fact that Oreos are hugely popular. More importantly, Oreos can be used to create other fantastic desserts.

These chocolate cupcakes have an Oreo stashed inside. The last time I baked a cupcake with an Oreo inside, I used yellow cupcake batter. it’s a bit more difficult to see the cookie when you bite or cut into these chocolate cupcakes. However, if you’re a chocolate lover, does that really matter? These cupcakes are best to be eaten one day after baking because the Oreo inside becomes very soft. The buttercream on top is loaded with finely chopped Oreo cookies (not just the cookie part, but the delicious cream filling as well). By including the cream filling, the frosting tastes even more decadent. Finally, I couldn’t resist garnishing the cupcake with one half of an Oreo.

Directions:

Chocolate Cupcake:

Any favorite Devils Food recipe will do (even a box cake mix). After placing paper in muffin tins, fill the muffin cups with about 1 tablespoon of batter – enough to cover the bottom of the muffin paper. Next, place a full Oreo on top of the batter in such a way that the cookie is centered and is perfectly parallel to the bottom of the muffin tin. Place another heaping tablespoon of batter on top of the cookie. Smooth out the batter on top of the cookie. The entire muffin cup, cookie included, should be filled about to 2/3 to 3/4. You probably with be able to make a few more cupcakes than you normally do with the same mix. Reduce your baking time by 5 minutes and carefully watch. A cupcake is done when you touch the top and the cupcake springs bake a little.

Oreo Buttercream Frosting:

I started with a basic Wilton vanilla cupcake recipe (1/2 c butter, 1/2 shortening, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 c powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk – I used more than the recommended amount because of adding the Oreos). Cream butter and shortening; add vanilla, slowly add powdered sugar while alternating with milk; beat until fluffy. Crush 12 Oreos in a food processor until there are no chunks (any chunks will block your piping tips and become a headache later). Mix the chopped cookies with your frosting. Pipe the cupcakes. The more frosting the better.

See Related Posts:

Oreo in a Cupcake

Slutty Brownies, for a Chocolate Whore

HAPPY BAKING!

Aubrey Bondurant – Tell Me Something

August 6, 2015August 7, 2015 lizellyn Books Rich Racy & Romantic Romeos

This book breaks away from the cliche of secretary sleeping with the millionaire boss. The female assistant is both likable and respectable; and the male boss doesn’t abuse his position of power and has enough insecurities to make him more real.

Haylee is an intelligent woman, graduating from Stanford with a 4.0 gpa and earning a 172 on her LSAT. She uses her knowledge of Spanish, Manderine, and Cantonese to assist her boss. Despite her 130lb size 6 body, she ends up with a few modeling opportunities, which is where she meets Josh. She isn’t a wallflower. She makes the first move and refuses to sit by and be pathetic when Josh insists on attending public events with other women. Most importantly, she isn’t afraid to call Josh out when he behaves like a jackass.

The fact that Josh’s ex-wife cheated on him makes him a bit insecure and prevents him from not freely willing to open up to Haylee. Not withstanding, he can be genuinely caring and considerate. And let’s not forget, he’s generous and exceptional in the bedroom.

The intimacy and respect between Josh and Haylee feels authentic. Josh says, “Sometimes I think you hold me in higher regard than I probably deserve.” Haylee responds, “Sometimes we all need someone who does.”

The heat between the two of them is palpable despite the two of them trying to keep their relationship a secret. They can’t hide the way they feel from each other in front of their friends. I love how Josh’s best friend and brother behave in order to push Josh to reveal his true feelings for Haylee.

to Aubrey Bondurant!

Ana Mederios – The Raven Room

August 6, 2015August 6, 2015 lizellyn Books BDSM, Erotica, Three or More Galore

This book is intensely sexual and substantially intriguing. There’s no denying that the book is delightfully erotic, but the fact that it engages the reader on an intellectual level as well makes it truly special. I couldn’t stop thinking about the book after I finished it.

Julian is a character with a lot of layers and the authors peels them away in such a manner that it makes it very difficult to put the book down. Julian is a child psychologist and his insight into sex from such a background is enlightening.

“If I showed you a video of a lion and a lioness mating, the chances of you getting wet are much higher than me getting a hard on. Alas, one the many beautiful things about female sexuality. I’m deeply envious.”

“You’re the one changing your own existence, Meredith. I’m just the man who’ll make sure you get home safely.”

“We all fuck people for the strangest reason. At least you’re aware of yours.”

Meredith starts out as the perfect lover – fun, passionate, and carefree. Contrary to her selfish nature, later she proves to also be caring and considerate without jealousy. She’s also equally as perceptive as Julian.

“You’re ashamed of who you are. The day you embrace yourself, you’ll be strong. Until then you’re weak.”

The other characters lead to the mystery involved in the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how it continues to play out.

As an added bonus, the story takes place in Chicago. The author included a few notable landmarks but more importantly captured the essence of a Chicago winter.

This book will be published on November 3, 2015.

to Ana Mederios!

Tara Sue Me – The Collar (The Submissive #5)

August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 lizellyn Books BDSM, Erotic, Rich Racy & Romantic Romeos

This story focuses on Dena and Jeff and is told in both the present and past. In the present, it is clear that the two love each other very much, but they have been avoiding each other for years.

Dena is fantastic, she’s an attorney and is dynamically in control in a courtroom. She has the strength and earnest to be a Domme, but knows herself well enough to understand and appreciate her need to be a submissive. For once, it is the female submissive that is the wealthy one in the relationship. Jeff was her Master in the past. Dominance doesn’t mean without weakness. Rather than claim the woman he is love with, Jeff sets off on a course to run away.

There’s a perfect amount of mystery and suspense. It is just enough to give the characters a reason to exist in each others’ lives but doesn’t distract from the true romance of the novel.

See Related Post:

Tara Sue Me – Enticement (The Submissive Series #4)

to Tara Sue Me!

Abbi Glines – Hold On Tight (Sea Breeze #8)

August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 lizellyn Books Erotic, Spicy Stories to Savor

This may be my favorite of the series, which is saying a lot because this series is sensational. (It can be read as a stand alone) No one ever forgets their first love, even if it never amounts to a relationship. It can be intense and real, despite the age of the people.

For Sienna, she fell in love with Dewayne when she was a freshman in high school and he helped her open her locker. For Dewayne, he constantly looked out for her, including pushing his brother to commit to a relationship with Sienna. A series of tragic life events occurred that separated Sienna and Dewayne for 6 years.

Now, she’s back in Sea Breeze with her 5 year-old son. Sienna is beautiful, independent, and an excellent mother. Dewayne is enamored with Sienna but has a lot of emotionally healing that is necessary to enter a relationship with Sienna. Dewayne has a heart of gold and needs to understand his value. Sienna needs to get-over a few of her hang-ups as well.

The melding of their emotional and sexual relationship is endearing with a perfect touch of scintillating. Behaving like a manwhore for years, Dewayne certainly brings a level of expertise to the table (or bed). I love the distinctions made between high-school romance and young adult romance.

This book is listed in the teen section of my library. If my teenagers were at the stage where they were dating, I would want them to read this book. And, if you’re beyond your teenage years, like myself, forget the teen label and enjoy this wonderfully romantic story!

See Related Posts:

Abbi Glines – Bad For You (Sea Breeze # 7)

Also, See Posts about her other Series: Rosemary Beach:

Abbi Glines – When I’m Gone

Abbi Glines – When You’re Back

to Abbi Glines!

Lorraine Loveit – A Singer and a Soldier

July 27, 2015 lizellyn Books Strong Sexy Supermale

This is a short story about a female performer that meets an army man at a military appreciation concert. It’s a simple romance that goes perfectly with a cup of coffee and a muffin. Despite its short length, it has memorable moments. My favorite is when Matt and Eden are caught by his Lieutenant and Matt uses a play on words to finagle his way out of trouble.

See Related Posts: Lorraine Loveit’s Play Your Game Series:

Lorraine Loveit – Bounce Down

Lorraine Loveit – Getting Tackled

Lorraine Loveit – Full Time

Lorraine Loveit – Time On Elimination Final

to Lorraine Loveit!

M.D. Martin – XTC A Lola Avocado novel

July 27, 2015 lizellyn Books More Sweet than Sensual

This was an unexpected quirky and fun book. I admit that I thought this book would be more raunchy based on the fact that Lola works at a sex toy company. I don’t think I’m alone in that assumption. Instead, it’s a romance/mystery with a bizarre and interesting mix of characters. Lola is a smart-mouthed, screw-up and trained by her grandma that may possibly be a hit man. Her brother is a Drag Queen and Ob/gyn. Logan is a sexy-hot FBI agent and somewhat prude. Throw in a show girl, an ex-fiance, embezzler, porn star, and ex-boyfriend and you get one crazy cast. I promise this book is anything but boring. Love the twist in the Epilogue as well.

to M.D. Martin!

Brownie A La Mode

July 26, 2015 lizellyn more sweets Brownies, Ice Cream

1 Picky Eater + 1 Picky Eater = 1 Awesome Dessert

My daughter informed me last weekend that it was National Ice Cream Cream and she decided we needed to make some coffee flavored ice cream. I’m a bit partial to mochas so I decided to throw in some chocolate chips for flavor and texture. However, my son doesn’t like anything coffee flavored. I couldn’t very well do a dessert for only one child. That’s when this idea came to me – brownie a la mode. Seemed like a perfect solution: my son eats the brownie and my daughter enjoys the ice cream. I wasn’t neglecting either one of my kids. The result was beyond all expectations! It was a sensational flavor and texture combination.

ICE CREAM RECIPE

This ice cream is ridiculously easy to make. It doesn’t require an ice cream maker. And, it tastes amazing. I simply added 7 Tbls of vienna coffee power and 1 cup of chocolate chips (chopped to 1/4 original size)

Here’s a video on how to make it …

BROWNIE RECIPE (really any favorite recipe would work)

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 c granulated sugar

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c cocoa powder

1 c flour

1 Tbls vanilla

1 1/2 sticks butter, melted

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease 8×8 pan

2. Beat eggs until fluffy

3. Add sugars, beat until mixed

4. Add cocoa powder, flour, vanilla, butter, salt. Beat until mixed.

5. Stir in chocolate chips

6. Pour into greased 8×8 pan

7. Bake 40-45 minutes, until middle doesn’t jiggle

8. Allow to cool thoroughly before slicing and serving