Let me begin by saying I am not a review site. I am an author, and as one would assume, with that comes a great deal of reading. I am not into the whole 'pimp my book because I am a fellow author' thing that many writers find themselves a part of these days, and because of that I have refrained from having reviews on my blog. But, this summer I have read many books and struggled to find trustworthy recommendations not not based on the art of backscratching. I read books. I am opinionated, and I am picky, therefore you can trust that the books I speak of on this blog, I have actually read. And the opinions I share are just that, my opinions.  

So, I've decided each month I will tell you about any good books I've found, bookish things I've stumbled across, and hell, any new pens I've tried. Because, why not? However, this will not be a "lifestyle" report. I will not share my latest makeup debacle or home decorating tip, because Lord knows you don't need to hear that from me. Just books and a few odds and ends. Maybe my chickens, we'll see. 

Let's get going... September. Well, I read several books, and even pre-ordered one. Gasp, I never do that. I am far too dependant on instant gratification for pre-orders, but this intrigued me so much I broke my own rule. What book, you ask, made my jump the gun? The Nutcracker Reimagined. I am a huge fan of that story. I love reimagined fairy tales and legends. And the icing on the cake, I love one of the authors, Hildie McQueen. So, the planets aligned and I ordered it. The book cover is linked if you are as intrigued as I was. 

West of Forgotten is my first book by Lynda Cox although we share a publisher. I am so glad I discovered her.  Once I started I didn't want to stop. Her book  dove into some serious topics, but her characters never wavered. Fast paced and gripping from the start. this book was fantastic and a quick read.

     Have you heard of this amazing discovery? Am I the last to know? I stumbled upon Kindle Worlds by listening to a Youtube post from Hildie McQueen about planning for authors. She mentioned a project she was working on for a Kindle World. I'd never heard of a Kindle World, so I went out and looked. Ohhhh myyyyy.... I am hooked!
     If you are new to this concept like me, let me explain. The way it works is an author builds a world within a book or series, then allows other authors to write stories that also take place in the same world. So if you find a Kindle World you like, you can read several authors all writing about the same place. It takes the idea of a series to it's ultimate extreme. Loving it! 
      I started with Celia Kyle's Grayslake: More Than Mated where I even discovered a brand new author Mina Carter.
    Of course romance is how I got hooked, but they have Sci-Fi, Mystery and many others. So worth checking out, and passing on to any other readers you know. I will share this link so you can browse the universe of Kindle Worlds. And if you don't have a Kindle to read on, take a look at my post How To Read A Kindle Book WIthout A Kindle Device. Happy Reading! (Not responsible for any binge reading caused by this post.) ;)

       Yes it's true! You can read any e-book on any electronic device you already have. You don't need another gadget to forget to charge in order to enjoy a good ebook. All you need is an email account. Just Google Amazon (or follow the link here) and download the app.  I think it's an amazing option, and maybe there are readers out there who don't read ebooks because they think they can't.
        I am not an affiliate and I get nothing for recommending this. However, I am an author with ebooks and I hate to think someone might be missing out on a chance to read one just because they don't think it's possible.
       Not only am I hear to tell you you can, but you can on more than one device. SO if it's slow at work and you have time to read, look like a pro staring at your screen while you are reading the trashiest novel out there. (Neither I nor amazon are responsible for what happens if you get caught reading 50 shades of naughty on your desktop. Think it through. But yes, there are jobs out there where reading is allowed.) And the really cool thing is one email address syncs all your devices. So you can read to chapter 12 on your desktop at work, then pick up where you left off on your cell phone during dinner that night. 
        So here is the link, HAPPY READING! Kindle for PC, Mac or Smart Phone

Enter here to win!

It's been a long, hot summer and this author is ready for fall. Typically speaking, I am the first in line to party Halloween night. But having just moved and been going non-stop all summer, I am ready to lounge in front of the fire with my honey and a hot buttered rum. So, this Halloween that is exactly what I have planned. Date Night with the hubby. But it is Halloween, so just any date night won't do. I have something special planned. Date night Jenga. Yep. You've heard of they family game? Maybe even the drinking game. I have decided to make up my own version with sexy and thoughtful commands designed to make our Halloween date night magical.

Then I thought, maybe I'm not the only one who's up for a quiet intimate Halloween. So, I am going to share the game here with you. I intend to type the commands listed below, print & cut, then hodge podge them to the blocks of a Jenga game. I hope you enjoy, because every night is right for romance. If you have any ideas to add, just share the love in the comments below. One random commenter will be chosen at the end of the week to win a romance themed gift box from me, which will include a signed paperback copy of my novel "Only Love Survives" a zombie themed steamy romance.
Happy Halloween romance lovers!

-Kiss a patch of exposed skin.
-Expose a patch of skin and kiss it.
-Slow dance 1 song.
-Take your undies off.
-Take off a piece of THEIR clothing with your teeth.
-Run your tongue along their 'Happy Trail'.
-Flash partner.
-Take a body shot off partner.
-Lick whipped cream of body part of their choice.
-Go again.
-Give special kisses. 1 minute.
-Receive special kisses. 1 minute.
-Give a lap dance.
-Get a lap dance.
-Use an ice cube on partner creatively. 1 minute.
-They kiss YOUR inner thigh.
-Frisk your partner against the wall while they hum the theme to "Cops". 1 minute
-Give a massage, they pick body part. 1 minute
-Give a massage, you pick body part. 1 minute.
-Kiss me like YOU want to be kissed.
-Staring contest. Winner draws next.
-Kiss for 2 minutes, no hands.
-Make partner change into outfit of your choice.
-Describe your dream vacation to partner.
-I get butterflies when you...
-Tell a favorite memory from when you were dating.
-I feel special when you...
-My favorite place to be touched is...
-I get goose bumps when you...
-I feel safe when you...
-I love you because...
-I find it Sexy when you...
-It turns me on when you...

Follow this link to the hop for more fun, great books, and awesome prizes.
http://www.thesnarkology.com/snarkology-halloween-hop-oct-26-31st/
For a chance to win these prizes:
(1) $100 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or
(1) $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or
(1) $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or
(1) $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
Go to the hop's 'like' and 'follow' list here... http://goo.gl/forms/C8m0B2NQ3d

1: StarAngels Reviews
2: Sultry, Steamy Reading REVIEW 
3: Wake Up Your Wild Side
4: Archaeolibrarian - I dig good books! REVIEW
5: Unabridged Andra
6: Romance Novel Giveaways REVIEW
7: Aly's Miscellany
8: Jen's Reading Obsession
9: Angel's Guilty Pleasures
10: Christine Young
11: Dena Garson - Real... Hot... Romance
12: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
13: Wendi Zwaduk ~ Romance to Make Your Heart Race
14: Carpe_Diem REVIEW
15: Blog of author Jacey Holbrand
16: Danita Minnis
17: Mia Downing
18: Tory Richards
19: Writer Wonderland
20: Long and Short Reviews
21: It's Raining Books
22: Behind Closed Doors
23: Reader Girls
24: Storm Goddess Book Reviews

Yes, despite all the negative things you've heard, research is now showing romance novels are good for you. Most of the Naysayers quote old data on lack of condom use and an abundance of bodice ripping. Research now shows the modern authors of this genre have included safe sex and more modern themes. But are we forgetting the purpose behind a good steamy book? FANTASY! 

Do we stop a man from daydreaming about his favorite hottie showing up on his doorstep naked delivering pizza and beer to see if he remembered to fantasize about putting on a condom? Or asking her politely to set the beer down and remove her clothing? No we do not. We expect him to take her hard and fast. Chivalry be damned. Why? Because fantasizing is exactly that, an escape from reality. Why then are different standards placed on romance novels? They are not reality, and most intelligent women don't read them for their realistic commentary on life. They read them to be carried away.

Here are 5 reasons reading a romance novel is Good for you, body and soul...

1)  Sex starts in the mind for women, romance novels give us a head start. And quite frankly, what man doesn't appreciate a woman ready and waiting for a passionate encounter?

 2)   A steamy novel gives us a chance to act out (as the heroine) sexual fantasies in a safe environment, which otherwise would go unexplored.

 3)   Knowledge is power. Reading these books give us an opportunity to learn what turns us on, much appreciated when shared with a partner.

 4)   There are rules to the romance genre. To be considered a true romance novel, a story must end with an HEA (Happily Ever After).  If Romance novels model a relationship that ends in an HEA, which nowadays is a rarity. why do all the critiques complain romance novels give women unrealistic expectations? What the hell is wrong with desiring an HEA in real life as well as our fantasies? 

5)  Romance novels are a woman’s roadmap to fantasy, sexual fantasies can result in a release of endorphins that help reduce stress…consider a novel that leaves you with a sigh at the end. How do you feel? Relaxed? Sated? Euphoric? Ready to 
pounce on your partner? All sounds like good stuff to me.   
 
Honorable mention:  
An outlet for sexual encounters in situations where celibacy is necessary. IE…being separated from your mate. 

So indulge in that guilty pleasure. Read a romance Novel today and see where it takes you.


To read more from Renee find her steamy romance novel, ONLY LOVE SURVIVES here on Amazon

If you have not had a chance to go to one of these, let me tell you AMAZING!!! Last weekend I attended my very first (of many to come) Run For Your Lives 5K zombie infested obstacle course. Part running, part screaming,
definitely getting dirty! SOooo much fun. Curious, I risked life and limb to check things out. So here’s what I found…