Fun Stuff

Hey, minions.  I wanted to do this quick post.  As you can see, I changed a few things.  Why?  It’s a long story and the short of it is, it had to be done.  So, what do you think?  I hope you like.  I’ll be making a few code changes here and there but first, I want to share my new button.  As I go through the cumbersome process of changing my profile image – which is just about everywhere - I’m posting my button here with the code.  I’ve had issues with this button working in the past so this is sort of test post, if you will.  I know what you’re thinking…it’s over there so it should theoretically work, right?  Not so much.  Anyway, how does it look?

On another note, you can find me on Google Plus now! Wahoo!  I was excited to sign up but didn’t get a chance until recently.  Google is running a field trial right now so....are you a member of Google Plus?  Want to be?  Click here to sign up.  Also, if you want to join my circle, shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.  

Lots of excited things going on in September.  First, I’m participating in a Back to School hop, starting September 1^st – and guess what the winning prize is….you guessed it Vampire Academy fans, Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.  Are you pumped yet?  You should be.  Stay tuned as I not only review this book in the next few days, but I’ll also have the giveaway post where you can enter to win. *squeak*

If you’re concerned about missing anything and you want the most up-to-date information when it’s posted, sign up asap for an email subscription and get instant access to my blog.

Until next time….

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: Pop Culture

Hey, minions.  Here’s a quick Fridays with Fred post with Fred's face transformed into a style called pop culture.  You like?  I'm not sure what type of a muse he’d make for the legendary, Andy Warhol - but I think he’s swell.  Maybe next time I’ll put his face on a can of tomato soup.  What do you think? 

Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Want to see more of Fred?  Click here  and here.  Also, check out one of  Fred’s hot babes, Schatze over at Bookhounds.

Mina B 

Book Review: The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

Book 8 in Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake series is The Vampire and the Virgin.  On a side note, I’m always puzzled by her book covers and titles of this series.  Having a few of her books, I find it odd how the book cover rarely matches the content of the book.  Or at least that's been my experience to date.  Anyway, I’m happy to report - despite the disparity between the cover and the book itself - I really liked this book.

Olivia Sotiris is an FBI agent and a psychologist to boot.  After dealing with one of the most malicious serial killers and successfully leading to further the sick bastard’s incarceration, Olivia finds she’s still being haunted by the psycho killer or possibly a would-be copy-cat killer.  As the pressures of her daunting job increase, her superior demands she take a well-needed vacation, and she soon travels to the remote Greek island of Patmos to visit her Grandmother.  While there, her Ya-Ya tries relentlessly to fix her up with every eligible bachelor on the island.  Despite the lovely intentions, Olivia still struggles with trusting men.  Unknown to most, she’s a walking lie detector - which makes her the ultimate FBI agent, but lousy at dating men.  And if a woman can’t trust men because they frequently lie...no wonder she’s still a virgin.

During her visit, she meets Robby MacKay, a vampire that, like her, is ordered to take some R and R in order to sort out some of his demons per se.  Robbie’s dealing with post dramatic stress syndrome after being held captured and tortured by Malcontent vampires (rogue vamps) and is in dire need of a psyche evaluation.  And let me tell you, with the chemistry these two have got going on….Olivia was just what the doctor ordered.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It had all the elements of a good book, i.e. romance, suspense, mystery and even humor. I had a few laugh out loud moments when Robby and Olivia were bantering via email (too cute.)  For me, Robby was a yummy warrior-type vampire and a bad ass one too.  Olivia, on the other hand, was strong and independent; the perfect counterbalance to Robby’s rugged vengeful nature.  Both were dealing with their own personal psycho demons, and I loved the way Sparks intertwined their pasts and made it significant to the plot.

I won’t tell you what happens or how it ends. Go read the book. It’s worth it. On my kilometer, I give it  The Vampire and the Virgin a 4.

Until next time…Love at Stake series is #11 of NPR Vampire Paranormal Romance Book List (1-25) .  If you haven’t seen the list, take a look at this old post.

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: Doggie Door Cam

Happy Friday, minions.  Check out this Doggie Door shot of Fred?  I couldn't resist.  He's just like any other JRT.  Restless.  He likes to tap, tap, tap - inside or outside the house. Crazy doggie.  Anyway, I thought I'd share.

Enjoy your weekend.

Click here to see another image of Fred.  Also, check out Schatze over at Bookhounds.  She's playing beer pong.  LOL.  Love her.

Mina B

Summer Giveaway Hop: Winner

Congrats to Angela / Library Lady; the lucky winner of the Summer Giveaway Hop and recipient of Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade.  The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org. 

For those of you that haven’t had a chance to read this killer YA tale, check out my review or better yet, read an excerpt from Andrea’s website.  

Special thanks to everyone who participated, commented and thanked my Fr** Sh** Fairy!  Woot!  Love that fairy!  In addition to all that love, I have to give another WOOT to the blogs that put this hop together:  I’m a Reader, Not a Writer and BookHounds.  Thanks you guys. 

Until next time…

Mina B.

Book Review: Andrea Cremer's Nightshade

Book 1 of Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade was indeed a thrilling read.  Cremer created a spectacular world with her riveting YA tale about witches and werewolves.  The story opens up when alpha werewolf, Calla Tor - a young member of the Nightshade pack – is patrolling the wooded mountains in Vail and saves a mere human boy from being ferociously attacked by a bear.  Early in the first few pages, we learn how Calla has done the unthinkable.  She not only saves the boy, Shay, from being mauled, but she heals his wounds and exposes herself, shifting from wolf to human form.  It was suspenseful to say the least when as the reader you get an immediate sense of her conflict.  I absolutely loved how her innermost thoughts severely clashed with the decisions she made.

As a member of the Nightshade pack, Calla is on the verge of becoming the mate of Ren, the alpha of the neighboring Bane pack.  The union was supposed to unite the two packs and was determined years ago by the Keepers; a group of elite and powerful witches that rule over the werewolves, and god knows what other creatures.  Despite being young and commanding, Calla is innocent and has never so much as veered off her intended path until she met Shay.   And then, of course, her whole perfect, subservient world began to crumble.  As a senior at a local high school, the packs never socialize with the humans except for attending the same high school.  Calla never suspected she’d see the teenage boy until he walked into her first-period class and sparked a forbidden fuse. 

The story then starts to unfold into a dark world of power and dominance.  The werewolves are guardians of the keepers, and their role is pivotal in the war of the witches.  Uniting and protecting the Keeper witches against another rival group of witches, named the Searchers, is their only purpose in life.  Or so that’s what Calla, and the others have been feed their whole existence.  After meeting Shay, Calla begins to learn more.  And the more she learns the more she loathes the world she lives in.  What will Calla do as she uncovers the Keeper’s secrets?  Who can she trust?  And what about her betrothed, Ren?  She’s attracted to him, but is he truly the one meant for her?  Was meeting Shay only a coincidence or was it fate?  I won’t tell you what happens but its goooooood! 

There’s nothing better than discovering a thrilling YA series.  Without a doubt, Nightshade was a 4.5 for me.  I was catapulted immediately and loved every part this tale.  Wolfsbane, Book 2 is out right now and boy, oh, boy…I can’t wait to read that book!

Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: Deep Thoughts

Fred appears lost in a pensive moment in this picture here.  We went on a quick outing the other day, and usually Fred basks when sticking his head out the window.  But this image struck me as odd.  Just look at the longing in his eyes.  I’m not sure what he was yearning for, but there’s such depth in his stare, it confounds me.  On the other hand, he could just want us to stop so he can take a whizz – the little pecker. 

Anyway, enjoy Fred, who so clearly appears to be a million miles away.  Have a great weekend.

Want to see another image of my pooch, click here and here! Also, be sure and check out the lovely Schatze over at Bookhounds. Mary is actually hosting a giveaway, that I’m participating in called Summer Giveaway Hop. Check out her giveaway too. 

And don’t forget about mine either.  I'm giving away a copy of Nightshade from Andrea Cremer.  Click here for details.

Mina B.