Two years of review, recipes, and so much more, who would have thought time would fly so fast.
It has been a blast to work with so many amazing people, tour companies, publishing houses, authors, readers, chefs, restaurants... I'm thankful and humbled, that now the posts get over ten thousand views a week, and so many people visit the website on regular basis. In fact, in the past two years, 91 000 individuals have visited the Books & Spoons, with over 648 000 post views. How amazing is that?! I often get asked, why do I write reviews, what is it, that keeps me going. I have always loved to read, have always invested into reading, both time and money. But no one has unlimited funds for books, no matter how much we wished that was the reality. I simply write reviews, because I read reviews when deciding if I want to invest into a book or not. I write in the reviews things that I as a reader, would like to know about the story, and try to capture the feel of the tale, to share with other readers, who might be interested in the same stories I have read. I share recipes and meal ideas with those, who stand in the kitchen or in the grocery store, wondering what am I going to cook/eat today. I'm a chef, but that doesn't mean, I haven't stood in that same place myself, many times. So basically, I am just passing on, giving my opinion on things, of advice I can share, news about the events and knowledge I can part with. And having fun while doing it. There's a group of people, who I want to thank especially today. Not nearly as many people would be aware of Books & Spoons existing if it wasn't for those who like, share, comment, RT etc. on the social media. The algorithmics of social media is always based on how many interactions the posts gets depends on how many people will see the post, and without your help, it wouldn't matter how many times I advertised on the internet. I see those clicks, and am thankful, and appreciate every single one of them. You know, it does take a village... This year I am celebrating by buying the Books & Spoons domain to myself. The address change is in the process, both will work, for now, but booksandspoons.com is the future I am aiming for. Before I started the website, I did some research about book blogs, food blogs, and what to expect. Every one of those articles I read, said it will take two years of hard work to establish yourself. Well. Two years has gone, and I believe Books & Spoons is just starting to reach its potential, and there's much more to come in the future. So stick around for the ride, because it will be fun, it will be real, and it always is heartfelt and honest. Till next time ~ Cheers!
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DON'T MESS WITH THIS TEXAN!
On the last leg of his tour of duty, Captain Garrett Lockhart is summoned home to Laramie, Texas, to handle an urgent family matter—a scandal that could destroy the enduring legacy of the Lockharts. Except it's already being "handled" by Hope Winslow, a professional crisis manager. Hope is also the beautiful single mother of the most adorable baby boy the Army doctor has ever seen. Garrett is resisting Hope's efforts at damage control—and pushing her clearly defined boundaries. Too bad she can't resist him…and fantasies of a future with her Lone Star soldier!
This story was just what I needed for this Sunday evening. It had meaning, substance, yet no angst or agony to be too heavy.
The family drama, and the embezzled funds, the mystery behind it, and the stress of the publicity all gave texture to the story and intrigue to the mind. The attention brought to the need of the veterans after service care was admirable, and well done with respect towards the service personnel. I liked the honesty of the family, their view of the history, and how the loyalty to family meant something to all of them. The light banter between the siblings was witty and made me smile. Garrett and Hope have chemistry, connection, and understanding between them, that was instant, yet felt genuine. They truly get each other, and see the point of view of each other, even though they don't always agree on matters. They have open communication, until it suddenly gets too personal, and brakes down completely. I loved how Max brought them together. The bond between Garrett and Max was like father and son from the first time they meet. Max brought a lot to the story, making me smile several times. Taking care of Max, getting his needs met, and keeping him happy gave Garrett and Hope a unique way to bond, get closer to each other in fast, yet honest way. The passion between them is ardent, the desire palpable, but is there more to their relationship than sex and taking care of Max, or is there a foundation for true, lasting kind of feelings, even for a future? Enjoyable and entertaining story, just enough depth and matter, to be a quick summer read, something to take your mind off the world around, while relaxing. With enjoyable, developed characters, engaging events, and alluring, steamy romance, topped with one heart stealing infant, gave me lots of smiles and few deep sighs ~ Four Spoons
HE'D BREAK THE LAW TO GET HIS KIDS BACK
The twins were all Josh Parker had in this world. So when they were kidnapped, he couldn't rely on his Texas Rangers star to get them back safely. Or involve Tracey Cassidy, the only person he trusted to care for his children. A family of criminals was asking him to break the law if he ever wanted to see his children again. But when Tracey caught wind of his plan, she knew no matter how big Josh's heart was, he had a future with his twins to look forward to. They needed their father. And this was one burden he wouldn't have to shoulder alone.
Tense situations, fast action, danger, death, adorable twins and fragile romance, all makings of an entertaining story, that keeps the reader on the edge.
The connection between Josh and Tracey has been formed over the past four years, as she had been taking care of his children. It is a unique type of connection, the trust, respect, and loyalty they have for each other, the love for the kids they share the responsibility of, it has made them part of each others lives, like few people around them understands. Some of that connection was such a foregone conclusion, that I felt like I needed more explanation, more background information. They don't have many scenes together on the story, and the romance is in the background, saving the kids is the priority, and keeping the mafia family in prison and alive came a close second. But having the previous four years to built to the events in the story, the love and adoration between Josh and Tracey are believable and adorable. The story is clean on the passion side, just a few kisses through the tale. The danger is chaotic and constant. The atmosphere of the story is turbulent and tumultuous, the fear and jitters running in every scene. The angst-ridden behavior of the kidnappers is keeping the situation unsteady and impossible to predict, putting everyone's life in danger, the survival unlikely. Rapid fatal action and dire conditions, balanced by a love that is willing to risk lives and break laws, to save those dear to them. ~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Title: Navy SEAL Seduction
Series: SOS Agency Author: Bonnie Vanak Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: July 2nd, 2016 Publisher: Harlequin Romantic Suspense Print Length: 288 pages Format: Digital and Paperback
A navy SEAL takes on a death-defying assignment to save the one who got away…
With the island nation of St. Marc erupting in civil war, SEAL Jarrett Adler must rescue the woman he never got over—his alluring ex-wife, Lacey. Jarrett regrets failing her as a husband, and he hopes protecting her will offer a second chance to win her trust. As charming and sexy as Jarrett still is, Lacey knows he won't stick around. She's found her niche in nonprofit work and longs to create a family of her own. But when death threats and bombs arrive at her door, she turns to the man who still holds her heart. Can Jarrett and Lacey navigate their way home—and back into each other's arms?
Political unrest, harassing incidents, and constant danger is threatening the lives of innocent, and bringing two lovers back together, at least for the moment.
The story has a lot background to the charity, and its benefits, that Lacey created, and is now running. Also, the political unrest and the troubles it has brought into the characters daily life is front and center of the tale. The danger that is upon the charity, Lacey, and her daughter, is constant. The attacks in a different form keep everyone on alert, and tense. The unexplained disappearances, the deaths around the compound, all are signs, that their lives are in danger. I liked the connection Lacey and Jarrett have. Despite their divorce four years ago, and the heartbreaking events they went through right before it, there's no bitterness and anger towards each other. Soon they find a way to communicate and work together, to keep everyone as safe as possible, and the charity running. The bond between Jarrett and Lacey's daughter is adorable, and her trust in him speak volumes of his good character. The passion between Jarrett and Lacey never died, and soon flames again. Yet, they have issues they have to deal with, things they never solved in between them, and the quiet conversations, opening up to each other, built their new, fragile relationship more than all the sexy times they have. The story touches your heart with all the loss, sorrow, and pain of the past. It is humorous, with the witty dialog between Jarrett and Lacey, sweet when it comes to Lacey's daughter, dangerous when the action picks up, and completely swoon worthy with new flame developing between Lacey and Jarrett. All around entertaining story ~ Four Spoons
A tall, muscled pirate in a clean white shirt and black trousers stood before her in the courtyard of Le Soleil Hotel. Scowling to hide her emotions, she stared, her heart racing as if she’d run a mile up and down the nearby mountain. Black hair cropped short, he wore a pressed white shirt, the cuffs rolled up to display tanned, muscled forearms. Smooth cheeks, strong jaw and a nose that had been broken at least once. Rugged, tough and those eyes, green as the ocean water he navigated on a mission.
Those eyes had turned smoky and dark with passion as they’d made love, and cold as the Arctic the day she’d announced she’d hired a lawyer to initiate divorce proceedings. Whoa, he still had it. Hot, hot, hot, as the locals said. Bad boy to the extreme, who made her female parts say Why, hello there! Bonnie Vanak is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of paranormal romance. Navy Seal Seduction is her first romantic suspense for Harlequin. Connect with Bonnie: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
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Once a Soldier
Rogues Redeemed #1 By: Mary Jo Putney Releasing June 28, 2016 Zebra
ROGUES REDEEMED
As heir to a title and great wealth, Will Masterson should have stayed home and tended his responsibilities. Instead he went to war. Now, after perilous years fighting the French, he intends his current mission to be his last. But all his plans are forgotten when he arrives in the small mountain stronghold of San Gabriel and meets her. Knowing herself to be too tall, strong, and unconventional to appeal to a man, Athena Markham has always gloried in her independence. But for the first time in her life, she finds a man who might be her match. Two of a kind, too brave for their own good, Athena and Will vow to do whatever it takes to vanquish San Gabriel’s enemies. For neither will back down from death, and only together can they find happiness and a love deeper than any they'd dared imagine... Portugal, 1809 Chaos, the screams of women and children floundering desperately in the water. An absurdly tall nun with a rifle slung over her back as she tried to save a gaggle of schoolgirls. Brutal French soldiers closing in. . . . “Is he dead?” Hard fingers pressed into Will’s throat. He tried to shake them off, and was rewarded with stabbing agony in his head. The pain cleared his wits a little and he realized that someone was checking his pulse. “Not yet,” a vaguely familiar voice responded. The fingers disappeared. “Bashed on the head. Not sure how serious it is. I recognize him, though. The name’s Masterson.” “Let him sleep,” another voice said gruffly. “If he’s not awake, he won’t want a share of this deplorable brandy.” Thinking he had a fierce-enough headache without drinking bad brandy, Will opened his eyes to find that he was in a damp, dark place, a cellar maybe, with cluttered racks covering most of the stone walls. A lantern hanging from a ceiling beam cast enough light to show the face of the man leaning over him. Tangled blond hair and a scruffy beard several shades darker. Shabbily dressed, but alert, wary eyes. Will squinted at him. “I know you, don’t I?” “The name’s Gordon. We went to the same school long, long ago. How is your head? You took quite a blow.” Will touched his aching temple, wincing at the pain. There was sticky blood, too. But his brain seemed to be working. He now recognized Gordon, though that wasn’t the name the fellow had used when they were students at the Westerfield Academy. Given his bad behavior then, it wasn’t surprising if he’d decided to change identities. “Where am I?” Will’s voice was rusty. Gordon sat back on his heels. “Vila Nova de Gaia, in the cellar of a house overlooking the Douro River,” he replied. “Do you remember the bridge of boats? People drowning as they tried to escape from Porto to Gaia and the improvised bridge breaking up under them?” His voice turned dry. “You were very heroic. Led the charge to rescue a group of nuns and schoolgirls from being raped and possibly murdered.” The tall nun. Frantic, wide-eyed girls. Remembering now, Will asked, “Did they escape?” “Yes, at least for the moment.” The reply came from a dark-haired, hard-featured man who leaned wearily against the opposite wall, his arms crossed over his chest. “No idea what happened once they were out of sight.” Hoping that at least one group of innocents had managed to survive the carnage, Will shakily tried to push himself up. Wordlessly Gordon helped him sit against the damp stone wall. Every inch of Will’s body ached, but he didn’t seem to have any major injuries. No uniform. He was dressed like a Portuguese man of modest means. Since he was fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and French and he’d spent time in Porto, his commanding officer had sent him to learn what was going on in the city. Nothing good, he’d discovered. He surveyed the shadowy room, which contained three men besides himself and Gordon. All looked as battered as he was. Gordon made a courtly gesture. “Allow me to introduce our fellow English spies. That’s Chantry against the wall, Hawkins swigging from the bottle of brandy, and Duval to the left.” “I dislike being grouped with you English spies,” Duval said in a languid voice with a faint accent. “I’m a French royalist.” “But a spy?” Will asked. “I might be considered that by narrow-minded French officers,” the Frenchman admitted. “In truth, I’m merely an irredeemable rogue.” “Irredeemable? This is a good time to talk about redemption,” Hawkins said thoughtfully. He was the man with the gruff voice whose shaggy brown hair half obscured his face. “If we weren’t going to die in the morning, would we attempt to make up for our past sins? Or shrug and return to them?” Gordon frowned. “I think I’d try to be better. I’ve always assumed that there would be time to become an honorable man. I didn’t expect to run out of time so soon.” He took the brandy bottle from Hawkins and swallowed deeply, then passed it to Will. “I don’t know how to be good,” Chantry said, his voice edged. “I’ll go to hell no matter when I die. Which is going to be in a few hours.” Will wondered if he’d misheard. “What’s this about dying?” “We’re all to be shot at dawn,” Duval explained. “So say your prayers and hope that le bon Dieu is in a merciful mood.” His mouth twisted. “I expect no such mercy. But given the chill of this cellar, roasting in hell is not without appeal.” Will tasted the brandy warily. Wretched indeed, but he welcomed the throat-scorching kick as he tried to absorb the knowledge that he was about to die in front of a firing squad. He’d faced death in battle often enough, but the cold-bloodedness of an execution was . . . disturbing. After a second swallow of brandy, he handed the bottle back to Gordon. “There’s no way out of this cellar?” “We searched. At the least, we hoped to find more drink on one of the racks, but there was nothing useful, and the only way out is that door.” Hawkins gestured. “That very heavy door, which is locked and barred from the other side.” “There are also two armed guards out there,” Duval added. “Not such bad fellows. They gave us two bottles of brandy because they thought a man shouldn’t go to his death sober.” He smiled crookedly and reached for the bottle. “They apologized for the quality of the brandy, but, in truth, I no longer care. We finished the first bottle while you were unconscious, so we’re all ahead of you in drunkenness.” “‘In vino veritas,’” Hawkins murmured. “As I look at the rapidly diminishing moments of my life, I think of all the people I hurt being careless or selfish.” He retrieved the brandy from Duval and took a swig. “If by some miracle I survive this sentence of death, I vow to do better. To pay more attention. To . . . to be more kind.” “That’s a good vow.” Gordon frowned. “If I survive, I swear not to sleep with any more married women. They’re nothing but trouble. “ That produced a couple of chuckles. “If you’re not going to sleep with married women, you might as well be dead,” Chantry pronounced. After a few moments’ thought, he continued, saying slowly, “But if I chance to survive, I vow to take up the responsibilities I’ve been avoiding. A safe promise that allows me to greet the firing squad gladly.” “What about you, Masterson?” Gordon asked. “Unless you’ve changed greatly, your soul shouldn’t be imperiled by death in the morning. At school, you were damnably well behaved and good-natured.” “Don’t confuse good manners with blameless behavior,” Will said dryly. “I’ve been working on redemption for my sins for years, and I’m nowhere near balancing the scales in my favor.” He wasn’t sure if redemption was even possible. Hawkins sighed gustily. “Unfortunate that the guards didn’t give us more brandy. A bottle each would have been welcome. Even with only two bottles, we’d have\ had half a bottle each if you hadn’t woken up, Masterson.” “Sorry to deprive you,” Will said apologetically. Hawkins regarded the bottle solemnly, then leaned over to give it to Will. “In fairness, you should finish this bottle, since we all had a head start.” Dreadful though the brandy was, Will accepted the bottle and emptied it with one long swallow. There was nowhere near enough to become drunk, alas. He hoped again that the nuns and schoolgirls had escaped to safety. That would give some meaning to his death. God knew he’d seen enough meaningless deaths.
Mary Jo Putney is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written over 60 novels and novellas. A ten-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won the honor twice and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. In 2013 she was awarded the RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. Though most of her books have been historical romance, she has also published contemporary romances, historical fantasy, and young adult paranormal historicals. She lives in Maryland with her nearest and dearest, both two and four footed.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | GoodReads
Dazed Bullet
Scarred Bullet #1 By: Serena Kearney Releasing June 26, 2016 Self-Published
I have a temper. I’m angry. That’s a given.
How I take it out? At my job in the boxing room of our gym. I’ve spent over a year trying to harness it, but I wasn’t by myself. Almost every night, like clockwork, he’s there on one side and I’m at the other. He is big, rugged, but handsome. He’s also scary. Silent. Deadly. When I hear the name Bullet, you would think I would have gone running in the other direction. I didn’t. I should. He has a past. He has secrets. Danger. Pain. Sorrow. Little did I know that it would just bring us closer together.
“Spar?” Wow. I’ve never actually done this. “You want me to hit you?” I pointed to him.
He crossed his arms. “Don’t worry, I can take a hit.” He smirked. “Oh, I don’t doubt that.” I gave a small laugh. “Are you scared of me?” He tilted his head slightly. Yes. “No.” I cleared my throat. “Look, I’m not going to go full-force on you, because obviously, I could just break you.” He pointed up and down my body. “I already know you can handle yourself, but it’s about having control and defending yourself properly, especially from someone tw—” his eyes roamed me again as he paused “—three times your size.” I rolled my eyes. “Now, we’ll start off slow, get you used to it.” He got in his boxing stance, and so did I. “Now, I’m going to throw three jabs at you, and you’re going to block, okay?” I nodded. His fists went flying at my arm as I held it up, the first two weren’t bad, but the last one stung hard on my forearm, but I took it. “Did that hurt?” Yes. “No.” His eyes flinched like he knew I was lying. “Again.” When he punched, he took in breaths through his nose and let out three sharp grunts. It took my mind somewhere else in the bedroom… until the three hits stung so hard on my arms, but I gritted my teeth and took it. “Did that hurt?” Fuck yes. “No.” He let out a big sigh and put his arms down as he stood straight. “Listen, the thing about sparring, it’s about control and trust.” I swallowed. “If you aren’t honest with each other, it’s not safe for either of you. Sparring is a relationship. You have to be honest, and I know those hits hurt, because even though I was holding back, I know my hits and I wasn’t gentle.” Nothing like being caught in my own lies. “Okay, fine.” I sighed. He got back in his stance and threw the same hits at me again. “Now, did that hurt?” He watched me and was staring me down. “Yes.” I sighed. “Good.”
I love to write! I LOVE to read! Sometimes I have to balance it out... No. Don't read that... write...but then if the book calls to me, I have to stop writing to finish the book....HA! Go figure! I love green tea in the mornings....yes tea... not coffee... tea. Don't get me wrong, I love coffee too.....BUT I LOVE tea waaaay more! I love straws... don't judge, but I just have to have a straw when I drink things...I don't know why.
I love CAKES! Red velvet...mmmm.... Chocolate too! Cookies..... ok gotta stop or I'm gonna make myself hungry. I love animals, especially my cat, Bongo-Bongo... yes... I love double names too. And of course, last, BUT NOT least, my wonderful soul of a mate husband... yeah, I said it... soul mate... husband. But hey, I still can swoon over book boyfriends!! Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
From Summer Love…To Forever Family?
In all her life, Izzy Lambert has told only one lie—fourteen years ago. Now that her teenage summer love is back in town she's on a mission to cover it up. But how do you hide a gangly fourteen-year-old boy? Years ago, when golden boy Nate Thayer left Thunder Ridge, he never looked back. Izzy was from the wrong side of the tracks and they weren't ready to be parents to their unborn baby. Adoption was the answer. Now Nate's back home, and seeing Izzy is like pouring gasoline on a fire that never died. But an even bigger surprise awaits him—finding out she wasn't the only one he left behind…
An emotionally charged story about teen pregnancy, the huge responsibility of parenting, the mistakes we make as human beings, and the secrets kept, that can affect so many lives.
I sort of expected a light and fluffy baby daddy, second chance romance story, and this tale blew me away, into much deeper waters of pain, hurt, resentment, past mistakes, and the price we pay for them. The teenage angst, fear, and pressure of finding out you are pregnant, the hopes of future, and home, love, family, all mixed up in a mind, while hormones are going wild, and lives are at the edge. You really get a full story of the events around Izzy and Nate, as the time frame smoothly, and clearly, switches between past memories and present realities. It is an emotional story, mixture of delight, bliss, pride, and fear, resentment, and guilt. Nothing is taken for granted, and every emotion has to be dealt with, especially when there's a kid involved. I loved how the different issues were dealt with, not lightly, or in passing, but with both with maturity, and absolute childishness, just like in real life. And the moment when the family, achingly, starts to form, the feelings are high, and I was in tears. It was scary, beautiful, and touching scene, that took a tale into a different, deeper level. Through the tale, the author draws a beautiful picture of Oregon, the scenery, the possibilities, the growing towns, and tourism, while introducing the small town folks in a humorous and entertaining way, surefire to make you smile. Poignant, wistful, and ardent story of love and life, about finding your one true soul mate, your home. ~ Four Spoons and a teaspoon on the side |