Adult Coloring Books

No! Not Adult in ‘that’ way. But a whole lot of fun all the same.

Description

Coloring is not just for kids. It has been proven to be an excellent way for adults to destress, create mindfulness and slow down from daily life, all while enjoying an activity that you can truly make your own.

There is no right or wrong way to color in the images in this book, and you are free to choose the tools you wish to work with. Markers, paint, colored pencils, pens – the choices are unlimited.

Sit back and unwind and let your stress melt away while you spread color across the page. All pages are single sided to avoid bleed through.

Relax and enjoy the books in this calming series

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Fifty Shades of Cray – Exploring the World of BDSM

As you may or may not know, I have an intense interest in BDSM. So imagine my delight when browsing on Amazon, I happened to come across, twist that if you dare, a book by authors Dom & Ina Trix, called ‘Fifty Shades of Cray’. I had been beating myself up, looking for that perfect BDSM title, and there, as if by magic, it appeared before my eyes. It was as if a blindfold had been removed and my vision returned to me. I had spent hours, and it had been like flogging a dead horse.

Now, generally I tend to look at Amazon Marketplace to see if I can get a battered copy, but this was a brand spanking new one. An ebook, on the kindle store. This title was a little different. I could just see myself whipping through that in no time at all. I reached for my wallet and managed to get completely tied up in knots extricating it from its captivity. It felt like I had been handcuffed to my own pants. So eventually I manage to release myself from my bonds and have the offending card in my hand.

I returned to my browser and blow me if the connection hadn’t timed out and I had to start again. This pursuit was dominating a lot of my time. In fact I almost submitted, and gave in. It was torture. But no. This meant too much to me. I had to have it. I would do this. And I did. Despite my restraint, I was now the proud owner of my very own perfect BDSM book.

If you too would like to experiment you can check out my purchase. It is this tasty cookbook filled with Beautiful, Delicious, Shellfish Meals. It is filled to the brim with amazing looking recipes, designed to titillate the appetite and leave you panting in desire for these mouthwatering treats.

In all seriousness this is an awesome book of stunning recipes, all with a slightly different slant to the usual pedestrian instruction provided by most cookbooks. Good, tasteful fun, quite literally. Handy recipes that do not leave you chained to the kitchen, unless of course that is your bent.

I got my copy here at Fifty Shades of Cray at amazon.co.uk but apparently it is available in the Fifty Shades of Cray at amazon.com.

Here is the cover. That is one pretty funky looking Crayfish.

Plundering the Romance Novel by Ionia Martin

Description from Amazon

A silly, satirical romp into the land of romance novels and pirate adventures, full of romance clichés and humour. This book is a short novella, just over 10k words.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the minds and hearts of romance novel heroes and heroines? No? Good, because this book won’t be helpful with that at all.

If romance clichés drive you mad and you like Monty Python style humour, this may be the perfect book for you.

From the twisted mind of a sometimes writer and lifelong reader, you are certain to have less brain cells than you started with after reading this book.

Captain Stormy is the typical romance hero/villain archetype. He follows the Romance Hero Handbook to the letter, but he is about to figure out that nothing in his guidebook is going to prepare him for the trials he’s about to face.

Uncooperative heroines, lack of treasure, severely delayed sex scenes, a missing crew and an old man’s butt cheeks later, Stormy has a story to tell you.

Even pirates have bad days.

*contains some mature themes and language

My Review

★★★★★

It is apparently bad form to give a book 6 stars out of 5, so I guess I will just have to go with 5 stars out of 5. I am not happy about it though. It deserves 6. I want to give it 6.

If you like spoofs then you will love this. Ionia Martin, the highly regarded book reviewer, has combined her incredible talent as a writer with her incisive intellect and wit, and experience of a barrel load of romance novels, to produce a book that is a veritable joy to read.

‘I absolutely loved reading this book’, said I. ‘I am an undeniable fan of satire and lampooning, and this had me rolling in the aisles. I mean, really, my sides actually split. No, seriously I am in quite a lot of pain.’

Now it is possible that one may get a little annoyed on occasion, when reading certain romances, by that feeling of deja-vu, that we have heard it all before, or that it is like all of the other books that have gone before in that genre.

Well I tell you what. This one is something a bit different. Sure, it takes all of those romance cliches and plot devices that are the bread and butter of the, oft maligned romance novel, but it turns them on their head. Embracing each and every one of them, the author manages to weave a riveting, fun filled course through the Stormy waters of piratical romance.

The description indicates that this is a silly, satirical romp into the land of romance novels and pirate adventures, full of romance cliches and humour. And so it is.

I happen to think it is a lot more than just that though. I think that if you look a little deeper, then you will see the incredible insight required to create a work with this depth of understanding of the sacred lore of the romance novel.

An absolutely fantastic read that I cannot recommend highly enough. In fact I am going to go read it again, while you zip off to get your own copy.

Now go buy it. Now!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Book Review: A Poetic Proposal by Julian Froment

Wow. I just found a wonderful review of my poetry collection by Ellespeth. It appears we were in the depths of Texas on a road trip when this was posted and I completely missed it. Thank you so very much, Ellespeth.

Views From A Poet

There’s a wonderful little book of poetry, A Poetic Proposal (by Julian Froment), that was recently published and would be just perfect for romantic Valentine’s Day reading and giving. If you’ve ever experienced a long distance romance and courtship, or know someone who has, this collection will ring true to the frustration of being apart and the anticipation of being together. Dreaming and hoping:

On Gossamer Wings
On gossamer wings,
my heart it flies to you…
And soon now,
Oh, so very soon,
the body shall be along…

In the midst of these poems, exchanged with his love, the poet sneaks this one in:

Poor Poetry
I hope you never get tired,
Of my poor attempts at poetry..

Who could tire of receiving poetry from a lover? Certainly not me!

Julian Froment’s collection is like a genle, though sometimes impatient, dialogue. The words seem written to comfort even those beyond…

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Channeling Harrison by David Young

Description from Goodreads

This book is a true account of the ongoing and mind-blowing experiences between David Young, a multi-talented musician/producer artist, and former Beatle George Harrison. What David Young, who plays two flutes at one time and has sold over a million CDs, has documented is verifiable, real, and astounding. Every time he questioned his direction, he was (is) guided by one of the most loved, respected, and spiritual musicians of all time. The story abounds with seemingly impossible synchronicities, lined up one after the other in perfect time, all of them helping him to rise above his life s challenges, and not only evolve as a musician, but as a spiritual being as well. George entered David s life during a time of devastating heartbreak. This intervention was just the beginning of over forty incredible experiences. George s musical genius began to channel through David s own music. After recording forty instrumental CDs, David spontaneously wrote and recorded twenty-five vocal songs in thirty days! Songs with depth and rich production values like the Beatles, in a rock-with-soul style he had never done before. What is George trying to communicate, and why has he chosen David? This incredible story proves there is life after death or better yet, life after life.

The book comes with a free download of three of these songs as well as three spiritual instrumental tracks.”

Four stars out of five

As a longtime fan of George Harrison I was very interested in reading this book and learning of the author’s experiences.

I liked the way in which this book was written and structured. The format made it an easy book to read and the topic was extremely absorbing.

This book was an account of the author’s personal life experiences, and in particular how he related these moments in his life to his spiritual connection with former Beatle Harrison. I especially liked hearing how Mr Young continually experienced these episodes of concurrence.

The author presented an interesting life story, even without the association with Harrison. The obvious spirituality of the author was apparent throughout.

This book will appeal to many diverse readers, in particular those with an interest in George Harrison, or with an interest in matters of a deeply spiritual nature. I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This review was based on a complimentary copy of the book.

A Poetic Proposal by Julian Froment Book Review

Wow. What an incredible review from Pam. Thank you so much, Pam.
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Poetry by Pamela

http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Proposal-Julian-Froment-ebook/dp/B00QAYLLH6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417231000&sr=8-2&keywords=A+Poetic+Proposal
From Amazon Book Description:
A poetic journey of love in the face of enforced separation. A collection of love poetry, and verse reflecting the angst felt when two are destined to be one, then forced to live a half-life constantly traversing the ocean. A roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows.

My review: Five out of five stars

Reading this collection of poems made me feel like I was eavesdropping on the world’s most romantic marriage proposal. It was quite evident that they were written by plumbing the depths of Julian’s soul. The expression of emotions was tender and loving. And heartfelt. If you are looking for love poems to share with your own lover, these are just the poems.

The poems were arranged in such a way that they progressed over time with the time apart illustrating the agony. My favorite poem I think was “When…

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Love: Lost and Found by Pamela Beckford

Description from Goodreads

Love: Lost and Found is filled with poems reflecting the phases of love. There are poems of longing and pain and poems of exhilaration and joy. A collection of over 90 poems representing over 10 different forms of poetry (including descriptions of those forms).

I gave this book five stars out of five

My thoughts:

Pamela Beckford’s latest collection of love poetry, ‘Love: Lost and Found’, is a veritable treasure chest of gems.

I enjoyed this volume immensely. There was an incredible depth of passion evident, and the wide variety of styles and techniques just added to the view that love is a multi-faceted emotion, as evoked by the content of the poems themselves.

I would recommend this to anyone, whether or not you usually read poetry. There will be something in here for you even if you do not consider yourself a ‘poetry reader’.

Tales of the Hidden World by Simon R. Green

Description from Goodreads

Seventeen delightfully unexpected stories from Simon R. Green-including a brand-new adventure of the Droods-take us deep into the Darkside, embroil us in the Secret Histories, and lead us into the shadowy places where monsters and demons roam Welcome to the worlds of Simon R. Green. In this wide-ranging collection, the New York Times-bestselling urban fantasist opens doors into hidden places: strange realms bordering our own mundane existence and prowled by creatures of fancy and nightmare. Here are the strange, frequently deadly-and sometimes even dead-things that lurk in garbage-strewn city alleyways and grimy subway stations after midnight, visible only to the most perceptive human or inhuman eye.

In these tales, Green revisits the ingenious worlds within worlds that he created for his wildly popular novels. Take a stroll on the Darkside with a jaded street wizard, an underpaid government functionary responsible for keeping demons, vamps, and aliens in line. Enter the hidden recesses of Drood Hall, where the aging family member who creates powerful weapons that protect humankind recalls his long and bloody career. Join a squad of no-longer-human soldiers dispatched to combat the all-consuming jungle on a distant planet. Visit a house at the intesection of two realities that serves as a sanctuary from the evil of all worlds. Confront the unstoppable zombie army of General Kurtz in a brilliant homage to Apocalypse Now. And whatever you do, never forget that there are monsters out there. Really. Each story includes a new afterword by the author.

“[In] a Simon R. Green book, everything is larger than life-the heroes extremely heroic, the villains astonishingly villainous, the choices between good and evil very clear-cut. Still, if the ultimate outcome is never really in doubt, there’s plenty of entertainment in the journey, and the engagingly-drawn characters.” -SFF.net

“If they’re making fantasy adventure much better than this, I don’t know about it.” -Science Fiction Chronicle on Beyond the Blue Moon.
Simon R. Green is the New York Times-bestselling author of Blue Moon Rising, Beyond the Blue Moon, the Adventures of Hawk & Fisher, the Novels of the Nightside, the Secret Histories Novels, and the Ghost Finders Novels. He is a resident of Bradford-on-Avon in England.

I gave this book four stars out of five

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. I found it a great introduction to the work of this author and it left me wanting to explore his works further. I enjoyed the short story format and knowing that they related to existing series’ of books gave them further meaning and depth.

I found the variety of styles and the sheer creativity present in these stories incredible. It was fascinating to see and be able to compare and contrast recent work, particularly that associated with successful series’, with that of much earlier works, that had originally appeared in, for example, ezines.

The volume contains seventeen stories, of varying lengths, all extremely well written and imaginative.

I found it fascinating how the author created stories that could appear on the surface to be about one thing, but dig a little deeper, or wait until the big reveal, and you would find a whole different layer to it.

The inclusion of explanatory details following each story was very useful, especially to someone unfamiliar with the author’s canon of work. They provided that extra personal touch and a greater insight into the motivations, influences, and goals of the author.

I would certainly recommend this book to fans of Simon R. Green, and also to fans of sci-fi in general. As a relative newbie to the works of this author, I can certainly say that this volume has whet my appetite for a much greater exploration of his books.

This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher.

Mistworld by Simon R. Green

Description from Goodreads

Before Owen Deathstalker, there was the Twilight of the Empire…

Mistworld. The day would come when it would be a key world in Owen Deathstalker’s Rebellion. Now, it’s as it’s always been, a world on the edge of the Empire, a lawless one, shielded from the outside by powerful ESPers. A world where Leon Vertue can run his body bank, where a burglar like Cat has more to fear from other thieves than the Empress’ justice, a world where Investigator Topaz is determined to make her mark.

Mistworld. “Green moves his plot at top speed, and his characters are alive and his background solid.” Baird Searles in Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine

Mistworld has previously been published singly, as well as in the omnibus editions Twilight of the Empire (US) and Deathstalker Prelude (UK). Be sure to enjoy the other Prelude/Twilight of the Empire novels Ghostworld and Hellworld, and the entire Deathstalker series, all from New York Times bestselling author Simon R. Green.

I gave this book four stars out of five

My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. This was an author that I had not come across before. I know. Shame on me. I do not generally read a great deal of sci-fi, but I found it to be an interesting, relatively easy book that was a pleasure to read.

The story was exciting and imaginative. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the world that the author had created. Mistworld was picturesque and fascinating in its own prosaic fashion. It was a hard brutal place to live though.

The story was well paced, with plenty of action. There were many intriguing and engrossing characters. In particular I liked Investigator Topaz, and would have been very interested in hearing more of her back story, of which we only caught glimpses. I also liked many of the other characters, all of which I found to be well formed and believable.

This was a tale of intrigue, murder, mystery and technology. There was corruption and betrayal galore.

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys books that inhabit different worlds, with a sci-fi slant, and that are easy to read and downright enjoyable.

This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher.

The Best Thing That Never Happened to Me by Laura Tait and Jimmy Rice

Description from Goodreads

Everyone remembers their first love.

Holly has learnt that life isn’t about seizing the moment. She might have harboured dreams about travelling the world as a teenager, but she let go of those – just as she let go of Alex.

But what if the feelings never really went away?

Alex wants to make every moment of his new job count. It’s a fresh start in a new city, and he knows that moving to London has nothing to do with Holly. Well, probably.
How do you know if it was meant to be. or never meant to happen at all?

A brilliantly funny, feel-good story of first love, second chances and everything inbetween, perfect for fans of romantic comedies like Love Actually, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones.

I gave this book four stars out of five

My thoughts:

This was a wonderful story about first love, written from the viewpoint of both of the protagonists, in alternating chapters. This made for an interesting perspective as the reader, since we could experience the inner most thoughts of each character, and knew what was going on in the mind of both, rather than being limited to the external actions and words of the other, as the characters were.

I really liked this narrative approach, although at times I did find the characters frustrating, knowing that things could be so different, if just one of them was able to show some courage and take a risk. They both had a fear of admitting their true feelings for one another. In spite of a dearth of evidence that the other liked them, they had that fear of ruining a friendship.

The writing was relaxed and funny, making it a very enjoyable read. It was well paced, in the present, with flashbacks to earlier days providing good back story that explained the characters thoughts and actions in the present. I was constantly wanting to know what happened next, and what new thing could get in the way. What would be the next misunderstanding or misconception that would crop up meaning that despite them each wanting to be with the other, they would assume the other didn’t want them.

The characters and plot were very believable as presented by the two authors. The dialogue was also very straightforward and down to earth. You could feel the rapport between Alex and Holly, something that wasn’t evident in their interactions with their current partners. It was interesting to see the type of relationships that both had pursued in the period they had been out of contact, and also their current partners.

I found it easy to like the protagonists and invest in them and their lives, willing them on. It was fascinating looking at how they had changed based upon their flawed belief of a situation years past, and also how when they reconnected how easily they fell into the old way of behaving and thinking around each other.

I really wanted this book to go on longer, which I often feel is an indication of a good story and/or characters. I wanted to know what happened next, even though the story didn’t feel incomplete in any way, or unfinished.

I would certainly recommend book this to anyone that is a fan of the romcom, and wants an easy to read story, filled with humour, and great, believable characters.

This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher.