Product Review: Brain Freeze Journal!

This review is going to be a little different, since I'm reviewing a product and not a book, like usual. So, really - mostly that means it will be shorter, and a little more technical.

My Review: Let's start with the design itself. This journal, titled "Brain Freeze" is 100% adorable! The journal itself is made to look like an ice cream sandwich. That means the front and back covers are a soft, textured brown made to look like the cookie part of an ice cream sandwich. The pages inside are colored like neapolitan ice cream - chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

I think what I like best about this is that I can open it to any page - including the very middle! - and I can write it in easily. There are journals out there that get tough to write in because you feel like you have to constantly hold it open because the binding is too tough. Not the issue here! The binding is strong, for sure, but it's also flexible enough to allow for comfortable writing. Which is incredibly important for a journal, wouldn't you say?

Recommendation: If you're looking for a fun, funky new journal to record your secret thoughts - or your all too important opinions on your recent read - look no further!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)! I love it, and I can't wait to keep using it - journaling in style!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

[BLB] REVIEW of "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" by Pepper O'Neal

 This title is being reviewed as part of the author's Book Lovin' Bitches ebook tour. Come back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY!

Disclaimer: This book was given to me in exchange for a review.

Type: Paranormal Romance, weres/lycans, vampires, urban fantasy, mating.

About the book: She didn’t know what she was—or that what she was could get her killed...

A struggling private detective in Los Angeles, Chase Alcott has no idea about her unique genetic makeup. So when she takes on a new client—an old man with ulterior motives—she’s unaware of the danger she’ll soon face. Traveling to England to solve a mysterious murder at the request of her new client, Chase encounters terrifying creatures she thought only existed in her nightmares—only to find out she’s one of them. Caught in a web of evil and deception after learning some terrifying truths about her long dead parents, Chase doesn’t know who to believe. Does she dare trust the enigmatic Roman, a man with dark secrets of his own?

He knew what she was—he just had no idea what to do about her…

English nobleman, Roman Fernwood, half-werewolf/half-vampire, doesn’t want a mate, especially not a half human/ half-weretiger with no knowledge of what she is. But there’s something about Chase, Roman can’t resist in spite of his determination not to fall in love. Is it her fascinating American spunk and courage, or her stunning cinnamon eyes? Or could it be the passion he senses just beneath her calm, unruffled demeanor? Whatever it is, Roman must keep her safe from those who want to kill her while finding a way to show her what she is without driving her into the arms of the other were who also want her for a mate.

Fate should have considered the consequences before messing with Mother Nature.

Review: I'd like to start off with the things I had trouble with, so I can get to the good parts near the end. I thought the main character, Chase, accepted the idea of weres, vampires, and more just a little too quickly. Yes, I know the character can see auras, but that doesn't mean she will be totally okay with supposedly mythical creatures running around - and that she's one of them. I'm sure there are people that are more likely to believe that sort of thing, but I think, as a P.I., that Chase would be a little more skeptical about the whole issue.

That said, I did enjoy the characters and the setting. I'm  a big fan of private investigators, and I enjoyed a lead character that was a private eye, and a strong female one at that. I thought our two main characters going undercover as decorators was a good choice, and fit with the storyline, as well as added and interesting little side bit to the main plot. "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" had some seriously good pacing. This sort of thing is generally underrated, in my opinion - not something you really notice unless it's incredibly bad. But "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" did well, mixing the high action or sensual scenes with enough little breaks in between to give the audience a chance to process and relax before moving onto another tense situation.

All in all, a very enjoyable read. A great book to add to your electronic reader (I believe a paperback edition is also available) and take on vacation or for a long car ride - if you're not driving, that is. =)

Recommendation: Fans of a quick paced paranormal romance/urban fantasy should check out "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny."

Cover Lovin: Very good cover. I'd say it definitely suits the book.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE (3.5/5). Good, enjoyable read. Definitely something to check out.

**** Be sure to return tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY of this book, as part of the author's book tour!****

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Quickie review: my new bookcase (Thanks CSN!)

 Mine is actually a darker colored, but close enough. Anyways! Just a quick product review for your enjoyment.

Disclaimer: I received this bookcase in exchange for a review from CSN stores.

I read a lot, and I own a lot of books, so I needed a good quality bookcase that is not too big, since I'm short on freespace in my room. So when contacted by CSN for a product review, I went bookcase searching. This bookcase was a perfect choice. I love the deep color, and it's the perfect height to sit at the end of my bed. You can adjust the height of the shelves themselves, so I'm able to fit even my most awkwardly sized books on a shelf. The item is of excellent quality, and I know it's sturdy enough to last for a long time.


I am incredibly bad with any sort of home improvement projects, so I was a little worried about putting it together myself. However, the instructions were crystal clear, and I had my bookcase together in no time.

As I said, I loved this product so much I now have two of them! They both sit in front of my bed, holding my favorite series and novels. This is definitely a bookcase I would recommend to a friend, especially if they need a smaller one that won't take up a lot of space.

Final rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars! I just love these bookcases - sturdy, perfect size, and easy to maneuver if you find yourself wanting to rearrange your space. Definitely a good deal for the price, and the processing and shipping of my order was beyond fast.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~